How Long Should a Mattress Last?
It's difficult to convey the importance of a comfortable and supportive mattress. A person spends a third of their life sleeping or attempting to sleep.
The right mattress for you can mean the difference between a good night's sleep and a terrible night's sleep. But how long should a mattress last and how can you know if it's time to get a new mattress?
A mattress should last 7-10 years. However, this can vary depending on a variety of factors such as mattress materials, maintenance, weight, and even sleeping style. No mattress has a specific expiration date. It is up to people to decide when it's the right time to get a new mattress.
Our guide will help you understand when is the right time to replace a mattress and understand the typical lifespan of a mattress.
Impacts on Mattress Lifespan
The average mattress lifespan ranges from seven to ten years. However, mattress lifespan is impacted by a number of factors. Take a look at the six factors that influence a mattress’s lifespan:
Maintenance: Taking care of your mattress properly will make it last longer. This includes proper cleaning and using a mattress protector. Rotate the mattress every three to four months to even out your weight distribution a bit for comfort preservation.
Sleeping Position: Your sleeping position will impact the lifespan of a mattress. Heavier people may find their mattresses begin to sag sooner. Side sleepers may find the mattress starts sagging sooner in the hip and shoulder areas.
Body Weight: A mattress used by two people will wear out faster than a single sleeper simply because of the extra body weight.
Mattress Type: The mattress type can have a large impact on a mattress. Traditional Innerspring mattresses have a lower life span closer to five or six years. Whereas newer mattresses such as hybrid mattresses last closer to seven to ten years. Check the manufacturer's warranty.
Quality: The quality of your mattress will impact how long it lasts. The mattress companies' length of warranty can be an indicator of the quality of materials. Price can also be an indicator but a more expensive mattress doesn't always mean better quality.
Your Bed Setup: The bed frame or base you use with your mattress can cause it to age prematurely if it's not supportive. For example, most new mattresses to dot recommend using a box spring as it breaks down a mattress over time.
When to Replace a Mattress
- Are You Leaving a You-Shaped Imprint? A body-shaped impression on the surface of your bed when you get up in the morning is a sign that your mattress is on the fritz.
- Are You Hearing a Mattress Symphony? Squeaks and screeching are signs that your coils are on their way out. While you may not realize it, your support level has probably already decreased significantly.
- Do You Detect an Odor? If smells of mold and mildew are coming from your mattress. You might even notice that you're sneezing or coughing when you spend time on your mattress if you have allergies to the mattress.
- Do You Hurt Every Morning? Waking up in pain could mean that your mattress isn't supporting you at night. Bad mattresses are notorious for causing pain in the back, neck, hips, and shoulders.
- Is It Impossible to Get Comfortable? Tossing and turning? An uncomfortable mattress can cause you to feel physically and mentally agitated at night.
- Is There Visible Sagging? Visible sagging means that your support is breaking down. Even a 1-inch sag can create a world of hurt for your back!
- Do You See Lumps? A lump in your mattress means uneven mattress density caused by age and "wear and tear."
If you are sleeping well and your mattress appears to be in good working order, you may be able to get a few more years on it.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions it may be time to consider replacing your mattress. Be sure to check your manufacturer's warranty first.
All Purple mattresses feature our GelFlex Grid to cradle pressure points like your hips and shoulders while keeping the rest of your body fully aligned. With multiple options to choose from, you can have the comfort and support you need.
Mattress Lifespan? (By Type)
The aging process of a mattress depends on the type of mattress you buy and how the mattress is manufactured.
How Long Does a Futon Last?
Futon mattresses typically last 5 to 10 years. Keep in mind the time they last depends on how often it's used. They will last longer if they are used less as a guest beds.
How Long Does an Air Mattress Last?
An air bed should last at least 2 years with frequent use. up to 7 years with less frequent use.
The lifespan of an air mattress varies wildly depending on how you treat it. Putting excess weight on an air mattress, moving around a lot while you sleep, or getting close to sharp objects could drastically reduce its lifespan.
How Long Does an Innerspring Mattress Last?
An innerspring mattress should last about ten years. But that depends on how you treat it, and the quality of the construction of the mattress.
No matter how strong the coils are, they will break down faster if they are absorbing a lot of weight or unnecessary stress. (Kids! No jumping on the bed!) If you start to sink into your innerspring bed, that’s a sign that the coils are failing and it’s time to buy a new mattress.
How Long Does a Hybrid Mattress Last?
A hybrid mattress typically lasts 7-10 years. Keep in mind the materials and budget for the mattress. For example, if you buy a low-budget hybrid mattress and low-quality materials. You may have a shorter life span.
How Long Does a Waterbed Mattress Last?
A waterbed mattress generally lasts 10-20 years. You can take steps to expand the lifespan of your waterbed by using a “waterbed conditioner” to treat the water in the bed. Otherwise, microbes or minerals in the water can break down the vinyl mattress.
You also will likely need to patch the occasional leak. If your waterbed starts to develop frequent leaks, it’s time to buy a new mattress.
How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last?
A memory foam mattress generally lasts 7-10 years. In fact, companies that sell memory foam mattresses typically include a 7-10 year warranty. The lifespan of a memory foam mattress depends on the density of the foam, and the weight of the person sleeping on it.
How Long Does a Latex Mattress Last?
Your latex mattress should last up to 20 years. The lifespan of a latex mattress will increase or decrease depending on the materials included in your mattress.
Some manufacturers offer warranties for as long as 25 years, but check the fine print — by year 25, you may not get full price for a defective mattress, just a discount towards a new one.
Popular related articles:
Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Mattress Should Last
Do Purple mattresses sag?
Purple mattresses are designed to last around 10 years with normal use. You should not experience any sagging in your mattress as long as it is used as intended and it is within its 10-year lifespan. If you notice any sagging in your Purple mattress, contact us for warranty support.
Do Purple mattresses wear out?
With proper use, your Purple mattress will eventually wear out. Purple mattresses are designed to last 10 years. If you notice any unusual wear in your Purple mattress within its 10-year lifespan, contact us to check the warranty and for a potential replacement.
About the authors
Cecilia brings over five years of writing experience primarily centered around lifestyle and health topics. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Media and Journalism from the University of South Dakota. She’s both an advocate for sleep and a night owl at heart.
Kristen Olson-Turner is the Senior Director of mattresses, where she has spent 10+ years understanding customer needs and integrating solutions into Purple products for better sleep and comfort.