Mattress Buyer's Guide -

Is it Time to Buy a New Mattress?

The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) says a good bed will last 8 – 10 years with continuous use. This time frame should be used only as a guideline because there are factors other than age that suggest that your mattress set is worn out and should be replaced. The following are some of the signs that indicate it may be time for a new mattress set:

• Can you feel the coils when lying on the mattress?
• Are there any wires or coils sticking out?
• Is your mattress comfortable in some places and positions but not in others?
• Does the box spring have an uneven or sagging surface or do the springs feel consistently firm throughout?
• Is your mattress too soft? Does your back get proper support?
• Is your mattress too hard causing your arm or other extremity to fall asleep or tingle when sleeping on your side or stomach?
• Is your mattress big enough? You may be too tall for a standard length mattress or wish there was a little more elbow room for you and your spouse.

In some cases, problems may not necessarily mean you need a new mattress. The following are some of the signs that should prompt you to first check the quality of your box springs, frame, and for proper center support:

• Does your mattress show visible signs of wear and tear?
• Do you roll into your partner in the middle of the bed?
• Do you hear creaks or other noises when you turn over?
• Does the bed wobble or sway when you move around?

Helpful hints about your bed frame:

• Check your bed frame. Quality frames provide sufficient support for your mattress and box spring and eliminate the sagging common with inferior beds and frames.
• Most squeaks are caused by the frame or the place where the frame attaches to the headboard and footboard. Is your frame sturdy? Does it separate easily causing the box spring to sag or fall to the floor? Does your frame have a center support with legs? Center supports are a must for queen and king size beds and are recommended for full size.

None of these items is a foolproof indication that you need a new mattress, but they are worthy of some consideration, especially if you are not sleeping well. Numerous items can affect the quality of your sleep, and your mattress is only one of them.