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We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed. Whether we're sleeping, relaxing, reading, or watching TV, a good mattress ensures we're comfortable. But what happens when it's time to replace our mattress? What signs should we look out for? And what are the potential health risks?
8 Min Read | By Jessica Kadel
Last Modified 27 February 2025 First Added 29 June 2016
Verified by Anisha Joshi, award-winning Osteopath
“An old or unsupportive mattress may cause someone’s spine to feel unsupported and this may place strain on key pressure points, leading to aches and pains. In turn, this discomfort can cause frequent awakenings and a restless sleep, creating a cycle where poor support at night fuels even more pain and sleep disturbances.”
We all know that our mattress is a fundamental part of our lives. And, due to the amount of time we spend on it, it can significantly contribute to our well-being. The average mattress has a lifespan of roughly eight years. After this period, your beloved bed will start to deteriorate—taking your health down with it. If your mattress is significantly old, it may come with several potential health risks, including…
You may have a bad mattress if you wake up with aches and pains, lack of sleep quality, or allergies. But there are other signs to look out for to tell if it’s time to replace your mattress:
If you have an old mattress, it will likely start to sag as a result of supporting your body weight over time. If your mattress shows signs of sagging in the middle or on one of the sides, has lumps, or feels generally uneven, then it’s a clear sign that it’s time to get a new one. Sleeping on an old, sagging mattress can lead to uneven spinal support, causing aches and pains.
Over time, old mattresses can wear out and create uncomfortable sleeping surfaces. You may notice reduced support, springs that have less give, or softer comfort layers that sink too much and fail to provide good airflow.
If you can feel the springs in your mattress, that’s a clear sign that it’s getting old. Likewise, if your mattress is losing its features—such as cooling retention—and you’re suddenly getting hot at night despite having a cooler mattress, or if it starts making noises when you toss and turn, it’s time to get a new one.
And, of course, if you find any holes, scuffs, or rips in your mattress, then it’s clearly had its day.
Bed bugs are a real threat. Scientifically, they go by the less catchy name Cimex lectularius. As your mattress ages, it becomes an ideal habitat for dust mites and bed bugs. Although these tiny insects usually just cause itchy bites, they are almost impossible to get rid of without discarding your mattress altogether. Signs of bed bugs include reddish spots on your bed sheets, small red bites on your skin, and, of course, the culprits themselves—often found along the mattress seams.
A single mattress can harbour up to 10 million dust mites, which feed on your dead skin cells. Dust mites can also trigger allergic reactions, particularly in people with asthma. So, to make sure the bed bugs don’t bite, it’s best to invest in a new mattress and wash your sheets regularly.
An old mattress not only creates an optimal environment for insects to breed but also for bacteria to thrive. A range of pathogenic bacteria and fungi often take hold in an ageing mattress—for example, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, norovirus, and even MRSA. These can lead to skin infections, urinary tract infections, and other serious illnesses.
Mould is another hazard associated with old mattresses, especially if your bedroom isn’t well-ventilated or is prone to dampness. While most common mould spores are usually harmless, they can trigger allergic reactions such as coughing, itchy eyes, and eczema.
As with other health risks, if your mattress is growing mould, it’s definitely time to replace it! However, we understand that’s not always possible. In the short term, drying out and airing the mattress or investing in a dehumidifier can help.
Whether you’re sleeping on an old mattress or one that isn’t right for you, it could impact your health. Here are some key symptoms of an old mattress:
Sadly, even the best of mattresses can lose their oomph eventually. With mattress structures sagging and dipping, your body and pressure points cannot be fully cradled with an old mattress. Regularly sleeping with such a lack of support has the potential to strain your neck and back. It can also disturb a good night’s sleep; our 2024 Sleep Survey found that 20% of sleep disturbances are caused by neck, hip or back pain. Although you can temporarily prolong the life of your mattress by rotating it, in the long run – your health will benefit significantly from a new, comfy mattress.
If you struggle with neck and back pain at night, read our advice on how to prevent back pain in bed.
A good mattress is designed to support your spine and body. If it doesn’t provide the proper support, you may experience joint pain. Excess pressure can cause your joints to feel stiff, or you may notice tightness in your shoulders, hips, or knees.
If your mattress is old, it may no longer provide the alignment and support your spine needs. A lack of support or sagging in a worn-out mattress can lead to spinal misalignment or aches, as you may adopt unnatural sleeping positions to stay comfortable. Over time, this could contribute to poor posture.
Allergen build-up is common in old mattresses, accumulating years’ worth of pet dander, mildew, mould, skin cells, and bacteria. If you suffer from allergies or asthma and experience sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, or shortness of breath, your mattress could be the culprit.
Related: How to sleep better during allergy season
Sleeping on an old or poor-quality mattress can affect your ability to get a restful night’s sleep. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty focusing throughout the day. If you’re tossing and turning more or struggling to fall asleep because you’re uncomfortable, your mattress might be to blame. Whether you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, don’t let your mattress ruin a peaceful night.
To determine if your mattress is old or bad, here’s some tips:
All in all, if you aren’t comfortable at night, feel aches, or find yourself sneezing more, your mattress could be the culprit.
Thinking about getting a new one? Here are some basic guidelines to help decide when to replace your mattress:
Choosing a good mattress is tricky, for help look at our guide on which mattress type is best for you?
While getting a new mattress is the best way to improve your sleep and maintain both your health and your mattress’s condition, it’s not always feasible. If you’re unable to invest in a replacement, there are ways to improve your situation.
Rotating your mattress every 3–6 months can promote even wear and prevent sagging while using a mattress toppers can enhance comfort—especially if you need a firmer surface to lie on. Changing or adding pillows may also help improve support.
Finally, check whether your bed frame is the issue. If it’s broken, it can affect how your mattress lies.
For more tips, take a look at our guide on how to care for your mattress. While these steps won’t stop your mattress from ageing, they may help until you can get a new one.
Our infographic answers all the questions surrounding the science behind mattresses. We separate myth from truth and fiction from fact! Take a look to see whether your mattress needs cleaning, if it’s the right one for you, or if you need to replace it.
We hope this puts some common misconceptions to bed, quite literally! Your ageing mattress could be the culprit behind your bad back and sleepless nights. Following the tips and tricks in this infographic will help you decide whether or not to get rid of your bad mattress and transform your quality of sleep.
See all articles by Jessica Kadel
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