A new mattress might not seem like a particularly exciting purchase compared to a new bed, a new sofa, or another home item that really pops when you enter the room. But if you’re still sleeping on a mattress that’s at least 10 years old and of questionable origin, you might want to overcome your lack of excitement and buy a new one anyway. You may not realize it now, but after your first night’s sleep on a new mattress, you’ll be sorry for not changing it earlier.
Still not convinced? Here are three essential ways that a new mattress can change your life by boosting your health and wellness.
1. You’ll sleep better
According to a 2024 survey, almost half of Americans believe that poor sleeping patterns have had a negative impact on their lives and scientists agree too. Studies show that not getting enough sleep and waking up frequently during the night is associated with increased fatigue and irritability the next day. What’s more, poor sleep can affect your overall health in the long run, increasing your risk for heart disease, anxiety, and a weakened immune system.
Of course, there are many reasons why you’re tossing and turning in your sleep, but the mattress is one of the most overlooked causes. A new, high-quality mattress feels much more comfortable, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep without interruptions.
But why is it so important to sleep well, anyway?
It’s not just about being less grumpy in the morning. We spend one-third of our lives asleep, and maintaining a good sleeping schedule is essential for several reasons:
- improved memory and ability to focus
- improved athletic performance
- preventing weight gain
- a better outlook on life
- maintaining normal blood pressure
- boosting the body’s natural ability to fight off illnesses
Many people neglect sleep quality and even spend years having sleep deprivation, without knowing that this can affect their happiness and even reduce their lifespan.
So if you feel that buying something that improves your sleep is a waste of money, think again. Investing in a good mattress is just as important as investing in your health.
2. No more back pain
Do you wake up every morning with aching joints, a stiff neck, and sore muscles, as if you’ve somehow worked out in your sleep? It could be the mattress. Even if your current mattress was comfortable enough when you bought it, it may have lost its shape over the years, so that now it cannot properly support your spine. As a result, you get back pain. Some people wake up with bruises because of the springs that are sticking out!
A new mattress will fix the problem and make you feel as if you’re falling asleep in one big hug. Plus, you can buy a model that’s designed for your preferred sleeping position. For example, the Nolah Mattress offers pressure relief on the hips, back, and shoulders, and it will definitely make a difference to your life. If you have been diagnosed with a spine condition, it’s even more important to invest in a good mattress.
For example, even though sleeping on your back is generally considered the best sleeping position, it can actually put a lot of pressure on your upper spine. This is why people with spondylosis are often recommended to sleep on the side, and get a softer mattress that helps release pressure. Meanwhile, people with a herniated disk are advised to sleep on their backs so, for them, a special mattress for back sleepers makes a huge difference.
3. No sweating and bad odors
If you have a lot of night sweats and your bedroom has been smelling funny lately, it’s not your personal hygiene to blame, but your old mattress. Over the years, mattresses trap lots of bacteria and fluids, with some studies saying that they can increase in size in ten years because of all the dead skin. One study even showed that a typical used mattress has up to 10 million mites inside it! in this case, no matter how well you disinfect your sheets, soak them in fabric conditioners, and change your pajamas, your bed will still have bad odors and cause you to sweat.
Old mattresses are like a breeding ground for spores and bacteria and if you have a sensitive respiratory system, they can even cause allergies.
A new mattress is like a breath of fresh air for your bedroom – literally! Plus, new mattresses are made from cutting edge, temperature-neutral materials that are breathable and don’t store your body heat, so fewer night sweats!
Signs it’s time to replace your old mattress
Even if you know that a new mattress can improve your health and wellbeing, sometimes it can be hard to know when it’s time to change it, and not just flip it upside down.
Here are a few signs to watch out for:
- Your mattress is older than ten years
- Your mattress is giving off bad odors
- You have night sweats because your mattress stores your body heat
- You can feel bent or broken springs when sitting on the mattress
- The foam has changed shape and is hollow where you usually sleep
- You can’t find a comfortable position to fall asleep
- You wake up with a stiff neck and back
- You have been diagnosed with a spine condition and your current mattress no longer meets quality standards
A good mattress supports the spine along its natural curve. If sitting down to fall asleep feels awkward, and you’re spending minutes tossing and turning, trying to find a comfortable spot, it’s time for an upgrade. Your wellness and your posture will thank you for it, and your budget too: modern mattresses are up to 300% more durable, so it’s like they’re paying for themselves in the long run.