When considering buying a new mattress, one of the important factors to consider is its life expectancy. To replace a worn-out mattress is not only an investment but also a choice that will impact your life.
Even so, it isn’t as simple to get a definite answer to this concern since there is not a distinctive forthright answer. The life expectancy of a mattress is the period where it will maintain even the least of its original comfort and support.
Knowing the life expectancy of the mattress will help you in preparing for future replacement. This will save you from discomforting nights as well as huge medical bills resulting from a misaligned spinal column. The life expectancy of a mattress will depend a lot on how it’s created and upkeep.
Types of mattress and their expected life expectancy:
Here we go;
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Life span of an air mattress
These mattresses are also called inflatables. They are often regarded as a temporary sleeping area.
Though some new mattresses are more durable and comfortable enough for lasting use, an air mattress has one of the shortest life expectancy at approximately 5 years( nor including use during the night) and a warranty of only 1 – 2 years.
After 2 days of using an air mattress, it will naturally deflate and will require pumping in the air frequently. Luckily, some brands have a built-in pump to make pumping air easy. Air mattresses are usually created from rubber, PVC, or another kind of reinforced plastic.
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Memory foam mattress life span
A foam mattress is high-density yet very soft. These mattresses take just minutes to effectively mold to your body’s pressure and heat. After that, they go back to their original shape the moment you leave the bed. A good example is the Viscoelastic memory foam mattress.
This same qualities can be found in memory gel mattress toppers. Memory foam’s longevity will very much depending on the kinds of foam used. However, a top-quality mattress comes with a lifespan of approximately ten years.
A gel memory foam mattress integrates swirls and beads into the form for heat distribution and to make a cooler environment for sleeping. With the right care, gel mattresses will last approximately the same time as memory foam types.
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Life expectancy of a futon mattress
A futon mattress is common with college students. However, the life expectancy of futon mattresses isn’t long either.
With the right care, these mattresses will last up to five years and perhaps more based on your preferred comfort.
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Waterbed life expectancy
A waterbed is mainly a vinyl mattress filled with water rather than other types of comfort material, such as foam or innerspring. Waterbeds are available in two major kinds; softside and hardside.
Soft-side types use a cushioned or foam casing, while hard-side types have a wooden frame to help them retain their shape.
The standard waterbed will last from 7 – 9 years; however, these are very susceptible to water leaks, tears, and unintentional punctures. Hardside types might be more susceptible to these kinds of accidents.
The reason being, they do not offer the same cushioning as do the softside waterbeds. But in case a softer side type begins to leak, it will be difficult to identify the source of the issue underneath all the cushioning.
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Hybrid mattress durability
Hybrid mattresses have a comforting layer resembling that of latex and memory foam and a pocketed coil support similar to that of innerspring. This type of mattress comes with a short life expectancy and often degrades quicker in comparison to other types.
Generally, the best hybrid mattress will last up to six years before replacing it. But the lifespan of this mattress will mainly rely on the used polyfoam grade for making the support core.
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Latex Mattress life span
When it comes to durability you can count on latex mattresses. These types will last for fifteen years. Remember, though, latex usually comes with a rigid mattress feel. These are created from a blend of synthetic and natural materials, synthetic rubber, or natural latex.
To get a mattress that lasts for longer, go for one having all-natural latex since a synthetic foam does not keep going for very long.
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Durability of a Innerspring mattress
These are created from a core of metal springs. An innerspring mattress doesn’t have plenty of comfort layers latex and memory foam beds have.
Most innerspring has a pillow top to provide some cushioning comfort. The pillow and soft top provide a comfy feel to the mattress, while the coil springs offer the support.
The coils of this mattress often become loose, particularly under a lot of weight. This means you have to replace it after 7 – 8 years.
Factors affecting a mattress life expectancy
- Activity
A mattress can get damaged if you place sharp or heavy items on to of it. Likewise, eating or drinking in bed will lead to severe damage to your mattress through spillage. As a result, it weakens the materials integrated within it.
- The firmness of a mattress
A mattress that has firmer materials often compresses less. This makes its average life expectancy longer in comparison to a softer mattress.
- Upkeep and maintenance
Keep in mind that cleaning your mattress frequently will certainly help in enhancing its longevity. The reason being, it will keep the mattress in great shape by removing insects, harmful bacteria and dust mites that can cause damage.
- Mattress Protector
A mattress protector does not affect a mattresses’ durability as much as offering it protection from external irritants. Covers will help prevent infestations such as allergens and dust mites.
Some protectors enclose wrap the whole bed while others only cover the top. Mattress pads that cover just the bed’s top surface will help in protecting against stains and spills.
However, people who purchase a top-quality mattress need to consider purchasing a protector that will cover the whole bed.
Additionally, there are pillow top mattress pad, which offers additional comfort if you don’t own a pillow top mattress. You can remove this and wash too.
- Weight of your body
A heavy person will often exert more pressure on a mattress, creating lots of compressions that will decrease its life expectancy.
Final thoughts
The average life expectancy of a mattress will range between five-ten years. But by using a mattress protector, flipping it, protecting it from mishaps and allergens and cleaning it up frequently you will make the mattress last for longer.
Once more, with the right care and use you will extend the longevity of your investment even further. Mattress care also includes good handling of the mattress when you are moving houses.
Eventually, your bed will provide healthier sleeping surroundings and make you feel comfortable always.
But also important to note is getting it right from the word go, and that is buying the right mattress. In addition, you need to come up with a good plan on how to get rid of that run down mattress.
