13 Signs Your Mattress Is Past Its Prime

Your mattress plays a huge role in your life, impacting many aspects of your well-being. Watching for signs that your mattress needs replaced can help alleviate or prevent many common complications caused by a mattress past its prime.

Many adult Americans don’t feel rested after waking up, and many complain of experiencing problems at night. With this number, it’s important to discuss the signs your mattress needs replacing so you can feel and live better. You use your mattress most days of your life, so it’s essential to have one that supports your body and doesn’t negatively impact your health.

There are some other signs that your mattress needs replaced that I didn’t include here. However, the signs listed are issues that impact you daily and can affect your quality of life.

1. You Don’t Feel Rested When You Wake Up

Waking up feeling tired isn’t a good sign and could indicate that your mattress isn’t what it used to be. It can happen when an uncomfortable mattress wakes you up or doesn’t allow you to fall into a deep sleep.

If your mattress isn’t old, there could be another cause for you not feeling rested. Make sure to discuss it with a professional if it continues.

2. It’s Squeaky

If your mattress coils start squeaking, it’s a sign you need a new one. The springs lose their tension over time and become weaker, plus they rub together when people lay on them.

Eventually, the springs become squeaky, another obstacle to getting a good night’s sleep. Replacing your mattress at this point can help you rest peacefully without a noisy, uncomfortable bed disrupting you.

3. You Wake Up Feeling Sore or Like Your Muscles Are Tight

Waking up with new soreness daily is a sure sign that something is wrong. Many people ignore this sign and assume it’s a normal part of life, but that’s not the case.

An outdated mattress can cause pain all over your body, including your neck, lower back, hips, shoulders, and more. It’s a sign that your bed isn’t supporting your body properly.

4. It Smells Bad

An old mattress can develop unpleasant smells that could be unhealthy. Mold, fungi, mildew, and anything you’ve spilled can be inside your bed.

You might not notice your mattress stinks unless you put your face close and sniff. While sniffing your mattress might feel weird, it’s worth trying to see if it might be time to replace your bed.

5. Your Impression Stays for a Long Time

Memory foam mattresses should accommodate your sleeping position, but the impression shouldn’t remain on your bed long after you’ve gotten up. Your mattress should return to its original position for the most part.

Once the memory foam mattress becomes too old, your impression will stay for a while. Sometimes, it might not return to normal once it’s past its prime.

6. You’ve Had It for More Than Eight Years

Not all mattresses need to be replaced after eight years, but that’s about the lifespan of a memory foam bed. Making sure to replace your mattress when it’s necessary can help you feel better.

Your mattress may last longer if you follow the recommended care and maintenance routine. Once you reach the eight-year mark, prepare to buy a new bed soon.

7. It’s Sagging

Sagging is a sure sign that your mattress is past its prime. No matter what material you choose, it’ll break down over time. As it happens, it no longer supports your body how it should.

You’ll want to address a sagging mattress immediately because even minor changes can impact your body. If the entire middle sags, you’ve waited too long and should consider a new bed immediately.

8. You Get Too Hot

As mattresses get older, the materials soften and restrict airflow. When this happens, it can make you get too hot at night or wake up sweating.

If you struggle to fall asleep or wake up hot, it could be because your mattress is too old. Sweating at night and in your sleep is also a sure sign there’s no airflow. This breakdown of the mattress material occurs faster in hot or cold temperatures, especially if they’re foam.

9. You Get Rashes or Skin Irritation

If your mattress causes rashes or irritation to your skin, it’s time to get a new one. Things that call your mattress home, including dust mites, bacteria, mildew, and more, can irritate your skin.

If you notice new spots of skin issues after getting out of bed, consider whether your mattress might be past its prime. A new mattress can make all the difference and help your skin feel and look better.

10. Your Allergies or Asthma Have Gotten Worse

Your mattress could be the home of dust mites, whose feces can trigger allergies and asthma. It could also have mold, bacteria, and other allergens that cause respiratory and other problems.

Mattresses are usually the items that have the most dust mites in your home. Letting the bed go past its prime only worsens that issue, and it’s unhealthy for you. You’ll know your mattress is triggering your symptoms if you begin sneezing near your bed or if you wake up feeling stuffed up.

11. You’ve Started Snoring Recently

If you didn’t snore before but recently started without a clear reason, your mattress could be to blame. A lack of support from your mattress could contribute to snoring because it can cause the relaxation of your jaw and throat muscles, blocking your airway.

Sinking too deeply can also block your airway and cause snoring. It often happens if a mattress is too soft or the materials have broken down.

12. You Notice Wear and Tear

When you notice wear and tear on your mattress, it’s time to replace it with a new one. You might notice ripping, stains, holes, or tears.

More obvious signs that you need a new mattress are when you feel the foundation or have springs poking you. Plus, lumps or deep indentations are good signs that your mattress isn’t supporting you how it should.

13. You Have Trouble Sleeping

If you’re having trouble sleeping, it could be that you need a new mattress. You can test if your bed is the problem with your lack of sleep by sleeping in another bed for a night. If you sleep well, you could benefit from replacing your bed.

Without enough sleep, you’ll experience more stress, depleted mood, slower cognitive function, and a lack of self-worth.