Perhaps you have heard the conventional wisdom that a mattress can last 10 years, but the reality is closer to five to seven years. A number of factors affect a mattress’s lifespan, including who is using it and how often. For example, a mattress regularly slept on by two people will not last as long as a mattress in a guestroom that only gets used three or four times per year.

If you’re debating whether or not it’s time to replace your mattress, here are 7 questions to help guide you.

1. Can you see wear and tear on your mattress?

Take a look at your mattress without the bedding. If you can actually see that your mattress is worn with indentations, sagging and lumps, then it is time to get a new one.

2. Are you waking up with aches and pains?

This is a good indication that your mattress has seen better days and is no longer giving you the support you need. And if you only experience this discomfort after lying on your bed, that’s the clincher.

3. Can you hear your mattress?

If your mattress creaks when you lie down on it, then it’s time to trade it in. Just be sure that it is the mattress creaking and not your bed frame.

4. How are the edges holding up?

If your mattress’s edges easily give way to small amounts of pressure, then the edge support is failing, which is essential to the mattress holding its shape.

5. Are you suddenly waking up with morning allergies?

If you have an inner spring mattress, an abundance of dust mite buildup can happen over time, causing sneezing, coughing and stuffiness. If you encounter this specific issue, you may want your next mattress to be latex or memory foam, which offer protection from dust mites.

6. Do you wake up in the middle of the night?

If this is a new occurrence, your mattress may be to blame, and the discomfort is disrupting your sleep.

7. Overall, how do you feel in the morning?

If you are feeling less than refreshed, your mattress may very well be the reason. If you’re not sure and it is possible, try sleeping on another mattress for a few days – either in your guest room or when you’re on vacation. If you feel better in the morning after sleeping elsewhere, it is time to go mattress shopping!

Browse mattresses at Furniture.com.

Category: Mattresses