How Often Should You Change Your Mattress? 4 Signs it’s Time to Get a New Mattress

Quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental wellbeing, yet many of us still experience nights spent tossing and turning. You might try new bedding, pillows, mattress protectors, or sleep aids, but if nothing helps, the real issue may be your mattress.

Our Nationwide Sleep Survey of over 2,300 people in Ireland found that only 5% rated their sleep as excellent, and just 17% rated their bed as excellent. With 1/3rd of people unhappy with their sleep quality, it’s clear that keeping your mattress in good condition plays a major role in how well you rest each night. So, how often should you change your mattress?

Let's find out!

4 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Mattress

1.    It's Out of Shape

Have you been waking up feeling groggy and sore? Over time, mattresses can lose their support and contouring abilities. If you start to notice lumps or sagging, then it's probably time to replace your mattress.

Are there mattresses that tend to keep their shape longer than others? Absolutely! You can usually count on a latex mattress to maintain its shape for a long time. Plus, a latex mattress is more breathable, so you can stay cool in bed easier during those hot Irish summer nights.

2.    You Can't Get Comfy

Have you ever found yourself tossing and turning throughout the night, unable to find a comfortable position? If you think about it, the lack of sleep and the pain from the discomfort is only going to get worse. So, if you're struggling with staying comfortable, then it might be time to get a new mattress.

3.    Frequent Back Pain

Is your back aching a lot lately? You're not getting old; your mattress may be the culprit here. While there are multiple reasons why someone may have back pain from degenerative conditions, muscle strains, and poor posture. More often, it's going to be the mattress that causes back pain or will at least exacerbate it. Most people tend to overlook their mattresses, but worn-out ones can place excessive pressure on your spine, making it feel stiff and painful.

Plus, you need to look into whether your mattress is fitting with your body and relieving pressure rather than causing it. You can always look into a gel plush mattress topper to help you out, as these specifically focus on alleviating pressure in the spine. In the end, you're going to be saving yourself a lot of money by getting yourself a new mattress and bedding if you're expressing frequent back pain. Investing in a good quality mattress can significantly reduce the susceptibility to long-term health consequences, and that includes lack of sleep and poor posture.

4.    Physical Changes

Physical changes to your mattress can be a key indicator that it's time to get a replacement. Aside from physical changes affecting comfort levels, older mattresses may also pose health risks. Over time, allergens and bacteria can accumulate in the material, causing respiratory issues or skin irritations.

A new mattress with fresh materials not only enhances quality sleep but also promotes better overall health due to improved hygiene standards. So don't ignore those physical changes - they may be telling you something important!

Have you noticed any physical changes to your mattress lately? Maybe you noticed yellowing when you took off the mattress protector. While this can be common, this isn't the only physical change that's prevalent in mattresses.

If you notice sagging or dips on the surface, this could mean that the support system of your mattress is no longer effective and needs replacement. Similarly, if you feel springs poking through your box spring mattress, or hear noises when moving around, these are clear signs of wear and tear.

Factors Affecting Mattress Lifespan

Everyone needs to have good quality sleep every night, and if you're struggling, then you need to look into your mattress. There's no doubt about it that a high-quality pocketed mattress can be quite an investment.

Even though this is an investment that will positively impact your health, sleep quality, and lifestyle, it can be intimidating to spend a large amount of money, so here’s what you should look out for.

1.    Mattress Material

The material of your mattress is an important factor to consider when evaluating the quality and durability of your sleep surface. Usually, the traditional mattresses can include innerspring coils or polyurethane foam, while newer options include memory foam, latex foam, and hybrid combinations.

With mattress technology improving every day, there are more eco-friendly options for consumers to choose from. Each material offers unique advantages for comfort and support, but they also have different lifespans. So, when it comes to the material, it shouldn't only be what's more comfortable for you, but you need to think of the lifespan too.

2.    Maintenance and Care

Just as you need to do proper maintenance and care for your sofa, and other living room furnishings in order to extend their life, it's the same for your mattress too. In fact, maintaining and caring for your mattress is crucial to ensure its longevity and comfort. While all materials and mattress manufacturers are going to have varied instructions on how to maintain them, there are a few basic things that you can do yourself:

• Always have a mattress protector on your mattress to avoid stains and dirt · Regularly clean your mattress
• Use a mattress topper to help extend the shape of the mattress · Avoid jumping on it (as this quickly leads to strains)
• Avoid putting heavy objects on the bed

3.    Children and Pets

Believe it or not, but 20% of people have their sleep interrupted by their children regularly! There's a chance that pets could probably contribute to this, too, especially if they sleep with you. While children and pets have a way of affecting sleep schedules, did you know they also affect the lifespan of mattresses too?

It's very important to use child-sized mattresses for children’s beds. It's also vital that they take care of them too. If you allow your children to jump on the bed as if it's a trampoline, then they're going to damage the mattress quickly. As for pets, their dander can penetrate the mattress, which can cause allergies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I change my mattress?

Most mattresses need replacing every 7–10 years, depending on quality and materials. If you’re experiencing discomfort, sagging, or reduced support, it may be time to replace it sooner.

2. How do you know when a mattress needs replacing?

A mattress likely needs replacing if you notice visible sagging, lumps, noise from springs, worsening allergies, or if you wake up feeling stiff, sore, or unrested. These are clear indicators that the mattress is no longer providing adequate support.

3. What are signs of a worn-out mattress?

Common signs include:

• Indentations or sagging spots
• Uneven firmness
• Increased motion transfer
• A musty smell or allergen buildup
• Sleeplessness or aches that improve when sleeping elsewhere

4. What happens if you don’t change your mattress regularly enough?

Using an old mattress can lead to poor sleep quality, back and neck pain, accumulated dust mites and allergens, and reduced overall comfort. Over time, it can negatively affect your health, sleep posture, and daily energy levels.

5. How often should I change my mattress topper?

You should replace your mattress topper every 2–5 years. Signs it needs replacing include flattening, reduced cushioning, or lingering odours that don’t wash out.

6. How often should I change my mattress protector?

A mattress protector typically lasts 1–2 years. Replace it when waterproofing fades, it becomes worn or damaged, or if stains and allergens persist after washing.

Find A Mattress Store Near You

Hopefully you’re feeling a lot more comfortable when it comes to figuring out what you need in terms of a mattress refresh. As a next step, be sure to browse our great range of mattresses to find your perfect upgrade.

Or, if you prefer a more ‘hands on’ approach to mattress shopping, you can pop into one of Caseys Furnitures’ stores. We have locations in Cork, Limerick and Dublin, all of which can be used for Click & Collect.