When Should You Get a New Mattress? Signs It’s Time to Replace Yours

If you’re wondering “When should you get a new mattress?”, you’re likely noticing changes in your sleep, your comfort, or the way your bed feels. This guide breaks down the most common signs that a mattress is past its prime and answers the key questions people have about mattress replacement.

How Long Does a Mattress Usually Last?

Most mattresses are designed to last several years, but their true lifespan depends on use, materials, and care.

In general, many sleepers start to consider replacing their mattress around the 7–10 year mark. However, time alone isn’t the only factor. A lightly used guest bed may feel fine after many years, while a mattress used every night can wear out more quickly.

Think of age as a starting point, not a strict rule. The more important question is how well the mattress is still performing for you.

Key Question: When Should You Get a New Mattress?

You should consider getting a new mattress when your current one no longer supports comfortable, restful sleep, even if it still looks okay on the outside.

Here are common warning signs that it may be time to replace your mattress:

  • Visible sagging or deep body impressions
  • Lumps, bumps, or uneven areas
  • You wake up feeling stiff, sore, or unrested more often than not
  • You sleep better on other beds (like hotels or a guest room)
  • Creaking, squeaking, or noise with movement
  • You frequently roll toward the middle or off the edges
  • You’re constantly adjusting pillows or toppers to “fix” the feel

If several of these apply, your mattress is likely no longer giving consistent support.

Why Does Replacing a Worn Mattress Matter?

A worn-out mattress can affect:

  • Comfort: Loss of cushioning and support can make it harder to relax and fall asleep.
  • Sleep continuity: You may toss and turn more to find a comfortable position.
  • Support for your preferred sleep position: What once felt great for side, stomach, or back sleeping may no longer feel right as the mattress softens or sags.

While everyone’s body and comfort preferences are different, a mattress that no longer feels supportive or comfortable is a clear sign to start thinking about a replacement.

What Physical Signs Should You Check On Your Mattress?

1. Sagging, Dips, and Impressions

Over time, materials naturally compress and soften. When this leads to:

  • Deep dips where you usually lie
  • A permanent “valley” in the middle
  • A sloped or uneven surface

it can be a strong sign your mattress is nearing the end of its useful life.

2. Lumps, Shifting, or Hard Spots

If you feel lumps, shifting layers, or hard spots, it often means the internal components are breaking down or moving out of place. This can lead to uneven pressure on your body and disrupted sleep.

3. Noisy or Unstable Feel

If your mattress or its support system creaks, squeaks, or feels unstable when you move, it may be a sign that the structure is wearing out. While sometimes this is due to the foundation or frame, older mattresses can contribute to this feeling.

What About How You Feel When You Wake Up?

Even if a mattress looks fine, your body can tell you when something is off. Consider:

  • Do you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed?
  • Do you regularly feel new or unusual discomfort that eases after you get up and move around?
  • Have you noticed you sleep more soundly on a different mattress?

These experiences can be useful clues. While many factors affect how you feel in the morning, a mattress that no longer supports you comfortably is one potential contributor.

(For any persistent pain or health concerns, it’s best to speak with a qualified health professional.)

Does Body Weight, Sleep Position, or Use Change When You Should Get a New Mattress?

Yes, how you use your mattress influences when you should get a new one:

  • Heavier sleepers may notice sagging or softening sooner.
  • Side sleepers often feel wear earlier in the shoulder and hip areas where more pressure is concentrated.
  • Couples tend to put more total use on a mattress than a single sleeper.
  • Frequent use (every night, plus sitting or working on the bed) can shorten the time before replacement feels necessary.
  • Guest beds or lightly used mattresses may stay comfortable longer.

Instead of focusing only on age, pay attention to changes in feel, support, and sleep quality over time.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about “When Should You Get a New Mattress”

  • Timeframe: Many people start thinking about replacement around 7–10 years, but comfort and condition matter more than age alone.
  • Top signs it’s time:
    • Noticeable sagging, dips, or impressions
    • Lumps or uneven spots across the surface
    • You sleep better elsewhere than in your own bed
    • Frequent restlessness or discomfort you didn’t notice before
  • Check regularly: Look at your mattress every few months for changes in shape, feel, and stability.
  • Personal factors: Body weight, sleep position, and how often you use the bed all affect how soon a mattress feels worn out.
  • Trust your experience: If you consistently wake up feeling less rested and the mattress shows clear signs of wear, it’s a strong indicator that you may benefit from a new one.

Paying attention to how your mattress looks, feels, and supports you over time will help you decide when you should get a new mattress with more confidence, instead of guessing based only on the calendar.