How Long Should A Mattress Last?

Like most major purchases made in life, you probably purchased your mattress with the intent that it would last as many years as possible. You might be wondering how long does a mattress last? How long should a mattress last? What can I do to ensure my new bed is well taken care of to withstand the test of time?

For starters, most mattresses are designed and tested to last at least 10 years. The lifespan on the mattress really comes down to how often it’s used, the type of materials that make up the mattress, and how well it’s taken care of. There are definitely a lot of options on the market, but some mattresses are made to last longer than others, and how long should you keep a mattress is typically determined by their makeup, and their warranty.

Construction How long is a mattress good for? The material makeup of your mattress matters when it comes to longevity. Organic, cotton mattresses, for example, won’t last nearly as long as man-made substances that break down slower over time.

Innerspring mattresses aren’t known to last particularly long, though they are often the first thing you think of when you hear “mattress.” This is because the springs inside can lose their elasticity and ability to spring back into shape over time. Typically, innerspring mattresses last between 7-10 years.

Latex and memory foam mattresses have been known to last about 10 years, though many are tested to last well beyond. A good indicator for how long a mattress is intended to last is how long the warranty extends.

Get The Most Out Of Your Mattress So what’s the best way to keep your bed protected so you can get the most years of use out of it?

You can start by making sure your mattress is sitting on a supportive foundation. You don’t need to have a boxspring but a strong, sturdy foundation is going to be your best option and help prevent sagging. An improper foundation could cause the mattress to end up with permanent sags and you’ll need to replace that mattress sooner rather than later.

You might think flipping it from time to time is the best way to ensure a long lasting mattress, right? This is still true for traditional mattresses (And may even be required by your warranty!) but foam mattresses may not need to be flipped. Our Tuft & Needle mattress is a two-layer design, so flipping it would drastically alter the comfort. Always check with your mattress company for maintenance instructions!

You’ll also want to ensure that your mattress is kept clean which will help contribute to its lifespan. Accidents happen whether it be with children, pets, or spills, and you don’t want to damage your mattress because of an “uh oh!”

Your best option is to research mattress protectors and covers. The company you purchased your mattress from directly may even have a protector they make to perfectly fit your bed. For example, here at Tuft & Needle we sell a protector to be used with our mattress since the actual mattress cover is not designed to be removed for cleaning purposes. You can check out this article on mattress protectors to jump-start your research!

Additionally, you can always reach out to the mattress company directly for any special instructions on how to clean the mattress. They’re experts on the materials used in their beds and may have specific directions on how to get the mattress cleaned up and cared for. We’ve taken some time to write a post all about cleaning your mattress, if you’d like to brush-up.

What Really Defines A “Lifetime?” What about that “lifetime warranty” I see on some websites?

Some mattress companies promise lifetime warranties or warranties lasting upwards of 25 years, so you may think that means you’re good for the long haul. While it can feel comforting to have that extra protection, these long-life warranties aren’t necessarily going to solve all issues that may arise. Make sure to read the warranty in its entirety!

Most lengthy warranties, those claiming to be 15 years or longer, are often prorated and you could end up having to pay a certain percentage of the cost of the repair or replacement, and they may not cover certain accidents.

To sum it up, mattress mileage will vary depending on the materials used and how you look after your product in the years to come. Do your research, and make sure to protect your investment so you can get the most out of your sleep setup!