7 signs it’s time for a new mattress

Despite our best efforts of looking after them, sometimes it is necessary to buy ourselves a new mattress. Whether yours is getting old, or you are moving and want a fresh start, a new mattress can really make a difference to how we feel when we wake up. There are a number of things we can look out for to check if we need a new one, or if there is something else that is negatively affecting our sleep.

1. Sagging mattress

If you can visibly see that your mattress is sagging, it’s definitely time to get a new one, as it may be a sign the springs are starting to go. Any type of mattress should return to its original shape very soon after you take your weight off it. If this isn’t the case with your mattress, you may want to consider getting a new one, to help aid your sleep. Sleeping on a sagging mattress can result in an unbalanced body-weight distribution. In turn, this can lead to “uneven spinal support” 

2. You start having night sweats

When a mattress loses its resilience and no longer returns to its original shape, it may also lose its breathability. This happens because the breathability of a mattress is given by the presence of air bubbles inside the foam that allow the passage of air and thus the cooling of the body during the night. When the mattress is squashed and sags, air passage becomes more complex, making it impossible for the body to cool down. Far from being a simple comfort problem, this could drastically decrease the quality of our sleep. Indeed, scientific studies show that lowering body temperature at night is essential to ensuring a good night's sleep. 

3. Your mattress is noisy

Mattresses should not make noise, and if your bed is squeaking this is one of the most obvious signs you need a new mattress, and could mean the springs are starting to sag. This will mean they are unable to support you well, and could lead to disturbed sleep and result in aches and pains when you wake up. Not only will the springs not support you properly, but the noises could wake you up in the night when you move, and could disturb your sleep even further.

4. Your mattress smells

Another sign that you need to get a new mattress is if it has an odour. Not only can a bad smell be unpleasant to be around, but it can be signs that there is mould or fungi growing in the mattress. A study has shown that visible signs of mould can be related to sleep problems, and might negatively influence sleep in children. Ensuring you replace your mattress as soon as it starts to smell is the best way to minimise health risks from mould.

5. Your allergies are aggravated when you sleep

This is another sign that your mattress may have fungi or mould growing in it, and possibly even dust mites. Although your mattress might not have a distinctive smell, it could still have hygiene issues which your body is making you aware of.

One way to make your mattress last longer, if your allergies are often onset, is to invest in a mite and allergen proof cover. These casings have been found to significantly reduce dust and mite allergen levels, meaning if you are easily set off by dust which disturbs your sleep, this should help you out.

6. Waking up with aches and pains

Another sign of needing a new mattress is waking up to discomfort. No one wants to wake up in pain, and a key benefit of sleep is being comfortable and well rested. Getting up in the morning with aches is a sign that your mattress may need replacing. Typical aches and pains caused by a bed that needs to be replaced are mainly on pressure areas, such as the pelvis and shoulders for those who sleep in a curled-up position.  It could be that the springs have worn over time or that the memory foam has lost its shape. You won’t awaken your best if you are in pain, so shopping for a new mattress should be made a priority.

7. You prefer sleeping away from home 

If you sleep better on a different mattress, be that in a hotel, or when you stay with a friend, it could be another sign that yours needs replacing. Although this could mean your mattress is old, or showing signs of wear and tear, it could also be that your mattress just isn’t right for you. 

How often should you get a new mattress?

Even if your mattress is showing none of the above signs of wear and tear, and you are still comfortable, if your mattress is over eight years old, it is worth keeping a close eye on it. Mattresses usually last around eight years, and even if they still have lots of life in them, it’s worth preparing to buy a new one soon, as this is the time when they are likely to start deteriorating. 

If your mattress is in good condition, and is still relatively new, but you are still struggling to sleep, there could be a variety of factors at play. There are a number of tips to help you sleep that are worth considering. Many of them are simple, small changes that can have a big impact on the quality of your sleep.