It’s not something you frequently think about, but you spend about one-third of your life on top of it — so maybe it’s time to start checking your mattress.
Look for obvious signs of wear and tear, first. A bad mattress will keep you twisting and turning instead of snoozing peacefully. It will affect your health, skin, mental clarity and more.
Next, consider these signs that it’s time to ditch the old mattress and upgrade to one that will actually help you sleep each and every night:
You’re Waking Up Sore
If you’re waking up with neck pain, muscle soreness or a creaky back, it might be time to switch out your mattress. Over time, typically before eight years, mattresses begin to lose their cushioning and will no longer provide proper support. A quick way to tell is by looking for significant sagging or lumps throughout the mattress. A good bed should be firm enough to support your body weight, but not so hard that you wake up stiff.
You’re Sneezing — Even After allergy season
Mattresses tend to attract dust and allergens, but if you’re waking up with a stuffy-nose more often than not, yours might be too old. Dust mites are especially common in older beds, so treat yourself to an allergen resistant material — like naturally clean bamboo or memory foam. For those who are particularly sensitive to dust and other allergens, you should consider a mattress protector and aim to wash your pillowcases once or twice a week.
It’s Getting Noisy
If each time you turn or rollover, you wake up to the sound of screeching and squealing, you might want to consider a new bed. You should be able to roll around with little to no sound coming from the bed itself. But definitely check the box spring before you throw anything out to make sure it doesn’t just need a quick adjustment.
You’re Sweating While You Sleep
Many mattresses can lose their bounce after a few years, and thus become less breathable. If you’re consistently waking up covered in sweat, you should consider upgrading to a cooler material. Bamboo, for example, is made with of naturally-breathable and moisture-wicking plants, and will greatly improve airflow between you and your bed. Pairing a breathable mattress with a lightweight set of sheets should keep you cool throughout the night.
It’s Getting Crowded
Maybe you enjoy your bed, but it’s just getting too crowded with you, your pet, maybe a spouse? Regardless of if you’re sharing or if you’re sleeping solo, having enough room to stretch out can make a huge difference in sleep quality. Look at the size you currently have, then go test drive some other options at a mattress store or warehouse. Once you find a size you like, consider the material that would work best for you and your needs. Our recommendation? You should treat yourself to a bamboo queen mattress that offers the space, airflow and cleanliness you need to sleep peacefully.
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