How long should your mattress last?

When you’re shopping for a new mattress, you may want to know how long you can expect that mattress to last. The answer to that question can depend on a variety of factors.

The mattress industry says that you can expect your new mattress to last five to seven years. That estimate has decreased significantly from its recommendation of 15 to 20 years back in the 1990s. That’s quite a difference in just a few decades!

Why aren’t mattresses lasting like they used to?

Most mattress manufacturers have drastically cut back on quality in order to cut costs — but they’re not passing that savings onto the consumer. Over the last few decades, manufacturers have moved from two-sided mattresses to one-sided “no flip” mattresses, swapped out high-quality foams for cheap foams, and stopped making real working box springs, switching to foundations that offer no real benefit.

This decrease in quality also means that most consumers come back into the market sooner and more often, which means big business for mattress brands.

Here at The Original Mattress Factory, we’ve only worked to improve our manufacturing process because we believe our customers deserve the highest quality. We are always evaluating new materials and testing new products so we can provide a better mattress for you. We want our mattresses to last as long as possible.

Ultimately, how long your mattress lasts can depend on a number of factors including how it was constructed, your changing sleeping preferences and how you cared for it.

How construction impacts your mattress

The quality of the material in your mattress and the way it was built will both have a huge impact on the durability of your mattress. When you’re shopping for a mattress, you’ll want to look for the highest-quality mattress you can afford, while keeping in mind that a higher price doesn’t always indicate higher quality. Here are some of the ways a high-quality mattress will last you much longer than a cheaply made one:

• A two-sided mattress that can be flipped and rotated regularly will last much longer than a one-sided mattress.
• A real working box spring acts as a shock absorber for the mattress. When paired with a mattress, it will last longer than a mattress that’s paired with a rigid foundation. A real box spring will flex when you sit or lay on the mattress.
• A mattress that is made with high-quality materials like a heavy-duty innerspring unit, cotton upholstery, and high-density foams will last longer than one made with cheap pocketed coils with less steel and low-density imported foams.

How the way you care for it impacts your mattress

How you set up and care for your mattress will also have a big impact on its long-term durability. Even a high-quality, well-built mattress can be damaged if it’s not properly supported, for example. Here are some tips to make sure you get as many years out of your new mattress as possible:

• Flipping and rotating your mattress regularly will help even the wear across both sides of the mattress and minimize body impressions. (Check out how to flip and rotate your mattress here.)
• Using a heavy-duty frame to support your mattress will prevent it from bowing over time.
• A high-quality, waterproof mattress protector will help keep your mattress clean.
• Make sure that no one jumps on or slams down on your mattress because it can damage the mattress and box spring.

Check out Mattress Shopping 101.

Ready to start your mattress buying journey? Come to The Original Mattress Factory first. No one knows more than our team about what makes a great mattress great. Whether you buy from us or not, you’ll be better prepared to make a smart mattress buying decision. Find a store near you.