Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress – Many consumers retain old mattresses long past their shelf life. However, trouble sleeping at night or waking due to various aches and pains may be signs that it is time to get rid of an old mattress. In fact, pain and old mattress issues go hand-in-hand.
Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
The Lifespan Of A Mattress
Old Mattress Health Problems
Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
The Lifespan Of A Mattress & Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
There is no specific lifespan for mattresses. Mattresses can last around a decade with proper care, but most mattress companies recommend getting a new mattress every eight years. If you are in your 40’s or older, changing your mattresses every five to seven years is advisable since your body tolerates less pressure during sleep.
Here are a few tips to prolong the life expectancy of your mattresses and ensure a good night’s sleep;
- Rotate the mattress. Depending on the mattress, it should be rotated every two months regularly. If you have a single side mattress, rotate it 180°. Double-sided mattresses should be flipped over so the underside becomes the top.
- Do not let children play on the bed. Avoid allowing your kids to jump on the bed especially with innerspring mattresses. This causes the springs to weaken.
- Choose a bed frame with center support to protect the mattress from sagging.
The life expectancy of a mattress depends on the materials that are used such as flame retardants, memory foam and coil springs. Some mattresses last longer than others. If you are experiencing pain, old mattress issues may be the culprit.
The following are life expectations of different types of mattresses;
- Memory foam mattresses last up to a decade and can be maintained by rotating every few months.
- Innerspring mattresses are often made from thin coil springs and prevent sagging the best. Expect an innerspring or hybrid innerspring mattress to last five to seven years.
- Waterbed mattresses last from five to seven years with constant wear.
- Hybrid mattresses are made from pocketed coils that provide support and comfort like a typical innerspring. However, hybrids combine this feature with the comfort of latex or memory foam. Its lifespan can reach ten to fifteen years when maintained correctly [1].
The deterioration of mattresses can be determined through specific tangible signs;
- Sagging occurs when the sleep surface no longer provides adequate support to the body. Sleepers notice that their mattresses are sagging especially when sleeping with a partner since the weight pressing down on the mattress is increased. This can cause an incorrect sleeping position that results in improper spinal alignment.
- Softening occurs over years of use with latex or foam mattresses. When this happens, a mattress loses its ability to reduce the pain and pressure on your body. When a mattress becomes too soft, there is a higher risk of lower back pain [2].
- Body impressions or body prints are another types of deterioration that mattresses experience over the years. When this happens, the surface becomes uneven every time you sleep.
- Squeaking from an old mattress can easily disrupt sleep. Aside from being jolted awake because of the sound, you may feel anxious that every move you make is going to wake your partner [9].
- You do not feel rested. It is time to change your mattress when you are no longer feeling well rested in the morning. Once a mattress has reached its lifespan, your comfort is compromised even if it is foam or has latex. Hence, you will wake less refreshed the following day.
Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
The Lifespan Of A Mattress
Old Mattress Health Problems
Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
Old Mattress Health Problems
Many people wait to purchase new mattresses until they experience health issues including sleep disorders. When pain plagues us, our circadian rhythms are affected and our health and well-being are compromised. These problems can surface when a firm mattress is no longer working. There are many side effects that may shift that unwillingness to let go of an old mattress.
Worsens asthma. When sleeping on an old bed, it may cause asthma to worsen. Mattresses accumulate allergens over time that can trigger asthma attacks. This also disrupts natural circadian rhythms which make it impossible to get a good night’s sleep [3].
Bedbugs are a difficult side effect to control. Because of their tiny size, these pesky insects may only be noticeable once little red bites appear on your skin and cause constant itching. Getting rid of them is a huge process that includes disposing of the old mattress [4].
Soreness, especially on the pressure points, is another old mattress side effect that you may experience. If mattresses are in good condition, sleeping positions will cause the spine to be straight, and a pillow keeps the neck in proper alignment [5]. If not, the body will experience sore and tender areas due to an unsupported sleeping position.
Back pain often makes people think about changing their mattress. Back pain affects sleep quality because of the strain it creates on your lower back and neck. People often complain that, regardless of their sleeping position, they experience their old mattress causing back pain that extends to their neck. Some studies show that people who change their mattresses every five years or so experience fewer sleep issues [6]. Aside from buying a new mattress, make sure that you are using the right pillow that supports your head and neck every time you sleep.
Dust mites thrive in old and dusty mattresses along with the dead skin that you shed, sweat, dirt, and dust. The constant exposure can affect your sleep quality. You may experience lung and throat problems because of continued exposure to these pesky mites.
Insomnia. It is difficult to sleep on a mattress that is filled with lumps, bumps, and coils. Even the best mattress pad will not solve this problem. When your sleep is disrupted at night, consider getting a new mattress. A lack of sleep causes you to feel tired and fatigued during the day [8].
Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
The Lifespan Of A Mattress
Old Mattress Health Problems
Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
Other long-term side effects arise when sleeping on an old mattress.
Anxiety can easily increase when sleep is constantly disrupted and a comfortable sleeping position is hard to find. Anxiety is a common side effect of poor sleep because of the frustration it causes every time you go to bed and the effects lack of sleep has on daily life.
Sleep apnea. A poor mattress can make snoring even worse. If your mattress no longer provides support and your pillow is too flat, your neck and spine can be misaligned. This can obstruct your airflow when you sleep.
Sleep Deprivation occurs when you are unable to find a good position due to the discomfort of an old mattress. Sleep deprivation can also lead to obesity which unlocks a whole other realm of health issues [7]. Another long-term effect associated with sleep deprivation is a weakened immune system. A lack of sleep can lead to drowsiness in the morning, poor mental function, fatigue, and more.
Being on a budget should not compromise the quality of your sleep. A good mattress should be a priority due to the long-term dangerous effects of sleeping on old mattresses.
There are many different types of mattresses to choose from with varying expectations of longevity, so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
The Lifespan Of A Mattress
Old Mattress Health Problems
Long-Term Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress
Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress Resources:
[1] The Best Mattress Topper; Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress How Long Does a Mattress Last – And Things You Should Know About Mattresses.
[2] Tuck; Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress How Long Should A Mattress Last?, November 21, 2017.
[3] Reader’s Digest; Effects Of Sleeping On An Old Mattress 7 Things That Could Happen If You Sleep on an Old Mattress, Emily DiNuzzo.
[4] Dreams; The Possible Health Risks Of An Old Mattress, Jessica Kadel.
[5] The Sleep Judge; The Many Effects of Sleeping on a Bad Mattress, Candace Osmond.
[6] Elite Daily; 8 Ways Your Mattress Is Literally Ruining Your Health, Helena Negru, August 15, 2016.
[7] The Odd Mattress; 10 Annoying Health Side Effects Of Sleeping On A Bad Mattress, May 22, 2015.
[8] The Brunette Diaries; Why Sleeping On An Old Mattress Is Bad For Your Health, November 15, 2014.
[9] Foamite; When to Replace Your Mattress: Here are 9 Signs, R.C. Dimas, January 18, 2018.
