Whether you are a homebody or someone who loves being outdoors, there’s no denying that at the end of the day, all you want is a good night’s rest. This means that you spend a good seven hours in your bed, sometimes even more, which is why you should give importance to your mattress.

You may not have given any thought to it but your mattress plays a vital role in providing quality sleep. According to Santhosh Thomas, the medical co-director of the Center for Spine Health of the Cleveland Clinic, a mattress is typically marketed to last from 7 to 10 years but there are some factors to consider.

Weight the Mattress Can Support

Yes, your weight affects how long your mattress will last. For example, if you’re going to add 250 pounds on your bed every night, then it is highly likely that it will not last up to 7 to 10 years, according to physiatrist Jonathan S. Kirschner.

Fizkes/Shutterstock | Mattresses tend to last long if children sleep on it

Instead of the standard mattress, which is usually cheaper than other types, invest in one that is made with latex or one that has higher foam densities. It may burn a hole in your pocket but you can be sure that it will last longer, therefore saving you more money in the long run.

Hours of Sleep on the Bed

How long and how often you sleep is also an important factor to consider. Ponder on this: are you worried about the mattress where you doze off every night or the one in the guest room?

According to the American Sleep Association, a mattress used by a child or in the guest room may last longer. However, after hitting the 9-year mark it may show signs that it is on its last leg.

Kind of Mattress

Apart from how you use it, the kind of mattress you have is also important. Those made with polyfoam, memory foam, or latex may be your best bet because it can stay intact for more than a decade.

Air mattresses and waterbeds may be fun at first but they aren’t that durable. It has a high chance of popping if you constantly put 200 pounds on top of it. Among all the types of mattresses, these ones have the shortest lifespan.

LightField Studios/Shutterstock | The kind of mattress will determine the lifespan

Finally, innerspring mattresses are those that usually break down before they even reach 10 years only because the spring may loosen through time. On average, this type of bed is fine from 4 to 6 years, which is not bad if you are on a budget.

Bottomline

Kaspars Grinvalds/Shutterstock | If you experience back pains, then it’s high time you change your mattress

Apart from these factors, there are telltale signs that you need to ditch your bed, including allergies, molds, and bed bugs. It is also high time to change your mattress if it already sags and is not giving you a good sleep.