Before you buy a memory foam mattress, it’s natural to want to know how long it will last.
But the truth is there’s no definitive answer because it depends on a number of different factors – which will be discussed in this article.
Firstly, the overall quality of the mattress and how much it costs does matter – a lot. A high-quality memory foam mattress doesn’t come cheap, but the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ really does apply.
You should always spend as much as you can afford on a mattress as it’s an investment in your sleep for years to come. After all, a good night’s sleep is priceless.
Are you looking for further information prior to buying a Memory Foam Mattress? If so, check out our handy guide here.
What is a memory foam mattress made of?
Memory foam mattresses are more affordable than ever and there’s a wide range of prices to suit every budget from £200 up to more than £2000. So, what do you get for your money?
At the cheapest end of the market, you’ll find mattresses that are technically hybrids.
This means they combine a top layer of memory foam with traditional pocket springs.
While the least expensive versions will have thinner layers of memory foam, look out for the better-quality hybrids that give you the best of both worlds.
Pure memory foam or memory foam only mattresses are made up of multiple layers of different types of foam; they are usually more expensive than hybrids.
Many of these have breathable borders built into the mattress to prevent overheating, which can sometimes happen with memory foam mattresses.
As a general rule, the higher the quality of the mattress, the longer the lifespan.
Check the length of the warranty
The warranty offered by the manufacturer should give a good indication of how long a memory foam mattress will last.
The length of warranties varies: most manufacturers, such as Silentnight, offer standard 5-year warranties.
Yet some memory foam mattress manufacturers offer longer warranties than this; for Tempur, it’s 10 years while Dormeo offer a 15-year warranty.
Although 10 or 15-year warranties sound great, bear in mind that the full warranty only usually applies to the first five years. If you make a valid claim after five years have passed, you will be expected to pay a percentage of the cost towards a replacement mattress.
The older the mattress is, the higher the contribution you will have to make. Remember to read the small print carefully and don’t do anything that will invalidate the warranty.
How to increase the lifespan of your memory foam mattress
Some mattresses will need replacing long before their projected lifespan because they haven’t been looked after properly. It’s best not to allow your kids to bounce up and down on it regularly as it’s not designed to be a trampoline!
Don’t let your dog or cat lie directly on top of the mattress to reduce the chance of accidental stains. And try not to sit on the edge of the mattress for too long as this will cause unwanted depressions.
How to care for a memory foam mattress
Your brand-new memory foam mattress is a major investment, so it pays to look after it and make it last for as long as possible.
From day one, use a mattress protector underneath your sheets to safeguard the mattress from dirt, stains and moisture. A waterproof mattress protector is the best option for extra peace of mind because liquids and memory foam don’t mix! Under the terms of the warranty, it’s expected that you will use a mattress protector.
Memory foam mattresses don’t need to be turned but you can prolong their life if you regularly rotate them from head to foot. This should prevent sagging or noticeable depressions in the foam from appearing and will even out the wear.
Vacuum your mattress at least twice a year to remove dust mites and other allergens. Try using a handheld vacuum or the upholstery attachment on your main vacuum cleaner.
So, how long will a memory foam mattress last?
The Sleep Council suggests you should replace your mattress if it’s more than 7 or 8 years old and you’re no longer getting quality sleep on it.
A memory foam mattress is highly durable and should last at least as long as this, perhaps 10 years or longer if it’s properly cared for.
The most important thing is always to spend as much as you can afford on a mattress that will offer you good, supportive sleep for years to come.
To keep your mattress in its original ‘as new’ condition, use a mattress protector, rotate it regularly and vacuum it a couple of times a year.