Your Guide to Replacing Your Mattress - The Original Mattress Factory

Spring has sprung and with a new season comes a new sense of excitement and for many, motivation to reset. Maybe you want to refresh your living space or focus on a lifestyle change such as eating healthier or prioritizing sleep. If your plans for a spring reset include getting better, more restful sleep, you may want to consider whether or not your bed is still a good fit for you! We spend an average of 26 years sleeping over our lifetime, so it’s very important to make sure your mattress is supporting you in getting the best night’s sleep possible.

How do you know when it’s truly time to replace your mattress? This blog will guide you through realistic mattress lifespans, pro tips for extending longevity, signs that it may be time to replace your mattress, and how to make your mattress purchase at The Original Mattress Factory.

How Long Should My Mattress Last?

A quick internet search will tell you, “Replace your mattress every six to eight years.” This number has come down as mattresses have gone from being all predominately two-sided models in the past, to today where most mattresses are only one-sided. While we expect that you will keep your mattress for much longer than this “industry standard”, many variables impact the exact lifespan duration:

• Material Quality – Not all materials are equal in quality. Higher-density foams and heavy-gauge springs will generally last longer.
• Usage Frequency/Body Type – Heavier sleepers exert more pressure on the mattress which can shorten its lifespan, as can spending an above-average amount of time in bed.
• Cleanliness/Care – Sweat, oils, and stains accelerate mattress breakdown, so it’s key to use a quality mattress protector.
• Manufacturing Techniques- Choose handmade, two-sided mattresses built from quality materials over one-sided mattresses.
• Foundational Support – Sagging boxes and old frames negatively impact mattresses. A high-quality bed frame with center support will help the set last longer. Real, working box springs will also increase the lifespan of your mattress set versus a rigid foundation.
• At The Original Mattress Factory, we hand build our mattresses, one at a time, to ensure that every piece we produce is of the highest quality. We could take shortcuts or reduce the mattress’s quality to keep costs down, but we choose not to. Our goal is to provide you with the best quality, most comfortable mattress that you will be able to keep for many years to come.

For additional mattress care tips, click the link below:

Mattress Care Guide

Comfort/Sleep Preferences

Parting ways with a mattress you have had for a while can be difficult. When you choose a mattress, you are deciding on what’s a great fit for you at the time of purchase. Over time, however, your needs and preferences can change, creating a need for a new mattress. If you aren’t feeling as if you are fully rested upon waking, or are experiencing discomfort when lying on your mattress, that mattress may not be a great fit for you anymore.

It’s important to avoid the common mistake of assuming you need a similar style mattress to the one you currently own. As we age, our bodies and preferences change, and our sleep requirements may change as well. Consider the following:

• Comfort level of the mattress- A common misconception is, that as you get older, you need a firmer mattress. In reality, you should always search for a supportive mattress that is comfortable for you.
• Adjustable bases offer special features and functionality that traditional mattress sets cannot. Examples include massage and preset positions like zero gravity or anti-snore. To learn more about adjustable bed units, click the link here: Adjustable Beds
• Height- The height of a mattress can vary significantly, with some mattresses reaching 16 inches in height. The 16 inches paired with a standard, eight-inch box spring and the height of your frame, may result in the bed being too high for your liking. There are options to reduce overall height such as low-profile box springs (five inches) or bunk boards.

At The Original Mattress Factory, we’ve got you covered! When the time eventually comes for a new mattress, stop by your local Original Mattress Factory and allow one of our experienced sales representatives to walk you through finding the mattress that meets your needs.

Written by: Tabitha Hill, OMF Pittsburgh Sales