If you’re sleeping more but not feeling well-rested, it might mean you’re in need of a new mattress. Mattresses don’t last forever, and the older they get, the more uncomfortable they can become. A mattress that is old, cheap, or the wrong firmness level for your needs can cause tossing and turning. That can mean poorer sleep quality, which can have major impacts on your health, work, and relationships.
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A quality mattress should support your ability to get restful sleep and feel rejuvenated in the morning. If you’re trying to evaluate whether a new mattress can help boost your sleep quality, there are some things you can look for.
Sign #1: It’s been a long time
An average mattress lifespan is 7 to 10 years. After that time, the mattress support―whether it’s made of springs, memory foam, gel, or a combination―loses some supportive ability.
Cheaper mattresses that are made of lower quality materials may wear out sooner. If you don’t remember when you purchased your mattress, or you’re noticing that it’s not providing the support it once did, that’s an indicator it’s time to trade up.
Sign #2: There’s sagging or an uneven sleep surface
Another thing to look for is sagging in your mattress. It’s common for mattresses to develop an indent over time when you sleep in the same place and position. Pressure in some spots more than others can result in sagging and an uneven sleep surface.
An uneven mattress doesn’t evenly distribute weight, and this can cause back and spine problems. When you change your bedsheets, take a look at the mattress and see if it appears even and flat all the way across.
Sign #3: You wake up feeling exhausted
If you wake up exhausted and grumpy, you should look forward to buying a new mattress. People often relate an unbalanced sleeping pattern with diet, but it might be due to a state of restlessness the whole night if everything is fine.
Waking up daily feeling exhausted rather than rested demonstrates your body requires more comfy support to feel energetic and fresh the next day. Make your life active, refreshed, and energetic by taking a rest on a new mattress.
Sign #4: You can hear creaks from your mattress
When springs wear out, they can make creaking sounds with minor movement, such as rolling over in the night. If your mattress is making new noises, it’s likely the springs are broken or giving out. Loud noises can disturb your sleep, and indicate that it’s time to look for an upgrade.
Sign #5: Your have achy muscles when you wake up
Muscles can tense in response to an uncomfortable or non-supportive mattress. If you repeatedly wake up with aches and pains that you didn’t have the night before, it might be that your mattress is due for a replacement.
Sometimes, even a new mattress can cause aches and pains if it’s not the right firmness for your body’s needs. Different people respond well to plush mattresses, while others require a firm mattress for a good night’s sleep. See if you can test different mattress types in a storefront. Many companies allow for a 90 day return on a mattress if you buy it and it doesn’t end up working for you.
Sign #6: You often feel allergy or asthma symptoms
Over time, mattresses collect dust and absorb moisture. If you live in a high-humidity climate or have a room with poor circulation, mildew and mold can develop on the mattress. Using a quality mattress protector can help keep things out. But if you already have mold or mildew on the mattress itself, that can’t be cleaned or removed fully.
Those who are sensitive to mold or dust might have a reaction after a night’s sleep. If this is happening consistently, it’s worth checking the mattress to see if it has spots that may be contributing to your allergy or asthma symptoms.
Sign #7: Trouble with nighttime temperature
Mattresses of different materials can affect the air circulation and temperature regulation of your mattress. If you tend to be a hot or cold sleeper, you’ll want to consider the different types of mattresses when evaluating your mattress.
Memory foam mattresses are notorious for causing overheating, while gel mattresses are known to be cooling. If you find yourself consistently waking up sweating or shivering, it might be time to try a mattress of a different material that better works with your body temperature.
Sign #8: Your warranty has expired
Once your mattress warranty expires, you no longer have protection from the defects or accidents that can shorten your mattress lifespan. Mattress warranties can last 10 years, so if that timeline has expired, it’s a good sign it’s time to move on to a new mattress with new warranty coverage.
When making the switch to a new mattress, you want to make sure your investment lasts. Here are some tips to follow to keep your new mattress more comfortable and supportive for a long time.
Do your research, and prepare to invest in quality
There is a huge range when it comes to price points on mattresses. Investing in a quality mattress might mean a higher cost now, but it can also mean your mattress lasts longer, and you save money by not replacing it as soon.
There are even some companies that offer a free mattress trial, which allows you to test out the mattress before buying. Be sure to read reviews from people who have owned the mattress for multiple years to see if it holds its quality over time.
Get a mattress extended warranty
There are several types of warranties. Most mattresses include some length of manufacturer’s warranty. This means the company will pay to replace your mattress if it has defects in material or the manufacturing process. But many companies allow you the option to add an extended warranty that provides longer coverage and includes accidental damage coverage.
Take the right maintenance steps
Keeping your new mattress in good condition includes rotating your mattress, keeping the room cleaned to avoid dust buildup, and using a dehumidifier if needed to avoid moisture buildup. To keep out spills, stains, and debris, it’s important to wash your bedsheets regularly and use a mattress protector to keep out bugs, stains, sweat, and pet accidents.
Follow the guidelines and directions of the mattress carefully
Some mattresses, such as memory foam or grid style mattresses, require that you don’t use a box spring with them to help them keep their shape. Bed frames that have slats can be helpful to support the mattress directly on the bed. If you’re switching to a new mattress style and need a bed frame that accommodates your new mattress style or size, be sure to compare furniture warranties to get the best coverage.
If your goal is to improve your health and wellness, getting good quality sleep is a great place to start. Make sure you have the mattress to support your sleep goals this year and beyond.
And as always, subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited for coverage on your mattress, furniture, and more under the same product protection plan. You'll be protected in case of rips, cracks, spills, and more, so you can rest easy knowing repairs and replacements are taken care of for you.