How will I know if I need a new mattress?
Knowing when you might need a new mattress is not an exact science. They don’t come with a printed expiration date or automatic color change when they are no longer supportive! But there are a few things to consider when you are evaluating the condition of your mattress that could prove helpful to you.
- What is the age of the mattress? Most traditional style mattresses are built to last 8 to 10 years. Most owners readily admit that they have no real recall on just how old their mattress is! It is not a bad idea to write the date of purchase on a mattress tag or in a file somewhere for ready reference. Of course there are exceptions to the 8 to 10 year guideline. Some specialty mattresses such as adjustable air style and memory foam style might last a bit longer. Mattresses that ship and come out of the box needing to uncoil and decompress tend to have shorter life expectancies. The quality of the mattress, whether it is a traditional style or specialty mattress, and whether your mattress has made a few pack-ups and moves, will also have an impact on its longevity.
- Showing visible or otherwise notable pockets and depressions in the mattress is a real giveaway. If you “walk” your hands across the mattress from each edge toward the center and feel substantial differences in density, it is likely no longer supporting you in the way that you need. If you squat down and get eye level with the mattress and see waves and divots, you are likely looking at a mattress that needs replacement.
- Another indicator that could be related to poor mattress condition is related to back pain. If you have more back pain when you get up in the morning than when you went to bed, you might be wrestling with your mattress during the night… especially if either #1 or 2 (above) are also true.
What is the best mattress to purchase?
I have found that buying a mattress is a very personal and individual thing.
Each has its pros and cons and many of them are related to the preferences, health, and condition of the individual who is sleeping upon it! I always recommend trying a variety of styles before purchasing. Adjustable air, viscoelastic memory foam, and traditional styles all have their benefits. While you may not be able to tell if you will love the mattress you select once you’ve gotten it home, you can usually tell if you really don’t like a mattress with a simple store trial. The good news is that most quality mattresses today will come with a warranty that will allow you to exchange or return a mattress after a home trial of 30-60 or 90 days.
If you are looking for a traditional style or hybrid mattress, I would encourage you to include Saatva brand mattresses in your search. Saatva is a quality mattress company with a host of really good attributes. It is built with materials that are clean and without harsh chemicals or off-gasing. It offers a firmer lumbar region for those with lower back pain or degenerative spine conditions. It is delivered straight to your home with free set up and removal of your old mattress (if desired). AND they offer a 365 day home trial warranty. That warranty is the best I have ever heard of!
Saatva mattresses can be ordered online, over the phone with a mattress specialist, or through one of their showrooms. There is a Washington DC showroom and a Baltimore showroom for those who would like to see and feel what the Saatva mattress might offer.
If you decide to purchase from Saatva, use the online code associated with the link OR mention Dr. Ella Pantazis by phone or at a showroom, and you will get a 15% discount on your purchase.*
*Cheverly Chiropractic Care may receive a small commission from purchases made through our affiliated codes/links.