What is the average lifespan of a mattress? How long should you keep a mattress? It depends on a number of factors. In general, you can use the same mattress for a decade if it is properly cared for. Mattresses are usually expensive. Majority of people change or replace them after many years or sometimes they use it for a lifetime. It is always a burden for many to purchase a new mattress. Mattresses can last long if it is well taken care of regardless of its type. In most cases, they should be replaced every decade. Changing or replacing a mattress can improve your health and sleep quality. Though it is a fact that the longevity of a mattress is dependent upon several factors, increasing its lifespan is easy by doing numerous simple ways. We discuss some of the factors that can impact the life of a mattress. We also provide some tips to maintain mattresses longer:
1. Mattress Type
What type of mattress do you own? Is it innerspring, air, latex, or memory foam? Different type of mattress have different lifespan; air and innerspring mattresses have the shortest, memory foam in the middle, and latex mattresses have the longest lifespan.
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What is the life expectancy of air mattress?
Air mattresses in the long run will start to leak or in general become inefficient at holding air pressure. If the built-in pump is damaged, it becomes useless and you need to replace the mattress. As a whole, the expected lifespan of an air mattress is about 5 years.
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How long should you keep a mattress and box spring?
Innerspring mattresses are most suitable for those who do not sleep with a partner. This will give you a sleeping surface that is bouncy and springy; however, the inner core of this mattress is made up of thin metal wires, which prevent it from sagging and maintain its support event if it is consistently rotated or flipped. Even those that are properly cared for will last for about 7 to 8 years.
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How long do memory foam mattresses last?
Memory foam mattresses usually do not easily sag but not indestructible. They also need to be rotated; however, when this is consistently rotated, it will eventually become less supportive. This type of mattress is expected to last for about 10 years if it is kept cleaned, ventilated, and rotated.
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How long should you keep latex mattress?
Latex mattresses are the best when it comes to quality and durability. This mattress is made up of materials that contain antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties in combination with the durable latex rubber foam. This mattress has an expected lifespan of 15 years.
2. Regular Care
Another essential factor that highly affects the mattress’ durability is the consistency and process of cleaning. Are you cleaning it on your own or are you hiring a professional cleaner? How frequent are you cleaning it? What are the steps in cleaning it? It is very essential that you consistently clean your mattress to extend its lifespan; otherwise, it would not last long. This is because bacteria, molds, and mildew could possibly thrive on the mattress and eat away some of the materials that comprise it. In addition, it would be better if you hire a professional cleaner once in a while since bacteria and germs could not be easily removed using regular household cleaning products and procedures.
3. Frequency of Use
Normally, any product that is frequently used will not last long. However, there are two things that you need to consider. First, regardless of the mattress type, the lifespan of a mattress will decrease if it is extremely used, for instance, couples sharing a bed and using it for more than 10 hours a day. Secondly, mattresses will deteriorate if it has been left unused and uncleaned for a long period of time. Mattresses that are averagely used, have been used for only 7 to 8 hours a day, and then consistently cleaned are the ones that will last long.
4. The Cleaning Products
As mentioned earlier, the longevity of a mattress depends on several factors, and one of these factors is the cleaning methods and products used. For example, if the mattress is stained with blood, the usual remedy for this is to use hydrogen peroxide. Using too much of this substance (and other strong stain removers) can reduce the lifespan of a mattress as mattresses are not designed to withstand these chemicals.
5. Proper Precautions
It is always enjoyable to have kids in the house. However, if your kids are using your bed as a trampoline, it might not be a good idea. You would rather tell them to play somewhere within the house, because doing so could really destroy your bed. For instance, you have an innerspring mattress; there is a possibility that the spring will soften and compressed and will leave your bed creaky and sagging. In addition, if you have a latex or a memory foam mattress, indentations that cannot be repaired will be evident. To extend the lifespan of your mattress, you can also flip or rotate it once in a while, but that is only if it has a dual-sided design and allows you to do so. You can specifically flip or rotate the mattress every few months, and certainly this can maintain its durability.
When should you replace old mattress?
Usually, mattresses that are used for more than 7 years are not supportive and comfortable anymore. When you notice some signs of wearing out in the surface or a deterioration of the support and comfort level, it is best to change it. Some of the common indications of wearing out are sagging, tearing, and holes. If you cannot anymore experience restful sleep at night and you feel that you can sleep better somewhere else than in your bed, you really need to change your mattress. Once you have a new one, you should consider donating, selling or getting rid of old mattress. Here is a detailed guide on how you can dispose an old mattress.
You might purchase the most costly mattress, but if it is not well taken care of, it might only last less than 10 years. On the other hand, those mattresses that are properly cared for usually last for over 15 years.
