Three Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Old Mattress

Out with the old and in the new as the saying goes. Below are three signs it’s time to replace your old mattress. 

1) The Age of Your Mattress

Sometimes we try to get the most out of our investments and put up with a lot. It’s part of the sunk cost fallacy. As Decision Lab puts it: “We fail to take into account that whatever time, effort or money that we have already expended will not be recovered. We end up making decisions based on past costs and instead of present and future costs and benefits, which are the only ones that rationally should make a difference.”

Surprising, right? While you might not think of it that way, how many times have you just dealt with a saggy mattress center and a bed that just isn’t as bouncy as it used to be. Remember mattresses on average can last 5 to 10 years. This is an average and a number of factors could affect how long your mattress lasts like how high-quality is the mattress. A cheaper mattress made with cheaper materials may not last as long as one literally built to last. Another set of factors include how well you take care of your mattress and how often you rotate it and/or flip it. 

2) Waking Up With Aches and Pains

Your body is aching. Creaking. Your knees could be renamed to snap, crackle, pop. It’s not anything you could have done during the day. Actually it seems to be happening every night. You’re struggling to get comfortable and wake up with a spring in your side. Going back to the sunk cost fallacy, while you might want to push past the pain and deal with it — remember your health comes first. 

If your current mattress is causing you physical pain, you’re also losing out on sleep quality because if you’re not comfortable you’ll be tossing and turning all night desperate to find a spot that isn’t sagging and causing your body to droop awkwardly pulling a muscle. 

3) You Sleep Better Everywhere Else….Even the Couch

If you notice that you’re falling asleep on the couch and waking up more rested than you have with your two year old mattress, it might be time to consider a new mattress. Or if you’re at your in-laws house and stuck in the guest room with the lumpiest bed, but somehow waking up with less aches than you would at home, it might be time to consider a new mattress. 

Remember, your health comes first and since we spend a third of our lives sleeping, our mattress should be as comfortable and supportive as possible. Now if you’re reading this blog remember, this might be your fourth sign: it’s time for a new mattress.