6 signs it's time to buy a new mattress, plus the 5 we recommend in the Presidents' Day sales

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The average mattress has a lifespan of seven to ten years

Testers inspect the newly unboxed DreamCloud Classic mattress.
(Image credit: Future)

If you've had your mattress for a number of years and are starting to feel uncomfortable on it, or you keep waking up in pain and it isn't because you've changed your pillow, then it's time to replace your mattress.

Even the best mattresses we've tested have a lifespan of around seven to ten years, with organic latex mattresses lasting much longer (15 to 20 years for real high quality models).

Here we're breaking down the most common red flags so that you know exactly when it’s time to swap your mattress. Now is a good time to buy a new one too, as many of this year's top rated options are down in price in the Presidents' Day mattress sales.

Signs that your mattress needs replacing

Woman sitting on the edge of a mattress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

1. The edge support has collapsed

Edge support in a mattress is super important. A mattress with good edge support will allow you to sleep or sit near the edge of the bed without falling off.

It's also super helpful for those with mobility issues who need extra support getting in and out of bed.

If you feel yourself constantly sliding near the edge of the bed, this means the materials around the perimeter are sagging, and the rest of the bed will probably soon follow suit.

Ruth Jones, our Senior Sleep Staff Writer, says: "I know a mattress is no good when I've started sliding off the sides in the morning...if you reach over in the morning to say, unplug your phone or switch on your lamp, and all of a sudden your clinging to the blankets as you dangle perilously close to the floor, the mattress needs to go."

2. You can't get comfy any more

If you find that you're tossing and turning and just can't find a comfortable position, even though years ago you slept like a log on the same mattress, then another bed is in order.

As a mattress ages the materials inside begin to wear and sag. This can create lumps and dips that make it hard to settle in quickly and comfortably. This means that your mattress is offering the same levels of pressure relief and support that it once did.

Nicola Appleton, Tom's Guide's Sleep Editor, says: "A mattress should have even support across the top of the mattress, so any signs of dipping or sagging are a big red flag that your bed is past its best and no longer providing the support you need."

However, our Managing Editor of Sleep, Claire Davies, adds this caveat: "Sometimes it isn't the mattress, it's you. As we age, our mattress needs change too – our spines become more sensitive to pain, so lumbar support becomes more important.

"Drastic changes in body weight also effect how comfy your mattress feels to you."

3. It's covered in stains

Woman pointing to a yellow stain on a mattress

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A yellowing mattress is another red flag that you're in need of a new bed. When exposed to body oils, sweat, and light overtime this can cause a mattress to discolor with yellow stains.

While top surface yellow stains can typically be cleaned with things like baking soda or a cleaning detergent, deeper staining can lead to mold, mildew, and dusty, damp smells.

If this is occuring, it's time to replace your mattress.

Woman sitting on the edge of the bed holding her knee in pain

(Image credit: Getty Images)

4. You're waking up in pain

If you're waking up in pain or persistent discomfort, your mattress may be the culprit.

Nicola adds, "When I start waking up in pain, I know my mattress needs a refresh. Whether that's a dead arm, achy hips, or a throbbing lower back, it's a sure-fire sign that the pressure relief has gone."

A mattress that is no longer offering the same levels of pressure relief or support that it once did needs replacing. This indicates that the materials in the mattress are starting to deteriorate.

5. You're waking up hot

If you're a chronic hot sleeper, then this may not be the sign for you. However, if your mattress was doing a stellar job of keeping you cool but is not any longer, this is another sign.

Even the best cooling mattresses won't last forever. They are often made with GlacioTex and Phase Change Materials to help regulate temperatures.

Hybrid and memory foam mattresses often have foams infused with cooling agents such as gel, copper, or graphite. However, these materials can deteriorate over time.

6. Your allergies are worsening

Woman sneezing while sitting in bed

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Over time, mattresses naturally collect things like dust mites, pollen, and pet hair. All of which can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and even asthma flare-ups.

We would first recommend deep cleaning your mattress to remove any allergens. Then you can wrap it in an anti-allergen protector, like the Coop Ultra-Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector that's down to $47 for a queen at Amazon.

If you're noticing these symptoms worsen outside of allergy symptoms or are immediately worse when you're lying in bed, and you've tried the above steps, it's worth considering a new mattress.

Need a new mattress? These are our top picks...

1. Saatva Classic Mattress (twin)
The best there is
Save $400
1. Saatva Classic Mattress (twin): was $1,399 now $999 at Saatva
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In our Saatva Classic mattress review, we gave this luxury hybrid a perfect score. It offers exceptionally high levels of pressure relief, soothes aches and pains with its zoned lumbar support. $400 off in the Saatva Presidents' Day sale is the best deal you'll see on this mattress, and it matches last year's Black Friday discount.

Our score: ★★★★★
User score: ★★★★★ (5,100+ reviews)

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2. DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
Superb value
2. DreamCloud Classic Hybrid: $399 at DreamCloud
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The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid offers outstanding levels of pressure relief and support. It also sleeps cool and has a high-quality feel, all while staying at a mid-range price point. Right now, a twin is $399 and a queen is $699. You'll also get a free bedding bundle worth $599 that includes a sheet set, mattress protector, and two pillows.

Our score: ★★★★½
User score: ★★★★½ (9,300+ reviews)

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3. Siena Signature
A great cheap option
Save $40
3. Siena Signature: was $199 now $159 at Amazon
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The Siena Signature earned four out of five stars in our review, thanks to its supportive feel, ability to regulate temperature, and budget-friendly price tag. Right now, a queen is down to $294. While this isn't the lowest price we've seen, it was $244 on Black Friday. This still beats the price of $359 if you buy from Siena directly. However, when you purchase from Amazon, you'll still get the 180-night sleep trial and ten-year limited warranty.

Our score: ★★★★
User score: ★★★★½ (800+ reviews)

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4. Bear Elite Hybrid
Hot sleeper friendly
Save $742
4. Bear Elite Hybrid: was $1,855 now $1,113 at Bear Mattress
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This is the best deal you'll get on the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress. Right now, Bear is offering 30% off in its President's Day sale, but if you use our exclusive code TOMS40, you can take 40% off. This brings a twin down to $1113 (was $1998) and a queen to $1,370 (was $2,284). If you had the Celliant cover (which we recommend for hot sleepers), a queen is $1,456. This is the same price we saw during Black Friday sales. You'll also get a free bedding bundle that includes two pillows and a mattress protector.

Our review: ★★★★½
User score: ★★★★½ (4,000+ reviews)

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5. Helix Midnight Luxe (twin)
Side sleeper heaven
Save $359
5. Helix Midnight Luxe (twin): was $1,436 now $1,077 at Helix Sleep
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This is Helix's best-selling mattress, and after sleeping on it ourselves, we can see why. In our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review, we gave it a near-perfect score. We found that it offered exceptional pressure relief, making it a great choice for side sleepers. Although it was supportive enough to be comfortable for back and stomach sleepers as well. Right now, Helix is offering 25% off in the President's Day sale, but you can use our TOMS27 code to get 27% off, bringing a queen down to $1,751 (was $2,398).

Our review: ★★★★½
User score: ★★★★½ (7,800+ reviews)

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More of today's top sales to browse

Alexis De Leaver
Alexis De Leaver
Sleep Deals Writer

Alexis recently joined the Tom's Guide Sleep Team as a Deals Writer. She is passionate about helping others get better sleep and even more passionate about finding a great deal, whether that's on some of the top mattress brands out there like Saatva, Nectar and DreamCloud, or on leading sleep tech like smart trackers. She is an experienced writer and editor in the lifestyle industry and has worked on major UK and US publications, including Daily Mail, Space.com, and Black Women Rising Magazine.

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