How long does a mattress last

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How long does a mattress last?

If you’re waking up sore, stiff or just not well rested, an old mattress could be to blame. The average lifespan of a mattress is between seven and 10 years. But there are a few factors that impact how long a mattress lasts, meaning how long it will deliver a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep.

If you’re unsure if it’s time to replace your mattress, here are the top considerations when it comes to your mattress’ lifespan:

Quality of Materials

What a mattress is made from is one of the main factors in determining its lifespan. Materials like latex and high-density polyfoam are more durable and last longer than low-density polyfoam, which wears out more quickly.

Quality of Construction

While a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean better quality, generally speaking, pricier mattresses are more expensive because they use higher-quality construction methods than cheaper mattresses. They tend to last longer, too.

Sleep Position & Body Weight

Body weight and sleep style also impact how long your mattress will last. Heavier sleepers may notice mattress sagging sooner than lighter sleepers, which means those on the heavier side may want to replace their mattress sooner. Similarly, side sleepers may find that a mattress sags in the shoulder and hip areas faster than it would for back and stomach sleepers, since those pressure points are activated more frequently and for longer periods of time for side sleepers.

How To Clean a Mattress

How you care for your mattress during its lifespan also affects how long it will last. To get the most out of your mattress, use protective covers and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care. Some mattresses can be flipped or rotated, but be sure to double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations to find out how and when to do so. You should also consult with the specific manufacturer’s instructions if you’re wondering how to clean a mattress.

Types of Mattresses

Each of the four main mattress types—foam, innerspring, latex and hybrid—performs differently when it comes to longevity. That’s mostly due to the materials and construction of each mattress type. Thanks to the natural durability of latex, this type of mattress tends to have the longest lifespan, followed by foam and hybrid mattress models. Innerspring mattresses have the shortest lifespan of the group, because the steel wire that makes up its core tends to sag and lose its shape over time.

In the chart below, we’ve outlined the average lifespan and durability ratings for the most popular mattress types:

MATTRESS TYPE	AVERAGE LIFESPAN	DURABILITY	RESISTANCE TO SAGGING	OVERALL LONGEVITY
Foam & Memory Foam	Up to 10 years	Good	Fair	Good
Innerspring	7-8 years	Fair	Fair	Fair
Latex	Up to 15 years	Very good	Good	Very good
Hybrid	7-8 years	Good	Fair	Good

Thinking about purchasing a new mattress? Check out our Mattress Buying Guide for everything you need to know.

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