It’s hard to give a definitive answer when customers ask when they should change their memory foam mattress. There are too many factors that cause a mattress to age quickly and it’s hard to determine without feeling the mattress in question.
However, alongside personal preference, there are some indicators that might hint you’re ready to say goodnight to your tired bed.
The experts over at The Sleep Council recommend replacing your mattress every seven years to ensure optimum sleep quality, they even declared March as National Bed Month, to get more people thinking about whether their mattress is still up to the job. Quality memory foam mattresses should last longer than seven years, while cheap memory foam mattresses will likely expire before.
Ultimately it’s down to how you feel and if you’re sleeping well. So, how do you know when it’s time to replace your mattress? Here are 10 signs that you’re ready for a memory foam replacement:
Do you wake up aching, stiff and tired?
Morning aches and pains are a strong sign that your mattress is not providing the support to your pressure points that your body needs to fully relax and recover. You’ll be tossing and turning more in a bid to get comfortable, sometimes to the point of waking up. And ultimately, you’ll feel unrested, achy and lethargic the next day.
If your back aches and pains are pre-existing and your poor-quality mattress is just heightening the symptoms, you should consider a medical memory foam mattress or an orthopaedic mattress.
Is your mattress lumpy or sagging in the middle?
If you’re rolling towards your partner in the night or feel like your body is twisted as you sleep, your mattress may be sagging and therefore not supporting your body as it should. This puts strain on your body because you’re not sleeping in the correct anatomical position and may result in back, neck and shoulder pain.
Before placing the blame on your mattress, however, check the condition of your bed base. Broken slats or central support frames can also cause lumps and sagging. In this instance, a new bed frame is what you’ll need to keep your body and mattress in good condition.
Are you suffering from worsening allergies?
If you're suffering from allergy-like symptoms such as a stuffy nose or watery eyes every morning - without an obvious explanation of why - your mattress is probably the guilty culprit. Mattresses are a breeding ground for dust mites and other allergens that can cause new symptoms or worsen pre-existing conditions.
Over time, allergens build up and begin to cause problems on a daily basis. Although memory foam mattresses are more resistant to dust mites than many mattress types, it is inevitable after several years of use. Frequently washing bedding and using a machine washable mattress topper or cover can help prevent allergen build up and prolong the life of your mattress.
Does your partner disturb you when they move, or vice versa?
If your partner is tossing and turning all night your mattress might not be supporting them adequately. And just by feeling their movements to the point of waking, it’s clear that your mattress is no longer reducing motion transfer effectively and you won’t be able to enjoy a good night’s sleep. A double whammy – it’s time for a new mattress.
When was the last time you bought a new mattress?
If it’s 7+ years ago, then a new mattress will likely improve your sleep. Technology advances have improved the foams and support used in today’s designs. Plus your body has most likely changed during that time. If you’ve gained or lost weight, a new mattress will give you extra comfort.
If you can’t remember when the last time you bought a new mattress was … well it’s time to get shopping.
Look for lasting body impressions
One of the main phenomenons of a memory foam mattress (okay, not quite a phenomenon) is its ability to "memorise" your body shape and sleeping position while you're in bed, but revert back to its original state when you leave the bed.
However, as time passes and the mattress becomes older, the cellular structure of the foam breaks down and therefore it becomes much harder for the mattress to bounce back - think of it similar to how humans lose their skin elasticity as they get older.
So, if you notice your body impressions are visible in the mattress all day, or for a prolonged period of time, it’s a strong hint that you need a new quality mattress.
Is your mattress stained and unsightly?
If you took off your bed sheets, would your mattress be kind to the eyes? Would you feel embarrassed showing it to people? Stains and marks show that your mattress isn’t as clean and hygienic as it once was – and could mean it’s time to buy a new one.
Did you know? Our mattresses come with washable covers so it’s easy to keep your bed fresh and clean for years to come.
Can you see visible wear and tear, such as frayed edges?
Superficial wear and tear won't necessarily affect the quality of your sleep, nor will it be a direct sign that your mattress isn't supporting you how it should. However, it is a good indicator that your mattress is overworn and likely way past its average seven to ten-year lifespan, which does mean you're not reaping the true benefits of your foam mattress any longer.
Do you have problems getting to sleep and staying asleep?
Uncomfortable and unsupportive mattresses make it difficult to drift off, and will often result in tossing and turning during the night. A restless sleep is guaranteed to make you feel tired the next day – and night after night this lack of deep rest can really take its toll.
A new memory foam mattress moulds to your body shape, providing the ultimate in comfort and support and ensuring you drift off blissfully every night. In fact, memory foam mattresses can reduce tossing and turning by up to 80%. So you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day – every day.
If more than one of these statements ring true, it’s time to start thinking about replacing your mattress. At Memory Foam Warehouse we have a wide range of memory foam, reflex foam and pocket spring mattresses waiting for you to browse. Everything is made onsite at our Yorkshire HQ which means you get to enjoy factory-direct prices, and we’ve got a showroom onsite if you fancy having a test nap first. Like the sound of us?