My mattress is getting on in years. In fact, Bill Clinton was when I last bought a new one. Is it time for me to replace my mattress? You’ve probably logged more than 30,000 hours in your bed, and your mattress has likely become less comfortable and less supportive. But there’s no set formula for determining when you need to replace a mattress. It might be time to buy one if:• You regularly wake up tired or achy—you make Oscar the Grouch seem as cheerful as Mr. Rogers.• You tend to sleep better away from home, than in your own bed. Are you planning unnecessary business trips or looking for any reason to go on a weekend getaway?• Your mattress looks or feels saggy or lumpy—it needs go on the Abs Diet.• You’re over age 40 and your mattress is five to seven years old. Remember, your body tolerates less pressure as it ages. As if getting older weren’t tough enough . . . A mattress can be an expensive investment—we’ve tested models that cost in excess of $4,000—but if you treat your new one properly, it could easily last 10 years.
Our advice:• Don’t let your kids use your bed as a trampoline.• Rotate your mattress. If you have a single-sided mattress (you sleep on only one side), rotate the mattress from end to end—that is, move the mattress 180 degrees. The foot of the mattress is now at the head, and vice versa. If you have a double-sided mattress, rotate it as above, then turn it over so the bottom is now on top. Perform these steps every two weeks for the first three months you have your new mattress, then once every two months thereafter. You’ll find illustrated instructions on a number of different Web sites.• Use a bed frame that has a center support. Essential information: See “How to buy a mattress without losing sleep” for detailed advice on finding the perfect bed. And watch our video buying guide. Build & Buy Car Buying Service Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience. Get Ratings on the go and compare while you shop
Have you ever wondered when you should replace your mattress? While it is often hidden under sheets and a comforter, your mattress receives nightly wear and tear. Over the years, this constant use will break down the foams and support system, leading you to not get a good night’s sleep. Do you often wake up feeling like you didn’t sleep? Or is your body stiff or sore in the morning? These are signs that your mattress is no longer providing the support your body needs to fully relax and rest all night. When your mattress stops providing comfort and support, you will toss and turn more often, leading to a poor night’s sleep. Next time you are changing your sheets, inspect your mattress. If your mattress looks worn, lumpy or has visible sags, it is most likely time to replace it. Whether you want to sleep sitting up or you find the couch more comfortable than your bed, this is a sure sign that you need to go mattress shopping. Many people who prefer sleeping in a recliner might benefit from an adjustable bed where they can enjoy the support of a mattress while sleeping slightly upright.
If your mattress is 7 years or older, then a new mattress will likely improve your sleep. Technology advances have changed the foams and support used in today’s mattresses. Plus, your body has most likely changed within that time. If you have gained or lost weight, started having health issues or even gotten married, it is time to purchase a new mattress. While it may not seem important, if your partner is tossing and turning all night, there is a good chance your mattress isn’t providing adequate support. Plus, a partner who is tossing and turning can interrupt your sleep if your mattress no longer reduces motion transfer. A new mattress will not only improve how you sleep at night, it can greatly improve your quality of life.The question: How often should I clean my pillow? The answer: Every three weeks for the outer cover, and every three months for the pillow itself. The concern is less about the pillow breaking down and more about the host of critters and debris that can be found in the pillow you lay your face on night after night.
Dirt, oil and dead skin cells get trapped there, which may lead to acne. Dust mites, which belong to the spider family, also like to hang out in the crevices of your pillow. "You can't see them, but they're concentrated in things like bedding and carpeting," says Mark R. Neustrom, DO, of Kansas City Allergy and Asthma Associates. Dust mite accumulation can cause very real health problems, namely unpleasant reactions in people who are allergic to the bugs. Neustrom says that of all people with allergies, around two thirds of them may be allergic to the types of dust mites that congregate indoors. And unlike allergens like cat dander, the protein that triggers reactions to dust mites isn't typically airborne, he says, so symptoms that are particularly strong first thing in the morning is a good sign the problem might be your pillow. Anyone with year-round nasal symptoms also might want to get tested for a dust mite allergy, he says. So buy a cover for your pillow, and clean both items frequently.
Zippered pillow protectors certainly help mite and buildup woes, as can washing pillows regularly. Interior design expert Robin Wilson recommends washing your pillow cover every three weeks in the washing machine. Then, wash the pillow itself every three months: Down-alternative pillows can go in the washing machine, while down feather pillows should be dry cleaned. Thirty minutes on low in the dryer can help clear out some of the clutter from your pillows between cleanings, says Robert Oexman, DC, director of the Sleep to Live Institute. Depending on your cleaning habits and allergies, you may need to replace your pillows as often as every six months, he adds. Wilson says every three years is okay, but you should focus more on keeping your current pillows clean. "People talk about how nasty a mattress gets," says Oexman, but pillows are more frequently forgotten. You must keep them clean! Follow Us On Pinterest | Like Us On Facebook | Follow Us On TwitterBuying a new mattress is a lot like buying car insurance.
Comparing features and price from brand to brand is challenging because there are so many variables. Inner spring or latex, organic or natural, euro-top, pillow-top or luxury-plush – the combinations are endless. And because buying a new bed isn’t a frequent purchase (thank goodness!), the learning curve will always be painful. Being able to sort through the clutter of information in the mattress industry and hone in on what matters to you – a GREAT night’s sleep – will help you make an informed purchase. Before you visit a mattress retailer, arm yourself with a healthy dose of common sense and learn the difference between myth and truth. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7-10 years, depending on comfort and support. The truth is that the life of a mattress varies wildly, which depends on how you take care of it, how you sleep on it and how often you rotate it. Think of your mattress as performance gear for your sleep. Just like a good pair of running shoes can help you run faster and prevent injuries, a supportive mattress can deliver better, healthier sleep.
You’ll know when it’s time to get a new mattress based on how you feel when you wake up. To minimize pain and discomfort and help your body relax into healing, regenerative sleep, you need a mattress that conforms to your favorite sleeping positions while supporting all areas of your body – conformability and support. In general, mattresses fall into three categories. Babies start rolling over in their sleep at around 4 months of age and by adulthood we’re moving as much as 75 times a night – whether it’s a simple twitch or a full-out roll. We move during the night to alleviate pressure point pain and to reduce stress and strain on our backs and joints. A good mattress will reduce how much you move at night by providing pressure point relief, which will allow you to slip into deeper, healing REM sleep. Most people need at least a month to adjust their bodies to a new sleep surface. Considering how long we spend in bed in a 24 hour period, it’s no wonder that our muscles and joints have a memory of how to find the most comfortable spot on the mattress.
Does that mean you should only buy from a mattress retailer that offers a comfort guarantee? If you’ve done your research, shopped around and spent time testing out a variety of mattresses, your mattress purchase should be a natural progression of those activities. Most mattresses today are made one-sided, which means they should never be flipped. So, how can you ensure maximum enjoyment of your mattress and reduce body impressions? Please note: when you first start sleeping on your new mattress, rotate every two weeks for the first two months. And remember that body impressions are normal up to 1 ½ inches and not a structural defect. The upholstery materials are conforming to the weight and shape of your body, which is a good thing. Mattress warranties do not refer to the life expectation of your purchase. The warranty covers workmanship and materials and just like many products used with extreme regularity, you’ll notice wear and tear before you reach the end of the warranty.
When buying a new mattress, read the warranty carefully even though there’s very little difference in the terms and conditions of warranties from manufacturer to manufacturer. It’s good to note that transportation costs (to and from the factory) are usually not covered in the case of repair or replacement. As well, a new warranty is normally not issued when the mattress is replaced. The warning against removing the law tag of your new mattress tag can be intimidating. The truth is that once you’ve bought the mattress and it’s in your home, you can do whatever you want with it. But if you ever need to file a warranty claim, it needs to be attached to the mattress because it contains critical information that will help the manufacturer process your claim. What’s the cost of a good night’s sleep? If you spent $2,000 on a new mattress (for example) and slept comfortably on that mattress for 7 years, the cost of healthy sleep would be $1.27 per night – less than the cost of a Starbucks coffee in the morning…