When to Replace a Mattress?
You spend a considerable portion of your life in bed. This part of your daily routine is important to keep you alert, energetic, and healthy. If you're sleeping on a bad mattress, it can affect your life in significant ways. Know when it's time to haul off the old one and bring in something new by looking for some common indicators that are universal for all mattresses. Does this Spark an idea?
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When It's Uncomfortable
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One of the easiest ways to know when it's time to replace your old mattress is by gauging your own comfort level. If your bed is uncomfortable, then you can justify buying a new mattress. It doesn't matter if you just got a new mattress a couple of years ago. If it doesn't feel good, then it's not right for you. Unfortunately, most mattress companies don't guarantee your personal comfort but instead warranty only manufacturing defects and the like. So, you may be stuck with something that affects your ability to rest for many years if you don't bite the bullet and get a new mattress.
Five to Seven
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If you want to stick to straight numbers, then plan on replacing your mattress in five to seven years on average. Most mattresses begin to wear out within this amount of time and can also be filled with allergens from years of use beyond five years. Using a protective hypoallergenic cover on your mattress from day one can help reduce allergens. People who weigh more can also expect the lifespan of the mattress to be a little shorter, while children or people who weigh less can expect something on the upper end of the range.
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Noises
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If your mattress makes loud or strange noises when you roll over or sit on the edge, then it's possible you're due for a new mattress. Sounds may indicate worn out springs or other problems inside the mattress. These problems could result in support and comfort issues that will drastically affect your sleep quality and comfort. A good mattress should be comfortable and very quiet when you move around on it.
Roll Together
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If you sleep with another person and you're constantly repositioning yourself to keep from rolling onto the other person, then you have a worn out mattress most likely. "Roll together" is the common term used to describe the sensation of couples rolling toward one another in the center of the bed. This is caused by the breakdown of the mattress materials and usually means a new mattress is in order.
Visible Wear
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If you need something more tangible to tell you to buy a new mattress, pull off the sheets and take a close look. If your mattress looks worn out, then it probably is. In fact, if the mattress has obvious signs of wear visually, then you're long overdue for a new mattress. Often a well cared for but worn mattress may still look good. If it looks rough, then it probably sleeps terribly.
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References
- Photo Credit Sexy woman sleeping image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com