How to Know When to Replace a Mattress
A good mattress is key to a restful night's sleep and is imperative for providing back support as we slumber the hours away. And a well-crafted mattress can mean the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up stiff and achy. The question becomes, however, when to replace an aging mattress, so use these guidelines to know whether it's time to part ways with yours.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Replace a regularly used mattress once every ten years or so for the simple fact that mattresses are hotbeds for dust mites, allergens and germs.
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2
Check for wear and tear that results from regular use of a mattress. If there is significant deterioration, it's probably time to replace it.
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3
Assess the comfort and quality of your mattress. If it no longer provides adequate support or you find yourself tossing and turning because it is uncomfortable, it's time to upgrade.
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4
Trade in your old mattress for a new one if you find yourself waking up with back pain or other physical discomfort caused by your mattress. Even if your mattress doesn't cause you to lose sleep at night, that doesn't mean it's not the cause of your morning stiffness.
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5
Consider the current shape of your bed. Sagging, lumping and other structural deformities in your mattress indicate that you should look for a replacement.
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Evaluate whether your physical needs have changed since the time of purchasing your current mattress. As our bodies age, we begin to require different qualities in a bed than in previous years. A softer or firmer mattress may be what your body needs now.
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7
Swap out a mattress that is too small for one that is larger and more accommodating. If you share your bed with someone else and you find yourselves consistently fighting for bed space, bring the fighting to an end and upgrade to a larger mattress.
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Tips & Warnings
Guest beds that are only used occasionally will last far longer than a nightly used mattress in the master bedroom. If you suspect that your guest mattress is starting to fade, though, then you might try sleeping on it one night to try it for yourself.
