You spend about a third of your life lying down on your mattress. The purpose is to rest and get recharged for the other two-thirds of your life. Unfortunately, not all mattresses live up to this purpose.
Are you worried that your current mattress may not be living up to its purpose? A third of your life is too much time to spend on an uncomfortable mattress! Here is an overview of sure tell-tale signs that you need a new mattress.
It Is Past Its Lifespan
Most mattresses have an average lifespan of 7-10 years, depending on their make and quality. Memory foam mattresses are less durable than most of the other makes. The most durable makes include all-natural latex mattresses and waterbeds.
Get rid of your memory foam mattress if you have had it for seven years or more. Other makes may be ditched after 10 years, depending on their present quality.
You Can Make Out Your Body Shape
Mattresses make a fine compromise between softness and firmness. They try to be as soft and comfortable as possible. They also try to be firm enough to hold your weight and maintain their shapes for the years to come. At some point, however, every mattress loses its firmness and starts to sag.
How can you tell if a mattress is wearing out? One sure sign is making out your body shape in the mattress. A dip in the mattress also qualifies.
Tip: Just to be safe, start making plans to get rid of the mattress as soon as it loses its firmness – the period varies depending on the mattress’s quality.
Hygiene Issues
Dust mites love mattresses and try as you may keep them out; they will still share your bed someday. The sweat from your skin, coupled with other unhygienic elements, also add up over time and make for breeding grounds for bacteria.
Mattresses are difficult to clean. The best solution for such infestations is a replacement. Remember: mites and other pathogens cause a wide range of diseases and should not be ignored.
Tip: Keep your mattress always wrapped in a mattress cover to keep it clean. Use superior-quality mattress covers that do not tear easily or absorb sweat. Also, keep your sheets and other beddings clean to avoid a mite infestation.
You are Developing Allergies or Asthma
If you are developing allergic reactions at night, it may be as a result of the dust mites and other pathogens. Their secretion causes difficulties in breathing, itchiness around the eyes, and rashes all over the body. Asthma may also develop over time, so these and other symptoms should not be ignored.
Tip: A mite infestation is not always the issue. Consider using treated mattresses and beddings if you are asthmatic or prone to allergic attacks.
You are Waking Up Fatigued and Sore
Resting is the purpose of sleeping. You should ideally wake up relaxed and revamped for the day ahead. Your mattress has a lot to say about this outcome – you put your body’s entire weight on it, after all.
The ideal mattress should be soft and smooth so that it feels gentle on your skin. It should also be firm enough to cave in only slightly under your weight – an ergonomic design capable of adapting your posture also goes a long way. Every aspect should check out.
If your mattress does not meet the said requirements, you will likely wake up with your back aching and your joints sore. This is a clear sign that you should get a new, better mattress.
Note: Bad sleeping positions, even when sleeping on a top-quality mattress, are often to blame for soreness and fatigue in the morning. Consider your sleeping positions and consider getting an ergonomically-designed mattress if you can’t help it.
Related: Recover Healthy Sleeping Habits after Childbirth
You are Experiencing Sleep Apnea
Are you having trouble sleeping? Have you tried everything else and failed? The fault could be with your mattress. There are many causes of sleep apnea. An unaccommodating sleeping environment is at the top of the list, and the mattress is at the center of it all. A mattress should be as comfortable as you desire. Everything should be just right. This means no depressions, sagging, and other shortcomings.
Note: Sleep apnea is a serious condition and shouldn’t be ignored. There are certain mattresses purposely built to be conducive for people suffering from sleep apnea. They feature ergonomic designs, including a supporting posture, to lure you to sleep.
Your Body Has the Final Say
How do you feel when lying on the bed? Is it as soft and smooth as you like? Do you wake up relaxed every morning? It is your body that should make the final decision at the end of the day. These are the kind of questions that you should ponder over when deciding whether or not to ditch the mattress.
Read Also:
