Take heed! Here are the Signs that It’s Probably Time to Change Your Mattress!
July 26, 2017
Having sleep problems? The culprit could be your old mattress. Because good sleep is an integral part of a healthy life, it’s crucial that you’re mindful of your mattress, the sleep item that’s doing most of the heavy lifting. Take heed of these 8 signs that tell you it’s time to change your mattress.
1. You wake feeling like you haven’t slept
Your body tells you when you lack sleep. But what about when you have slept for 8 hours but still wake up feeling tired and groggy? If you’ve ruled out sleep disorders like sleep apnea, your tired body could be telling you to change your mattress. It’s likely that while asleep, your body kept on tossing and turning. This is an indication that your mattress is incapable of helping your body find a comfortable sleeping position. Your body knows when to change your mattress, so listen to what it is telling you. Changing your mattress could be the key to waking up feeling refreshed and rested.
2. The mattress you use is sagging
How do you know if it’s time to change your mattress? If you feel like you’re literally sinking into your bed, you should start considering when to buy a new mattress. Sagging occurs when a mattress has lost its resiliency. A related problem is body impression, an indentation when the fiber and foam compress over a short period of time. In many cases, some impression or dip is necessary to help support body alignment and relieve pressure. It becomes problematic, however, when the sagging and impression is more than 1.5 inches deep. When such is the case, it means that the core of your mattress has already softened. Your ideal mattress should be able to retain its firmness and shape after use.
3. You would rather sleep on the couch
Do you find yourself sleeping on the couch instead on your bed? It’s a good indication to consider changing your mattress. Your mattress should be comfortable and cozy. If your couch has become your new bed, it means that your mattress needs to be replaced. While a short nap on the couch can be beneficial, sleeping on the couch like it is your bed can have negative health effects. Most couches are made for sitting, not sleeping. Find a new mattress capable of providing restorative support from head to toes.
4. You struggle with soreness in the morning
If you wake up with a sore and stiff body, it’s a sign that your mattress is no longer helping you to fully relax and rest while you sleep. Because a worn-out mattress is unlikely to provide the necessary support, you risk facing the morning with significant pain in the neck, shoulders, and back. While stretching and exercise can alleviate the pain, it’s best if you address the root cause of the problem. There really is no need to comprise your sleep when you can get a mattress that can help you wake up revitalized and pain-free.
5. You had a significant change in body weight
A lot of people often wonder how long is a mattress good for. Significantly, a mattress is only as good as the support it provides to your body weight. A person’s body weight may change during the life cycle of a mattress. A drastic change in body weight could be due to a medical operation, pregnancy, diet or age. The mattress that supported your body a year ago may no longer do the trick once your weight has increased or decreased. When this happens, choose a new mattress based on firmness and capability to alleviate pressure points.
6. Your mattress is squeaky
You might not realize it at first, but if you listen closely to the sound of your mattress, it can provide information about whether it’s time to buy a new one. Consider buying a replacement mattress when you start hearing a squeaky or creaking sound from your bed. It could be an indication that your mattress is already off. Broken or old box springs can affect a mattress’ ability to maintain its shape and provide healthy support. The odd sound of your mattress can also mean that it’s frame is already damaged. Without a proper frame, a mattress can sag in the center and cause your body to ache.
7. You are sneezing and suffering from allergies
Do you wake up sneezing and suffering from allergies? It could be your body’s way of telling you to let go of your mattress. You can easily develop allergies when exposed to dust mites that thrive in old mattresses. Dust mites are tiny bugs that live by the millions in mattresses. They feed on the dead skin and hair of humans. Invisible to the naked eye, dust mites are one of the leading causes of allergies and asthma. When choosing your new mattress, consider a memory bed foam because they are resistant to dust mites. Dust- and allergen-proof covers are also worth considering because they protect your mattress and pillows from getting infested. Lastly, ensure that you wash your pillows and bedding regularly to exterminate dust mites and extend the life of your new mattress.
8. Your mattress is 7 years or older
You’re probably asking, “How often do I replace memory foam mattress?” Usually, a mattress’ lifespan is 5-10 years (not six years) . If your mattress is 10 years or older, it’s probably time to get a new one. Your body’s needs have most likely changed within that time. It’s also a sign that you need to consider getting a new mattress when you can’t remember when you bought your last mattress. Mattresses have a tough job providing support to your body. No matter the price of a mattress, it’s not built to last forever. When selecting a new mattress, take advantage of new technology to meet your needs and preference.
Always keep these 8 signs in mind to help you determine when to change your mattress. Avoid treating a new mattress as an expense. Rather, think of it as an investment. A new mattress will not only improve how you sleep but can also enhance your quality of life.
