The Best for News, Sport, Showbiz, Celebrities - us24.info :: How often should you change your mattress?

MOST mattresses last around seven to ten years, but you might need to replace yours sooner if you’re waking up sore, noticing sagging or dealing with allergies.

That’s the headline—below, you’ll find clear signs it’s time to upgrade, what to expect from each mattress type, and where to find the best prices right now.

The quality of your sleep depends on your mattress[/caption]

The general 7–10 year guideline is widely recommended, though some advice narrows that to 6–8 years depending on use and materials.

Seasonal check: Is your mattress past its best?

It’s smart to do a quick sleep setup audit a few times a year—especially as the seasons change.

Spring: Allergy season can reveal what’s lurking in older mattresses. If vacuuming and a protector don’t stop the sniffles, it may be time to replace.
Summer: Overheating often feels worse now. If you’re waking sweaty on foam that traps heat, consider a cooler hybrid or latex upgrade.
Autumn: As nights draw in, aches and dips are more noticeable. If you need better support before winter, move a replacement up the list.
Winter: Heavier bedding can mask an ageing mattress. If you’re still waking stiff, the mattress—not the duvet—is likely the culprit.

Side effects of sleeping on a worn-out mattress

Poor sleep affects your physical and mental health, which, if it goes on for too long, can cause big problems.

If you’re not getting enough zzzz, you may lack energy and find you can’t be bothered even with life’s easy tasks.

Your work may suffer, and you may well find you lose your temper more easily, getting irritated by unimportant details.

What’s more, a mattress that lacks support can lead to backache as well as pain in your hips, shoulders and neck.

All of these have a cumulative effect on your general health.

It could be you don’t even realise your bad back is down to your mattress, so waking up pain-free is a bonus to buying a new one and enjoying a restful night’s sleep.

If you need more convincing, then bear in mind that older mattresses also tend to hold more dirt, bacteria and even dust mites that have all built up over the years. Another great reason for buying a new mattress.

Signs you should replace your mattress

Look for obvious signs that your mattress is past its best.

Is it sagging? Are there evident lumps in it? Do the springs creak when you get into bed, or worse, can you feel them digging into you?

An old mattress will be less comfortable, so if you find it challenging to get to sleep or stay asleep, then that could be why.

Add to that a bad back or niggly aches, and it may well be you need to invest in a new mattress.

While experts recommend replacing a mattress every 7 – 10 years, the exact timeframe will depend on the individual.

Generally speaking, eight years is a good average.

The longer you have your mattress, the more dust and dirt will gather on and in it.

Though it sounds a little gross, drooling and sweating also take their toll, not to mention the millions of skin cells we shed each day.

Main signs you need to change your mattress:

Sagging, dips or body impressions that don’t bounce back
Lumps or areas that feel uneven
Creaking or pressure points (you can feel coils or hard spots)
Frequent tossing and turning or waking up sore
New or worsening allergies
Stains or lingering odours you can’t shift
You sleep better anywhere else (hotel, sofa, spare room)
It’s within (or beyond) the typical 7–10 year window

How to extend your mattress’s life - care tips

Looking after your mattress will ensure it has a long life.

It’s an expensive product, so it makes sense to keep it in optimum condition for as long as possible.

Rotate regularly: Most mattresses benefit from a 180° rotation every 3–6 months (check your brand’s care guide).
Flip only if double-sided: Many modern mattresses are single-sided—don’t flip unless the label says so.
Use a protector: Guards against spills, sweat and allergens, and helps keep your warranty valid.
Ventilate weekly: Pull back bedding to let moisture escape; vacuum the surface and sides occasionally.
Pair with the right base: Slats should be evenly spaced and supportive; a poor base can void warranties and shorten lifespan.
Mind the max weight: Exceeding design limits accelerates wear.

What mattress types are there?

Now that you know when to get rid of your old mattress and head to the shops, which one should you buy?

Open coil (traditional sprung)

What it is: A network of interlinked coils. Generally lighter and often the most affordable.

Pros: Easy to move, can suit occasional rooms and lighter use.
Cons: Motion transfer, less tailored support, shorter working life than pocket-sprung.

Best for: Guest rooms or short-term solutions. Find our best mattress roundup to help you decide.

Pocket sprung

What it is: Individually wrapped springs that move independently for better contouring and motion isolation.

Pros: Consistently comfortable for a wide range of sleepers; great support and airflow.
Cons: Heavier; feel varies by spring count and comfort layers.

Best for: Most sleepers, couples, and anyone who wants a traditional, breathable feel.

Memory foam

What it is: Viscoelastic foam that moulds to your body and relieves pressure.

Pros: Excellent pressure relief; great for side sleepers and those with joint pain.
Cons: Can sleep warm (look for cooling foams or gel-infused layers); some prefer a less “hugging” feel.

Best for: Pressure relief, motion isolation, and soothing sore joints. Find our best memory foam mattresses roundup to help you decide, and see our best cooling mattresses if you sleep hot.

Hybrid (springs + foam or latex)

What it is: A layered build that blends pocket springs with foam or latex for balance and breathability.

Pros: Combines support with pressure relief; better airflow than all-foam; great for couples.
Cons: Often one-sided; quality varies widely.

Best for: Most sleepers who want a “best of both” feel with extra edge support and cooling.

Latex (natural or synthetic)

What it is: Responsive, buoyant foam made from rubber tree sap (natural) or synthetics.

Pros: Durable, breathable, and naturally hypoallergenic—good for hot sleepers and those with sensitivities.
Cons: Heavier and tends to be pricier.

Best for: Long-term durability, cooler sleep, and a more “lifted” feel than memory foam.

Our top 3 mattresses tried and tested

Find out which mattresses gave the cosiest, comfiest and cost-effective nights sleep so that you can choose your next mattress wisely, as it will (hopefully) be with you for the next 8 years!

1. Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress, ~~£759~~ £455.40 – buy here

Pros: Very easy to unbox and set up, very comfortable to sleep on, hugs and supports your body
Cons: Depending on preference, the firmness might not suit everyone
Rating: 5/5

Read the full review of the best cooling mattresses.

2. Simba Earth APEX, £1,999 – buy here

Pros: Medium firm with a good amount of support, eases back and neck pain, supportive, my dog loves it too, 200-night trial, 10-year guarantee, 0% finance option
Cons: Expensive, heavy
Rating: 4/5

Read the full Simba Earth APEX review.

3. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro, from £950 – buy here

Pros: Comfort cool bamboo top, really supportive, open-cell structure, memory foam ensures breathability, antibacterial, thermoregulating, 1,500 individual pocket springs, removable cover is machine washable
Cons: Heavy
Rating: 4/5

Read the full Panda Hybrid mattress review.

Which mattress types last the longest?

Latex: Typically, the most durable, with many quality models comfortably exceeding the average lifespan when properly maintained.

Hybrid: Good longevity from supportive pocket springs plus durable comfort foams; quality and thickness of layers make a big difference.

Memory foam: Highly variable—lower-quality foams may need replacing sooner, while higher-density foams last longer with proper care.

Open coil: Generally, the shortest lifespan compared to pocket-sprung or latex due to linked coil construction.

Do warranties equal lifespan?

Not always. A 10-year warranty doesn’t guarantee 10 years of perfect support—it covers specific defects.

Focus on build quality, materials, and how well you sleep. As a rule of thumb, plan to review your mattress around the 7–10 year mark, or earlier if you’re uncomfortable.