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The Average Life of a Mattress: Factors & Tips to Consider

Updated: November 11, 2020 by Ted Wilson

November 11, 2020 by Ted Wilson Leave a Comment

Review Contents

  • 1 How Long Does the Average Mattress Last? Short Answer
  • 2 15 Factors to Consider
  • 3 Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Mattress
  • 4 Looking for a New Mattress in the Near Future?

Determining the average life of a mattress is a complicated thing to do. 

After all, there are various myths and false assumptions that float around.

As we will explore, the average life of a mattress can be very different in each person’s experience.

Perhaps this is why many people have a difficult time determining when to replace their mattresses.

However, we are here to help you learn more about this industry, and when it is time to replace your mattress.

How Long Does the Average Mattress Last? Short Answer

In most cases, the average life of a mattress can be anywhere between 8 – 15 years. 

In some cases, a mattress will start to decline before it reaches this milestone.

Then, there are also those who have comfortably used mattresses for 20 years or longer. 

Therefore, consider this average to be more of an estimate than a prediction for how long your mattress will last.

If you want a mattress to last at least the average length, there are factors you will need to consider.

15 Factors to Consider

The main dilemma we see in the mattress industry is that mattresses don’t tend to last the same length of time. 

There are many different factors that can impact the lifespan of your mattress.

In addition, there are steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your mattress.

Therefore, the question might instead be more focused on the factors that impact the lifespan of the average mattress.

1. The Type of Mattressaverage life of tempur pedic mattress

The type of mattress you have will heavily impact the average lifespan of it.

Generally speaking, latex mattresses will last the longest due to the strong resistance against body weight and its ability to form back into its original shape for long periods of time.

Followed by this, we also see that hybrid mattresses with both foam and coils tend to retain their shape for long periods of time

  • Natural Latex: 10 – 12 years
  • Hybrid: 7 – 10 years
  • Waterbed: 8- 10 years
  • Foam: 5 – 8 years
  • Spring: 5 – 8 years

Foam beds and spring mattresses tend to have the shortest lifespans of all the different types of mattresses.

Memory foam tends to work well for a short period of time before it starts to permanently make dents in its original form

Spring beds also tend to lose their original bounciness and strength over time quickly.

2. The Mattress Manufacturerthe mattress' label

When you are buying a mattress, it’s important that you buy from a manufacturer that has a track record of success.

Best of all, you should check previous reviews and feedback of previous customers to see how the mattress holds up over time.

Different manufacturers have different standards of quality when it comes to their manufacturing processes.

This can result in a higher or lower average life of a mattress, depending on how the manufacturer does their work. 

mattress layers3. The Materials Used

Apart from the type of mattress that you buy, the precise materials that are used in the mattress are equally as important.

For example, using pocket coils will often produce a mattress with a longer lifespan than one with Bonnel coils.

The same point can be said for any type of mattress. 

Do some research on the materials used in the mattress of your fancy before buying it to ensure it will hold up well.

4. Noises Madehand pushing down on the mattress

When you lay down on a brand new mattress, you will never hear any sort of creaks, squeaks, and so on. 

As spring mattresses start to age, one of the common themes we notice are that more noises start to occur.

These are generally a sign that the springs are starting to wear down. 

As a result, it can often imply that the comfort level of your mattress is already being compromised as well.

If you hear loud noises when laying down, it might be time to consider getting a new mattress.

vacuuming a mattress5. How Often it is Cleaned

Think of your mattress like your body. When you clean your body, it will be shinier, better looking, smelling, and so on, for a longer period of time.

Just as your body will hold up well with daily showers, your mattress will also hold up longer periods of time with routine cleanings.

Usually, you can simply vacuum out the dust, wipe down any stains that occur, and keep it free of messes.

You can get away with cleaning your mattress bi-weekly or monthly, depending on your schedule.

6. Infestationsa bed bug

One of the common things that will ruin the average life of a mattress are bug infestations. 

From dust mites to bed bugs, having an infestation is a very good sign that you need to replace the mattress soon.

Or, at the very least, treat the bed with chemicals that will remove these things.

Having a bed with a bug infestation is one of the worst possible things that you can deal with while trying to get a full night’s sleep.

This is also a very easy way to ruin your mattress before it would otherwise naturally decay.

alignment of a spine on a mattress7. Your Level of Comfort

If you don’t find yourself as comfortable on a mattress today as you once did, this probably has a logical explanation.

As mattresses start to decay, they will often become a lot less comfortable.

This is because the materials used in the mattress are starting to not hold up as well as they once did.

If you cannot sleep comfortably on your mattress, it’s generally a good sign that you should buy a new mattress soon.

8. Decay in Firmnesscoiled spring inside crib mattress

The average life of a mattress can be altered by the level of decay in the firmness.

Depending on how much this affects your sleep, you may or may not decide to buy a new mattress before it reached its expected lifespan.

It is common for the firmness in your mattress to decay over time.

Especially if you have a bed with all-foam or spring materials as these ones are a little more prone to this problem.

putting sheets on a bed9. If it is Flipped

If you flip your bed on a consistent basis, the average life of a mattress will usually increase.

This is due to spreading out the wear of your mattress evenly throughout the entire bed.

More than likely, you and your partner probably sleep in the same or similar position each night.

Over time, this can leave indents in the mattress. 

This is why it’s so important to flip your mattress at least once every 6 months. 

10. Warranty Periodlifetime warranty golden seal

The warranty period of your mattress is often telling as to how much confidence the manufacturer themselves put into their mattresses. 

Typically, you shouldn’t buy a mattress with anything less than a 10-year warranty.

This is a pretty standard warranty period in the mattress industry.

For best results, also get a mattress that comes with a 100-night trial so that you can return the mattress without risking your money.

a happy happsy customer11. The Intensity of Usage

Beds are not something that should be viewed as indestructible.

It can be easy for kids to be tempted to jump on their beds with this sort of idea in mind.

From things like rough sex to sitting on the edge of the bed, be conscious of how you use your bed. 

Try to treat your mattress with the respect that it deserves.

In return, the average life of a mattress will increase. 

12. The Protection Used (if any)tucking in sheets on a mattress

If you intend on boosting the average life of your mattress, it is a good idea to use protection for your mattress.

Typically, all that you will need to do is put a mattress cover on the bed.

If you get one that is ventilated, it won’t have any sort of negative impact on the heat transfer.

In addition, once you put a cover on the mattress it is important that you also wash the cover to keep stains and sweat from going through into the mattress.

a wine glass spilling13. Smells & Stains

If your mattress starts to develop strange smells and/or stains, this is generally a bad sign. 

More than likely, these things are due to your misuse and/or lack of cleaning.

Sadly, this can also imply that the inside of your mattress is beginning to decay. 

Stains and smells that originate from organic materials can quickly reproduce and leave you with a mess of mold that you cannot easily kill.

In many cases, this is a good enough reason to consider getting a new mattress.

14. Body Weight of Users

a scale for measuring your weight.

If you and/or your partner are heavier than the average person, the average life of a mattress might be a lot lower than you anticipate.

In these instances, it is best to get a mattress with a higher level of firmness so that the firmness of the mattress will hold up for a longer period of time.

Although an extra firm mattress may seem a little difficult to sleep on at first, you will quickly break it in.

Getting an extra firm mattress is usually the best way to extend the average life of a mattress as an overweight individual.

15. Valley in the Middle

One of the most common ways that a mattress lifespan will decrease is right in the middle of the mattress.

Manufacturers will often not put enough support in the middle of the mattress.

Additionally, this is where the bulk of your body weight will focus itself.

Over time, this can result in a valley right in the middle of the bed.

As an individual with chronic back pain, this can create big problems for you. 

If you are concerned about this occurring, try to find a mattress with extra support in the center of the mattress.

Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Mattress

Keeping the above factors in mind, you might also be concerned with how you can extend the life of your mattress without investing too much money. 

The good news is that there are many different ways that you can keep your mattress in good shape for a long period of time.

Let’s go ahead and explore some of the best tips for extending the average life of a mattress. 

Use a Mattress Base

When you get a new mattress, you are not necessarily required to get a mattress base too.

Sadly, many people even decide that this is not needed and will put their mattress on the floor.

The problem with this is that it leaves your mattress open to having stains and dust develop on the bottom.

Not only will this be difficult to clean, but you will also be less inclined to flip your mattress.

Just spend the extra hundred bucks or so on a box spring or another type of base.

Put on a Protective Cover

As we discussed above, using a protective cover is one of the best ways that you can keep your mattress clean.

In addition, you should put sheets on top of the cover to keep any stains and dirt from your body away from the mattress.

You will also need to clean your cover and sheets routinely to keep your mattress clean. 

Keep Sheets Clean

From the sheets that separate your cover and the mattress to the comforter, you should always keep these things clean. 

If you have colored sheets and don’t clean them enough, you will notice that the color will eventually bleed through onto your mattress.

This is because your sweat is bleeding through, removing the color, and staining the mattress. 

Don’t Sleep With Pets

It is nice to have four-legged friends around in your home.

However, remember that our furry friends will also go outside of the home (unless they live strictly indoors) and collect dust and dirt.

When they lay down in your bed at night, all of these things will also be brought into your sheets. 

This is a great way to put stains into your mattress.

Teach your pets from a young age to sleep on their own bed. 

Use a Mattress Pad

Having an extra layer of protection for your mattress is another great way to avoid impacting the average life of a mattress. 

Getting a mattress pad is also a great way to make any of the best cheap mattress options a lot more comfortable than they are designed to be.

You can also pick the type of material that you have in your mattress pad to add a personalized touch to your bed.

Want a layer of foam on your springs? Then get a foam mattress pad and place it on top of the mattress!

Then, you will have your own homemade hybrid mattress. 

Don’t Jump on the Bed

As we briefly mentioned above when discussing the intensity of use for your mattress, jumping on your bed is a sure-fire way to cause premature destruction. 

Regardless of the type of mattress you have, this is an action that you should avoid at all costs. 

Even memory foam and hybrid mattresses that promise going back to their original shape can be dented permanently. 

Therefore, have your kids stay off the bed when they want to play.

If they really want to jump around, buy them a trampoline instead. 

Spend a Little More Money

Although there are clear exceptions to this rule, spending a little bit more money can often imply that the mattress will hold up for longer periods of time.

As we mentioned above, though, there are also various other factors to keep in mind.

If you are serious about extending the average life of a mattress, though, spending a little more money might be the best choice. 

The main problem that people have when confronted with this issue is the lack of funds.

If you are short on your budget, be sure to consider how you use the bed and take good care of it.

This way, you can still get an affordable bed and put it to good use. 

Don’t Eat or Drink on the Bed!

When you using your bed, remember that this is the last place to eat food or consume beverages.

Although you will often not make a mess, one mistake and/or spill can have very drastic consequences.

Next time you are in bed drinking wine with your significant other, remember the potential consequences of doing so. 

Try to drink wine outside of your bed, and avoid breakfast in bed.

These things may be an inconvenience at times, but also end up saving your mattress from disaster.

Vacuum the Bed Regularly

Did you know that you can vacuum your bed? 

There are small pores found in each mattress where small dust particles can settle.

These small dust particles will build up and can end up leaving a pretty big mess in your mattress.

In addition, they can cause serious dust mite outbreaks in your bed, which can eat away at your mattress.

Therefore, get a mattress vacuum and use it regularly! 

This may seem like a chore but will help you extend the average life of a mattress.

Flip Your Mattress!

As we have discussed on this page, flipping your mattress can be a great way to evenly spread out the wear and tear.

It will help you break in your mattress evenly and also avoid having dents in your usual sleeping areas.

Try to flip and reverse your mattress every 6 months or so.

Looking for a New Mattress in the Near Future?

If you are on the lookout for a new mattress and want to get one that will last, you have lots of options to consider.

We are proud to always be on the lookout for the next great mattress here and are constantly reviewing them.

To start your search, check out our top mattress for any budget.

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