We spend over one third of our lives sleeping, so it’s always worthwhile to invest in a quality mattress. As you start reading mattress reviews, it’s important to consider the longevity of your good night’s rest. Here are three signs that your mattress is worn down and needs to be replaced.
Your Mattress is Over Five Years Old
Do you need to buy a brand new mattress every five years? No. But mattresses do start do wear down after five years, which is why you should start monitoring it more closely after the first few years. If the mattress is sagging or has exposed coils, those won’t be fixable. Mattresses can also trap pollen and allergens over time, so if you’re waking up itching eyes and post-nasal drip, your mattress could be to blame.
You Fall Asleep During the Day
The average adult needs roughly eight hours of sleep per night, and it should only take about 13 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re consistently having sleepless nights, or if you find yourself feeling run down, tired, or falling asleep during the day, it could be because your mattress is uncomfortable. Don’t be fooled by what may look like a comfortable mattress, either. Many traditional mattresses have cushioned surfaces, but these are often so padded that they do not provide any back support at all.
You’re Experiencing Back Pain
This can happen if your mattress is too firm or too soft. The spine forms an S curve, and your mattress should support the natural shape. Consistently waking up with upper back pain can mean that your mattress is too firm and that you aren’t sinking into it naturally. If you consistently have lower back pain in the mornings, it can mean that you’re sinking into your mattress to the point that it’s like lying in a hammock, creating undue back strain. Experts agree that if you see an indentation on the bed in the morning, it means that your mattress is too soft.
Before you head to the local mattress store, be sure to read mattress reviews online to get a feel for the model(s) that will work best for you. Tempur pedic or Sealy Black mattresses are great for many, but you’ll have to consider your own unique needs in a mattress before investing.