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How Long Should My Mattress Set Last?

February 26, 2010
Healthy Sleep

Ever wondered how long mattresses usually last?

You are not alone. What do you think?
20 years
15 years
10 years

According to Consumer Reports the average life for a coil spring mattress is about 8 years. Truthfully it is my opinion the average mattress used 7-8 hours nightly will only last at best 6-7 years, but what does all this really mean and can they last longer?

Sure they can but lets put this into the proper context. Mattresses can physically last 20-30 years and lets face it number one its not healthy to sleep on most 20 + year old mattresses for health reasons we won’t even get into, that could be a blog by itself. Number two you wouldn’t wear your clothes that long without proper cleaning and care so why should mattress care be any different. It is no different and the people own these mattresses typically ignore them. The fact is mattresses are out of site and out of mind. Physically almost every mattress in that age group has out lasted its useful, supportive, comforting life and capability. In reality the bed is causing more problems than it is resolving.

Good quality premium mattresses used night after night can support and offer a sleeper at least a fair amount comfort up to 10 maybe 12 years. The fact is that after gravity, body weight, and construction materials begin to take its toll in the form of inadequate support and lack of mattress comfort.

So what can you do to make your mattress last a little longer?

If you would like to get the most out of your mattress both support and comfort take care of your mattress like you would your car’s engine with regular oil changes. In the case of a new mattress be sure to place a boxspring or foundation under it using proper steel bed frame or wood supports using legs that keep the whole bed unit from sagging.

Lastly your new mattress is not a chair so don’t use it for one. Many salespeople hype up extra heavy-duty seat or side edge support in mattresses implying it can be used like a chair. Not true, we never recommend using the side of your bed for nothing more than a way to get into or exit your bed, but if you must sit on the edge of your bed, it is very important not to sit in the same spot.

Finally cheaply constructed mattresses using low grade foams, minimal amounts of foam for padding, and coils springs that are weak in gauge and few in numbers can also cause mattresses to fail in just a couple of years as quick as a few months. These types of mattresses are designed for guest rooms, very light weight people (little kids) or decorative purposes like completing a bedroom that is never used.