What’s the Lifespan of a Memory Foam Mattress?

One of the most important considerations that people have when buying a new mattress is the product’s usable lifespan.

Memory foam mattresses, in general, last longer than ordinary beds. But, there are a lot of factors that may impact its lifespan, such as care, density, and product quality.

So, what’s the lifespan of a memory foam mattress? The lifespan of a memory foam mattress is typically about 8 to 12 years. This can vary depending on the quality of the mattress and how well you take care of it.

Whether you’re buying a new memory foam mattress, or looking for ways to extend the lifespan of an older one, we’ve got a few handy tips for you.

Why Buy a Memory Foam Mattress?

Initially, the memory foam material was developed by NASA in the 1960s to absorb shock in most airplane seats. Coined initially as “slow spring back foam,” it has, since then, been used in prosthetics, shoes, hospital beds, and NFL helmets.

In recent years, this material has amazingly evolved, and technologically advanced memory foams are commonly used in mattress construction. With its soft, energy-absorbent, and high-density foam, it has become the ultimate surface for sleeping beds. Some even say it’s the best type of mattress to meet all your sleep needs.

And, there are plenty of upsides to using a memory foam mattress. For one, it’s constructed to mold your body in response to pressure and heat, allowing its surface to distribute body weight evenly when it’s occupied. And, once the pressure on it is removed, the foam will eventually return to its original shape.

And, for those with body or joint pains, this bedding offers a handful of health benefits by relieving soreness, body aches, and pain. Even better, it helps your body to recover from injuries quickly. The thing is, areas with pain have a moderately higher temperature than the rest of your body. And, when the memory foam mattress detects these differences in heat, it will mold accordingly to the body shape by reducing or adding pressure to the area.

Also, if you’re looking for an allergy-friendly mattress, you’ll love the memory foam bed. As stated by the Environment, Health and Safety Online, a typical mattress that has been used for years has around a hundred thousand to ten million dust mites. Memory foam beds, on the other hand, are made of polyurethane foam, which made out of fibers that prevent allergy-causing dust mites.

What’s the Lifespan of a Memory Foam Mattress?

When it comes to durability, memory foam indeed makes a terrific and viable option. According to a study conducted by Sleep Like the Dead, a sleep research firm, memory foam mattress ranks third behind the latex mattress in terms of durability.

On average, a memory foam mattress lasts around 8 to 12 years. Some companies even offer warranties for memory foam mattresses up to 25 years.

But, not all memory foam beds are created equal. Some memory foam mattresses last less than five years.

While you can’t precisely predict when a mattress lasts, there are ways to determine the lifespan of this type of bed. In memory foam mattresses, the core and material density are arguably the most significant predictors of its longevity.

Here are some things that can determine the lifespan of a memory foam mattress.

This article is owned by Sleeping Report and was first published on November 15, 2019

Density

Foam density essentially refers to the weight of a cubic foot of the material. Denser foams have more tightly spaced cell structures, affecting the performance and feel of the end product. High-density foams are over 5.5 pounds. Medium-density foams are those around 4.1 to 5.5 pounds. Low density ranges from 2.0 to 4.0 pounds.

Higher-density foams usually last longer than the ones with low density. After all, these foams have more cells that conform and support the weight of the sleeper. On the low side, the highest density foams may not be comfy for most of the sleepers because of their enhanced viscosity. Medium-density foams, ranging from 4 to 5.3 pounds, are ideal for the general public.

These foams provide a perfect balance of durability and comfort. For the most part, low-density foams last around 4 to 6 years, while high and medium density foams last 8 to 10 years, depending on the care and use.

Core

The support foam layer, or also referred to as the core, is another significant predictor of its lifespan. This is the component of the bed responsible for the support of your body. And low-quality support foam layers can affect the longevity of the foam mattress.

High-resilience memory foams are viewed as ideal, and quality mattresses will have core densities of more than 2 pounds. Low-density support foam layers, those below 2 pounds, will be a lot quicker to compress, soften and break down, compromising longevity and support.

This article is owned by Sleeping Report and was first published on November 15, 2019

Longevity and warranties

A bed’s warranty is often an indication of its quality and durability. But, not all mattresses with extended warranties ensure a longer lifespan. Although there’s an apparent distinction between a 20-year warranty and one offering a year, the most critical factors you should consider are the stipulations and lengths of full coverage.

Foam mattress warranties are mostly limited, which means a part of the coverage is limited or prorated to the product’s certain aspects. A decent quality foam bed must have at least a full coverage worth of 10 years because a decade of usage is viewed as its average lifespan.

How Can You Tell When it’s Time to Replace Your Memory Foam Mattress?

Sure, a good quality memory foam mattress can easily last anywhere around eight to 10 years. But, there are several signs that you should keep an eye on that indicate it is time to replace your mattress. Here are some of the common signs that a mattress needs to be replaced:

Noticeable surge in allergy symptoms
Difficulty in staying or falling asleep
Development of bumps and lumps
Impressions that last quite longer that they used to
Clear sagging

How to Extend the Lifespan of a Memory Foam Mattress

Use a mattress cover

Waterproof and water-resistant covers help extend the lifespan of your memory foam bed by protecting it from dust and spills. Even if you’re extra careful when it comes to drinks and food, you’ll never know when a spill or accident occurs. Solvents and liquids can affect the memory foam’s performance, besides presenting concerns of mildew and odors.

Furthermore, the average person sheds over 30,000 skin cells an hour.

Without any washable bed cover, all that might go into your memory foam mattress, creating a rather unhealthy environment.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that a lot of manufacturers require a bed cover to preserve the warranty. Of course, a cover will also protect the mattress from stains that can void warranty claims and returns.

Use the proper memory foam mattress support

Every memory foam bed needs firm and solid support like a solid wood foundation or a platform bed. Using slats or a box spring spaced reasonably widely apart may lead to faster deterioration. Just like the mattress covers, some bed manufacturers have specific requirements for the foundation stated in their warranty terms.

Occasionally rotate your bed

Memory foam mattresses shouldn’t be flipped. But, you can rotate it, from time to time, to help expand its life span. Ideally, you should rotate it 180 degrees every 6 to 12 months.

Avoid electric blankets

Avoid using an electric blanket when sleeping, as it can damage the memory foam’s cells, giving it a shorter lifespan.

Memory foam is a revolutionary mattress material. With its ability to provide full-body support and pressure relief, it’s an absolute godsend for anyone who needs a good night’s sleep. What’s more, it lasts way longer compared to conventional mattresses.