Letting go of your mattress can seem like a daunting task. We share a special bond with our bed, and getting new bedding seems like a lot of work. So, how long do memory foam mattress last after purchasing it? Let’s find out.
One of the most famous mattress materials is memory foam, mainly due to its instantaneous body-hugging comfort but also, at least in part, due to its endurance. It fits almost every body type and sleeping position.
Moreover, the longevity of a memory foam mattress depends on its construction and the type of materials manufacturers utilise in its making. So, we’ll be going through many factors and ways you can prolong the shelf life of a mattress to make it last longer than usual.
What Is A Memory Foam Mattress?
One kind of polyurethane foam is memory foam, commonly called viscoelastic polyurethane foam. NASA created this synthetic foam in the 1960s to provide safer aeroplane seats, and it has subsequently been used in a wide range of consumer goods, including mattresses and slippers.
The foam’s capacity to momentarily retain the shape of an object pressed into it led to the invention of the term “memory foam.” Because memory foam retains the “memory” of your body, if you lie on one and then get up, you will momentarily be able to see the outline of your body.
Memory foam mattresses are renowned for their ability to contour and “hug” the body for superior pressure relief since they continue to adapt to the body as pressure and heat are applied.
Memory foam is made of polyurethane that has been chemically treated to improve its density and viscosity. It allows the material to react with body heat and gradually takes on the user’s shape.
How to Ensure the Longevity of a Memory Foam Mattress
When responding to the question, “How long do memory foam mattresses last?” we must consider maintenance. Imagine your memory foam mattress to be similar to a brand-new, luxurious automobile, complete with all the extras. You can get a lot of miles out of your car if you keep it clean and schedule frequent tune-ups.
A mattress is no different. You can have many long, blissful years together if you take good care of your mattress. In that instance, think about:
- Turning it: Turning your mattress facilitates an even distribution of your weight over its surface. This can help keep lumps from growing or a drooping mattress from occurring. Uncertain of the frequency of mattress rotation? Turn your mattress 180 degrees every two to six months so your head is where your feet used to be. Then, rotate it once again after a couple more months.
- Making use of a mattress protector: Purchase a high-quality mattress protector as soon as you purchase a new mattress to keep it company. With the help of your mattress protector, your new mattress is protected from bacteria, dust mites, stains, and other elements that could shorten its lifespan. In light of this, our Waterproof Mattress Protector performs an outstanding job of shielding your mattress from spills, stains, and debris while protecting you from possible irritants. Moreover, you can machine wash it, which simplifies cleaning your memory foam bed.
- Regular cleaning: Regularly washing your bedding is important because it determines how clean your mattress is. Even as your mattress enters the winter phase, you can help maintain it feeling like new by regularly washing your sheets, pillows, and mattress cover. If you are looking to wash a memory foam mattress topper check out Can You Wash A Memory Foam Mattress Topper.
- Using a robust framework: Your comfortable sleep journey is supported by your mattress. What, though, is backing it up? Long-term drooping, lumps, and bumps in a mattress can be avoided with a sturdy bed frame. You can choose from various forms and styles among our bed frames to find the ideal fit for your memory foam mattress.
- Density: Density is expressed in pounds per cubic foot when referring to memory foam (PCF). The more high-density foams your mattress uses, the longer it will survive. Low PCF foams (less than 3.5 PCF) deteriorate more quickly than high PCF foams (above 5 PCF and the longest-lasting). These are more expensive since it costs more to produce high-density memory foam.
- Layer depth: Although you may assume that a thicker mattress would last longer than a thinner one, this isn’t always the case; instead, you should look at the layers of the mattress to get a more accurate idea of how long it will survive. The density and hardness of a mattress’s support core are crucial factors in determining its longevity. In addition, comfort and transition layers may be present, each having a different density, thickness, and level of firmness. You can determine the mattress’s lifespan more accurately if you consider the components of the whole thing.
- Airing it out: Give your foam layers mattress air on sunny, dry days. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on, remove your bedding, and let your mattress air out for a few hours. In addition to helping to eliminate odour accumulation, this will assist in removing any extra moisture that your mattress might have absorbed while you slept. Giving your mattress enough time to air out can help both you and your mattress in the long term and can extend the life of your mattress because moisture can breed bacteria and mold.
- Warranty: The warranty duration is a reliable predictor of how long your memory foam mattress will last or how long it will be covered to some extent. Saatva, Nectar, DreamCloud, and Avocado are among the companies that offer lifetime warranties on their all-foam mattresses, although most warranties last for ten years.
How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?
The typical lifespan of a memory foam mattress is six to 10 years, although some can last up to fifteen years before losing their shape and capacity to conform to your body. Numerous elements determine how long a mattress lasts and whether it will be on the shorter or longer end of its lifespan.
Because higher-quality beds employ more durable foams, they inherently last longer than lower-quality models, the benefit is that you’ll feel cooler and more supported when you sleep.
Because memory foam mattresses are made of fewer parts (like coils) that deteriorate more quickly than hybrid mattresses, memory foam mattresses are often among the most durable bed kinds and can last longer than hybrids.
How do you make a memory foam mattress last longer?
Clean It Twice A Year:
Every mattress has to be swept to eliminate dust and debris, and its removable covers should be washed regularly. Your memory foam mattress will last longer if you clean it correctly because it won’t be exposed to as much perspiration, oils, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Aim to wash your foam mattress no less than twice a year to extend the life of your bed. Spot clean it right away if you spill food or beverage on it or if vomit or urine spills on it to prevent severe stains and material damage.
Make sure it has a sturdy base to rest on.
Ensure that the base for your memory foam mattress is sturdy and of high quality. Certain mattresses suit particular bases, so read the manufacturer’s instructions. However, slatted or solid bases work well in general. Ensure the slats are not too far apart to prevent improper support and material damage to your memory foam bed. You must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions in this case because failing to use a supporting base can void your warranty and cause harm to your mattress. Inadequate support will result in sagging, dents, and shape loss.
Turn it over every three months.
Because memory foam gradually softens with time, it’s best to rotate it frequently to distribute wear and tear. How frequently should a mattress be rotated? every three months. However, ensure your mattress can be turned; those with zoned support cannot. While it is uncommon for mattresses in boxes, typically made with a fixed top and bottom, some can also be flipped.
Put a bed topper on.
These innovative products extend their lifespan by absorbing some of the normal wear and tear that memory foam mattresses experience. If an all-foam bed isn’t exactly comfortable, it can also increase firmness or softness. See our guide to the top mattress toppers for every budget this year for our professional recommendations.
How do you tell when it’s time for a new memory foam mattress?
Even if we sold you the memory foam mattress, you may still enjoy it, but there are instances when you need to recognize the warning signals to know it’s time to move on. An excellent mattress might have its shelf life.
- Your mattress is droopy: One of the most apparent indicators that you need another mattress is if the top layer of your current one appears to have an impression of a resting snow angel. If so, it’s time to replace your old mattress. Your mattress can no longer give you the support and stress relief required when you observe dips or your-shaped pockets. This might lead to back, hip, shoulder, or neck problems.
- The age of your mattress is over ten years old: While age may be a mental state for some, it’s a reliable indicator for mattresses as to when it’s time to start looking for a new bed. It’s time to retire your old mattress after ten years of absorbing sweat, oil, skin cells, filth, and grime—and maybe a few jumping-on-the-bed sessions.
- You’ve observed that your asthma or allergies are flare-ups: Even with the finest care, memory foam mattresses, like all mattress types, can gather a significant amount of dust and dander over time. Regretfully, this might negatively affect your quality of sleep, and you can wake up every morning with a stuffy nose or shortness of breath. In that scenario, your memory foam mattress is
Final Words!
How long do memory foam mattresses last depends mainly on how well you treat them. Everything requires maintenance and care. Therefore, we highly suggest you follow some of the steps we’ve mentioned above to prolong the life of your favourite memory mattress.
If you love this blog, make sure to show us some love in the comments below and check out some of our other how-to guides on the site. Also, check out Are Memory Foam Mattresses Good For Your Back.
FAQs
How often should memory foam mattresses be replaced?
Regarding how long the mattresses survive, there are no hard and fast guidelines; however, in general, they outlive conventional innerspring beds. The average lifespan of a memory foam mattress is 10 to 15 years, although the greatest ones may last even longer.
How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last? Do memory foam mattresses wear out?
Although less expensive memory foam mattresses will likely only last you roughly six years, the average memory foam mattress can last you between six and eight years. After that, body imprints, drooping, or just reduced support are probably what you may anticipate observing.
Can I use a mattress for 20 years?
Even while some mattresses survive 20 years or more, you might be able to squeeze 25 years out of it if you’ve maintained it well. Having said that, there are some situations in which keeping a mattress after 20 years makes little sense. The longer a mattress is in use, the more likely it is to harbor dust mites.
