If you are thinking it may be time to replace your old mattress, I hope you will find this information of great value. I get asked this question weekly in the office. “How do you know when it is time to replace your mattress?” This is such an important topic in that we spend nearly 1/3 of our lives in bed.

Discover the Six Top Signs that You Need a New Mattress

Poor sleep is being linked to many health problems, including diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer. Many patients also wonder if their mattress is part of what is causing their back pain. It certainly can be.

When to Replace Your Mattress

1) Your Bed is 10 or More Years Old

Although some beds are extremely well made and hold up better than others, once your bed hits the 10 year mark it may have met its end. Many beds on the market today are reaching their failure point around 10 years regardless of the warranty.

2) You’re Waking Up with a Stiff Back & Pain

If you’re waking up each morning with lower back pain and stiffness, your old bed may be to blame. It may not be supporting you like it use to. Without proper support, the natural curves in your spine will sag causing you pain and alignment problems.

3) You’re Tossing and Turning All Night

If you just can’t seem to get comfortable at night, and you’re tossing and turning, your mattress may have had better days. Waking up numerous times a night may be a sign your body is telling you that it is not comfortable and you’re not getting good rest.

4) You Don’t Look Forward to Your Bed Anymore

If your mattress is no longer comfortable, you may not look forward to going to bed anymore. Generally when you have a great comfortable mattress, you will look forward to going to bed, knowing you will be getting the rest your body needs.

5) Your Allergies Have Been Giving You Fits

Many bedding materials have been shown to harbor allergens such as dust mites, molds, and bed bugs. If your allergies have been unusually bothersome, your old mattress could be an aggravating factor.

6) Your Mattress is Sagging

If your unoccupied mattress is sagging beyond 1.5 inches, it is likely time to replace it. A mattress that is sagging will not support your back properly and can cause you pain. You may feel like you are falling into a dip in your bed, making it difficult to turn over and causing you to strain your back or shoulders.

I hope you found this information helpful and of great value. More information on choosing a new mattress will come in the future weeks.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jack Sarro