Do you need a mattress topper, protector or a new bed? 5 questions to ask yourself before investing in better sleep

If you’re no longer looking forward to going to bed and are waking up in the morning feeling worse than when you went to sleep, chances are something isn’t quite right with your current bed. But before you presume your mattress must be the issue, you need to consider what the problem actually is. There are plenty of situations in which a mattress topper or mattress protector might be all the additions you need, saving you from spending mountains of money on a new mattress.

Of course, if you do need to replace your mattress then our guide to the best mattresses will help you to find the right choice for your sleeping style and body type. But there are plenty of scenarios where you won’t need to change your mattress at all.

In this guide, we’ll look at the tell-tale signs that will help you decide whether to invest in a new mattress or buy a cheaper topper or protector. And, once you’ve decided, be sure to check out our mattress sales page so you can take advantage of any current offers; the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales are guaranteed to bring some bargains.

5 tell-tale signs to know what to get for better sleep

1. Your mattress is older than 7-10 years

No matter how well made it is, your mattress will have a lifespan. Different types of mattresses last for different amounts of time and knowing how long a mattress lasts is important, allowing you to decide whether it’s time to replace it.

As a rough guideline, innerspring mattresses have the lowest lifespan at around 5-7 years, while hybrid and memory foam should run to around 10 years. Expensive natural latex mattresses can last up to 20 years, but these often come with a price to match.

So, unless you have a latex mattress, an older mattress of around 7-10 years is coming up for retirement and the best solution is going to be to invest in a new bed, especially if your existing mattress is starting to sag in places or showing signs of wear and tear. Not sure where to start looking? Our guides to the best hybrid mattresses and best memory foam mattresses will give you plenty of inspiration and help, but if you're in a hurry our go-to pick is the Saatva Classic mattress: it's an outstanding luxury bed at a reasonable price, and comes in a choice of heights and firmness levels.

2. You have skin rashes or respiratory problems

If your current mattress has started to cause an allergic reaction, your first thought will probably be about the materials it contains. If a mattress isn’t hypoallergenic, it can exacerbate allergies and you might be better off investing in one of the best organic mattresses, such as the Avocado Green mattress, which will be free from toxins, chemicals, fiberglass and heavy metals.

However, if you’ve had your mattress for a few years and have suddenly developed skin rashes or respiratory problems, it’s far more likely that allergy triggers such as dust, pet dander, pollen and skin cells have built up on your mattress. If this is the case, get one of the best mattress protectors on your bed as soon as possible. These will protect your mattress from build ups and can be washed on a regular basis to keep allergens at bay; we'd suggest the Coop Sleep Goods Ultra Tech Waterproof Mattress Protector, which delivers bags of protection at a great price.

3. You experience neck pain after waking up in the morning

There’s little worse than waking up in pain after a night’s sleep. Where you’d expect to wake up feeling refreshed, you’re instead left stiff and sore and struggling to get started with the day. If this keeps happening and you find you sleep more comfortably anywhere other than home, it’s likely your mattress is the culprit. If your mattress is too firm or soft for your sleeping style and body weight, it can easily cause aches and pains.

First things first – the most budget-friendly option here is to buy one of the best mattress toppers, choosing one that’s suitable for your requirements. However, if that doesn’t solve the problem or your mattress is on the older side, investing in one of the best mattresses for back pain is the ultimate way to solve your aches and pains. The high-end Saatva Rx is our top choice, but if its price is out of your range the DreamCloud Classic mattress is a strong, affordable alternative.

4. You can’t break into your bed

Buying a new mattress is supposed to be a treat so it can be hugely disappointing if, after investing a considerable amount of money, it’s not comfortable straight off the bat. However, it is totally normal for your body to take time to adjust to a new mattress.

Remember that you’ll have been sleeping on your previous mattress for a long time, so you’ll need to give the new bed time to break in. But if you’re still finding it tough to break in a new mattress after a month, you might want to consider adding a little help. The best memory foam mattress toppers will add some much needed cushioning around your pressure points; supporting your body will the mattress continues to break in underneath it. We love the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress topper; it's not cheap but it can make a real difference to even the most uncomfortable bed.

5. You’re a hot sleeper by nature

There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night in a hot, sticky mess. Overheating at night does nothing for our sleep patterns and there’s a close link between your body temperature and your ability to fall asleep. So, if you’re a naturally hot sleeper, it’s important that your bedroom setup helps you stay as cool as possible overnight.

If you’re already sleeping on a mattress that’s comfortable, investing in a decent cooling mattress protector such as the Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus mattress protector could be enough. But a protector is very thin and if the heat of your mattress is still a problem, a cooling mattress topper such as the Casper Comfy mattress topper could be a better fit. The ultimate solution to hot sleeping, though, is one of the best cooling mattresses, with these beds being packed with innovative features to help keep you cool from dusk until dawn. Right now we'd recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress, which has great cooling powers and a luxurious finish, and is available in a choice of firmness levels.