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If your bed has gone from your favorite cozy spot to the place you wake up with a sore back each morning, then it’s probably time to start thinking about making some changes.

Ask yourself: When did you buy the mattress you’ve been sleeping on each night? If you can’t remember, chances are it’s time to dip into the savings account and get a new one.

According to The Better Sleep Council, you shouldn’t keep your mattress for more than 7 years. Of course, every mattress is different, and this timeline will depend on how often you use it, how well you take care of it, and what it’s made of.

Here’s a complete breakdown to help you determine if it’s time to get a new bed.

Not all mattresses are created equal. Sadly, a super cheap mattress with a deal that seems too good to be true isn’t going to last as long as a luxury mattress with a luxury price tag. (It’s just science folks: Higher quality materials tend to be more durable.)

Find your mattress type below for all the deets on when it’s time to upgrade.

Spring

An innerspring mattress is made with a coil support system that helps to distribute your weight evenly across the mattress. These will typically last for up to 10 years, but can last even longer if they’re two-sided.

Memory foam

You know those internet hype mattresses that tend to take over your social media pages, like Casper or Purple? A lot of these beds-in-a-box are typically made of memory foam.

However, there are many different kinds of memory foam mattresses, and the materials and densities will determine how long they last. A quality memory foam mattress can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years with the right care — that’s a decade of unspilled wine glasses, folks.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses are made of layers of different types of foam and innerspring coils. It’s basically a combination mattress (the popular eco-friendly Avocado mattress is a good example) that offers a lot of support along with the comfort of memory foam, cotton, latex, or wool.

While the durability will depend on the quality of the foam and the type of coils, hybrids generally don’t last as long as other mattresses, and may need to be replaced after just 6 years.

Latex

A latex mattress is made of natural latex, synthetic latex, or a combination of both. These are usually eco-friendly and made without harsh chemicals, and they’re also hypoallergenic.

While the durability depends on whether it’s made of synthetic or organic latex, these mattresses have a long lifespan: They can sometimes last up to 20 to 25 years.

High-tech

It wouldn’t be the year 2020 without a smart mattress. High-tech options like Eight Sleep Pods and Sleep Number Beds are made of layers of foam, a topper, and plenty of fancy features.

Since these are typically made of foam, the lifespan of the mattress really depends on the quality of the foam used. With the higher price point of these, you can probably expect them to last about 10 to 15 years.

Pillow top

A pillow top mattress is basically an innerspring mattress with a layer of foam on top for extra comfort (the difference between a pillow top and a hybrid, which sound the same, is that hybrids have pocketed coils and they use different foams and thickness).

Okay, so you’ve had your memory foam mattress for 10 years — does that mean you should definitely replace it right this moment? Nope.

First make sure the mattress is actually ready to be switched out before you make an upgrade. It might have some life left in it! Although, if you notice the below, it’s pretty much ready to go.

It’s visibly worn out

Take a good look at your mattress: Does it still look like new, or is it, well, a little worse for wear? Tears, a hammock-like appearance, stains, and lumps as far as the eye can see just isn’t exactly what you want, and not only for aesthetics reasons.

If you can see your mattress deteriorating, that’s because it is.

The springs are squeaky

Those squeaky springs that whine every time you move aren’t just a fun little quirk. It’s a sign the coils are worn out, which means you’re no longer getting the support you need.

Waking up in pain is the norm

Waking up every morning with a dull, aching pain in your shoulders, hips, and lower back isn’t something to ignore. These morning aches may not be a sign that you’re getting older, but a sign that you need a new mattress.

A 2009 study found that replacing your mattress can lead to a dramatic difference in aches and pains.

Your allergies are out of control

Not to be gross, but there are tons of dust mites and allergens just hanging out in your mattress, and that situation gets worse when mold, mildew, and dust start to take over as well.

If you’re waking up in the morning with allergy symptoms like a headache, runny nose, and watery eyes, your old mattress could be the problem.

Every time your partner moves, you do too

As your mattress ages, it won’t reduce motion transfer like it used to. That means you’ll feel your partner moving around more, enough to disrupt your own sleep. Do your relationship a favor and replace the mattress.

The sagging is real

The last thing you want is a mattress that sags in one spot (usually the spot where you sleep). It’s uncomfortable, and it’s also a sign that the coils are beginning to weaken or the memory foam is losing its shape. A noticeable body impression or obvious saging means that you need something new.

It smells

Noticing a weird smell in your bedroom that seems to linger? Yeah, that could be your mattress. As mildew, mold, and fungi build up on your mattress as it ages, the scent can be quite overpowering.

You’ve changed

Maybe it’s not the mattress, per se. A change in your lifestyle may warrant a change in your mattress. If you’re pregnant, you’ve gained a lot of weight, or you’ve started living and sleeping with a partner, you may find that your old mattress just isn’t cutting it anymore.

A good night’s sleep? What’s that?

Tossing and turning all night long, feeling like you’re unable to find a comfortable position, and waking up feeling like the opposite of well-rested could definitely mean you need to start sleeping on something new.

Maybe you’ve heard that you should try flipping your mattress over before buying a new one. This very simple tip could save you some money and buy you some time — but does it actually work?

With a two-sided mattress, flipping it every 6 to 12 months just might do the trick. It can distribute the wear so that it stays comfortable for longer. But most new mattresses today, especially memory foam and pillow top options, are one-sided, so flipping really isn’t going to do anything.

Whether you’ve decided to spring for a new mattress (pun most definitely intended), or you think you’ve got some life left in your old one, it’s time to start treating it right to extend its life.

  • Buy a mattress protector to protect against spills, dust, and debris.
  • Use the right box spring or foundation to ensure that your mattress has the support it needs.
  • Rotate (not flip) your mattress every 3 to 6 months so it wears evenly.
  • Clean your mattress regularly. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for this one.
  • Open your windows in your bedroom regularly for better ventilation to help reduce the buildup of dust and moisture.
  • Keep pets and kids off your bed to avoid damage from claws, chewing, and jumping. (Though we totally respect not sticking to this rule, because dog and kiddo snuggles are the best).
  • Air out your mattress once in a while by removing all sheets and covers.
  • Wash your sheets every 7 to 14 days to prevent the buildup of bacteria and dust.
  • Don’t eat in your bed. Crumbs get everywhere, spills happen, and things just get messy.

The bottom line? Take care of your mattress and replace it when it’s time to save money and get some quality Zzz’s.