How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress

Vincent DeFazio • October 11, 2024
0 minute read
recognizing you need a new mattress

A mattress is a huge part of your sleep routine and likely the piece of furniture you spend the most time on. Over time, it will wear out, losing the qualities that once made it comfortable and supportive.


There are several warning signs that indicate it’s about time to say goodbye to your current mattress.


Visible Signs of Wear and Tear


One of the most obvious indicators that it’s time to replace your mattress is visible damage. Common examples of wear and tear include:


  • Sagging or Dipping: Over time, the materials in your mattress, especially foam and springs, begin to break down. If your mattress has developed noticeable sags or dips where you regularly sleep, it’s no longer providing proper support.

  • Broken or Protruding Springs: In innerspring mattresses, coils and springs may start to break or poke through the surface. This not only disrupts comfort but can also lead to injuries or discomfort during sleep.

  • Foam Not Returning to Shape: Memory foam and latex mattresses are designed to conform to your body and then return to their original shape once you get up. If the foam stays indented after you get out of bed, it has lost its ability to provide proper support.

  • Musty or Dusty Smell: Over time, mattresses can accumulate moisture, dust mites and allergens, leading to a musty or stale odor. A lingering smell, even after cleaning, is a sign that the mattress materials have degraded and may no longer be sanitary or safe for your health.


Decline in Comfort and Support


The comfort and support that a mattress provides can decrease gradually over time, making it easy to miss subtle changes. However, if you’ve noticed that your mattress no longer feels as comfortable or supportive as it once did, it might be time for an upgrade.


Worsening Sleep Problems


Your bedroom environment plays a crucial role in determining how well you sleep each night. A worn-out mattress can contribute to various sleep problems, including discomfort, pain and poor sleep quality. Some common signs your sleep is being disrupted include:


  • Waking Up Stiff or Sore: If you regularly wake up feeling stiff, sore or with pain in your neck, back or shoulders, it’s a strong sign that your mattress isn’t providing the support your body needs. Over time, an unsupportive mattress can cause or exacerbate chronic pain.

  • Tossing and Turning: Increased restlessness or frequent tossing and turning at night could mean that your mattress is no longer offering adequate support. If you struggle to find a comfortable position and spend much of the night moving around, your mattress may be to blame.

  • Allergies or Asthma Symptoms: Over the years, mattresses can collect allergens like dust mites, pollen and pet dander, which can trigger or worsen allergies and asthma symptoms. If you notice increased allergy symptoms at night or in the morning, even after cleaning your bedding regularly, your mattress might be harboring allergens that can’t be removed with surface cleaning.


Age of the Mattress


The age of your mattress is one of the most critical factors in determining when it’s time for a replacement. While most mattresses are designed to last at least seven to 10 years, the actual lifespan will depend on the type of mattress and how well it has been cared for.


  • Innerspring Mattresses: These typically last around seven to 10 years, though higher-quality models can last longer. If your innerspring mattress is starting to sag or lose support, even before hitting the 10-year mark, it might be time to upgrade.

  • Latex Mattresses: Latex is one of the most durable mattress materials, with a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.

  • Double-Sided Mattresses: The most cost-effective mattresses are those that can be flipped and rotated to essentially double their lifespan. Although some double-sided mattresses may be slightly more expensive, the cost of a single double-sided mattress is typically less than the cost of two new single-sided mattresses.


Get a High-Quality Replacement Mattress in Spokane, WA


If you’re ready to replace your mattress, the sleep experts at Twilight Bedding in Spokane, WA are here to help.

Contact our North Spokane Showroom at (509) 413-2431 or our Spokane Valley Showroom at (509) 926-2333. Don’t hesitate to visit one of our locations to try out our locally-made mattresses for yourself. 


By Vincent DeFazio May 21, 2025
Sleep is a vital part of childhood growth, development, mood and academic performance. While it may seem convenient or cost-effective to pass down a used mattress from an older sibling or relative, the truth is that hand-me-down mattresses may do more harm than good for your child’s health and sleep quality. At Twilight Bedding, we know families are always looking for smart ways to save money, but cutting corners on your child’s sleep setup can lead to long-term consequences. Mattresses Break Down Over Time  Even high-quality mattresses are not built to last forever. Over years of use, materials like foam, coils and padding begin to break down, losing their ability to provide proper support and alignment. An old mattress that has already conformed to someone else’s body is unlikely to offer the spinal support growing kids and teens need. Children and teenagers are constantly developing. Their spines, muscles and joints need a mattress that promotes healthy alignment and adapts to their growing bodies. A sagging or worn-out mattress can contribute to poor posture, disrupted sleep and even back pain in younger sleepers. Hygiene and Allergens Are a Real Concern Another key reason to skip the hand-me-down mattress? Hygiene. Older mattresses can harbor years of built-up dust, allergens, dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria and even mold, especially if they’ve been stored improperly. Young sleepers are more vulnerable to allergens and respiratory issues, which can be made worse by sleeping on a used mattress. If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, a secondhand bed could quietly be making things worse night after night. And while it may not be pleasant to think about, bed bugs or dust mites are also a risk with used mattresses, especially if they’ve changed hands or locations multiple times. Buying new helps you avoid all these potential health hazards. Lack of Support Affects More Than Just Sleep Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours spent in bed. If a mattress doesn’t support your child properly, it can lead to tossing and turning, body aches and even a lack of deep, restorative sleep. This has a direct impact on: Mood and emotional regulation School performance and focus Physical development and immune function Behavior and energy levels Teens, in particular, are going through rapid physical and hormonal changes that require consistent, quality rest. Giving them a mattress that’s past its prime can hinder both their physical and emotional well-being. One Size Does Not Fit All Just because a mattress worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Factors like weight, sleep position and sensitivity vary significantly between individuals. Your growing child or teen may need something firmer, softer or cooler than the person who used the mattress before them. When you buy new, you can choose the right size (Twin XL, Full, etc.), firmness and materials that best support your child’s current stage of development and continues to serve them well for years to come. A New Mattress is an Investment in Their Future Think of a mattress like you would a pair of shoes. You wouldn’t hand down worn-out shoes and expect them to support someone through miles of running or walking. A mattress is no different. I's a foundation for healthy rest, which affects every part of your child’s life. At Twilight Bedding, we carry a full range of affordable, high-quality mattresses perfect for kids, teens and college-bound young adults. Whether you’re shopping for a first “big kid” bed, upgrading for a growth spurt or preparing for a dorm room, we’re here to help. We Make It Easy for Families to Shop Smart We understand that raising kids comes with lots of expenses, which is why we offer: A variety of mattresses at different price points Long-lasting, child- and teen-friendly options that won’t wear out quickly In-store guidance from sleep specialists who understand what growing bodies need Financing options to make it even easier to invest in better sleep Stop by One of Our Spokane Showrooms and Find the Right Mattress for Your Child Your child deserves more than someone else’s leftovers when it comes to sleep. Let us help you find a mattress that promotes better health, better sleep and a better future. You can learn more by calling our North Spokane location at (509) 413-2431 for or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333.
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