How do you know when it’s time to replace your mattress?

This is a surprisingly controversial topic, in part because mattress manufacturers and consumers tend to provide conflicting advice. So, who would you believe? Your mother, or the people who actually made your mattress?

The truth is: you’ll probably need to listen to both.

There’s lot of misinformation out there about when it’s time to buy a new mattress. Let’s look at some of the most common myths and dispel some of the fiction to ensure you’re getting the most out of your mattress.

Myth 1: Every 10 years.

For decades, a commonly used statistic in the mattress industry was that most mattresses should be replaced every 10 years. There may be some truth to this, as we’ll get to below, but here’s the biggest problem with that number: it’s too general.

Mattresses aren’t manufactured to expire on a certain date. You’re not going to wake up one morning, exactly 10 years after you bought the mattress, and find yourself sunken into the floor. It doesn’t work that way.

The longevity of your mattress depends on numerous factors:

• How you sleep on it
• How often you rotate it
• Durability of materials / quality of craftsmanship
• Brand / manufacturer

Some people may replace their mattress in 7 years, some may replace it in 15. It all depends, so don’t assume that the 10-year recommendation is right for you.

Myth 2: The bed frame or box spring is broken.

You can easily replace your bed frame or box spring without needing to buy a completely new mattress. And just because those items are damaged doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the mattress itself. Simply repair or replace the damage, and you’ll save a lot of money.

Myth 3: The mattress is sagging.

This one is part-myth, part-truth. Yes, you should probably replace your mattress if it is sagging in any area. But can it be flipped? If you simply can’t afford to buy or finance a new mattress, you may be able to extend the life by simply flipping it upside down. Ideally, you should be flipping your mattress every few months anyway (if it can be) to prevent the sagging in the first place.

Myth #4: You’ve removed that weird “DO NOT REMOVE” tag.

Don’t worry about that tag—it’s just for the manufacturers. You can remove it if you want, and it certainly doesn’t affect the lifespan of your mattress.

Real reasons to replace your mattress

So, how can you really tell it’s time to replace your mattress? You’ll know from the way it feels and the quality of your sleep!  Here are some sure-fire signs:

• You’re tossing and turning more often at night
• You’re waking up with aches in your neck, back, hips or shoulders
• The mattress feels lumpy or is sagging (and it can’t be flipped)
• The mattress is no longer comfortable, and/or you sleep better in other locations, like hotel beds or the sofa

Time for a replacement?

We’re happy to help! Browse our large selection of mattresses right here at Bens.com, or visit one of our stores to find your new mattress.