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Signs It's Time to Dispose of Your Mattress

June 22, 2024
dispose mattress

Many things affect the quality of your health- but I bet you didn’t think about how mattresses are also a factor in that. Yes, a good mattress is crucial for your health and well-being. In a nutshell:


As mattresses get older, they sag, causing discomfort and back pain. They also become breeding grounds for bacteria, molds, dust mites, and bed bugs, leading to health issues like skin allergies. Poor sleep quality from an old mattress can worsen these problems and increase the risk of diseases.


On average, a mattress lasts about 7-10 years. Manufacturers typically recommend replacing a mattress every eight years However, individuals over 40 may need a new mattress sooner due to increased pressure tolerance.


But how do you know when it’s time to replace yours? Here are some clear signs.

There is significant sagging

Sagging mattresses can cause back pain and cause disruptions to your sleep. Mattresses tend to sag more over time because their springs and foams experience wear and tear. They break down and lose their complete ability to provide full support. To check for sagging, lie down and see if the mattress dips in certain spots, particularly in the middle or where you usually sleep. You can also place a straight object like a broomstick across the mattress to see if there are noticeable dips or valleys.

There are evident lumps

Paddings and fillings are materials that also eventually clump through the years. These lumps can cause discomfort to your body and can cause back pain as you are laying on an uneven surface.


Run your hand over the surface to feel for any irregularities. If you feel bumps, ridges, or areas that are harder or softer than others, it’s a sign your mattress is no longer providing a consistent surface.

You are getting allergies

Old mattresses can harbor dust mites, mold, and other allergens. If you already have allergies, this could make it even worse. These allergens can accumulate despite regular cleaning and can trigger symptoms like sneezing, itching, and respiratory issues. 


If you find yourself sneezing or itching more often, especially when you wake up (even if you’ve changed your mattress sheets), it might be time to get a new mattress. 

Odors that wont go away

Mattresses can absorb moisture and develop mold or mildew, leading to unpleasant odors. Over time, sweat, spills, and humidity can contribute to this problem. If your mattress smells bad despite cleaning, it’s probably time to let it go. Persistent odors indicate that the internal materials are compromised, which can affect your health and sleep quality.

Bed springs are noisy and squeaky 

If your mattress has springs and they’ve started making noise, it’s a sign of wear. Noisy springs can disrupt your sleep and indicate the mattress is no longer providing proper support. This noise usually means the springs have lost their resilience and can no longer bounce back effectively. It can also indicate that the internal structure of the mattress is breaking down.

Overall discomfort and poor sleep quality

Waking up tired or in pain is a clear sign your mattress is past its prime. Comfort is key to good sleep, and an old mattress can seriously impact your rest. If you find yourself tossing and turning, or if you wake up with aches and pains that go away after you’re up and moving, your mattress may be to blame. A new mattress can provide the support and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep.

It has passed its warranty

Check the warranty on your mattress. If it’s expired, it’s a good checkpoint to assess if your mattress needs replacing. Warranties usually cover 7-10 years, aligning with a mattress’s useful life. Even if your mattress doesn’t show obvious signs of wear, if it’s past its warranty period, it’s worth considering a replacement to ensure you’re getting the best support and comfort.

But Dispose Your Mattresses Properly

Now that you've upgraded to a new mattress, what do you do with the old one? Simply tossing it in the trash might seem convenient, but it poses significant environmental problems. Landfill disposal of mattresses has negative repercussions on the environment. Learn more about this issue on our blog.


If you're seeking a responsible way to
dispose of your old mattress, let us at The Mattress Guy handle it! Not only are you making an environmentally conscious choice, but you also won't have to deal with disassembly, carrying, or heavy lifting. Just give us a call, and we'll pick it up for recycling! We are available for both commercial and residential mattress recycling.

The Bottomline

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to dispose of your mattress. Regularly assess your mattress to ensure you’re getting the best sleep possible. Investing in a new mattress can improve your comfort, health, and overall well-being.

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