Your average mattress will last approximately 7 to 10 years. Most people tend to keep their mattress around for longer than that. However, this can lead to an increase in allergies and a lot of discomfort. A mattress will break down over time, providing your body with less support at night. This can lead to back pain and general discomfort. There are steps you can take to find the perfect new mattress that will match your sleep style and preferences.
Consider Your Sleep Position
Think about the position in which you do your most sleeping. You may fall asleep on your side, but do you often find yourself waking up on your back? The density of a mattress and the type of support it provides is often an important consideration when thinking about the position you sleep in. A bed that is very soft and saggy may not be supportive enough if you sleep on your back a lot. However, it might be perfect for side and stomach sleepers.
Chronic Health Issues
If you have chronic health conditions that you deal with, there may be certain aspects of a new mattress that you’ll want to think about. For example, people who are very sensitive to chemicals may want to think about investing in an organic mattress. If you are allergic to latex, stay away from a mattress that contains a latex-based topper or core.
If you deal with chronic pain, make sure that you purchase a mattress that provides you with a satisfaction guarantee of some sort. If you don’t find the mattress to be comfortable, you may be able to return it within the first few weeks of receiving it.
Sound Sleepers Versus Light Sleepers
Once you fall asleep, are you usually asleep until morning? Or are you someone who wakes up frequently? If you’re a light sleeper, choose a mattress that allows you to move around without making much noise. Also, choose a mattress that is firm and doesn’t move much when you’re rolling from one position to another.
Sleeping With Your Partner
If you’re sleeping with someone else in your bed, consider their sleep patterns as well. If they move around a lot, choose a mattress that will stay in place without disturbing you. In other words, the vibrations from one person moving shouldn’t transfer over to your side of the bed. This also applies to pet parents too who allow their fur babies to sleep in the bed too.
It’s beneficial to be able to check out a new mattress in person before you make a final decision. However, there are a lot of mattresses available online that are well worth the investment. In this case, make sure you’re working with a company that will allow you to try the mattress out for a few weeks before making a final decision. A lengthy return window is ideal, as sometimes it takes a bit of time to really determine if you like your new mattress. If you’ve been sleeping on the same mattress for many years, it can take some time to get used to something new.