6 Clear Signs That You Need a New Mattress

We spend roughly a third of our lives sleeping, making a quality mattress essential for our overall well-being. Poor sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, unproductive, and even impact your mental and physical health. A worn-out mattress can be a major contributor to restless nights, so knowing when to replace it is key to getting the restorative sleep you need.

Here are 6 telltale signs that it might be time to say goodbye to your old mattress and invest in a new one.

1. Persistent Restlessness

Occasionally tossing and turning can be caused by many factors, such as an uncomfortable sleeping position, feeling too warm, or general discomfort. However, if restlessness becomes a nightly struggle and you wake up with aches and pains, your mattress could be to blame.

Over time, mattresses lose their ability to properly support your body, leading to discomfort and disrupted sleep. Additionally, moisture buildup and bacteria accumulation can create an unhealthy sleeping environment, potentially triggering allergies or irritation.

2. A Noisy Mattress

If your mattress squeaks, creaks, or makes any other loud noises, it may be time for a replacement. Springs can wear down over time, leading to noisy disruptions that interfere with deep sleep.

Before replacing your mattress, check your box spring, as it could be the source of the noise. If both your mattress and box spring are showing signs of wear, replacing them together ensures a solid and supportive sleep foundation.

3. Your Partner Is Tossing and Turning

Even if you're sleeping fine, your partner may not be. If they frequently toss and turn, it’s worth considering whether the mattress is the issue.

A mattress that no longer provides adequate support can make movement more noticeable, leading to sleep disturbances. Communicate with your partner to determine if a new mattress could improve sleep quality for both of you. Finding a mattress that balances comfort and support for both sleepers is crucial for uninterrupted rest.

4. Visible Sagging or Dips

A sagging mattress is one of the clearest signs that it needs to be replaced. Whether you have a coil mattress with worn-out springs or a memory foam mattress that has lost its shape, sagging leads to inadequate support and discomfort.

Dips and sags can cause back pain, poor spinal alignment, and restless sleep. Unfortunately, once a mattress starts sagging, there’s no way to fix it—replacement is the only solution.

5. Feeling the Springs Beneath You

If you can feel the inner springs pressing against your body while sleeping, your mattress has reached the end of its lifespan. This is especially common in softer mattresses where the top foam layer has worn down over time.

High-quality mattresses should provide consistent comfort and support, so if you’re feeling coils or pressure points, it’s time to upgrade. When shopping for a new mattress, opt for a firm yet comfortable model that supports your preferred sleeping position.

6. Your Mattress is 7+ Years Old

A common guideline suggests replacing your mattress every seven years. While some high-quality mattresses may last longer, the general rule holds true for most beds used regularly.

Even if your mattress doesn’t appear visibly worn, it may no longer provide the same level of support and comfort as it did when new. If yours has reached the 7-year mark, consider testing out new mattresses—you may be surprised at how much better you feel with a fresh one.