When Is It Time to Replace Your Mattress? 6 Signs to Look For

Sooner or later, every mattress needs replacing. Most of us put it off, adapting to a sagging middle or a stiff back in the morning, but an old mattress can quietly cost you a lot of good sleep. Knowing the signs means you can replace it at the right time, not years too late.

Here are the six signs we tell our customers to look out for, and what to think about when you choose a new mattress.

1. You wake up with aches and pains

If you regularly wake up with back, neck or shoulder pain that eases as the day goes on, your mattress is probably no longer supporting you properly. Over time every mattress loses some of the support and comfort it had when it was new. Once the comfort layers wear down, you end up sleeping closer to the springs, and your body feels it.

2. You're sleeping badly or waking up tired

Restless nights often go hand in hand with those aches. As a mattress wears, the springs slowly lose tension and a dip forms in the middle, right where most of your weight sits. With little support there, you toss and turn more and wake up feeling as if you haven't slept at all.

3. You can see sagging, dips or lumps

Take the bedding off and look at the mattress in daylight. A visible dip where you sleep, lumps in the fillings or edges that have collapsed are all signs the mattress is past its best. Turning or rotating it can help for a while, but it won't bring back support that has gone.

4. You sleep better anywhere else

If you find yourself dozing off on the sofa, or you sleep better in a hotel or at a friend's house than in your own bed, that's a clear sign something is wrong with your mattress. Your own bed should be the most comfortable place you sleep.

5. It's noisy or you feel your partner move

Creaking springs and feeling every movement your partner makes are both signs that the spring unit is wearing out. A newer pocket sprung mattress, where each spring moves on its own, can make a big difference if you share a bed.

6. It's 7 to 10 years old

Age is one of the easiest checks. Many mattresses last up to around 7 years before the quality starts to drop off noticeably. How long yours lasts depends on the type, the fillings and how well it has been looked after, but as a rule of thumb, if your mattress is between 7 and 10 years old, it's time to start looking for a new one.

Choosing your new mattress

When you replace your mattress, it's worth thinking about what didn't work with the old one:

• Waking up stiff or sore? Look for firmer support, such as a pocket sprung or orthopaedic mattress.
• Want pressure relief? A memory foam mattress moulds to your body and eases pressure points.
• Prefer natural materials? Our hand made natural mattresses use breathable fillings such as wool.
• Need a new base too? If your divan or bed frame is as old as the mattress, replacing both at once makes sense. Browse our divan beds.

Once you've found the right one, a little care goes a long way. Rotating your mattress regularly and using a mattress protector will help it stay comfortable for longer.

Ready for a better night's sleep? Browse our full range of mattresses, all with free delivery.