How long does a mattress last?

How long does a mattress last?

The lifespan of a memory foam mattresses

The lifespan of a foam mattress depends on a number of criteria:
The type of foam it's made of;
The size of the mattress;
The density of the mattress;
The thickness of the mattress.

A foam mattress may be made exclusively from polyurethane foam, or it may consist of a polyurethane foam structure combined with memory foam. The combination of polyurethane foam and memory foam gives optimum support for the spine, while still providing a soft mattress. The memory foam mattress moulds perfectly to your body during the night, offering superior comfort that helps to relieve and prevent back pain. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of a memory foam mattress.

The average lifespan of an entry-level foam mattress is estimated at around 5 years, after which the foam sags due to insufficient density. However, many foam mattresses offer much better performance!

The secret to finding that rare pearl? When choosing your new bedding, don't stop at the names! We talk about high-density foam from 28 kg/m3. When buying a new mattress, the density of the foam should be adapted to your build, and it's recommended that you choose a mattress 18 cm thick or more. Choose high-resilience foam, which returns to its original shape as soon as you get up. This type of mattress will give you a more restful sleep... and will last longer!

Foam mattress density
Up to 30 kg/m3
30 to 40 kg/m3
40 kg/m3
50 kg/m3 and more
Average lifespan
2 to 5 years
5 to 6 years
6 to 8 years
10 years or more

How long does a spring mattress last?

Various factors are responsible for mattress wear, and humidity is one of the main ones. It can be caused by perspiration, as well as by the humidity level in the bedroom. Problems with damp mattresses can often be traced back to an unpleasant smell - a sign of bacterial proliferation. The best way to limit the risks is to opt for a mattress with good ventilation. This is the case with bi-conical or pocket-spring mattresses. Spring mattresses, particularly those with a good number of pocket springsare renowned for their durability.

This mattress, renowned for its tonic support and firmness, is one of the longest-lasting on the market. And you can expect to keep it for 10 to 15 years before you have to dispose of it.

How long doe a latex mattress last

Latex mattresses have the advantage of being naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic, which is particularly interesting for children's mattresses and mattresses for pregnant women, as they provide a healthy sleeping environment. It is also exceptionally resistant to moisture. It's hardly surprising, then, that it has the longest life expectancy: you can count on it for 15 years!

There are two types of latex: natural latex, derived from the sap of the rubber tree; and synthetic latex, obtained through a petrochemical process. The natural latex mattress has a longer life expectancy than the synthetic latex model: that's something to bear in mind when choosing your new mattress! What's more, it's biodegradable, so there's no need to worry too much about recycling your mattress! It's true that its structure and resilience are reminiscent of polyurethane foam and the density of a latex mattress is also directly linked to its lifespan!

When should you change your mattress and invest in new bedding?

When it comes to bedding, one big question remains: when should you change your mattress? In some cases, the answer is obvious, because the simple visual appearance of the mattress tells you a lot about how worn it is: the mattress has lost its original shape, and it may even have a depression where the sleeper used to be, in which case it needs to be changed quickly! In this case, it's essential to change it quickly!

However, it's not unusual for people to spend years with a mattress that's too worn, without necessarily realising it. When in doubt, look for the simple signs, because a bad mattress is bound to have an impact on the quality of your sleep:
• Suddenly experiencing sleep problems, such as insomnia?
• Moving around a lot more in your sleep?
• Feeling pain in your neck, shoulders or back?

These are all signs that it's time to take action! If you're experiencing pain, perhaps it's time to consider which back pain mattress is best for you. Remember that to get a good night's sleep, you need to sleep on a mattress that's adapted to your body shape. So if your teenager is suddenly taller than 1.70 m, it's a good idea to replace his or her children's mattress. For expectant mothers, it's more important than ever to relieve pressure points, and a firmer mattress is recommended as these changes will only last 9 months, it's a good idea to opt for a mattress topper.

How do you choose a long-lasting mattress?

As we've seen, when it comes to lifespan, not all technologies are created equal. But be careful: deciding which mattress to buy isn't just a question of longevity. The priority is to get a good night's sleep!

Foam mattresses provide soft, enveloping comfort, helping to relax muscles and relieve aches and pains. The trick, as you'll have realised, is to opt for high-density foam and a thick mattress. You can also opt for a model with several comfort zones. This type of mattress is more toned at the pressure points (the heaviest parts of the body). Not only does it give you the pleasant sensation of sleeping on a cloud, but it's also more resistant to the passage of time!

Memory foam mattresses, springs or latex, firm or semi-firm: to enjoy your mattress for longer, the number one rule is of course to opt for quality! Think practical too: a removable cover makes your mattress easier to care for, and a healthy mattress lasts longer! For people with specific needs, it's important to find out which mattress is right for an overweight person.

How can you look after your mattress to make it last longer?

To find out how to clean a mattress, you need to know that the lifespan of a mattress depends on a number of factors. The first is how it's used: the mattress on your bed will wear out more quickly than the one in the spare room, which is only used occasionally! For daily use, it is therefore advisable to protect the mattress carefully.

Protect your mattress

The fitted sheet is essential. You can also opt for a mattress protector (a clever idea if you like to have breakfast in bed!). For the little ones, who are not immune to bedwetting, a mattress protector is more appropriate to avoid the hassle of cleaning a mattress stained with pee. For minor accidents, knowing how to remove bloodstains from a mattress can be very useful. Likewise, knowing how to clean stains from a mattress can help keep your mattress in good condition for longer

Regularly clean the mattress

To keep your bed looking fresh, there are a few simple steps you can take - whether you're using a foam, spring or latex mattress:

- Air the bedroom every day;
- Dust the entire surface of the mattress with a hoover.

To clean a yellowed mattress or remove old stains from a mattress, opt for natural cleaning products: bicarbonate or white vinegar, for example. Avoid blow-drying at all costs (unless your appliance has a cold air function!), as the heat can damage your mattress. It's essential to adopt simple care routines and, if necessary, know how to disinfect your mattress to prolong its life.

Wash your bed linen regularly

While you sleep, your body has to regulate itself to maintain a stable body temperature. So, whatever the season, you're bound to sweat. To preserve your mattress and boost its longevity, we recommend washing your bed linen every 10 to 15 days.

Maintain optimum temperature in the bedroom

To limit the risk of perspiration, make sure you maintain an ideal bedroom temperature - 18 to 20°C. This is all the more sensible as heat is one of the elements likely to affect memory foam.

Don't forget the bed base!

The slatted base is an important part of the bed. Is yours in good condition? Great for you... and for your mattress! Just remember to clean it once or twice a year to remove dust, which encourages the development of dust mites. On the other hand, if the quality of your slatted base leaves something to be desired, it might be a good idea to renew it: there's nothing like a broken slat to damage a ticking!