How to Increase the Lifespan of a Mattress and Know When It's Time for a New Mattress

What factors influence the lifespan of a mattress?

High-quality mattresses can last for many years. How soon you should replace your old mattress and replace it with a new one depends on various factors. The lifespan of your mattress depends above all on how it is used, how it is cleaned and cared for, and on hygiene aspects. You can therefore influence to a certain extent how quickly your mattress ages and when its service life comes to an end. 

1. Intensity of use: On average, each night we spend around 7 to 8 hours on the mattress. A mattress in a guest bed that is only used occasionally will normally last longer than a mattress that is used every day and has to support your entire body weight every night. 
2. Care: Over the years, daily wear and tear will cause lumps and hollows to form. Regular turning and - if possible - flipping can prevent one-sided use, but even with the best care, indentations will eventually form. A worn mattress has reached its maximum lifespan, as it no longer provides sufficient support at night and can potentially lead to tension and back pain due to incorrect positioning of the spine. 
3. Hygiene: Every night, the body comes into contact with the sheets and mattress, which inevitably leaves traces. Dander, sweat, and dust accumulate over time and provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. Allergy sufferers in particular often have to clean their mattress for hygienic reasons. This can potentially negatively affect the durability of their mattress if it is cleaned incorrectly.  

Generally speaking, mattresses last several years if they are well cared for and can provide you with a comfortable sleeping experience night after night. However, if you want to get the most years out of it, there are a few things to consider when buying a new mattress.  

The importance of material and firmness level regarding durability

To ensure that you can enjoy your mattress for a long time, it is advisable to look for a long service life when buying it. But how can you recognize mattresses that are particularly durable? You certainly don't want to accidentally choose the wrong mattress from the wide range of products available in stores. 

1. Material: A mattress made of high-quality foam retains its shape for a long time, as the weight is distributed evenly, and pressure points are reduced. A mattress made of latex often has a long lifespan, as its high resilience and elasticity prevent it from sagging quickly. Hybrid mattresses are also durable as they combine the advantages of foam and pocket spring mattresses. 
2. Density: In addition to the material used, the dimensional weight is decisive when choosing the right mattress. A mattress lasts longer if it has a higher amount of material, as it retains its shape more easily. The rule of thumb is therefore: the higher the density of a mattress, the longer it will las.  
3. Firmness level: The firmness level is important for a mattress to offer you a comfortable sleeping experience. Softer mattresses are ideal for people with a lower weight, while harder mattresses suit people with a higher weight. However, the firmness level has little effect on the number of years a mattress will last. Factors such as the mattress height also have barely any influence on the mattress ageing less quickly.  To ensure that your sleep experience is perfect, you should still opt for a certain comfort height. The thickness should be at least 16 to 18 centimeters so that you can lay comfortably.  

Replacing a mattress: How can I tell if I need a new mattress?

The lifespan of mattresses is limited. When it is time to replace and dispose of the old mattress varies depending on the manufacturer, model, and use. As a rule of thumb, a high-quality mattress usually lasts around 8 to 10 years. Manufacturers often give a corresponding guarantee for high-quality latex or comfort foam mattresses.  

Nevertheless, the decision as to whether it makes sense to buy a new mattress should not be based solely on its age. Even if your mattress is still comfortable after eight years and has no dents, you should replace it for hygienic reasons. Over the years, a large amount of sweat accumulates in the mattress – even if you take proper care of the mattress cover. Mattresses with non-removable covers in particular should be replaced after around 5 years for hygienic reasons.  

However, please note that the average lifespan is only a guide. It is time to change the mattress as soon as severe hollows and lumps have formed.  

Our tips for increasing the lifespan of your mattress

It's good to know that there are various things you can do to help keep your mattress in good condition for a long time. Here are the best tips: 

• Turn the mattress regularly: Daily use puts a lot of strain on your mattress. By turning the mattress regularly, you can prevent it from being subjected to one-sided stress and therefore quickly becoming saggy. This also affects your sleeping comfort: If you avoid the formation of permanent hollows, you won't have to worry about annoying tension or back pain when you wake up. Depending on the core structure, you should also flip the mattress regularly to ensure even more even use. 
• Clean your mattress properly: Did you know that taking incorrect care of your mattress can take years off its life prematurely? Beating and vacuuming, for example, are methods that you should avoid when cleaning your mattress. They can damage the sensitive fine upholstery layers. Instead, brush the mattress cover with a soft bristled brush. Washing the covers too often is also not good for the life of the mattress, as it wears them out more quickly. You can find tips on correct washing here. 
• Ensure good ventilation: To ensure that you can sleep comfortably on your mattress for a long time, you need a suitable slat base. This ensures that your mattress is sufficiently ventilated, which extends its durability. At the same time, air circulation ensures a healthy sleeping environment, as bacteria and mites are less likely to multiply in a dry mattress. An important point, especially for allergy sufferers, to enjoy carefree dreams. Take a look at our wide range of slat bases and give your mattress more years of life. 
• Protect the mattress: Finally, you should make sure to protect your mattress from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can damage the sensitive core of the mattress and thus shorten the lifespan of the mattress. It may also be worth investing in a mattress protector and a topper. A mattress protector is placed on the mattress to protect it from being soiled. A topper offers you additional sleeping comfort, as it creates a soft transition between your body and the mattress, allowing you to sleep comfortably. A topper also cushions the pressure of your body weight, which helps to protect the mattress long-term. 

With the mattress toppers from Swissflex, you can ensure restful nights. Choose between GELTEX^®, latex, or visco foam, depending on your preference, and improve your personal sleeping comfort.