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A few things we all want to last forever. Whether it is love from our friends, taste from our favorite food, or any such thing, we want long-lasting effects from all of such things. The same is the case with the comfort provided by our mattress. A memory foam mattress is well-known for providing ultimate comfort. Did you ever think about, how long do Memory Foam Mattresses last? There are many factors, which affect the longevity of a Memory Foam Mattress. Today, you will learn about the average life span of a mattress, how to take care of a mattress, and how to check if you need to replace a memory foam mattress!
10 best 8″ Memory Foam Mattresses Review of 2023
Curious About Superior Sleep? Learn Why Memory Foam Mattresses are Popular?
A memory foam mattress is a mattress that has polyurethane foam in it. NASA initially introduced this foam in the 1960s for their astronauts. The purpose was to provide protection during the crash as well as to improve the cushioning of their seats while on a mission. Later, it was available to the public in the 1980s by a company named Tempur-Pedic. Memory foam mattresses, such as those found at Mattressfirmpillows, became popular because of their unique attributes. Some of them are as under;
Personalized Body Support
This mattress is the best for providing personalized body support as it gets molded
according to the shape of the sleeper.
Relieve Pressure Points
The performance is this mattress is remarkable when exposed to the heat and pressure of the human body. This amazing mattress relieves pressure points by distributing the weight equally once it encounters a human body and gets molded due to the temperature of the human body. This feature of this mattress helps the sleeper to get rid of his body pains.
Motion Isolation
The best feature of this foam is motion absorption. If one person sleeping on one side of
the mattress moves, it will affect the other person sleeping on the other side of the
mattress. This feature makes this mattress best for couples.
Durability
Last but not least, memory foam mattresses are durable especially if you take care of them. They generally last between 8 to 10 years depending on the quality and the wear and tear of the mattress with time. Most of the superior quality mattresses achieve more than the committed span if they are appropriately taken care of.
How many layers are used in the Construction of a Memory Foam Mattress?
Construction of a quality foam mattress includes many steps from selection of the material, its production, shaping, assembling, quality control, packaging, and final delivery. The same is the case with memory foam mattresses. It is a fact that these steps may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but the basics remain the same.
Moreover, the attribute that makes memory foam mattresses unique from other mattresses is the material used in it. Remember, this foam mattress has different layers to add more comfort to its user. The brief details of all these layers are as follows;
Base Layer
This is the foundation layer of the mattress and its function is to give support to other layers of the foam for increased longevity and maintaining the shape of the mattress.
Support Layer
The support layer is made from a high-density form to ensure overall support and equal distribution of body weight with proper spine alignment. If this layer is called the core of the mattress then it will not be wrong.
Transition Layer
Some mattresses include a transition layer under the comfort layer to act as a cushion
between the soft upper layer and firm base layer. Its function is to provide you with
spine alignment and prevent you from going down in bed.
Comfort Layer
As its name shows, this layer is responsible to provide you comfortable sleep by offering
you pressure relief as per your body shape. This layer, made from memory foam, is the
topmost layer of this mattress.
Cover
The outermost layer of this mattress is its cover. This is made from fabric with the
purpose to protect the layers inside at their best.
Optional Layer
Last but not least, some manufacturers add extra layers to mattresses to enhance their
comfort level. These layers may include a cooling gel to resist heat, and a zoned support
layer to provide more firmness to different body parts.
How to Determine the Memory Foam Longevity?
You will observe many factors based on which you can gauge the longevity of the memory foam mattress. Some of the factors are mentioned below;
The Density of Memory Foam Mattress
The foam higher in density is usually more durable. Its density is measured in pound per
cubic foot and a mattress with 4 to 5 pounds per cubic foot is considered a good quality
mattress.
The Built Quality
The better the quality of the memory foam mattress and the materials used in it the longer will be its life. Remember, a low-quality mattress will lose its properties of comfort and support in a short span of time.
Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)
ILD is the term that refers to the firmness of the mattress, which is measured by compressing the foam to 25% of its original height. Foams having a higher ILD have the tendency of lesser wear and tear and ensure longevity.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Always consider the warranty period of the mattress while buying it. It is observed that a longer warranty period depicts that the manufacturer trusts in the longevity of his product.
It’ll be a lot easier for you to increase your mattress’s lifespan once you know what affects a memory foam mattress’s longevity.
What Factors Affect Memory Foam Mattress’s Longevity?
It will be easier for you to increase your mattress’s lifespan once you know what affects a memory foam mattress’s longevity. A brief detail on all the factors that may affect the longevity of the memory form mattress is as under;
Usage Frequency
How you used your mattress will also affect its longevity. You will notice that a guest room mattress lasts longer than usual while the same mattress in your bedroom lasts for a short period. This is because the mattress in your bedroom is used regularly; therefore, it starts sagging or de-shaping from the sleeping side you use. Hence, you can say that the longer and more frequently your mattress will hold you, the more it will start to sag, as the materials inside it get compressed.
Maintenance
Proper care can increase the life of your mattress. Rotate the mattress regularly, clean it as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and use a waterproof cover on it to protect it from spilled food or drinks, stains, and smell caused by the sweating of the hot sleeper.
Do not forget that sweating will cause the mattress to degenerate and bacteria to grow.
Sagging
A low-quality construction, using it without a base or sturdy surface i.e. a bed frame, exposing it to high moisture content, and placing more weight than recommended on your mattress will lead to sagging of your memory foam mattress. Once it has started sagging then it will start losing its properties which will affect its longevity.
Environmental Factors
Severe changes in temperature and humidity are the major factors that affect the longevity of the memory foam mattress. It is highly recommended to use mattress protectors, e.g. mattress cover or bag to protect from extreme environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. It will certainly help increase the life of a memory foam mattress.
Body Weight of the Sleeper
Sleepers with more body weight exert more pressure on the mattress. Heavy objects’ weight normally tends to sag or mold the memory foam mattress as the weight centers at a specific position while your body weight distributes evenly when you sleep on the mattress.
This increased weight compresses the mattress and leads to wear and tear of the mattress gradually. Sleepers, who weigh less, probably have mattresses that last longer relatively.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Mattress?
We all know that the care element can increase the lifespan of every product. Here are
a few tips, which you can consider to extend the lifespan of your mattress:
Rotate your mattress Every Three Months
Try to rotate and change the direction of your mattress once every three months. The recommended is to rotate it by 180 degrees. By rotating your mattress, the compression will become even for every movement and lumps will not be formed in the foam. You can also flip your mattress and use it upside down if it has the flippable option as many modern mattresses can only be used from a single face. There will be a lesser chance of wear and tear on the mattress, and the body weight will be evenly distributed to give you a smooth sleep.
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is an additional option that can be used to prevent molding of the mattress and provide support to your body. It will also protect your foam from strains, spills, bacteria, dirt, and dust mites. It is recommended to use a waterproof mattress cover to protect your mattress at best. Moreover, it is washable in the machine; thus, it can keep your bedding clean at your ease.
Keep your Memory Foam Mattress Clean
The mattresses should be cleaned on a regular basis, as sweat and spills on your mattress may cause it to smell, which will disturb your sleep. For its cleaning, you just need a few supplies including a spray bottle, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and laundry detergent.
Once you get these supplies, remove the bed sheet, cover, and pillows from the mattress and deodorize your mattress by applying a little amount of baking soda to it. After this, vacuum your mattress to remove dust and debris from its surface and spot clean your mattress to prevent it from bad odor of sweating as well as bacteria formation.
Spot cleaning also removes stains from the mattress. It should be done with a suitable laundry detergent. Select the detergent depending on the stains your mattress has. Once again, sprinkle baking soda to absorb moisture, vacuum your mattress, and leave it in the air for 8 to 10 hours to get dry.
Place it on a Proper Foundation
To extend the life of your mattress, make sure that you place it on a solid base. Remember, a solid frame of the bed will not make lumps and bumps in the mattress. Moreover, it will prevent sagging. Besides this, ensure that the planks of the bed do have not a gap between them, as in this manner, the support to the mattress will be affected and will cause damage. In this regard, the best is to check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Let your Mattress Breath in Fresh Air
Lastly, let your mattress breathe in air. You can do so by switching on your ceiling fan or placing your mattress outside in dry sunny weather. This will ensure that your mattress may not develop a bad odor as well as moisture, which is the basic cause of bacteria and other germs’ development. You can air out your foam once a month. This activity will increase the life of your mattress and will give you a peaceful sleep.
Is It Time to Replace Your Memory Foam Mattress?
Nothing including your mattress will last forever. There will be someday you will need to replace your mattress. It might be today or tomorrow depending on the signs. Here are a few signs that you should notice to know that it is time to replace your mattress;
Your Mattress is more than 10 Years Old
A good quality memory foam mattress can serve you for ten years at maximum with proper care and attention. If your mattress age is more than this then you should start browsing for a new mattress as per your requirements and budget.
Your Mattress is Too Soft
It may sound like a sleeping-on-a-cloud kind of feel but in reality, when the mattress turns too soft over time, it loses its comfort and support. This will eventually cause back pain and body aches. This is the time to realize that you need to replace your mattress.
Your Mattress is Sagging
Sagging or molding of a mattress occurs naturally with time. If your mattress is sagging, you will eventually start having back pain more often, which will affect your sleep health for sure. It will not be able to provide you the relief you want while sleeping, which means that it is time to upgrade your old foam mattress.
You are Having Health Issues
Without proper cleaning for a long time, dust and debris accumulate in the mattress and cause respiratory issues to the sleeper while affecting his sleep health. If you are also having such issues then it is time to change the reason that is your memory foam mattress.
You are Having Back Pain
Different types of sleepers require different mattresses with either firm or soft levels. For example, the best mattress for side sleepers will have a medium mattress firm level while stomach sleepers require a mattress firm enough to support their spine and body. All of these styles and designs function accordingly to eliminate back pain and body ache.
Obese people will also prefer a firm mattress to support their weight, as a soft mattress will simply sink their body to cause backache. However, if you have the right type of mattress but it is causing back pain then it is time to think about it.
One of the most common signs includes back pain that people experience yet fail to understand that they need to replace their mattress. Having rare back pains is acceptable, but if you are getting constant back pains by sleeping on your mattress then you should think to replace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace your memory foam mattress?
It is recommended to replace your memory foam mattress every 8 to 10 years. Lower-quality memory foam mattresses may need to be replaced sooner, around 3 to 5 years. High-quality memory foam mattresses typically last longer, ensuring a comfortable sleep experience for a decade or more. Consider replacing your mattress based on its condition and your personal comfort needs.
How do you know if a memory foam mattress is worn out?
You can tell if a memory foam mattress is worn out by looking for noticeable dips, lumps, or indentations. Budget memory foam mattresses are especially prone to impressions as the foam loses elasticity over time. When pressure is removed, the mattress won’t rebound to its original shape. It’s a sign that it’s time to replace your mattress if you observe these signs of wear and tear.
What are the disadvantages of memory foam mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses have several disadvantages. Firstly, they can be pricy, making them inaccessible for budget-conscious individuals. Secondly, they tend to retain heat, resulting in a hot sleeping surface. Additionally, their heavy weight and bulkiness can make them difficult to move. Another drawback is the distinct smell that memory foam can emit. Lastly, cheaper models may not offer the same longevity as other types of mattresses.
Do memory foam mattresses break down over time?
It’s possible for memory foam mattresses to deteriorate over time if they’re not taken care of properly. But if you perform regular maintenance, you can extend their lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Buying a good-quality mattress is a real investment. Invest in a high-quality memory foam mattress as per your sleep requirements and budget. A good quality mattress from a reliable manufacturer will last for 8 to 10 years and will enable you to sleep in peace. For more insights on mattresses, check out our Guides Section.
Uncover the keys to the ultimate sleep experience through our insightful Mattresses and Pillow reviews, leading you back to our homepage’s world of tranquility.
