Most of us probably don’t consider our mattresses to be a vital element to our overall health, but in reality, it can be one of the most instrumental tools you have towards fighting off a variety of issues including colds, obesity, depression, and even heart disease. Thinking about springing for a new mattress? Ask yourself these questions to figure out if a new mattress is right for you!
How long have you had your mattress?
Mattresses last roughly 7-10 years, any longer than that and you may begin to see a severe decline in the quality of your sleep. Many individuals use the warranty on their mattress as a guide to determine when it’s time to replace, however you may be surprised to learn that mattresses typically wear out much sooner than what’s listed on the warranty simply because warranties are designed to cover certain parts such as the springs, but not guarantee a mattress’s overall comfort.
Is your mattress uncomfortable for you to be on for an extended amount of time?
If there are dips or noticeable sagging in your mattress that are causing you to be uncomfortable it can affect your sleep and prevent you from waking up feeling well rested. If you wake up in pain or you toss and turn throughout the night, it’s probably a good sign that you are not sleeping comfortably and should look into getting a new mattress. Over time, as your body changes your sleep and comfort requirements also change, so as you age you may need a different mattress to remain comfortably sleeping.
Do you have unwanted guests on your mattress?
Dust mites, dead skin cells, dander, and other unwanted allergens do not belong on your mattress and over time can completely take over. Dust mites are considered one of the leading causes of allergens and will accumulate excessively, leading to issues for those with asthma or allergies. Memory foam, latex, and waterbeds are the most resistant to dust mites, however, dust mites love to hibernate and can multiply in the cotton felt layer that is present in most spring mattresses. Remembering to use a mattress cover and wash your pillows frequently can help alleviate dust mites and extend the overall life of your mattress.
Do you toss and turn all night and wake up feeling achy and fatigued?
If you had a good night’s sleep you wake up feeling refreshed and well rested, however, if you find that you are waking up tired and feel overly drowsy throughout the day it may be due to an excessive amount of tossing and turning throughout the night. Old mattresses gradually lose their ability to provide proper support after many years of use. Once the comfort zone is broken down these layers of the mattress loose their compression (and sometimes shape) which can result in pressure points that can make you uncomfortable. Morning neck and/or back pain that gets better as the day progresses on is also a sign that you are either sleeping on a mattress with the wrong firmness or it may be time to invest in a new mattress altogether.