Your mattress is your sleeping partner for a third of your life. Don’t underestimate its impact on your overall health. A good mattress adapted to your body shape and in good condition is not a luxury, it is an investment in your daily well-being.
When your body speaks to you
Certain symptoms can directly indicate that your mattress has served its time:
- Characteristic morning pain : Do you wake up with back, neck or shoulder pain that goes away during the day? This is the classic alarm signal. A worn mattress no longer properly keeps your spine aligned at night. Result: your muscles compensate and contract, causing stiffness and aches when getting up.
- Persistent fatigue : Are you getting your 7-8 hours of sleep but feeling exhausted? A sagging mattress disrupts the quality of your deep, restorative sleep. You unconsciously move more to find a comfortable position, thus fragmenting your sleep cycles.
- Respiratory and allergic symptoms : Stuffy nose in the morning, sneezing at night, itchy skin, worsening asthma… An old mattress becomes a real nest for dust mites, mold and allergens. After a few years, a mattress can contain millions of dust mites and their droppings, the main cause of household allergies.
Visible signs of a mattress at the end of its life
- Visible sagging : Run your hand over your mattress. Do you feel hollow, especially where you usually sleep? Sagging more than 2-3 cm indicates a loss of critical support. Your body sinks into these areas, creating poor posture all night long.
- Bumps and irregularities : Dents, sticking springs or an uneven surface are obvious signs of wear. These irregularities create painful pressure points on your body.
- Suspicious noises : A spring mattress that squeaks or creaks with every movement probably has damaged springs that no longer play their supporting role.
- Stains and odors : Even with a mattress protector, body moisture (we sweat around 200 ml per night) eventually seeps through. Persistent stains or a musty odor indicate microbial growth of concern.
The 10-year rule…and its exceptions
Experts generally recommend changing your mattress every 8 to 10 years. But this duration may vary:
- Shorten this deadline : If you suffer from allergies, if your weight has significantly changed, or if you notice the symptoms mentioned above.
- Quality matters : An entry-level mattress will wear out faster than a high-end model.
- Listen to your body : This is the best indicator. Do you sleep better in a hotel than at home? This is a telltale sign.
The simple test to do this evening
Lie down on your mattress in your usual sleeping position. Does your spine form a straight line (on the side) or does it maintain its natural curves (on the back)? If you find yourself sinking or feeling uncomfortable pressure points, it’s time for a change.
Prevention rather than cure
While waiting for replacement, use a waterproof mattress protector and wash it regularly. Every month, vacuum your mattress to eliminate dust mites and turn it over every 3 months (if the model allows it). Daily, ventilate your room.
If your symptoms persist despite changing mattresses, or worsen, consult a doctor. Back pain and sleep problems can have other medical causes that should not be neglected.