How Long Does a Mattress Last?

When we invest a lot of money in a new, high-quality mattress, we want to know how long it will last. The answer depends on many factors, including quality, materials, and usage. For example, if the mattress is meant as a guest bed, you may not need an expensive model. Since the mattress won’t be used regularly, a cheaper bed can last just as long as a quality mattress.

Mattresses are an investment—some can cost $2,000 or more. You want to get your money’s worth. Buying a high-quality mattress is not just about if the mattress is comfortable and supportive; it also needs to last.

When is it Time for a New Mattress?

If you’re not sure if you need a new bed, here are some signs that your old mattress needs replaced. Sometimes age isn’t the reason to buy a new mattress—it could be the mattress contains poor-quality materials or a bed bug infestation.

• A visible sag in the middle.

A common sign that you need a new mattress is a visible sag in the middle of your bed, or the area you normally sleep. A sagging mattress has no support and may cause back pain.

• The mattress is older than seven years.

If your mattress is older than seven years, it might be time to replace it. Over time, materials break down and lose support. You may have a hard time sleeping or wake with aches and pains.

• Signs of bed bugs.

Bed bugs can invade a room, no matter how clean it is. These tiny pests can hide in small cracks and come out at night to feed. Bed bugs are very hard to get rid of, so if you’re noticing small, red bite marks on your body, it’s best to get rid of your mattress and fumigate your home.

• Lumpy mattress.

A mattress doesn’t have to be old to be lumpy. A bed should have a smooth surface. If you feel lumps and rolls in your mattress, it may contain low-quality materials and lack proper support.

Mattress Type

Each mattress type has a different life expectancy. For instance, latex mattresses last the longest, because they’re naturally resilient—they don’t lose their shape after years of use, unlike other mattress types, like innersprings. The reason why some mattresses last longer than others may have to do with quality. Beds made with poor-quality materials break down within a year and impact sleep quality.

Memory Foam

To find a long-lasting memory foam mattress, take a look at the ILD rating and foam density. High-quality memory foam mattresses typically last 8 to 10 years.

ILD Rating

ILD, or Impression Load Deflection, refers to how firm a foam layer feels. ILD is measured by how much pressure it takes to make a 4-inch indentation on a foam’s surface. The higher the ILD rating, the firmer the foam. Most ILD ratings are between 8 and 20 in memory foam comfort layers.

• Extremely soft: 8 to 10
• Very soft: 11 to 15
• Soft: 16 to 21

Softer foams are less durable than firmer foams. Ideally, a quality memory foam mattress should have a comfort layer with a 10 ILD rating. Foam layers that are softer than a 10 will break down faster and may reduce the bed’s overall durability.

Foam Density

Foam density determines how well the mattress supports the body. Density is measured in pounds per cubic square foot (PCF).

• Low: 2.5 PCF to 3.9 PCF
• Medium: 4.0 PCF to 5.4 PCF
• High: 5.5 PCF or higher

Keep in mind that high-density foam costs more because it contains more material, but it’s more durable than low-density foam.

Latex

Latex foam comes in two forms: synthetic and natural. Synthetic latex is created through a chemical process. While it may cost less, synthetic latex is less durable than natural latex, lasting 8 to 10 years, and may not breathe as well as natural latex.

Natural latex is made from extracted rubber tree sap. This sap is whipped into a froth and baked to create its signature sponge-like feel. Natural latex is breathable and more durable than other mattress materials, lasting between 10 to 12 years, but it’s also more expensive.

Memory foam and latex follow the same guidelines regarding quality. Look at the ILD rating and foam density to find a quality latex mattress.

Latex will have the same ILD rating and density as memory foam. Latex mattresses can last between 8 to 12 years.

ILD rating:

• Extremely soft: 8 to 10
• Very soft: 11 to 15
• Soft: 16 to 21

Density:

• Low: 2.5 PCF to 3.9 PCF
• Medium: 4.0 PCF to 5.4 PCF
• High: 5.5 PCF or higher

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the least expensive, but they’re also the least durable mattress type. Because they have a thin comfort layer, you may feel the innerspring coils. Also, since the comfort layer is thin, it’s more likely to wear out quickly—steel coils may break through the sleeping surface.

Generally, innerspring mattresses last 5 to 7 years. To find a high-quality innerspring mattress, check out the coil count and coil gauge.

Coil Count

Coil count refers to the number of coils in a single mattress layer (usually the support layer). A quality mattress contains 500 to 1,000 steel coils. Innerspring mattresses with less than 300 coils should be avoided—they’re less durable and may prematurely sag.

Coil Gauge

Coil gauge is a coil’s thickness measured in millimeters. The thicker the coil, the firmer the sleep surface; the thinner the coil, the softer the sleep surface. Thick coils will have a lower measurement, while thin coils will have a higher measurement.

• Thickest: 12mm
• Thinnest: 18mm

Thin gauge coils are typically found in the comfort layer. Thick gauge coils are better for support. Some support layers may contain a combination of thick and thin gauge coils to create a zoned support system. These systems provide targeted pressure point relief and consistent support.

Keep in mind that a mattress may contain over 2,000 coils, but look at the gauge. The high coil count won’t matter if all the coils have thin gauges, a sign of a poor-quality mattress prone to sagging.

Hybrid

The average lifespan of a hybrid mattress is 6 to 10 years. For a high-quality hybrid, look at the foam’s ILD rating and density, and the coil’s count and gauge.

For memory foam and latex quality, the layer should be soft, but no softer than a 10. A 10 ILD cushions heavier sections of the body without prematurely breaking down.

Density is as follows:

• Low: 2.5 PCF to 3.9 PCF
• Medium: 4.0 PCF to 5.4 PCF
• High: 5.5 PCF or higher

As previously stated, higher density foams will cost more, but they’ll last longer because they contain more material than low-density foams.

For innerspring quality, coils should range between 500 to 1,000 for consistent, durable support.

Coil gauge ranges between 12mm (thickest) and 18mm (thinnest). Beware of hybrids with thin-gauge coils. Innerspring coils that are all thin are prone to sagging and won’t properly support the body. The mattress may last a couple of years before it starts to break down.

Air

Air mattresses are not as durable as other types of mattresses. The reason behind their poor lifespan is from mechanical parts breaking down within one to two years of regular use. A quality airbed can last between 6 to 8 years.

Water

Out of all the mattress types, waterbeds require the most maintenance. Waterbeds need to be checked frequently for leaks, and the water level should be monitored accordingly. Also, the vinyl bag that holds the water needs routine cleaning.

Choosing a regular mattress, like a memory foam, innerspring, latex, or hybrid, might be a better choice over a waterbed. Regular mattresses are low-maintenance and may last longer than a waterbed. Waterbeds typically last between 6 to 8 years.

Consider Warranties

Warranties can give you an idea of the lifespan of a mattress. A high-quality mattress should last 7 to 9 years. After, a mattress should be replaced because it’s worn out and may have lost its support.

Warranties reassure customers of a quality purchase—an investment with a guarantee to last. A warranty protects the mattress from sagging greater than 1 inch (this measurement depends on the brand) and any manufacturing defects which could damage the bed.

Warranties can last between 10 to 25 years—some companies even offer lifetime warranties. Most new mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty. Avoid beds that don’t come with a warranty.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

Bedding Accessories

Adding bedding accessories may prolong the mattress lifespan. Even with proper care, your bed is still at risk for damage. Bedding accessories, like mattress protectors, mattress toppers, and bed frames, give extra protection.

Mattress Protectors

Mattress protectors shield the bed from spills and stains and may extend a bed’s lifespan. Most beds come with a mattress cover, but it doesn’t protect against liquid damage. Mattress protectors are an excellent bedding addition, with the cost ranging from $15 to $40. Plus, most are machine-washable.

Mattress protectors are specifically designed to prolong a bed’s lifespan and prevent you from having to replace a mattress. Mattress protectors can shield your bed from bed bugs, dust mites, spills, and stains. Spills can damage mattresses by breaking down materials and causing mildew growth. Once the damage sets in, there’s no way to undo it—the only solution is to replace your mattress.

Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers alter the feel of the mattress surface. They add softness or support to the bed, a cost-effective solution to a too-soft or too-hard mattress. A mattress topper may also act as a temporary solution to sagging.

By adding a mattress topper, more wear and tear is placed on the topper instead of the mattress, prolonging its lifespan. Since the mattress topper rests on top of the mattress, any spills or stains come in direct contact with the topper instead of the mattress.

Bed Frame

A bed frame lifts the mattress and foundation off the floor and away from more exposure to dust mites and bacteria. Your mattress is still prone to attract these allergens, but lifting it off the floor reduces the risk.

Bed frames also support the mattress. A mattress with proper support can perform at its best in supporting your body. If your mattress rests on the wrong frame, it won’t have the support it needs and may reduce a bed’s durability. You may end up having to replace the mattress sooner than you expected.

Saving on a New Mattress

When it’s time to replace your mattress, you don’t have to blow all of your budget on a new one. Mattresses are typically heavily discounted during the following best times to buy a mattress:

• Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

FAQs

Which mattress lasts the longest?

Latex mattresses have the highest durability, depending on the type of latex they contain. Natural latex lasts the longest, ranging between 10 to 12 years, and may cost more than other mattress types. Synthetic latex is a good alternative to natural latex, because it costs less. But, synthetic latex may not last as long—about 8 to 10 years at most.

How do you know when a mattress is worn out?

The most common sign of a worn-out mattress is a visible sag in the middle. When you sleep in the same area night after night, over time, materials break down and lose support. Another sign is if you have trouble sleeping and wake up feeling sore. If the soreness fades away during the day, it might be time to replace your mattress.

Is it worth investing in a good mattress?

Yes, because you’re investing in more than just a physical mattress. You’re also investing in a good night’s sleep for many years to come. If you choose a lower-quality mattress, you might not sleep as well as you would on a better mattress.

Is it bad to keep your mattress on the floor?

The floor isn’t the best place to keep your mattress permanently. Leaving your mattress on the floor exposes it to dirt and pests and can promote mold growth. If you must keep your mattress on the floor, lean it up against the wall for a few hours once a week. This will help the mattress air out.

Can a mattress last 20 years?

No, you shouldn’t expect your mattress to last 20 years. While a high-quality mattress can last more than a decade, most won’t last much longer if they’re used regularly. An occasionally used mattress in a guest room may last 20 years, though it might need replacing sooner if it collects enough allergens.

Conclusion

The average lifespan of a high-quality mattress is 7 to 9 years. You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a high-quality mattress. Most high-quality mattresses are available for $1,200.

If you have a model in mind, but are still not sure, read customer reviews. The first-hand accounts may give you an idea of what to expect. They could also warn you if the mattress breaks down sooner than expected.