Recognising mattress faults that disturb sleep and compromise health.
Human beings are creatures of habit who enjoy continuity in their daily lives. Our trusty bedroom mattress plays an important role in this respect, given its role in providing years of comfort during our tranquil sleep periods.
In spite of imperfections, people resist changing bedding material for months, even years after its “best before” date. However, for health reasons, there comes a time when even the most reliable mattress must be replaced. Here are five sure signs that it’s time to replace your mattress:
1. You begin to experience neck pain, lower back pain and/or acute spine pressure
Your body is the best judge of mattress suitability. As such, do not ignore sudden aches and pains that may be caused by a bed that no longer provides adequate support. The neck and back are particularly susceptible to inferior bedding; failure to make a smart switch will only prolong and worsen your condition. Speak with us to determine if a change is in order.
2. There is noticeable drooping, sagging or lumpiness on your mattress
Even if you are perfectly healthy, it pays to visually inspect your mattress on occasion and note any defects and irregularities. Older mattresses, in particular, are prone to drooping, i.e. loss of shape especially if you have not flipped or rotated them regularly. Perhaps more common is sagging in the middle of the mattress, due to your weight distribution over time. While repairs to existing mattresses are possible in specific instances, the preferred route to follow for peace of mind is a new purchase.
3. You can feel the mattress springs when tossing and turning
Surely, the end of a mattress’ useful life has been reached when you can feel the spring coils during sleep. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can be downright dangerous if the sharp metal pokes out from under your bed covers. Consider a new mattress as good, cost-effective, and preventive health “insurance”.
4. Lack of comfort when sleeping; staying awake at night
There is nothing more satisfying than a deep and comfortable night’s sleep. However, if you are having constant difficulty getting to sleep and regularly wake up unrefreshed, consider a new mattress. In particular, soiled and stained mattresses can become breeding grounds for undesirable microbes, ticks, mites and bedbugs.
5. Excessive rolling around in bed
Some tossing and turning is normal during sleep, but if you are overdoing it (tip: ask your spouse or sleep partner), perhaps the mattress’ shape and form are no longer optimal. In particular, if you share a bed with someone, check if there are major sags on one side or the other. This is a strong indication that a wider, more stable bed supporting better weight distribution is needed.
We spend six to eight hours per day (perhaps more) sleeping, so it is well worth the effort to monitor your “mattress health”. Innovative bedding materials and technology permit consumers to take mattresses for granted – up to a point. However, when their useful life has ended, make sure that you invest the necessary time and money to find a fantastic replacement.
Consider that if you keep a mattress for 5 years, that’s about 1,800 nights of sleep. So even if you buy an “expensive” mattress, what does it cost you per night of good sleep?
So if you have been waking tired or aching, talk with us. We can help.