How Long Does A Mattress Last?

April 02, 2018

Let’s start with an equally important question: How old is your mattress? Don’t worry if it takes you a bit to remember—your mattress is probably older than you think! Whether you’re a young adult who inherited a mattress from your childhood home or a homeowner with an old, faithful innerspring, you could be holding onto your mattress out of habit. Buying a new mattress can be an investment, so you want to make sure you’re investing in something that will last. So, how long does a mattress last? We’ll break it down by mattress type and look at some of the factors that can impact that lifespan.

Lifespan By Mattress Type

The short answer to how long a mattress lasts is anywhere from 5-10 years, on average. The long answer? It depends on the material, how well you care for your mattress, and a couple other factors. But let’s focus on materials for now, examining the three most popular mattress types—innerspring, memory foam, and latex:

• Innerspring mattresses can last up to 8 years. However, this is typically only true for high-end mattresses. Springs will lose strength and support quicker than other materials, often creating uneven levels of comfort.
• Memory foam mattresses can last up to 10 years. However, traditional memory foam mattresses can trap body heat, deteriorating the mattress quicker and leading to a sunken, sagging feeling. To prevent this, make sure your mattress has a cooling layer or some sort of ventilation method!
• Latex mattresses last the longest, up to 15 years! Easily the winner, these mattresses are extremely durable due to the unique properties of latex, including its resistance to mold and mildews, which can lower the lifespan of other mattresses.

Factors That Lower Mattress Lifespan

Keep in mind that these are estimates of the average lifespans—and are typically true of high-end mattresses. There are other factors to consider when determining how long your mattress will last, including:

• Frequency of use. Are you sleeping alone or with a partner? Is your mattress in a guest bedroom less frequently used or in a vacation home that’s only used seasonally? Alternatively, if your bed serves as a primary source of seating—for everything from eating to watching TV or doing homework—it’ll probably wear out more quickly.
• Cleanliness and pets. As we’ve mentioned above, mold, mildew, and bacteria can wear down a mattress, feeding on sweat and dead skin cells. If you add your pets to the equation, the lifespan may be even shorter due to their claws, scratching, and dander.
• Weight. Finally, this factor is a combination of the previous two. How frequently you use your mattress really comes down to how often you’re applying weight and how. Do you only use your mattress to sleep? Or are you seated toward the headboard often to read or talk on the phone? Do your kids use the bed as their nightly trampoline? It’s not only how much you weigh, but the combined weight of everyday use that impacts how long your mattress may last.

So, how can you prevent these issues? No matter what type of mattress you have, be sure to flip it regularly and keep it clean. If you’re not ready to buy a new mattress, consider a mattress topper, which can offer protection, prevent the buildup of bacteria, and even add temporary comfort. However, be sure to ditch your mattress if you experience frequent discomfort or persisting symptoms of allergies!  

Built To Last – Introducing The Swift Mattress

An old mattress may be a point of pride for some, but it’s more likely a source of pain! Luckily, the Swift Mattress is built to last. We’ve combined several of the most durable (and comfortable) materials on the market today: a high resistance base, a cooling gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, and a highly breathable Talalay latex surface later to keep you more comfortable, longer. Try it risk-free for 100 nights!

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