5 red flags that mean your mattress needs replacing immediately

More mattress brands are offering lifetime warranties, but that doesn’t mean your mattress will last forever — just that it’s covered for as long as you own it. While the average lifespan of a mattress is around 10 years, many people keep theirs well beyond that, and that's not beneficial for their sleep.

Even the best mattresses will need to be replaced eventually. Wear and tear is inevitable and often the most obvious sign that it’s time for an upgrade, but what about the more subtle hints that your bed needs replacing ASAP? We'll be sharing those indicators so you'll know what to look for.

Now, is it possible to salvage a mattress that’s otherwise in good shape? Yes, and we’ll share tips on how to do that, as well. On the other hand, if it's time for something new, shop the New Year mattress sales to score a great deal for your next bed.

5 signs you need to replace your mattress now

1. It's saggy and lumpy

This is an obvious sign that your mattress needs to be replaced. Over time, the surface of your mattress will develop sags and lumps, especially in and around areas that bear the most pressure (shoulders, hips and lower back). The edges and corners may become compressed, as well.

In worn-out mattresses, the foam will no longer snap back into place or contour to your body. Coils will lose tension, break and start to creak.

While some wear is inevitable, rotating your mattress every few months can help slow the process. (It may also be a requirement per your mattress warranty.) But eventually, there won't be much you can do to turn back time.

2. It has stains and/or an unpleasant odor

This is another telltale sign that it's time to retire your mattress. Sweat, oil, and dead skin build up, creating a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. Exposure to light and air can cause yellow stains to appear.

If you eat or drink in bed, or let your pets sleep with you, the risk of your mattress developing stubborn stains and lingering odors increases.

A mattress protector will safeguard your bed from stains, spills and other nasties (like allergies). Cleaning your mattress every six months will keep it looking and smelling as good as new. However, the longer you own your mattress, the less effective those efforts will become.

3. You wake up sore every morning

Now we're heading into the more subtle signs that your mattress needs to be put to pasture.

Do you wake up each morning with aches and pains, as if you’ve just finished a grueling workout? If that discomfort fades as the day goes on, your mattress is likely to blame.

All mattresses lose their support after years of continuous use, which can throw your spine out of alignment. As the materials break down, you’ll also notice less pressure relief for your joints.

4. You're encountering new sleep issues

If you’re experiencing nighttime allergy flare-ups, especially outside of peak allergy seasons, dust mites may be the culprit.

This is harder to manage if your mattress is very old and hasn’t been cleaned regularly. (That said, it’s also worth making sure your pillow isn’t causing your sneezing and sniffling.)

Meanwhile, if you’re suddenly waking up in a pool of sweat despite having a cooling mattress with specialized temperature-regulating materials, that’s a sign it may have outlived its effectiveness. (But before blaming your mattress, make sure your overheating isn’t related to an underlying health issue.)

5. You sleep better away from your bed

Do you find yourself sleeping better on a hotel mattress, at a friend’s house or even in your guest bedroom? That’s a strong indicator that you and your current mattress are no longer a good match.

While this can be related to the condition of the mattress itself, our comfort needs also change as we get older, especially in light of injuries and health-related issues. The longer you hold on to your mattress, the more likely you are to outgrow it.

Is your mattress still worth saving?

Provided your mattress is under 10 years old and not obviously worn out, there are a few steps you can take to salvage it if you're not ready to give up on it just yet.

1. Use a mattress topper

Adding a mattress topper is a quick (and relatively affordable) way to boost the comfort of your current bed. Most toppers are designed to add plushness to a firm surface, but some are also made to enhance lumbar support and cooling.

Toppers typically range from 1-4" thick; for older mattresses, we recommend choosing a thicker option to make a noticeable difference.

2. Check your bed frame

Where you place your mattress can directly affect its performance. If you have a platform bed, for instance, make sure the slats are spaced properly to provide adequate support and ventilation.

If you’re using a box spring, ensure that it’s compatible with your mattress. Most modern (non-innerspring) mattresses don’t require one, and using a box spring could even void your warranty.

3. Take proper care of your mattress

If you haven’t rotated your mattress since bringing it home, you're not only voiding your warranty, but also accelerating wear by creating deep impressions in the surface. Rotating it 180 degrees moves those grooves to the foot of the bed, and you're once again sleeping on an even surface.

Also, vacuum your mattress often and treat spills immediately to minimize the onset of stains and odors. Oh — and if you haven’t already, invest in a reliable mattress protector.

While it may be trendy, we don't recommend placing your mattress on the floor, as that can cause your mattress to degrade much sooner due to the lack of ventilation and a barrier to dust and dirt.