How Long Keep a Mattress: Simple Guide to When It’s Time to Replace

If you’re wondering “How Long Keep a Mattress” before you should think about a new one, you’re not alone. Mattresses don’t come with a simple expiration date, and many people aren’t sure how to tell when theirs has quietly worn out.

This FAQ-style guide explains how long to keep a mattress, what really affects its lifespan, and the clear signs it may be time for a change.

How long can you keep a mattress on average?

Most mattresses are commonly kept for around 7–10 years, but the right time to replace yours depends on:

The materials (foam, springs, latex, hybrid)
Your body weight and sleep habits
How well you care for and protect the mattress
Whether your comfort or support has changed

Rather than focusing on a fixed number, it’s more useful to regularly ask:
“Is this mattress still comfortable, supportive, and in good condition?”

If the answer is no—regardless of age—it may be time to move on.

What factors affect how long to keep a mattress?

1. Mattress type

Different constructions age differently:

Innerspring mattresses often lose their bounce and evenness sooner as coils soften or sag.
Memory foam and other foam mattresses may slowly develop body impressions or feel less supportive over time.
Latex mattresses are often known for holding their shape and support for longer than many other types.
Hybrid mattresses (foam + coils) can offer a balance of comfort and durability but still follow the same general wear patterns.

2. How you use the mattress

The more stress placed on a mattress, the sooner it may wear out:

One sleeper vs. two or more
How often it’s used (every night vs. guest room)
Whether children or pets regularly jump or play on it

3. Care and maintenance

Good care can help you keep a mattress functional for longer:

Using a mattress protector to shield from spills and sweat
Rotating the mattress (if recommended by the manufacturer) to even out wear
Supporting it with a proper bed base to prevent sagging

How do I know it’s time to stop keeping my mattress?

Instead of only asking “How Long Keep a Mattress,” focus on what your body and eyes are telling you.

Common signs your mattress may be worn out

Visible sagging or deep body impressions
Lumps, bumps, or exposed springs
You roll toward the middle or feel “stuck” in a dip
Noisy springs that creak or pop with movement
The surface feels uneven, too soft, or oddly firm compared to when new

Comfort and sleep-related signs

While avoiding medical claims, it’s fair to say:

You feel less rested than you used to on the same mattress
You sleep better on other beds, like in a guest room or hotel
You keep changing your sleeping position to get comfortable

If these issues show up regularly and aren’t explained by other clear causes (like a temporary change in routine), your mattress may not be doing its job anymore.

Is it okay to keep a mattress longer than 10 years?

You can keep a mattress longer than 10 years if:

It still feels supportive and comfortable
There is no major sagging, lumps, or structural damage
You wake up feeling generally as rested as you did when it was newer

However, even if a mattress looks fine, materials naturally age. Foam can gradually lose resilience, and springs may weaken. After around a decade, many people notice subtle changes in comfort and support, even if there are no obvious defects.

A good rule of thumb: re‑evaluate your mattress closely once it reaches 7–10 years, then at least once a year after that.

How can I help my mattress last as long as possible?

If you want to extend how long to keep a mattress comfortably and safely, a few simple habits help:

Use a mattress protector to reduce stains, moisture, and dust buildup
Rotate it periodically if the design allows (for example, head-to-foot every few months)
Avoid bending or folding the mattress, which can damage internal layers
Ensure the mattress is on a stable, appropriate base or foundation
Keep pets’ claws and kids’ jumping to a minimum to reduce stress on materials

These steps don’t stop aging, but they can slow uneven wear and keep the surface more consistent over time.

Does body weight or sleep position change how long to keep a mattress?

Yes, these can play a role:

Heavier body weights tend to place more pressure on materials, which can lead to faster sagging or softening.
Side sleepers may notice pressure points or loss of cushioning earlier if the top layers compress.
Stomach and back sleepers may feel changes in spinal support more quickly when the mattress begins to dip.

This doesn’t mean you must replace a mattress sooner, but it does mean you may want to check for changes in support more often.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How Long Keep a Mattress

Typical range: Many people keep a mattress for about 7–10 years, but there is no single “right” number.
Comfort first: Replace your mattress when comfort and support noticeably decline, even if it isn’t very old.
Watch for wear:Sagging, lumps, dips, or noisy coils are clear signs a mattress may need replacing.
Care matters:Protectors, rotation, and proper support can help keep a mattress usable for longer.
Re‑evaluate with age: Once a mattress reaches around 7 years, check it regularly for changes in feel and condition.
Your experience counts most: If you sleep better on another bed or wake feeling less rested on your own, it may be time to stop keeping that mattress, regardless of its age.

When you think about How Long Keep a Mattress, the most reliable guide is a mix of age, visible condition, and how you feel when you wake up. By checking in with these factors every year or two, you can choose the right moment to move on without guessing or relying only on the calendar.