The importance of sleep is undeniable, making a good night's rest all that more vital. However, if you find yourself waking up groggy or full of aches and pains, your mattress might be the culprit. A sagging bed will affect your sleep quality, resulting in tiredness, stiffness, and even allergies. The question is – how long do mattresses last? Here we will break down the lifespan of each mattress type, so you can better decide whether or not it's time to replace yours. Keep reading let us help you find your way to a more restful slumber.

How Long Do Mattresses Last?

Since you spend around 1/3 of your life sleeping, your mattress is an investment in both your home and health. But even the most durable beds won't last forever and natural wear and tear will make them start to break down and sag – no longer offering the same level of support. So, how long do mattresses last? The short answer is and average of between five to seven years, however, these numbers are influenced by a number of factors:

• Mattress type/materials
• Mattress quality
• Mattress care (rotating, cleaning)
• Number of sleepers (body weight)
• Sleep position (side or back sleeper)

Tip!

Selecting a mattress also involves your personal needs and preferences. Things like firmness or back pain will determine which will work best for you. Read our guides: Your Guide to the Mattress Firmness Scale and What Type of Mattress Is Best for Back Pain? for some valuable insight into picking the right one for your needs.

How Long Does Each Mattress Type Last?

There are five types of mattresses (read our Mattress Buying Guide for more info) to choose from, each with their own levels of comfort and support. Since they have varied designs, each one will last slightly differently. The options are:

• Innerspring
• Latex
• Memory foam
• Gel memory foam
• Hybrid

How Long Do Innerspring Mattresses Last?

While innerspring mattresses are the most economical of the lot, they also have the shortest lifespan – lasting around six to eight years on average. They are manufactured with a series of coils designed to distribute weight across the mattress surface in order to support your body, while giving that distinctive bounce.

• The springs can be made from various grades of metal, resulting in different levels of durability.
• While they offer firm and more localized body support, the coils tend to break down more easily.
• These traditional mattresses have stood the test of time, but do also wear out more quickly.
• Excessive weight can also compromise the durability of the mattress coils.
• Continuous coil innerspring mattresses feature interlocked springs, meaning one damaged spring can lead to the deterioration of others, eventually affecting the entire mattress at a faster rate.
• Pocket coil innerspring mattresses feature coils individually encased in fabric, giving them more endurance since the springs won't be so easily affected by the breakdown of one another.
• Once the springs are broken or damaged, they will start to make the mattress feel lumpy and bumpy.
• They are good for a medium to firm feel.

Tip!

Learn more about these mattresses with our guide: What Is an Innerspring Mattress?.

How Long Do Latex Mattresses Last?

Latex mattresses usually have the longest lifespan among them all, typically lasting between ten to 12 years. They often are produced using eco-friendly, hypoallergenic materials (natural latex from the rubber tree, typically combined with wool or cotton). These mattresses typically feature multiple layers of latex that provide more bounce while contouring to your body to help with pressure relief.

• With proper care, you can increase the longevity of your mattress.
• 100% latex is the most resilient, potentially even lasting longer than 12 years.
• Synthetic latex has a slightly lower price tag and works best for those with latex allergies.
• These mattresses are good for a firmer feel.

Tip!

You can help increase the life of your mattress with a mattress protector, pad, or topper. Read What Is a Mattress Pad? and What Is a Mattress Topper? for more info on these products.

How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?

Memory foam mattresses can last between six to ten years (longer if you rotate them regularly, as per manufacturer's instructions). Memory foam is extremely adaptive – contouring to the body, providing pressure relief, and effectively isolating motion.

• They comprise layers of different materials, including a sturdier foam at the bottom for stability and a softer foam at the top for plush comfort.
• Depending on the quality mattress you buy, the layers vary in durability based on the material used (also having an effect on their lifespan).
• It is possible for high-density memory foam mattresses to last as long as 15 years if maintained extremely well.
• Low-density foam mattresses usually last only five to seven years, sagging more quickly under pressure.
• If your memory foam mattress is sagging (or over ten years old), it's likely time to replace it.
• They are good for a medium-firm feel.

Tip!

Want to know more about the durability of memory foam mattresses? Read our guide How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last? A Helpful Guide.

How Long Do Gel Memory Foam Mattresses Last?

Gel memory foam mattresses feature a newer type of technology that uses memory foam infused with gel beads. They last between six to ten years (although some of the best quality ones can last as long as 15 years).

• They have the same properties as memory foam mattresses with the exception of the gel beads.
• These beads help to wick away body heat and disperse it, giving you a cooler night's sleep.
• Gel memory foam mattresses offer a balance of comfort and support.

How Long Do Hybrid Mattresses Last?

Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam with innersprings. They last an average of seven to ten years. Their interior comprises metal coils covered with a top layer of memory foam.

• They still have the bounce of box springs with the firmness of memory foam, creating better stability and extra pressure point support.
• Over time the coils can start to bend and warp with friction and usage, while the top layer of memory foam starts to weaken and sag.
• The durability depends on the quality of interior materials used.
• Similar to most memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses typically need to be replaced every ten years (depending on how well they have been maintained).

Tip!

Read What Is a Hybrid Mattress? for more info on these modern mattresses.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Mattress

While the predicted lifespan of each type of mattress is a good guide to go by, there are some telltale signs that it is time to replace yours. Be sure to read How Often to Replace a Mattress for a more in-depth look at mattress replacement.

• You wake up with a stiff neck, sore back, or other pain (no longer supporting you).
• You wake up feeling like you have allergies (old mattresses can trap dust mites causing stuffy nose, watery eyes, and even asthma symptoms).
• Your mattress has a smell that won't go away with cleaning (potentially mold or mildew).
• There are bumps and indentations or the foam doesn't bounce back (a mattress should have a smooth surface).
• Your mattress looks worse for wear (yellow, sagging, worn edges, rips and tears).
• You sleep better on a different mattress.
• You wake up in the night and/or wake up tired.
• Your hybrid or coil mattress makes noises (the springs are starting to wear).

Now we've answered your question "how long do mattresses last?", you can move on to buying one that will not only last long, but also help you sleep better at night.

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