We spend about one third of our lives sleeping, and it is essential to have a mattress that will provide a good night's sleep for many hours at a time. It's possible you need a new mattress, and you don't even realize it.
1. My Mattress is More Than Seven Years Old
If you want to know when to buy a new mattress, the first thing you should think about is how long you have had your current one. Have you been using your mattress on a regular basis for more than seven years? If so, it could be time to make the swap. Although the warranty may last longer, you actually need to replace your mattress much sooner. Think about how many hours each night you are using your mattress, and the changes your body goes through over those seven years. Whether they are natural changes like weight gain/loss, or changes like surgeries, your mattress might not be the best fit anymore. You also need to take into consideration the technological changes that take place in seven years. There are always new mattresses that are better fits for comfort and support than the last, and it is important to stay updated with the most top-of-the-line materials.
(Pictured: Acme Furniture Cicely 14" California King Gray Aloe Vera Pillow Top Mattress)
2. I Wake Up with Aches and Pains
If you wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains on a daily basis, buying a new mattress might solve the problem. A supportive mattress should provide comfort. These aches and pains are usually caused by normal depressions in the mattress that your body makes, causing some areas to sag. As a result, your mattress is giving you uneven support, and sleeping on it repetitively is only making the matter worse by straining your muscles. Also keep in mind that inexpensive mattresses lack even more support, allowing you to see these effects more quickly. If you are looking for the best mattress for back pain, it will be worth the investment to buy a high-quality mattress.
3. I Can't Sleep
If you wake up feeling like you got little to no sleep, it could be your mattress. Tossing and turning while trying to find the most comfortable position should not be a normal occurrence. If you sleep better in another bed, like at a friend's house or in a hotel, that's also a sign that your mattress could be a problem. Feeling especially tired throughout the day is a sign your mattress isn't providing you with an optimal amount of sleep. There are sleep tracking apps that actually analyze your sleep by monitoring how many hours of sleep you get a night, and even how much you toss and turn. Finding the most comfortable mattress for you is the key to having a good night's sleep.
4. My Mattress Has Sags and Lumps
If you can see or feel sags and lumps in your mattress, it's time for an upgrade. These are signs of overuse and typical wear and tear, and will be more visible the longer you've had your mattress. You will notice these signs more quickly in mattresses that are poorly made. Always examine your mattress throughout the year and make sure that the surface is fairly even. Remember that having slight body impressions throughout your mattress are normal - this is a sign that your mattress is conforming to you, and providing you with the best sleep. However, if there is a huge sag in the middle that is disrupting your sleep, you should look into getting a new mattress. Regularly flipping and rotating your mattress will help minimize visible sagging.
5. My Mattress Creaks and Squeaks
A creaking, squeaking mattress is a sign that the springs are worn down too much and not giving you proper support anymore. Roll over on your mattress to check if you hear any loud noises. Also check for them when you sit or lie on the bed. If you feel any of the coils when you lie on the bed, you need to replace your mattress. Being able to feel the coils is not normal, and you will notice the effect it has on your sleep the longer you go without replacing your mattress.
By: Lee Krumbein
