How often should you replace your mattress? Despite the growing prevalence of 'forever' warranties, no mattress lasts forever. The best time to replace your mattress is when it's no longer providing you with quality, restorative sleep — but if you're a stickler for a good deal, then it's worth waiting until Black Friday if possible. (Fortunately for you, that's soon!)
Even the best mattresses will one day need to be replaced. Here, we'll walk you through the signs to look for to help you know when it’s time to bid your mattress goodnight for the last time. And if that time is now, you're in luck, as Black Friday mattress sales are just about to kick off.
How often should you replace your mattress?
The Better Sleep Council recommends changing your mattress every seven years. You'll find slightly different advice from expert to expert, but most agree on a window between six to 10 years, depending on how often the mattress is used and what level of quality it is.
However, as the specialists at the Better Sleep Council point out, your body changes over time, and your need for comfort and support increases as you age. "Your body may be ready for a new mattress before the seven-year mark," they say, "so listen to what it’s telling you." If you keep your mattress after 10 years, visible signs of wear will become more apparent — think sagging foam or creaky coils.
The good news is that if you do need to invest in a new mattress, most of the leading brands run sales throughout the year. The strongest offers tend to happen around major holidays and shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Presidents' Day, and Memorial Day.
Plus, you may not have to completely replace your mattress outright. The best mattress toppers can make your current bed feel more comfortable at a fraction of a cost of a full-fledged mattress. But only consider this option if your mattress is in otherwise good shape.
6 signs it's time to replace your mattress
The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of quality sleep a night, but 39% of US adults aged 45 to 64 report sleeping fewer than seven hours. If you experience symptoms of sleep deprivation in spite of your best efforts to follow good habits – like cutting caffeine after dinner or leaving your tech gadgets out of the bedroom – your mattress could be to blame.
So is it time to change your mattress? If any of the issues below sound familiar, then yes, it probably is...
1. "My mattress is six to eight years old"
There are a variety of factors involved in determining how often you should change your mattress. How long a mattress lasts depends a lot on the quality of the materials and overall build.
Cheap mattresses are usually made with less robust materials that simply won’t stand the test of time for as long as their more expensive counterparts. Lower-quality innerspring and all-foam mattresses tend to submit to body impressions and can begin to sag more quickly than other types.
Latex is the most durable, as these mattresses can last between 15 and 25 years. That's one of the largest differences when it comes to memory foam vs latex; also keep in mind that latex is more expensive than memory foam and doesn't feel as soft.
Your weight can play a part, too. If you are a larger build - or you co-sleep with someone who is - this can impact the lifespan of the mattress. Similarly, the care and attention you pay to your sleep station can determine its lifespan. Using a mattress protector and rotating your mattress (if recommended by the manufacturer) both contribute towards a longer life.
2. "My mattress is lumpy or saggy"
If there’s a dent in your mattress that’s not going away, it's a sure sign that it’s time for a refresh. All mattress types can break down over time: springs can wear, and foam can break down and sag. This can happen both in the area where you sleep, as well as around the edges of the mattress. But an uneven mattress will cause aches and pains, and is a clear signal that it's time to replace your mattress.
3. "I wake up stiff and uncomfortable"
Similarly, if you're waking up feeling like you’ve just had a workout rather than a restorative slumber, this could be the result of using a tired mattress. That's particularly the case if you wake up stiff or sore, and then the discomfort alleviates after some stretching and into the morning.
When seeking out a new mattress, be aware that firm models aren't always the solution to uncomfortable limbs or back pain. For most people, a medium-firm will be just what they need. However, firmness is subjective so make sure to find a bed with a mattress trial that'll allow you to try it at home for at least 30 days. (The average trial length is 100 nights, with some brands offering a full year.)
4. "My back feels misaligned in bed"
It’s important to consider how you sleep – are you out for the count on your back, splayed out on your stomach or curled on your side? Whichever angle best lulls you off to sleep, it’s vital that your mattress is supportive to your body.
When sleeping on your back or front, the natural ‘s’ curve of your back should be evident. If it’s flattened out this will put pressure on your back, showing that your mattress isn’t receptive enough to your body. Consider one of the best mattresses for back pain if you're seeking restful nights and ache-free mornings. If you prefer to sleep prone, make sure you have one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
If you lay on your side, your spine should maintain a straight line all the way from your neck to your bottom. If you can fit your hand between your body and the mattress surface, this shows that it's not sufficiently supportive for that position. In that case, take a look at the best mattresses for side sleepers.
5. "I lost or gained weight (or added a sleeping partner)"
A mattress needs be attuned to your body for optimal sleep. Heavier bodies cause deeper wear and tear on a mattress, so if you've gained weight, or a new co-sleeper, then it's essential to consider a mattress that can accommodate you both. Try to avoid the mistakes couples make when buying their first mattress.
Similarly, if you have lost weight, your mattress may no longer be able to support your body as it used to. Upgrading at this point will help to promote good sleep, but if your mattress is in otherwise fine condition, adding a soft mattress topper will be a sufficient fix.
6. "My allergies or asthma are getting worse"
Mattresses can be a haven for dust mites. On average, we shed around a pound of dead skin cells each year and your mattress takes the brunt of a significant proportion of this. This creates an optimal environment for bacteria to grow and dust mites to thrive. If you notice an increase in your asthma or allergies, this could be a result of accumulated dust in the mattress, or worse still - the proteins in dust mite feces.
You can of course take steps to mitigate this issue by vacuuming your mattress regularly and cleaning your mattress every six months. But if this doesn’t help, or it's clear your bed has seen much better days, a new mattress will be just what the doctor ordered.
Consider upgrading to an organic mattress if allergies keep you up at night. These eco-friendly beds are made with natural, hypoallergenic materials that'll minimize triggers for allergic and asthmatic reactions.
Why is Black Friday a good time to replace a mattress?
Mattress deals happen year-round, but some sales are stronger than others. Usually, brands present their best offers during Black Friday. Not only are the discounts deeper, but MSRPs are at their lowest points, as well. Bundle deals that include free pillows and/or bed sheets are common around this time, too.
Black Friday mattress deals have been running since late October for some brands, but even then those offers are likely to improve as we approach the day itself, which falls on November 29 this year.
If you're snooze through Black Friday, Cyber Monday mattress sales are often a continuation of deals from over the weekend. In some cases, the prices may even be better on Cyber Monday than they were on Black Friday, but that's rare.
5 Black Friday mattress deals to replace your bed
Nod your head at one or more of the points above? Then it's time to go mattress shopping. If you've had your current bed for a long time and don't know where to start, heed these pro tips on how to buy a mattress online.
Once you feel confident about what you need, check out our favorite early Black Friday mattress deals below...
Don't overlook what you're resting your head on at night, either. The best pillows can improve your sleep in a significant way. Fortunately, you'll be able to find discounts on all sorts of pillows during Black Friday bedding deals.
