how often replace mattress

You should usually replace a mattress about every 7–10 years, but the exact timing depends on the type, quality, and how it’s been used.

Quick Scoop

• Most people: plan on replacing your mattress every 7–10 years.

• Cheap or heavily used mattresses may need replacing closer to 5–7 years.

• Latex and some high‑quality foam/hybrid models can last longer, sometimes 10–15 years with good care.

• Don’t just go by age—go by how you feel when you wake up (pain, stiffness, poor sleep) and visible wear.

How often to replace by mattress type

Here’s a simple breakdown of typical lifespans if the mattress is average–good quality and reasonably well cared for:

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Mattress type	Typical replacement window	Notes
Innerspring	About 5–8 years	Coils fatigue faster; often the first to sag or feel uneven.
Foam (memory/other)	About 7–10 years	Foams compress gradually; good quality can reach close to a decade.
Hybrid (springs + foam)	About 7–10 years	Better support than basic springs; lifespan sits in the 7–10 year band.
Latex	About 8–15 years	Most durable; natural latex often lasts the longest.

Experts and industry groups often point to a “sweet spot” of replacing most mattresses around the 7–10 year mark to keep support and hygiene at a good level.

Signs it’s time to replace your mattress

Age is a guideline; your body and the mattress’s condition give the real answer.

Watch for:

1. You wake up sore or stiff
   • New or worsening back, neck, or shoulder pain that improves when you sleep elsewhere (like a hotel or sofa) is a strong sign your mattress isn’t supporting you anymore.

2. Visible sagging or indentations
   • Dips where you lie, lumps, or a “roll together” feeling mean the materials have broken down.

3. More motion transfer and squeaks
   • Springs getting noisy or feeling every move from a partner suggests structural wear, especially in innerspring and older hybrids.

4. Allergies or asthma seem worse in bed
   • Older mattresses can accumulate dust mites and allergens over the years, which can aggravate symptoms even if you clean bedding regularly.

5. You’ve had it longer than its expected lifespan
   • If your mattress is over 8–10 years old and you’re not sleeping well, it’s usually more cost‑effective to replace than to “push through.”

A simple test: if you sleep clearly better in another bed of similar firmness, your mattress is likely past its prime.

How often replace mattress: real‑world examples

Here are a few realistic scenarios to show how guidelines play out:

• A budget innerspring bought 6 years ago, used every night, now has a sag in the middle and causes morning back stiffness.
  • Even though some charts say up to 8 years, it’s realistically time to replace.

• A mid‑range memory foam bought 9 years ago, no big sag, but you toss and turn and wake up sore.
  • At 9 years, it’s at or beyond the usual lifespan; your comfort is telling you to upgrade.

• A high‑quality latex mattress that’s 12 years old, still feels supportive, you wake up comfortable.
  • Many latex models genuinely last into that 10–15 year window; you might not need to replace yet, but check for subtle dips and changing comfort.

When’s the best time of year to replace?

From a timing and cost perspective, many people replace mattresses in late summer and fall because of common sale periods.

• Early autumn often feels cozier, which can make the upgrade more noticeable and pleasant.

• Major sale events (like late‑summer and early holiday sales) frequently have strong mattress discounts, so planning your replacement around these windows can save money.

That said, the best time is when your current mattress is clearly hurting your sleep or health—waiting just for a sale isn’t worth chronic pain or poor rest.

Simple rules of thumb you can use

• If your mattress is under 5 years old and you’re uncomfortable, look at pillows, support, and bedding first—but don’t ignore obvious sagging or manufacturing issues.

• Between 5 and 8 years, start paying attention to how you feel each morning and what you see (dips, lumps, allergies) and be open to replacing if things worsen.

• After 8–10 years, assume replacement is due or close, unless you have a high‑end latex or well‑kept mattress that still feels genuinely supportive and comfortable.

If you tell me what type of mattress you have, how old it is, and how you’re sleeping on it right now, I can give you a more tailored “replace it now vs wait a bit” recommendation.