Many people probably wonder how does one know if a new mattress is needed. A mattress is a significant investment, so most folks don’t want to replace it until they have to. Fortunately, a good mattress should last for several years. Read on to discover some signs it may be time to buy a new mattress.
Aches and Pains
One of the top signs it’s time for a new mattress is if you’re noticing more aches and pains lately. Pain in your neck, shoulders and lower back are particularly common when you’re sleeping on a mattress that no longer supports you properly. You use your mattress nightly for approximately eight hours, so it makes sense that it will eventually wear out. Consider shopping for a new one when you start to notice unusual aches and pain in the areas mentioned here.
Noticeable Wear and Tear
According to Readers Digest, If you can see wear and tear on your mattress, you probably need a new one. Sagging and lumpy mattresses don’t have the support to hold your body firmly. This is especially true if the impressions you’re seeing are more than an inch and a half deep. Visible wear and tear are sure signs you could use a new, solid mattress.
Triggered Allergies
One tip-off that you may need a new mattress is a sneaky one, and that’s increased allergic reactions. Mold, mildew and dust mites accumulate on and inside of mattresses over time. As you move throughout the night, you’ll send these particles into the air and your breathing passageways. If you notice your allergies are aggravated when you’re around your mattress or that you’re waking up extra stuffy and sneezy, consider the fact that it could be allergens related to an old mattress. You can look for hypoallergenic materials when you buy a new mattress.
Trouble Sleeping
If you’ve suddenly noticed that you’re tossing and turning a lot at night or waking up tired, it’s a good idea to consider whether an uncomfortable mattress could be the cause. Take some time to think about other possible contributors such as illness or stress, then pay attention to your sleep patterns each night. If you suspect that a lumpy, saggy and uncomfortable mattress is to blame for your restlessness, start shopping for a new one. Another reason to consider a new mattress is if you notice that you sleep better somewhere other than your bed such as at a hotel or a friend’s home. It’s unusual to sleep well in an unfamiliar place so this could be a clue that your mattress is shot.
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Life’s Changes
Sometimes it’s not necessarily that your mattress is in bad shape. It could simply be that something in your life has changed, and the mattress is no longer appropriate for your needs. You may find you need a firmer mattress if you’ve sustained a recent injury, for example. If you’ve lost a great deal of weight, your current mattress may not feel the way it used to. Perhaps you have a new sleeping partner and your tastes in firmness are different. It’s okay to look for a new mattress if yours just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore.
These are just some of the most common reasons you may need to upgrade your mattress. Listen to your gut. Keep these tips in mind when you catch yourself wondering how would I know if I need a new mattress.
