At first glance, it might not be entirely noticeable that you have to replace your mattress after almost a decade of service. Unlike other products with a definite expiration date or show obvious signs of wear and tear, replacing your mattress is generally based on several factors, some of which have nothing to do with physical appearance, but more with its performance.
The impulse to shop
According to a 2016 Better Sleep Council sales research, while a majority of consumers claimed satisfaction with their current beds, it did not stop them from visiting the nearest mattress sale to look for a new mattress to sleep on. It turns out, consumers nowadays are smart enough to keep up with the latest mattress technologies designed to help them sleep better.
Currently, traditional mattresses still dominate most bedrooms in the country, with pillow-tops and spring mattresses taking the lead. However, more shoppers are looking into specialized bedding such as airbeds, hybrid mattresses, and adjustable beds as potential replacements for their current ones.
When to replace an old mattress
According to sleep experts, a quality mattress can last up to a full decade before calling it quits. However, a scientific study published in 2009 showed that sleeping on the same mattress for five years can be detrimental to your health. In fact, results from the experiment showed that sleeping on the same bed for more than three years can lead to chronic back pains, which increases a subject’s perceived stress that affects the quality of sleep.
It might seem rather wasteful to replace your mattresses every five years, especially when you can’t get new bedding without spending a considerable sum. Furthermore, it’s only human nature to maximize a product’s usability.
Before jumping on this bandwagon, know that other factors beckon considerations from consumers before they head out to buy a new mattress. These factors can actually be divided into three categories: health and comfort, bed deterioration, and bedding improvement. In other words, consumers feel that it’s time to replace their mattress only when they feel that their current bed is not providing the support it once gave, when they keep waking up sore all over in the wee hours, or when the mattress itself collapses from overuse and old age–to name just a few possible scenarios.
Everything to improve sleep
Mattress replacement all boils down to the basic human need of having a good night’s sleep. However, with so many mattress choices on the market, it is pretty hard to choose one. Fortunately, mattress stores have their own experts in the form of their salespersons who can help you make your choice based on your personal needs and tastes. Don’t hesitate to ask about the differences between mattress types. A healthy rest depends on it.
Sources:
Replacing a Mattress, BetterSleep.org
Mattress Buying Guide, ConsumerReports.org
