The mattress you choose for your bed is a significant investment in your health and quality of sleep. Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice, comfortable, and reduce pressure on your joints, but how long does one last? We researched what various experts had to say about a memory foam mattress's lifespan and signs its time to give it the heave-ho. Keep reading to discover more nuanced points about memory mattresses and stay informed.
A memory foam mattress lasts as long as other styles, including spring and hybrids, with an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years. Over time a memory foam mattress will eventually give out after withstanding repeated pressure, heat, and compression. Encourage a lengthy lifespan for a memory foam mattress by adding toppers, and rotating not flipping the mattress periodically.
Getting a good night's rest is essential, so continue reading to learn more about the benefits of memory foam mattresses.
Memory Foam Mattress Longevity
A spring mattress may be traditional, but a memory foam mattress beats out the competition for many reasons. Many people love their memory foam mattress because it is not prone to sagging; it reduces pressure on joints and conforms to a person's body shape. The average memory foam mattress lasts 8 to 10 years, but it is possible to sleep on it for up to 15 years.
If you want to feel like your body is receiving a comforting and supportive hug while sleeping, a memory foam mattress may be the right fit for you. The memory foam mattress has come a long way. There are mattresses available with varying cooling and breathability, firmness, and cushioning. A memory foam mattress base is usually a sturdier combination of latex, coils, or polyform. These materials are selected to support the uppermost layers of viscoelastic polyfoam or gel-infused material.
Health Benefits
Ideally, memory foam mattresses are a good choice for people who live with chronic aches and pains of the back, joints or suffer from arthritis. Beds made using springs or lacking supportive cushioning materials like memory foam can put pressure on a sleeper's body. Memory foam manages to offer unique support while maintaining cooling properties and breathability for a comfortable night's rest.
Besides offering a cushy, supportive place for sleepers to rest their head, a memory foam mattress has some unique health benefits. Memory foam mattresses are made from hypoallergenic materials that resist the growth of mildew, mold, fungus, dust mites, and bacteria.
It is possible to sleep easier when your mattress conforms to the contours of your body, encourages even body weight distribution, and doesn't trigger allergic reactions.
Check out this green tea memory foam mattress on Amazon.
Material Construction
Memory foam is constructed and composed in such a way that it promotes even weight distribution. Some sleepers worry that memory foam will become overly warm and uncomfortable as it heats up alongside the body it supports. However, many modern memory foam mattresses include gel or cooper for its cooling effect.
The only drawbacks with memory foam may be that it can create a "sinking in feeling" or emit unpleasant odors when it is brand new. Also, some mattresses may leave sleepers in a pool of sweat due to overheating, so a cooling topper and sweat-wicking sheets may prove helpful.
Extend Your Mattresses LIfespan
If you want to enjoy your memory foam mattress for over a decade, it pays to take good care of your bed. Follow these points to improve your mattress's performance and supportiveness.
- Protect your mattress with a cover to prevent it from getting wet.
- Rotate your mattress now and then instead of flipping it like other types of mattresses.
- Keep your mattress away from heat which can shorten the foam's longevity.
- Give your bed ample time to air out when you wake up, and don't rush to make the bed.
Putting these ideas into practice might make the difference between replacing your mattress under 10 years and enjoying it up to year 15!
How Do I Know If My Memory Foam Mattress Is Worn Out?
Prepare to spend on a high-quality memory foam mattress as it will have a longer lifespan than a cheaper model. However, even a top-notch mattress will wear out after years of service and need to be replaced. If you see the following in your memory foam mattress, it's time for an upgrade.
- The mattress has gone from firm to soft or soft to rock hard after years.
- You notice the mattress doesn't spring back up and stays in the shape of an impression made on its surface.
- You find yourself waking up in the night, constantly adjusting to get comfortable or feel pain after sleeping.
- The mattress is approaching its 10th year and is showing signs of wear-and-tear.
- Your mattress no longer protects you from allergies and leaves you frequently sneezing or teary-eyed.
Eventually, all mattresses must be replaced, despite the best of care. Look out for signs your memory foam mattress can no longer provide you with the quality of sleep, support your body needs, and seek a new bed.
Check out this hybrid memory foam and spring mattress on Amazon.
Is Memory Foam Affected By Temperature?
One concern some have about memory foam is that it is temperature-sensitive and easily holds onto heat. Some sleepers do experience discomfort or sweating caused by sleeping on a memory foam mattress.
However, this can be reduced by choosing a mattress with a more open structure to promote air circulation, adding a cooling gel mattress topper, and using sheets that wick away moisture. It is also advised to keep memory foam away from heat sources, damaging the material and degrade its performance.
How Can I Make A Memory Foam Mattress More Comfortable?
Add an extra layer at the top of a memory foam mattress and a sturdy, supportive base a the bottom to make it more comfortable and improve its performance. Place a fan or air conditioner in the room with this type of mattress to encourage good air circulation and keep the environment cooler. If a bed feels too firm, try breaking it in for 60 nights in a row before calling it quits. Add a topper made from egg-crate, cooling gel, or a pillowtop cover for a softer sleeping experience.
Read more: 7 Types of Mattress Toppers [and How To Choose The Best One]
Check out this pillowtop mattress topper on Amazon.
In Closing
We hope you learned a lot about memory foam mattresses. These mattresses offer a range of support from firm to soft and conform to the body's contours. A memory foam mattress's qualities make them a suitable option for people who live with chronic pain and seek cushioning support and even weight distribution.
A memory foam mattress is a worthwhile investment for your bed because it can last an average of 8 to 10 years and as long as 15 years. Owners of a memory foam mattress should take care to prevent the bed from getting wet or overheated. A wipeable, hypoallergenic cover can be of some help with this. Additionally, the mattress should be routinely rotated and allowed to air out to promote quality performance.
Before you go, check out the following articles that may be of interest to you: