5 Signs You Need A New Mattress

Waking up sore? Feeling like you didn’t get a night of good sleep, even if you slept a consistent 7-9 hours through the night? Sneezing an unusual amount? Your old mattress might need replacing, but your body will probably recognise this before your brain does. With age and hard use, mattresses can break down over time, which can prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. There are many signs you need a new mattress, but they might not be apparent at first or you might not recognise them as being detrimental to your ability to get a restful sleep.

Sleep Firm is a proudly Australian family-owned and operated business that sells certified sleep science coach-approved mattresses. Our spring mattresses are top-of-the-line and guaranteed to help you feel your best. If you are dealing with any of the following five signs, it might indicate you need a new mattress.

Sign no. 1: Trouble sleeping

If you find you are struggling to get a good night’s sleep, you’re waking up sore, or your sleep is just not as satisfying as it was before, you may need a new mattress. An old mattress can cause aches and pains in your lower back, hips, neck, and shoulders. This is because your spring mattress, memory foam mattress, or even waterbed is no longer able to give you the support you require.

In older beds, you might see your body impression in your bed after you wake up. Supportive beds that are quality-made should return to their natural state after you get up. If a mattress cannot return to its initial shape, then it cannot support your spine’s natural curve. This means added stress is being put on your other body parts.

Sign no. 2: Obvious sagging and wear

As your mattress ages, it might show signs that it’s time to replace it with a new one. Your mattress might show these signs of wear:

• Sagging
• Tears
• Ripping
• Stains
• Visible tears
• Holes
• Body impressions

If you see your mattress sagging, or your spring mattress squeaks, these also might be signs of wear. You also shouldn’t ignore it if you find springs poking you, foam shifting around, deep indentations, or if you can feel the foundation.

Sign no. 3: Dust mites and respiratory problems

Allergies acting up? But it’s not allergy season – how could this be? If you fall asleep feeling like you’re unusually stuffed up, it might indicate that your mattress is aging. Even the perfect mattress will collect dead skin cells, but an older mattress may collect the highest amount of dust mites and dust cells than anywhere else or on any other item in your home.

It could also be harbouring bacteria, mould, dust mite feces, and other allergens, which might be contributing to your respiratory problems. If your mattress starts feeling like you’re hugging a long-haired cat covered in pollen that’s been rolled in dust, it’s probably a sign that you’ve kept your mattress a little too long and it’s time to replace it.

Sign no. 4: It’s getting up there in years

The age of your mattress is a fair indicator of whether or not it might be time to switch it out for a new mattress. An old mattress made from generic memory foam will decline in quality typically after the 8-year mark (give or take), whereas a quality-made foam bed might last you between 10 and 15 years.

Waterbeds tend to last the longest, giving you proper comfort for 12 to 15 years. Mattress types need to be factored into the age and condition of your mattress, not to mention quality. A cheap, foam-made mattress may not last you more than a few years.

Old mattresses may feel uncomfortable to sleep on once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Springs break, you’re not sleeping well, and you aren’t getting the restful sleep you signed up for when you first purchased your mattress. If this is the case with your aging mattress, it might be time to prioritze a good night’s sleep and get a new bed.

Sign no. 5: Inability to regulate body temperature

While all the previous signs you need a new mattress may seem obvious, this one might catch you by surprise: you’re feeling hot and flushed at night, or waking up sweating. If this is happening continuously and has never happened before, it might indicate that you’ll need a new mattress. Temperature regulation is one of the benefits of quality-made mattresses, and once your bed can no longer help you stay cool (or keep warm) at night, it might be a good indicator that your mattress is beginning to break down.

Waking up with hot flashes is never good for your overall sleep health. If you want quality sleep, your best bet is to stay on top of your mattress’ health and replace it when you think it might be time for a new one. Not getting enough sleep can build up and cause significant sleep problems. You might have a more balanced mood, better emotional and physical function, and feel alert and productive with proper sleep. A quality mattress is key to healthy sleep quality.