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    How Long Does a Mattress Actually Last? Your Questions Answered!

    by Michael Webster

    An adult man lying on a bed in a furniture store.

    It’s very well known that your mattress can make or break the quality of your sleep. Which, in turn, also heavily impacts your day-to-day mood, overall mental alertness, and physical health. We rely on our beds every single night but often forget to ask how long does a mattress last or when the right time to replace them is. Mattress industry experts say you should replace your mattress every 6-10 years; however, the actual answer is a bit more complicated and depends on several different variables. Sooner or later, you will need to swap your mattress out for a new one to accommodate your current needs and keep you sleeping on a cloud night after night. Read on to find out how long should a mattress last and when is the perfect time to bring in a replacement.

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    How Often Should a Mattress be Replaced?

    On average, a standard mattress can last anywhere between six to 10 years. However, many folks keep them around longer than a decade in order to save on cost ― which can have detrimental effects. The truth is there's no single right way to tell how long should a mattress last. Plenty of factors play into their longevity, including the type of mattress, the quality of materials, and how well it’s regularly maintained. Below, we’ll explain the average lifespan of a mattress depending on its type, when to know if it’s time to say goodbye to your old mattress, plus a few helpful ways to extend the life of the bed you currently have.

    Average Mattress Lifespans 

    White orthopedic mattress on an unmade bed in a bedroom.

    Regardless of the mattress type you sleep on every night, some bed materials are simply more durable than others and have a longer lifespan. It can vary from brand to brand, but to help make your life easier, we’ve broken down what to generally expect from the most common types of mattresses.

    Innerspring Mattresses

    Being the mattress model that’s been around the longest, innerspring mattresses have seen many improvements when it comes to their overall longevity. With modern mattress technology, you can now expect innerspring models to last about six to eight years on average.

    Pocket Coil Mattresses

    When it comes to pocket coil mattresses, they’re certainly a significant upgrade from their innerspring relatives. The key difference lies in the encased coils built in that offer superior comfort and support. With pocket coil models, you can expect a longer lifespan as well, with most lasting up to 10 years.  

    Hybrid Mattresses

    front view of a family feeling the top of a hybrid mattress

    Hybrid mattresses combine the powers of innerspring coils and foam to provide an ideal level of relaxation every time you hit the sheets. Most hybrid mattresses are made from high-quality materials and are known to last up to seven years. Although, with exceptional care and maintenance, hybrid models can undoubtedly last up to a decade.

    Memory Foam Mattresses

    Last but certainly not least, based on its increased popularity and unmatched comfort, millions of people across the globe have made the choice of going with a memory foam mattress. Built up of several layers of dense foam, memory foam models provide efficient levels of support while softly contouring the body while you rest. So, how long do memory foam mattresses last? With good care and routine rotations, a memory foam mattress could stick around with you for a nice, long while, with some lasting up to at least 10 years.

    Signs to Replace Your Mattress

    We know that it’s never an ideal time to have to make a significant purchase like a brand-new mattress. But if your current mattress is having a negative effect on your health or well-being, is it worth it to save a few bucks and continue putting your body through that type of rigor? If you need a friendly reminder, here are several key signs that will let you know if your current mattress may need to hit the road.

    Pain

    Young couple suffering from body pain after sleeping, touching their lower back and neck in bed.

    If your mattress is causing you any type of pain or discomfort while you’re trying to catch some Z’s, that’s a major red flag. Mattresses are supposed to be our safe haven that we come home to rest on after long, grueling days, but unfortunately, nothing lasts forever. After years of use, a mattress will naturally start to wear out and degrade which can leave your body struggling to find comfort, especially if it’s dealing with a nagging ache or pain. If you wake up every day and have to crack your bones in order to get going, you should definitely consider replacing your current mattress as soon as possible.

    Allergies

    While vacuuming and regularly cleaning your sleeping space can help reduce the levels of dirt and dust, it’s near impossible to remove all the build-up from a mattress ― which can be a serious issue for anyone who suffers from allergies. If you’re consistently waking up with a runny nose, puffy eyes, or any other common allergy symptom, sometimes the best option is to start fresh and replace your mattress altogether.

    Sagging or Worn Down

    While many people would only associate sagging with a traditional coil mattress, it’s actually a concern for hybrid mattresses and memory foam models as well. Individual sleepers usually only experience sagging towards the end of a mattress’s lifespan, but for couples, double the amount of weight means double the amount of potential wear and tear. A small groove isn’t the end of the world, but when it builds up to the point of making it difficult to get out of bed comfortably, it might be time to throw in the towel (for you and your mattress’ sake.)

    → Learn more: Signs of 4 Common Mattress Problems

    How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress

    front view of a woman laying on her stomach sleeping on a mattress

    While it's practically inevitable that your mattress will eventually need to be replaced, there are several methods you can go with to help extend the life it has right now. That way, you can potentially hold off on a major purchase for a little longer and save some green along the way.

    Proper Maintenance

    To get the most longevity out of your mattress, make sure to always take exceptional care of it if you want it to maintain its quality for as long as possible. With regular cleaning and rotations every couple of months (three to six), along with washing your bedding every two weeks, you’ll be very pleased with how your mattress holds up over time. If your mattress is okay to be flipped, we recommend flipping it once every six to 12 months as well.

    Man cleans bed from dirt and bacteria with a vacuum.

    Mattress Protectors

    Keep dust, spills, and dirt from damaging your mattress’ quality by covering it with a quality mattress protector. Mattress covers and protectors offer an extra layer of protection and will help extend the life of your mattress while also making it more cushioned, soft, and cozier. Look for fun features like allergen covers and cooling properties in your mattress protector if you think you’d benefit from them.

    Match it with the Right Base

    Support your mattress properly for years to come by pairing it with a quality mattress foundation. Whether it’s a base or box spring, find out which foundation is compatible and will work best with your bed to provide it with many more years of usage.

    Where to Shop for a Long-Lasting Mattress

    When it comes to finding a long-lasting mattress on the Central Coast, Idler’s Home is your trusted local destination. At Idler’s, we understand that a good night’s sleep is essential, and we've proudly served Central Coast families for decades. Unlike big-box stores, we're a community-focused business, dedicated to providing personalized care and quality you can trust.

    front view of a woman examining a mattress in a mattress store

    Why shop at Idler’s? It’s simple: we offer an extensive selection of premium mattresses designed to give you comfort and durability night after night. From memory foam and hybrid models to traditional innerspring, we have options for every sleep style and budget. Our knowledgeable team takes the guesswork out of mattress shopping by guiding you to the perfect fit based on your unique preferences.

    Plus, shopping at Idler’s means you're supporting local. We treat our customers like neighbors—because that's exactly who you are! With convenient locations throughout the Central Coast, hassle-free delivery, and friendly service, we make mattress shopping an enjoyable experience.

    Visit Idler’s today and discover why we're the Central Coast’s favorite place for restful, rejuvenating sleep. We're not just selling mattresses—we’re helping you invest in better days ahead, one comfortable night at a time.

    Mattress FAQ

    Most mattresses should be replaced every 7–10 years, but if you're waking up achy or your mattress is sagging, it might be time to upgrade sooner.

    A medium-firm mattress is usually best for supporting your spine and relieving back pain, but everyone's different—so it’s important to test a few to see what feels right.

    Absolutely! A mattress protector helps keep your mattress clean, guards against allergens, and even helps your mattress last longer.

    Come see us at Idler’s Home! We’re the Central Coast’s trusted choice, offering a wide selection, friendly service, and expert advice to help you find your perfect mattress.

    Why Trust Idler’s Home?

    At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.

    Shop Mattresses at Idler’s

    Envision the possibilities for your home and shop the best mattresses online at Idler’s. Our friendly team is always happy to help you know how often to change mattress— whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!

    → Learn more: 5 Ways to Upcycle an Old Mattress