How often should you change your mattress?
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A GOOD night’s sleep depends so much on having a good mattress, but how often should you replace your mattress to make sure you’re getting the best out of it?
According to , mattresses should be replaced every 7 – 10 years.
However if your mattress is noticeably damaged, you’re not getting enough sleep on it or you wake up with aches and pains, then it may well be you need to replace it before then.
Life changes can also mean it’s time for a new mattress.
For example if you put on or lose weight, or you start sleeping with a partner as opposed to sleeping alone, your bed may not provide the same support it did before or may just not feel as comfortable.
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Side effects of a bad mattress
Poor sleep affects your physical and mental health, which if it goes on for too long, can cause big problems.
If you’re not getting enough zzzz you may lack energy and find you can’t be bothered even with life's easy tasks.
Your work may suffer and you may well find you lose your temper more easily, getting irritated by unimportant details.
What’s more, a mattress that lacks support can lead to backache as well as pain in your hips, shoulders and neck.
All of these have a cumulative effect on your general health.
It could be you don’t even realise your bad back is down to your mattress, so waking up pain-free is a bonus to buying a new one and enjoying a restful night’s sleep.
If you need more convincing, then bear in mind that older mattresses also tend to hold more dirt, bacteria and even dust mites that have all built up over the years. Another great reason for buying a new mattress.
What mattress types are there?
Now that you know when to get rid of your old mattress and head to the shops, which one should you buy?
Open Coil Mattress
Open Coil mattresses tend to be the cheapest as they are the quickest and cheapest to make.
They tend to cost between £99 to £300 and will usually last around two to three years.
They are lightweight which makes them easy to lift.
However, they tend to have weak support and aren't tailored to your bodyweight or sleeping preference.
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Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam works by moulding to your body slowly when in bed.
They come in a variety of densities, firmness and hardness ratings so you can choose what fits you best and feels most comfortable.
You should look to spend between £300 to £600 on a memory foam mattress and they're likely to last between three to five years.
Memory foam beds relieve pressure so they're good for people with pain in their joints.
However, if you're a heavier sleeper or you tend to get warm in the night then memory foam mattresses might not be for you.
Hybrid Foam Mattress
A hybrid mattress is designed to be the best of both worlds - mixing together springs and memory foam mattresses into one.
They have a similar price point to memory foam mattresses, usually costing around £400 to £700.
They give the same pressure relief as memory foam mattresses, but have cooler foam so they won't get you as hot.
However, they're usually one sided which means they can't be flipped over and this could mean they don't last as long.
Ideally, hybrid foam mattresses should last between five and seven years.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are great for people with sports injuries or sensitive pressure points.
They're very long lasting and can even last up to 25 years, although we all know you should be changing it much more than that.
However, they aren't easy on your wallet as latex mattresses can cost upwards of £1,000.
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Pocket Sprung Mattress
Pocket Sprung mattresses tend to be suited to the most people and consistently have the best reviews.
They usually cost between £500 and £1,000 and can also last many years, similar to latex mattresses.
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Our Top 3 Mattresses, Tried and Tested
Find out which mattresses gave the cosiest, comfiest and cost-effective nights sleep so that you can choose your next mattress wisely, as it will (hopefully) be with you for the next 8 years!
1. Emma NextGen Cooling Mattress, £759 £455.40 -
- Pros: Very easy to unbox and set up, very comfortable to sleep on, hugs and supports your body
- Cons: Depending on preference the firmness might not suit everyone
- Rating: 5/5
Read the full review of the best cooling mattresses here.
2. Simba Earth APEX, £1,999 -
- Pros: Medium firm with a good amount of support, eases back and neck pain, supportive, my dog loves it too, 200-night trial, 10-year guarantee, 0% finance option
- Cons: Expensive, heavy
- Rating: 4/5
Read the full Simba Earth APEX review here.
3. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Mattress Pro, from £950 -
- Pros: Comfort cool bamboo top, really supportive, open-cell structure, memory foam ensures breathability, antibacterial, thermoregulating, 1,500 individual pocket springs, removable cover is machine washable
- Cons: Heavy
- Rating: 4/5
Read the full Panda Hybrid mattress review here.
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