How long should a mattress last? And 5 signs you definitely need a new one

Nothing lasts forever, including your mattress. But how long should it keep and when does it really need to be replaced?

Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Thank you for signing up to Homes & Gardens. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

Ever wake up in full zombie mode after a sleepless night? If you’re struggling to get comfy in bed, it may be a sign that your mattress needs a serious upgrade.

A quality mattress is an absolute must for a solid night of sleep. While it can feel like a splurge, a cushy mattress is an investment in your health and wellbeing. It’s totally worth waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The best mattresses may be a long-term purchase but it won’t last forever.

Over time the materials degrade, and it no longer offers the same support. Typically, you can expect a mattress to last 7 -10 years, but it depends on factors like the material and who is sleeping on it.

Here, we’ll dive into how long you can expect your mattress to last and the factors that influence it. No idea how old your mattress is? We’ve got you covered with the telltale signs it’s due for replacement. Plus, we ask the experts for their top tips to maximize the lifespan of your mattress and make the most of your investment.

So why is it important to know how long your mattress will last, and when it needs replacing? 'Having a supportive mattress allows your spine to rest properly. If your mattress is too soft or too hard you will not be able to get comfortable and relax. Giving your musculoskeletal system a chance to rest allows soft tissue structures like tendons, ligaments, and muscles to recover and rehydrate,' says Christopher Anselmi, chiropractor and director at the Center for Spine Care and Mobility.

So how long can you expect a mattress to last? 'The average lifespan of a mattress is about 7-10 years. However, this can vary depending on the type of mattress and how well it is cared for,' adds Jeff Kahn, co-founder and CEO of Rise Science.

Materials and the type of mattress are a big factor, with some lasting longer than others. Let’s break it down.

Chrisopher Ansemli has been a practicing chiropractor for two decades. He runs the Center for Spine Care and Mobility, treating musculo-skeletal issues, sporting injuries, and overuse syndromes.

Jeff is the Co-founder and CEO of Rise Science, an energy and sleep tracking app. A Forbes 30 under 30, Jeff has also beean featured in Forbes, the New York Times, and the Harvard Business Review.

Innerspring mattresses are ideal for traditionalists – this design has stood the test of time. They are filled with coils, giving these mattresses their distinctive bounce. But it means they wear out more quickly. 'Innerspring mattresses generally have a shorter lifespan, averaging around 6 years,' says Jeff.

Next up is memory foam mattresses, which tends to have a slightly extended lifespan. 'Materials such as foam claim a longer lasting product with better resilience,' says Christopher. '8 to 10 years is a typical lifespan'.

'Hybrid mattresses, which combine different materials such as foam and coils, can last anywhere from 8 to 10 years,' says Jeff. Their endurance varies depending on what exactly the layers are made of.

Latex mattresses offer ultimate durability. 'Latex mattresses can last up to 12 years,' says Jeff. If you opt for natural latex that can survive even longer. Some manufacturers claim they can live to the ripe old age of 20 years.

The material is just one factor that affects durability. Wear and tear is often overlooked. 'The weight of a person sleeping on a mattress can affect its lifespan. One study suggests people who weigh more than 250 pounds may need to replace their mattresses more frequently than those who weigh less,' explains Jeff.

Another obvious one is whether you share your bed with a partner, which puts more strain on the mattress. Plus, if your furry friends snuggle up in your bed it adds extra weight, not to mention the risk of claw damage.

And of course, the longer you spend in bed, the shorter the lifespan of your mattress. If you devote every Sunday to curling up with boxsets in bed, you may need to replace your mattress more often.

Unsure how old your mattress is? Here are five clues you’re due an upgrade...

'When you lie down at night, can you settle in quickly, or do you toss and turn a lot? If the first few minutes of going to bed are a struggle, you need a new mattress.' says Lauri Leadley, president, clinical sleep educator, and founder of the Valley Sleep Center in Arizona.

Lauri is the founder and President of Valley Sleep Center, one of the largest independent sleep diagnostics centers in Arizona with the facilities to diagnose and treat a variety of sleep-related issues such as insomnia, sleepwalking, snoring, and more. The center has five locations in the Phoenix area including Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Phoenix.

Another classic sign? 'Listen to your body. An old mattress can cause pain in your hips, low back, mid back, neck, and even your shoulders.' says Matthew Cavanaugh, Chiropractor at Cavanaugh Chiropractic in Louisiana.

Matt is a chiropractor of 12 years, based in Lafayette, Louisiana.

'How are you feeling during the day? Are you rested and energized? Or do you ‘hit the wall’ rather early?' says Lauri. 'Your old mattress could be stopping you from enjoying a restorative sleep.'

That’s the mattress, not you. Any visible signs are a huge no-no and an indicator that you’re due a new one. 'If your mattress has rips, lumps, or springs poking through, those are clear signs it's time for a replacement.' says Dr. Chris Tomshack, CEO of HealthSource Chiropractic.

'If you notice that you are sleeping better on other mattresses (such as when staying in a hotel or visiting friends), it may be time to consider getting a new mattress.' advises Jeff. Insider tip - consider trips away from home as an opportunity to figure out your mattress preferences.

Because they're thinner than a mattress, mattress toppers tend not to last as long. On average, they last between 3-5 years, but they can last longer with proper care.

A good bedframe should last at least a decade. High-quality bedframe made from hardwoods or metals should last you a lifetime.

All of these are rough guidelines. If your bed has started feeling uncomfortable before it should, there's no point waiting for it to improve. You should replace your mattress as soon as you're able, or get a mattress topper to tide you over if you don't have the money right now.

Decor Ideas. Project Inspiration. Expert Advice. Delivered to your inbox.

Louise Bond is a UK-based writer. She has a background in health and loves discovering new ways to nurture wellbeing. Louise has been published in The Guardian, Fit & Well, Breathe, Top Ten Reviews, and more. You can usually find her out in nature, whether on an invigorating hike or pottering in the garden.

Discover the pros and cons of either time, along with how to cut back coneflowers correctly

By Drew SwainstonPublished 28 August 23

We put the Vitamix-rival to the test, but can it knock it off our top spot?

By Millie FenderPublished 28 August 23

Dealing with restless nights and morning aches and pains? You could be sleeping on a bad mattress, here's what to look out for

By Michele RossPublished 26 August 23

Want to work out if a mattress is right for you before you commit? Here's advice from the experts on how to test a mattress

By Louise BondPublished 13 July 23

We unfold the mysteries of the futon mattress – find out if it’s right for you

By Alison BarrettaPublished 13 July 23

Unsure whether a platform bed or a box spring is right for your set up? We break down these two mattress foundation options

By Alison BarrettaPublished 13 July 23

Learn how this low profile bed frame can elevate the look of your bedroom

By Alison BarrettaPublished 12 July 23

Discover the lifespan you can expect from a memory foam mattress with advice from the pros

By Sarah WarwickPublished 10 July 23

Weird smell coming from your new mattress? It's actually very normal, here's why it happens and what you can do about it

By Jo PlumridgePublished 10 July 23

Don't wait to wake up with back pain, these are 5 signs it's time to replace your current mattress, according to the experts

By Alison BarrettaPublished 9 July 23