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Last Updated August 21, 2025
If you’ve ever woken up feeling more tired than when you went to bed, you’ve probably wondered if your mattress is to blame. The truth is, even the best mattresses don’t last forever. Over time, they lose support and stop giving your body the comfort it needs. Knowing how long a mattress lasts and when to replace it can save you from years of restless nights and achy mornings.
We’ve been in the mattress industry long enough to see the same scenario over and over - people hold onto their mattresses far past their prime, not realizing how much it’s affecting their sleep and health. Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways:
Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years, but the actual number depends on the type, quality, and how you care for it. That “10-year” mark you’ve heard about often is just a general benchmark.
Let’s look at the different mattress types and how long you can realistically expect them to last:
These are the classic mattresses made with a steel coil system. The springs provide support, while layers of padding on top offer comfort.
Memory foam is known for its pressure relief and contouring feel. It lasts longer than an innerspring mattress because there are no metal parts to lose tension.
Natural latex is the champion of durability. It’s resilient and much slower to break down compared to memory foam and springs.
Hybrid mattresses combine coils with memory foam or latex layers. They offer the best of both worlds, but their lifespan depends on the quality of each component.
If you bought a bargain mattress years ago, it might not even make it to the average lifespan. On the flip side, a high-quality latex mattress that’s been rotated regularly and kept clean can outlive its expected lifespan.
Even the most durable mattresses are constantly working. Night after night, they’re supporting your body weight, absorbing movement, and taking on heat and moisture. Over the years, these factors start to break down the materials.
Common signs of wear include:
Sometimes, the mattress looks fine, but no longer feels supportive. That’s often the most frustrating part. It's more like you can’t see the problem, but your body feels it every morning.
Here are the questions we always tell customers to ask themselves:
If you feel worse in the morning than at night, your mattress may not be providing proper spinal alignment and/or pressure relief anymore.
A mattress that’s lost its comfort layers can cause restless sleep.
These aren’t just cosmetic; they directly impact support.
If you consistently sleep better away from home, your mattress may be the culprit.
Even without visible damage, mattresses lose performance over time.
If you checked “yes” to more than one of these, it’s probably time to start mattress shopping.
Every mattress ages differently, and there are a few key factors that determine how quickly that happens:
While no mattress is immortal, proper care can keep yours in good shape for as long as possible. Here are some easy, universally accepted mattress care tips:
The first step in protecting your mattress is to use a high-quality mattress protector from the day it arrives. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent damage. A good protector shields your mattress from sweat, spills, dust mites, dead cells, etc. - things that can quietly wear it down over time. If you’re worried about heat build-up, choose a breathable waterproof mattress protector that won’t trap warmth.
Rotation is another habit that can extend a mattress’s life. Most modern mattresses are one-sided, so you can’t flip them, but turning the mattress 180 degrees every three to six months helps prevent uneven wear. Without rotation, the spots where you regularly sleep start to form deeper impressions. Here, at Turmerry, we always suggest rotating with the change of seasons; it’s an easy reminder.
Your mattress also needs the right foundation to perform well. A supportive bed base prevents sagging and keeps the mattress in alignment. Using the wrong type of base can even void your manufacturer's warranty, so it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s recommendations. Innerspring mattresses usually pair well with box springs, while foam and hybrid mattresses need a solid or slatted foundation with closely spaced slats.
It’s also worth being mindful of how you use your bed day to day. Sitting on the same edge every morning while putting on shoes might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can wear down the edge support. Spreading out where you sit or using a chair nearby can help preserve the mattress’s structure.
Keeping the mattress clean is another often-overlooked step. Over the years, dust, allergens, and skin particles can build up, which not only affects hygiene but also slowly wears down materials. Vacuuming the surface every few months with the upholstery attachment keeps things fresh. If your mattress has a removable cover, follow the care instructions to keep it in top shape.
Environmental conditions also make a difference. Excessive heat and moisture are especially damaging. Foam can deteriorate faster when exposed to direct sunlight or when an electric blanket is used on high heat for long periods. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew, particularly in humid climates. Keeping the room well-ventilated, using a dehumidifier if needed, and protecting the mattress from direct sunlight are all smart precautions.
Finally, treat your mattress for what it is: a place to sleep. Using it as a trampoline or a couch can put unnecessary strain on it. Heavy, uneven weight can damage springs, foam layers, and the overall structure. If pets sleep on the bed, make sure their nails are trimmed, or use a thick cover to prevent scratching and punctures.
These simple steps won’t make your mattress last forever, but they can certainly delay the day you have to replace it.
The question, “How long does a mattress last?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. While the average range is 7 to 10 years, the real test is how you feel when you wake up.
If your mattress is showing its age, it’s worth considering a replacement. A good mattress isn’t just about comfort; it’s about a good night's sleep, better health, and better mornings.
Not all mattresses age at the same pace. It depends on the mattress materials, build quality, and how well you use and maintain the mattress regularly. On average, most people replace a mattress every 7 to 10 years. A high-quality latex model can last 15 years or more, while lower-end innerspring beds may start showing wear in as little as five years. Often, mattresses begin to lose comfort and support before any obvious damage is visible. If your mattress appears saggy, leaves you waking up stiff, shows visible tearing, or if you sleep better on another bed, it’s a clear sign that it's time to replace.
It’s rare for a mattress to last 20 years and still offer proper comfort and support. While a high-end latex mattress can technically survive that long with proper care, most materials, especially traditional foams and springs, break down over time. Even if the mattress looks okay, the support inside may have weakened. After about a decade, performance usually declines enough that you’ll notice changes in sleep quality.
A mattress should be thrown out when it’s no longer supportive, is causing discomfort, or has structural damage like excessive sagging.
Related blog posts:
1. How Do You Extend the Life of Your Mattress?
2. 5 Signs That Show It's Time For A New Mattress
3. How to Recycle/Repurpose Your Old Mattresses and Toppers?
4. How to Care For Your Latex Mattress?
5. When Is the Best Time to Buy a Mattress?
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
