A mattress is something we all have and use every day. However, some of us don’t take this simple yet important item very seriously and continue using a worn-out mattress. This not only decreases your sleep quality but also leaves you aching and tired every morning. So, how do you know when it’s the right time to buy a high-quality mattress?
Fortunately, you don’t have to guess. A mattress often gives you tell-tale signs that are hard to miss—unless, of course, you are choosing to ignore them.
But worry not, we are here to help.
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to buy a new mattress.
Visible Sagging
Sagging is probably one of the most common and easiest to detect signs of a deteriorating mattress. Generally, a mattress—especially a foam mattress—may sag up to 1 or 1.5 inches with regular use, which is considered normal.
But when it sags more than that, it usually means that the foam used in the mattress has worn out and doesn’t provide the comfort and support it used to.
Sleeping on such a mattress can cause poor spine alignment, back pain, and restless sleep. And over time, the sagging is only going to increase, so it’s best to let go of your old mattress and upgrade to a new one.
Broken and poking coils
Coil mattresses are one of the most popular mattress types in the USA, known for their comfort, support, and responsive bounce. But after use and constant exposure to repeated compression and concentrated pressure, the coils can bend, collapse, or break.
The broken spring can also damage the foam layers used above it, further damaging the mattress and causing untimely sagging.
When this happens, the mattress no longer provides proper motion isolation, support, and comfort. Instead, damaged coils may begin to poke or pinch, creating pressure points that disrupt your sleep.
Noisy Mattress
Mattresses are meant to be silent, peaceful, and comfy, and they generally are. But then come times when an aging mattress begins to make weird sounds whenever you move. These sounds can announce your every turn to the entire house, which you might not want.
So, how does it happen?
As a mattress ages, its material—like foams and springs—begins to weaken, loosen, or lose its shape. This causes the materials to shift, move, or rub against each other, increasing internal friction and resulting in unwanted noise. Also, foam layers can gradually absorb moisture over time, contributing to squeaking or crackling sounds.
Persistent Odor
Does your mattress smell? If yes, it may be time to reconsider replacing your old mattresses. Though if your mattress has just started to smell, you might still be able to fix it. Just air it out, put the mattress out of bed, or use a waterproof mattress protector.
But when the odor is persistent and has settled deep into the foam layer or padding, it doesn’t go away despite trying every cleaning hack or home remedy. At this point, it’s a sign to rethink your mattress choice.
As a mattress ages, it absorbs sweat, body oils, dust, and moisture. That creates a thriving environment for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow, leading to an unpleasant, lingering smell that just doesn’t go away.
Discomfort while sleeping
A mattress is supposed to be comfortable and relaxing, but when it is old, lumpy, and bumpy, it’s not gonna be comfortable. At all.
Over time, a worn-out mattress can cause back pain, pressure points, and muscle aches, leaving you stiff and exhausted when you wake up in the morning. Instead of feeling refreshed, you start your day already tired. And when that happens, it is a clear sign to get rid of your mattress and choose a better one.
So there you have some easy-to-detect signs to identify a worn-out mattress that needs replacing. And if you have any of these or more than one sign, go for it. Get rid of your old mattress and invest in a better one.
How to prevent a mattress from wearing out faster?
Now that we have discussed how to know when it’s the right time to replace your mattress. But these signs don’t just appear overnight. It takes time, years even. However, if you know how to take care of your bed mattress, you can prolong its life.
Let’s take a look at some tips.
Use a mattress protector
Instead of waiting for your mattress to absorb all the dust, germs, etc., it is best to invest in a mattress protector. A mattress protector is a simple piece of bedding that can do wonders for your sleep comfort. It keeps moisture, body oils, fluids, and dust from reaching the mattress, thus keeping it safe. A mattress protector is especially useful and beneficial if you sweat a lot, sleep hot, or have children or pets.
Whenever you buy a mattress, purchase a waterproof mattress protector too. This small investment can make sure your big investment – your mattress – is safe and protected.
Rotate your mattress
Generally, we all prefer to sleep in a similar style and position every time. When you sleep in a particular position or place on your bed, it is bound to acquire a dip or indentation. It is challenging to change your sleep style; however, you can try rotating your mattress. Doing so takes away pressure from one place and gives the overused part of the mattress a chance to rest and return to its original state.
When to rotate the mattress?
Every 3-6 months. Simple.
Rotating your mattress every three to six months ensures even wear and prevents sagging in any particular area.
Flip the mattress
This tip only works if your mattress is double-sided. Normal mattresses have an anti-skid base that helps to keep the mattress in place and prevent slipping or skidding. So no point in flipping that. However, if your mattress is dual-sided, flip it occasionally. Doing so can help distribute even wear, maintain its shape, and extend its life.
Keep the base strong
Yes! Always keep the base of your mattress strong, sturdy, and supportive. A weak or uneven bed frame can cause the mattress to sag and wear out faster. To make sure your mattress lasts long, place it on a bed base that’s strong enough to bear the mattress and your weight comfortably.
No jumping or standing
If you want your mattress not to give in under pressure, better not put too much pressure on it. So no jumping, standing, or dancing on the bed. Mattresses are meant to be for sleeping, not dancing or jumping. Doing so can damage the internal structure of the mattress, weaken the springs or foams, and cause sagging.
So, we recommend treating your mattress gently and carefully.
Air it out & vacuum it
One of the simplest ways to prevent moisture and odour in your mattress is to let your mattress breathe by airing it out. It is absolutely simple. Just remove all the bedding and take it off the bed frame. Be careful, though, as mattresses can be heavy. Take some help for this step.
Once the mattress is off the bed, place it where it can get some sunlight or open air, like near a window.
Also, every once in a while, vacuum the mattress. Vacuuming can help remove dust, dirt, and allergens that settle over time.
These simple steps keep your mattress fresh, clean, and in better condition for a longer time.
Always follow the manufacturing care guide
Last but super important – follow the care guide that comes with your mattress. Every mattress has different materials like foams, fabric, and springs. That’s why every mattress comes with specific care instructions to maintain its quality and performance. Follow these instructions on how to use the mattress, which bed base and frame to use, how to clean, etc.
Conclusion
A mattress plays an important role in your sleep experience, and if it’s worn out or uncomfortable, you can’t sleep comfortably. Thus, it becomes important to know when to replace it and what signs to look for.
Recognising these signs, like sagging indentation, lumps, broken springs, etc., can help you determine when you need to buy a better mattress. While proper care, as mentioned above, can help prolong a mattress's life, it can’t reverse serious damage. When these signs become consistent, replacing your mattress is a smart investment in your sleep, comfort, and well-being.