Do you have trouble sleeping? Do you have trouble waking up in the morning and feel groggy throughout the day? While there are many factors that lead to sleep issues and insomnia, one thing to check is your mattress.

How do you know when it’s time to shell out for a new mattress? First, consider this: Do you sleep better at hotels or at a guest house, and find yourself leaving with mattress envy? If so, it’s pretty obvious that you could use a new mattress. If you are unsure whether it’s time to take the plunge, consider these nine signs that you need a new mattress.

1. Your mattress is getting up in years. Age is more than a number—at least when it comes to mattresses. How long does a mattress last? The average lifespan for a quality mattress is 7 – 10 years, depending on the type of mattress and how frequently it is used. If you know you are reaching the best-by date for your mattress, it’s time to start budgeting for a new mattress and consider what you’d like in one. A few things to note when considering mattress age:

• Mattress type: Generally, latex mattresses last the longest, then high-density memory foams and hybrid mattresses, followed by traditional innersprings.

• Mattress quality: An entry-level mattress, regardless of the type, isn’t going to hold up as well as a high-quality mattress.

• Mattress use: If your kids are using their (or your) bed as a trampoline, it’s going to show it’s wear sooner. Heavier users may see wear sooner, and even sleep style and position can affect mattress wear.
• Mattress care: Mattresses that have been maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions, including flipping and rotating for some, should last longer, as do those that benefit from protective layers. Always use a mattress cover!

2. You have trouble falling asleep. Do you find yourself tossing and turning, and staring at the clock for increasingly long times at night? It may be worth taking stock of your mattress. Is it lumpy, limp or just not as comfortable as it used to be. Maybe it’s in fine condition, but it’s just not the right comfort level for you. While much of comfort is a personal preference, generally a plush mattress is best for side sleepers, medium mattress for back sleepers, while stomach sleepers may rest most comfortably in a firm mattress.

3. You have trouble staying asleep. Whether or not you fall asleep fast, you may find yourself waking up repeatedly during the night; and then begrudgedly waking up for the day when your alarm rings, and struggling through the day still sleepy. Consider a new mattress, pillows and bedding to mitigate some of these sleep issues:

• Do you wake up hot? Many mattresses and some bedding offer cooling technology and moisture wicking features to help you stay cool and sleep better all-night long.

• Does a partner wake you up? A new mattress may offer better technology for reduced motion transfer. Another option is a mattress like Bedgear that lets partners select their own comfort level for their sides, or perhaps an adjustable bed for the ultimate in personalized support (and settings to help with snoring!).

• Do you suffer from anxiety? Many people have found comfort from weighted blankets. Learn more about the benefits and different options.

4. You start your day with aches and pains. If you wake up feeling stiff, with back pain or other aches, a new mattress may be able to provide relief. Look for a mattress that will offer you the right combination of body-conforming comfort and support. For instance, individually wrapped coils will conform to each sleeper’s unique shape, all while providing sufficient back support.

5. You greet the morning with wake-up sneezes. If you wake up with the morning sniffles, look to your mattress as well as your pillow. Mattresses can be the stuff of nightmares, holding a scary number of allergens, from dust mites to mold and mildew. Pillows should be changed out regularly, mattresses should be covered appropriately, and bedding should be washed routinely to reduce build-up. If you are still sneezing after a night in your bed, it may be time for a new mattress.

6. Your mattress sags. This is perhaps the most obvious sign it’s time to get a new mattress. Your mattress should be flat, with no obvious dips. No matter the material and mattress quality, it will eventually sag, especially if you sleep in the same spot night after night. If your mattress sags, it’s not giving you the support you need.

7. Your mattress squeaks. If your mattress creaks, take a look at your bed base, whether it’s a traditional box spring or a platform bed. Since many mattresses come as a set, a loud box spring may indicate it’s time for a mattress and base replacement.

8. Your mattress stinks. Accidents happen, especially if you are bed sharing with a pet or have nightmare-prone kiddos that crawl into your bed during the night. A mattress cover provides valuable protection against stains and build-up. However, all mattresses wear over time, and an old and stinky mattress is no fun for anyone.

9. Lifestyle changes. Even if your mattress is still in prime shape, life changes may cause you to consider an upgrade. Kids going through growth spurts may suddenly extend beyond their toddler beds, and big kids may be ready for a twin XL mattress or a full bed that can get them through their teenage years. Adults may consider a new mattress to accommodate a new partner. Other changes like upgrading to a king size mattress or outfitting a new guest bedroom may require a trip to the mattress store.

Learn more about choosing a mattress and get better sleep tips.

Mattress Matters: The latest innovations in sleep technology.

Mattress Foundation Facts and FAQs

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