How do you know when it’s time to change the mattress on your bed?

“Buy it and forget it” is not the best way to use a mattress. After purchasing, it is important not only to follow the operating instructions, but also not to miss the moment when the product requires replacement. How often should you change your bed mattress? It depends on its type, composition and the weight of the person sleeping on it.

Why do you need to change your mattress?

A mattress filled with cotton wool or other cheap materials is initially not beneficial for the body. It does not ensure the anatomical position of the spine during sleep. This leads to headaches, poor posture and other spinal diseases.

A worn-out orthopedic mattress also does not perform its functions. The load on the product is distributed unevenly, the physiological curves of the spine are deformed. This is especially harmful for children whose skeletal system is just developing.

If you already have a problem with the musculoskeletal system, contact an orthopedist who will determine what your sleeping position should be like.

Don’t forget that a mattress is a good dust collector. Mites can live in its pores, causing allergic reactions. In order to prevent their occurrence, European experts recommend using any mattress for no longer than 7 years.

The most dangerous thing that can happen is the spring protruding through all the tissue. If a baby is sleeping on the bed and is not averse to frolicking, he may get hurt on it.

Factors that determine service life

When purchasing a product in a company store, recommendations on service life should be included with it. But they are not always objective, and may be completely absent. Knowing what the mattress is made of and what its design is, it is easy to calculate how long it will perform its tasks.

Factors affecting wear resistance:

• Product quality. Even minor defects during production will quickly become apparent. The springs will weaken, the surface will become soft, and shock absorption will disappear. In the worst case, the spring will come out during sleep. It is better to turn to trusted manufacturers: Ormatek, Honnemed, Askona, Promtex-Orient.
• Filler. Study the composition of the layers. The filler is used in the production of both spring and springless models.
• Type of construction. Spring mattresses whose spirals are made of steel have the longest service life. It is better to choose a mechanism consisting of independent springs, so that if one is damaged, the structure of the entire unit is not disturbed.
• Product care. Poor or rough cleaning, exceeding permissible loads worsen the condition of the mattress.

Approximate service life

Products with cotton or polyurethane foam filling are not intended for long-term use. They are in suitable condition for no more than three years. Indentations form in the filler, which do not disappear when the load is removed (when no one is lying on the bed). Remember: savings should not go beyond what is reasonable.

Orthopedic mattresses last much longer. The simplest and most inexpensive models are in good condition for at least 5 years.

Orthopedists call conditional limits: after 10 years, most mattresses lose their elasticity.

More accurate predictions can be made taking into account the material and design:

• coconut shavings and a combination of materials - about 7 years;
• latex – up to 20 years;
• independent springs - from 8 to 25 years (it is better to check with the manufacturer).

However, not a single manufacturer provides such guarantees in the product passport.

We must not forget about biological contamination of the material. Therefore, monitor the condition of the product.

The mattress must be replaced in the following cases:

• Discomfort appeared during sleep or upon awakening. Aches in muscles, joints. Headache.
• Insomnia, poor sleep, which does not disappear after turning the mattress over to the other side.
• Deterioration in the appearance of the product (presence of dents, bulging springs).
• Creaking of springs with minor movements.

How to delay the replacement?

To avoid problems with sleep and health, maintain the original appearance of the mattress for as long as possible.

• Observe temperature conditions.

The temperature in the room with the bed should not fall below +15°C.

The rays of the sun, open fire, and electric heaters are destructive to the material. Maintain a distance of at least one and a half meters between the heat source and the bed.

• Avoid dampness

Fillers are hygroscopic, so avoid any contact with liquids. Control the humidity in the room - it should be between 45 and 70%.

A high-quality waterproof mattress cover will protect you from sweat and urine, but is permeable to air and does not create a greenhouse effect for the body.

• Store correctly

If you need to temporarily remove or transport the product, do not keep it in an upright position for more than 48 hours. Do not fold or twist - this will lead to creases and deformation of the structure.

• Clean regularly

Vacuum mattresses while cleaning your apartment. If washing is necessary, use special non-aggressive products.Ventilate the room and periodically turn the mattress over.

• Choose the right mattress base

A good foundation is the key to ventilation of the product. Orthopedic lamellas with a width of up to 3.8 cm, which are located at a certain distance from each other, are best. For spring mattresses, the ideal distance is the diameter of the spring in the block + 1.5 cm. For latex and coconut mattresses - up to 4.5 cm. For polyurethane foam - up to 8 cm.

Now you know how long the mattress performs its functions. Take proper care of the product and change it promptly to avoid problems with sleep and health.