Mattresses

Published December 7, 2021

9 min

When to change a mattress: 15 Signs You Need a New Mattress

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

15 Signs You Need a New MattressConclusionFrequently Asked Questions

A mattress can't continue to be firm and bouncy as it was on day one. It's natural for your mattress to lose its initial efficiency and there comes a time when it further can’t be used. Luckily, there will always be noticeable signs for it. But how will you recognize what level of sagging is natural and what indicates a dire need for a mattress to be replaced immediately? Here are 15 signs you need a new mattress today.How do you know when you need a new mattress? and how long do mattresses last? Well, all you have to do is look for these signs of damage. Read below to know more.

15 Signs You Need a New Mattress

Wondering how often should you replace your mattress and when is the right time to bid adieu to your old mattress? Here are the top 15 signs you need a new mattress.

1. Saggy Mattress

The most obvious sign of getting a new mattress is if it starts to droop or sag. Mattresses bear your entire body weight for a minimum of 8 hours every day. And considering the hybrid or work-from-home form of working since pandemic, you are bound to spend more time on your bed. Due to such reasons its natural for the mattress to sag over the due course of time. This may usually start at the edges where they begin to wear out and slowly spread to the sides and centre until your mattress loses all its firmness.

2. Unexplained pungent/ bad odour

New mattresses often have a typical chemical smell that usually goes away in a day or two but if your mattress after years of use suddenly starts to smell like chemicals again, it's time to change it. With age, the internal layers of a mattress may break apart leading to a chemical leak that gives off the quintessential factory smell.

3. Skin Irritation and Rashes

The leaking chemicals and toxins of your mattress may not always stop at creating a foul smell. Sometimes it might react with your skin and cause severe skin irritation and rashes. So if you are suddenly waking up with unexplained spots and hives, your old mattress might be the culprit.

4. Sinking in Your Bed

A mattress is designed to support your body regardless of your weight and position but if you suddenly start sinking in your bed deeper than usual, it's possible that your mattress has lost its usual firmness. An ultra soft mattress can cause postural issues, spine misalignment and joint pain. If you notice a sudden sinkage in your mattress, get it replaced as soon as possible.

5. Trouble Sleeping

If you have trouble falling asleep at night, your exhaustion and stress might not be the only factors. Sometimes when a mattress is too old, it fails to comfort, contour, and support your body in the way it requires. This forces you to toss and turn throughout the night seeking a comfortable position, ultimately disrupting your sleep.

6. Dips & Lumps

Your lumpy mattress is not only sabotaging your bedroom aesthetics but is also stripping your comfort at night. Over time and use, your mattress material might lump together which creates an uneven base incapable of supporting or comforting you. Hence, unexplained lumps and dips are what are the first signs that you need a new mattress.

7. Sore Muscles

As a mattress ages, it loses its efficiency to comfort your body and support it at the required points. Similarly it also loses its capacity to relieve your pressure points. All of these factors together make you super uncomfortable. Naturally sleeping on a mattress like this is way too harsh on your muscles and joints which can make them sore the next morning.

8. Long-lasting Stains

Unlike other bedding accessories, mattresses cannot be deep cleaned which leads to an accumulation of stains over time. The more stained a mattress is, the higher will be its chances of encouraging bacteria growth. Hence if you see your mattress stains are beyond maintenance, it's best to get a new mattress to prevent any health complications. And if you want to clean your mattress at home then here’s a guide on how to clean your mattress .

9. Allergic Reactions

If you have tried every medication and home remedy yet your allergies never seem to go away, maybe the problem lies in your mattress. Old mattresses are home to bed bugs, dust mites, bacteria and much more, in fact chemicals added to these mattresses can turn them into a breeding ground for germs and mold. This may add up to your allergies and may even cause you chronic illness.

10. Noisy While Changing Sides

There is only enough room for one annoying sound in the bedroom and that's the snores of your partner. If you find your mattress squeaking and creaking every time you turn around, it's time to go mattress shopping. Noisy mattresses aren't natural, it's a sign of damaged foundation or base that needs to retire immediately.

11. Mold Infestation

Certain fungus infestations are hard to control, the same goes for mold infestation. If your home has been infested by molds, there is a high chance of it infiltrating your mattress. So once you get rid of the molds from your home, it's best to get a new, fresh mattress.

12. Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are a total nightmare. Although you can take enough precautions or even bedbug-proof your mattress to keep them away, once they invade your mattress, there is no coming back. Bed bugs are hard to get rid of and are host to thousands of harmful pathogens. Once they establish their dominance on your bed, you have no choice but to throw out the infested mattress.

13. Not Relaxing Enough

Sometimes you might not be able to point out that one sign of needing a new mattress but you will feel its presence through uncomfortable nights. If you often feel like resting on the bed is turning into a restless chore which isn’t relaxing, supporting or firm enough, it could be a sign of a damaged mattress.

14. Changing Needs

Sometimes even new mattress turns out to be uncomfortable as it may not meet your expectations or requirements. Therefore, at such cases, it’s time to go mattress shopping yet again. For example, if you develop chronic pain or a recent injury ends up hurting even more, you might need a more comfortable mattress.Similarly, if your partner moves in with you, or if you decide to have a baby, you will require a larger mattress to accommodate the entire family. Even if your mattress remains the same your needs will definitely change with time and need an upgrade every now and then.

15. Older Than a Decade

Even though they say that age is just a number, it usually doesn't imply on mattresses. Even if there are no noticeable signs of damage, you still may need to take a closer look. There might be unnoticeable dips or sagging at the sides or more. It's best to change your mattress every 7 to 10 years to maintain a consistently healthy and comfortable sleeping base. Remember, just like your physical and mental health, even your mattress health is as important as the prior two.

Conclusion

Once you are clear you need a new mattress, it's time to go shopping! Remember, mattresses aren't just your 8-hour sleep partner, they are an important part of your everyday life. Through lonely nights and fun sleepovers, your bed stays by your side at every step. So why not give it a quick makeover every decade with a brand new mattress to support you through your every day ups and downs. This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a mattress last 20 years? Making a mattress last for 20 years is a tough job. The lifespan of a mattress depends on several factors including its type, care, and frequency of use. When used regularly, even the best mattress won’t make it past 15 to 18 years. How to fix a sagging mattress? If you have a double-sided mattress, you can flip it over. Otherwise, you can try refurbishing it with an extra mattress topper or foundation replacement; depending on the kind of damage. How often should you flip or rotate your mattress? New mattresses should be rotated once or twice a year. Once the mattress gets old and starts losing its firmness, try rotating it at least 3 to 5 times a year.