How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last? Realistic Lifespan and What to Expect

If you’re wondering “How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last”, you’re usually trying to decide whether to keep your current bed or start thinking about a new one. This guide explains how long a typical spring mattress can stay comfortable, what affects its lifespan, and how to tell when it’s time to move on.

What Is a Spring Mattress, and Why Does Lifespan Vary?

A spring mattress (also called an innerspring or hybrid if combined with foam or other layers) uses metal coils for support. Over time, these coils can lose tension, sag, or become uneven, which affects how the mattress feels.

There is no single exact number for how long a spring mattress lasts, because it depends on:

The quality and thickness of the coils
The materials used above the springs (foams, fibers, padding)
Body weight, sleep position, and how many people use the bed
How well the mattress is cared for and supported

Many sleepers find that a spring mattress remains comfortable and supportive for several years, but signs of wear often show up earlier in heavily used beds.

So, How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last on Average?

In everyday use, many spring mattresses stay reasonably comfortable for around 6–10 years, but this is a general range, not a guarantee.

Spring mattresses may:

Feel great at first, then gradually lose support
Develop visible body impressions or sagging in common sleep areas
Start to creak or feel uneven as coils wear down

The question “How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last” is really about how long it feels supportive and comfortable to you, not just how long it physically holds together. Some mattresses may still be usable after a decade, but no longer feel restful.

Key Factors That Affect Spring Mattress Lifespan

1. Coil Type and Quality

Different spring systems wear differently:

Bonnell or open coils: Simple, interconnected springs; can be more prone to movement transfer and earlier sagging.
Pocketed coils: Each coil is wrapped individually, which can help with targeted support and reduce motion transfer.
Coil gauge and count: Thicker (lower-gauge) coils and well-designed coil layouts can offer more durable support over time.

In general, sturdier coil systems tend to help a spring mattress last longer before significant sagging is felt.

2. Comfort Layers on Top

The foams and fibers above the springs play a big role in perceived lifespan:

Softer foams can develop body impressions sooner.
Denser, more resilient materials may keep their shape longer.
Very plush pillow-top designs can feel cozy early on but may show wear faster in the top layers.

Even if the springs are still supportive, worn-out comfort layers can make a mattress feel uneven or lumpy.

3. How You Use the Mattress

Daily habits also change How Long a Spring Mattress Lasts:

Body weight and number of sleepers: Heavier use generally leads to faster wear.
Sleeping position: Side sleepers may notice impressions earlier at the shoulders and hips.
Frequent sitting on the edge: Can weaken edge support over time.

4. Support, Rotation, and Care

Basic care can help you get more comfortable years from your mattress:

Use a sturdy bed frame with the right support for the size and weight.
Rotate the mattress (head-to-foot) if the manufacturer allows it, to spread out wear.
Use a mattress protector to help keep the surface cleaner and drier.

How Do I Know When My Spring Mattress Needs Replacing?

Even if you’re still within a general “average lifespan,” your body is the best guide. Signs it may be time to move on include:

Sagging or dips where you usually sleep
Lumps, bumps, or coils you can feel through the surface
You wake up feeling more stiff or tired than when you went to bed
You sleep better on another bed (such as a guest bed or hotel)
New noises: squeaks, creaks, or popping when you move

If you’re asking yourself “How long does a spring mattress last?” because of discomfort or clear wear, it often means your mattress has already passed its most supportive years.

What Can I Do to Help a Spring Mattress Last Longer?

You can’t stop normal aging, but you can help slow down avoidable wear:

✅ Rotate regularly (if advised by the manufacturer)
✅ Use a supportive base or frame designed for your mattress type
✅ Avoid jumping or heavy, focused impacts
✅ Keep it clean and protected from spills and moisture
✅ Don’t overload the mattress with more weight than it’s designed to hold

These steps usually help maintain more even support and comfort over time.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last

General range: Many spring mattresses feel comfortably supportive for around 6–10 years, but this varies widely.
Coil quality matters: Sturdier coils and better construction usually help a mattress stay supportive longer.
Comfort layers wear too: Even if springs are okay, worn-out foam or fiber layers can make a mattress feel old.
Usage affects lifespan: Body weight, sleep position, and frequency of use all influence how long it feels good.
Care can extend comfort: Good support, rotation, and protection may help delay sagging and impressions.
Listen to your body: If you’re waking up sore, seeing visible dips, or sleeping better elsewhere, your mattress may be past its comfortable lifespan, regardless of age.

Understanding How Long Does a Spring Mattress Last helps you set realistic expectations and recognize when your bed is no longer serving you well. By paying attention to construction quality, how you use the mattress, and the signs of wear, you can make more confident decisions about when to maintain it and when to start planning for a replacement.