[Updated Jan. 25th 2025]
Let’s be honest: mattresses aren’t exactly thrilling. But here’s the thing—they’re the unsung heroes of our daily lives. A bad one can turn you into a groggy, achy version of yourself, while a good one feels like a reset button every morning.
How many times have you been laying in bed trying to fall asleep but can't? Probably a lot considering 1 in 2 Canadians have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep. This could be due to a lot of reasons—maybe you just can’t turn off your brain, thinking about your to-do list for tomorrow. Or, maybe, your mattress is old and it’s time to get a new one.
If it's the latter, and you're not sure if that's the case, this guide will walk you through the signs that you need a mattress replacement. After helping hundreds of clients navigate mattress upgrades (see our Mattress Buying Guide for more tips), we’ve learned to spot the red flags. Here’s how to tell if yours is waving a big, saggy white flag.
TL;DR: How Long Should a Mattress Last? Generally, a quality mattress is built to last around 7–10 years. But here’s the kicker: your mattress's lifespan can vary depending on factors like how often you use it, your body weight, and how well you maintain it. Think of it as a rule of thumb rather than a strict deadline—it’s all about how the mattress holds up over time.
Contents
- 1. Your Mattress Is Older Than Your Smartphone
- 2. You Wake Up Feeling Like You Ran a Marathon (Without the Glory)
- 3. You’re Cheating on Your Bed with the Couch
- 4. Your Bed Sounds Like a Haunted House
- 5. Your Allergies Only Attack at Bedtime
- 6. Your Body Has Changed—and Your Mattress Hasn’t
- 7. Your Mattress Has… a Personality (And Not in a Good Way)
- 8. Visible Sagging or Lumps (Even Your Cat Avoids It)
- 9. You’re Hotter Than a Summer Night in July
- 10. Your Partner’s Movements Feel Like Earthquakes
FAQ
1. Your Mattress Is Older Than Your Smartphone
The average mattress lasts 7–10 years, but let’s cut to the chase: if yours hit the 8-year mark, it’s living on borrowed time. Think about it—that’s roughly 3,000 nights of wear. Even the best materials lose their pep.
We once had a client insist her 12-year-old mattress was “still fine.” Then she tried a new one and admitted, “I forgot what waking up without stiffness feels like.” Springs weaken, foam flattens, and support fades. Warranties often cover defects, not comfort—so don’t wait for a collapse.
Pro Tip: Flip or rotate your mattress every 3–6 months to slow the aging process. See our Mattress Care & Maintenance Guide for more tips.
2. You Wake Up Feeling Like You Ran a Marathon (Without the Glory)
Morning back or hip pain isn’t normal unless you’re training for the Olympics. An aging mattress sags under your heaviest areas (hips, shoulders), misaligning your spine.
One of our customers, a teacher, blamed her aching back on “getting older.” Turns out, her 9-year-old mattress was the culprit. After switching to a firmer model, she said, “I feel like I’ve been un-crumpling myself.”
3. You’re Cheating on Your Bed with the Couch
This is a tell-tale sign that it is time to get a new mattress. You're seeking out the comfort from another bed because yours has lost that comfort.
If you’d rather sleep on a guest bed, a hotel mattress, or even the floor, your bed is sending a message: “We need to talk.” A friend spent months migrating to her daughter’s twin bed before finally upgrading. “I didn’t realize how much I’d been avoiding my own room,” she said.
4. Your Bed Sounds Like a Haunted House
Squeaks and creaks in spring mattresses mean one thing: worn-out coils. These noises aren’t just annoying—they signal failing support.
Before replacing the whole mattress, check the box spring or frame. Sometimes tightening screws or replacing slats buys time. But if the squeak persists, it’s like a car’s “check engine” light—don’t ignore it.
Also, check the box springs too. If those are worn out, they will affect the support and comfort that the mattress is supposed to provide. Tired of your bed creaking every time you move? Check out our quick fixes for a squeaky bed and reclaim those silent, cozy nights!
5. Your Allergies Only Attack at Bedtime
Allergies are fairly common in Canada, but they should not only affect you when you wake up in the morning in your bed. If you notice this, it is most likely because you have dust mites living in your mattress. The dust mites feed off your dead skin, so a mattress is the perfect place to hide out. However, they can cause pretty bad allergies.
If you’re sneezing your way through mornings, dust mites might be throwing a party in your mattress. They love feeding on dead skin cells and thrive in older beds. Foam mattresses resist mites better than innerspring ones. For a quick fix, try a hypoallergenic cover. If that doesn’t help, it’s time to evict the mites for good.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of latex mattresses for allergies, check out our Ultimate Guide to Natura Mattresses to see how natural materials and smart design can totally transform your nights!
6. Your Body Has Changed—and Your Mattress Hasn’t
Significant weight gain or loss alters how your body interacts with your mattress. For example:
- Losing weight? You might need a softer mattress to cushion bony areas.
-
Gaining weight? Firmer support prevents excessive sinkage.
A client who lost 50 pounds kept waking up with hip pain until he switched from a firm to a medium-plush mattress. “It’s like the bed finally caught up with me,” he joked.
Wondering how to choose the perfect mattress for your unique shape? Read this guide to find out what Is the best mattress for your body type.
7. Your Mattress Has… a Personality (And Not in a Good Way)
Funky smells are a hard no. Over time, sweat, skin cells, and spills seep into the layers. Even with regular cleaning, older mattresses can develop a stale odour.
I’ll never forget a college student who admitted his mattress “smelled like regret and ramen.” We got him a new one with a washable cover—problem solved. Ever wonder how to keep your mattress fresh? Read our complete guide on cleaning your mattress for simple tips and tricks that really work!
8. Visible Sagging or Lumps (Even Your Cat Avoids It)
If your mattress looks like a topographic map of hills and valleys, it’s done. Sagging deeper than 1.5 inches disrupts spinal alignment, and lumps create pressure points.
Example: A client once joked their mattress had a “memory foam crater” where their partner slept. They didn’t realize how much they’d been subconsciously avoiding that side until they upgraded.
9. You’re Hotter Than a Summer Night in July
Older mattresses trap heat, especially memory foam. If you’re constantly flipping pillows or kicking off blankets, your mattress might lack modern cooling features (like gel infusions, breathable latex, and airflow layers).
Example: During a heatwave, a nurse friend upgraded to a cooling hybrid mattress. “I finally stopped waking up in a sweat puddle,” she said.
10. Your Partner’s Movements Feel Like Earthquakes
Motion transfer isn’t just annoying—it’s sleep sabotage. If every toss or turn from your partner jolts you awake, consider a mattress with pocketed coils or foam layers that isolate movement.
Example: One couple told us switching to a motion-isolating mattress was “marriage therapy.” No more 3 AM elbow wars.
Not sure if you need a mattress that bounces back quickly or one that keeps every move to itself? Check out our mattress responsiveness vs motion isolation guide to get the lowdown on what matters most for a good night’s sleep!
The Bottom Line
A mattress isn’t furniture—it’s healthcare. If yours is causing pain, noise, or existential dread, it’s not being dramatic. It’s just old. Your mattress should typically last between 7-10 years, although Mattressville recommends changing your mattress after no longer than 8 years. If you’ve been noticing one or more of these signs, then it is time for a mattress replacement.
What to Do Next:
- Test Your Bed: Lie down in your usual sleep position for 10 minutes. Notice any discomfort or sagging.
- Check the Date: Find the manufacturing label (usually on the side). Over 8 years? Start shopping.
- Consult Experts: At Mattressville, we’ve seen it all. Bring your sleep quirks—we’ll match you with the right fit.
Remember, a good mattress doesn’t just improve sleep—it upgrades your entire day. And really, isn’t that worth investing in?
If you want help finding the right mattress for you, contact us at Mattressville via live chat, call us, or visit us in Mississauga near Toronto!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions on mattress lifespan
1. How long should a mattress last?
Most high-quality mattresses are designed to last between 7 to 10 years, though factors like usage and care can influence this.
2. What are the common signs that my mattress needs to be replaced?
Look out for visible sagging, lumps, increased noise, persistent aches, and a noticeable decline in comfort.
3. Can an old mattress affect my sleep quality?
Absolutely—an aging mattress can lead to poor spinal support, increased motion transfer, and even worsen allergies, all of which disrupt sleep.
4. How can I extend the life of my mattress?
Regularly rotating or flipping your mattress, using a mattress protector, and proper cleaning can help, but eventually even the best care can’t stop wear and tear.
5. Is it really time to replace my mattress if I notice some minor discomfort?
Minor discomfort can sometimes be fixed, but if you're waking up with aches or the mattress feels significantly different from when it was new, it might be time for an upgrade.
