As someone who has been in the mattress industry for over 30 years, we’ve seen a lot of misconceptions about mattress longevity and maintenance. Today, I’d like to share some insights to help you so you know what to expect from a mattress.
The Nature of Materials: Softening and Compression
First, it’s important to understand that all materials, including those in your mattress, will soften or compress over time. Even high-quality foams such as latex, high-performance polyurethane, and memory foam will soften by about 20% over a ten-year period. Mass-market polyurethane, on the other hand, can soften up to 60% over the same period. This softening is front-loaded, meaning it often occurs more rapidly during the first five years.
There is also a common misconception that mattresses get harder over time. This perception is often due to the underlying support layer becoming more noticeable as the top layers soften. This “bottoming out” can lead to discomfort, especially in pressure points like the hips and shoulders.
Over time, all mattresses will compress where you sleep, usually about one-inch to an inch and half. This is considered normal usage or wear. In most cases, this will not affect the performance or comfort of the mattress, but you’ll likely be able to see where you slept. Everyone is different, so this will affect people differently. Like softening, this compression is front-loaded and occurs more in the first five years. As a side note, we often hear that they don’t build them like they used to. Keep in mind that the inch and half compression standard and warranty has been around for well over 40 years.
This softening and compression happens due to a combination of heat, moisture, and pressure. Our bodies provide the perfect trifecta of these conditions. For someone with a higher body mass, like myself, the impact on the mattress will be greater than for someone smaller. What feels like a ridge or valley in your mattress is usually the foam softening in that particular area.
The Importance of Proper Maintenance
To extend the life of your mattress, proper maintenance is crucial. We recommend rotating or flipping your mattress every three to six months. This helps the mattress wear more evenly. King-size mattresses, in particular, often develop a ridge in the middle because no one sleeps there. Even though rotating a king-size mattress 90 degrees may cause a slight overhang, doing this for a few weeks can help lessen the ridge over time.
In addition to regular rotation, using a mattress protector can help reduce wear and tear. Some mattress designs also allow you to replace layers, which can extend the life of your mattress without needing to purchase a new one.
The Role of Proper Support
A quality mattress requires a sturdy base for proper support. If the mattress isn’t supported properly, it will feel softer and less supportive. We’ve seen this often with full and queen-size bed frames that lack proper center support, causing the mattress to sag even when using a proper foundation. Regardless of brand or materials, we often find that it isn’t the mattress that is sagging but a lack of proper support in the box spring or bed frame.
A simple test to check if your mattress support is adequate is to place the mattress on the floor temporarily. While not practical for long-term use, this can help you determine if your bed frame or foundation is contributing to any sagging. We’ve actually had people decide not to buy a mattress from us after testing their current mattress from a different company on the floor and learning that they don’t need a new mattress.
How Long Will My Mattress Last?
The lifespan of a mattress varies greatly. On average, you should expect to get 8-10 years out of your mattress. However, this can vary depending on factors like body weight, how often the mattress is used, and how well it’s maintained. Some people happily keep their mattresses for 20 years, while others may need to replace theirs after just five. Even with the same mattress using high-quality materials, one person might need to replace it after five years, while another can keep it for 20-plus years. Factors such as proper support play a role, but everything else being equal, some people may not be affected by the softening in the mattress, whereas others can be, even if they are the same height and weight. We are all different.
Remember, the goal is to ensure that your mattress provides the best possible support and comfort throughout its lifespan. Regular maintenance, using proper support, and understanding the nature of mattress materials can help you achieve this.