“That’s right; your old reliable mattress could be a health risk!”
People generally keep their old mattresses long after their expiration date. A little-known fact is that beds have a lifespan and research shows keeping them longer than recommended can result in quite a few health issues.
Waning comfort has always been a key indicator that your mattress has reached the end of its days. Waking up with aches and pains is a sign that it’s time to upgrade your old mattress, but these are not the only manifestations you need to look out for. We take a look at the different health risks that come with sleeping on an old mattress.
How Long is a Mattresses Serviceable?
Unfortunately, most people wait to purchase a new mattress until they start feeling pain, other health issues or even sleep disorders. Research has shown that pain or discomfort experienced while sleeping affects our sleep rhythm directly. These types of disruptions prevent us from entering deep- sleep. And deep sleep is essential for rejuvenation. If our bodies are deprived of deep sleep, our health and well-being are compromised.
There are no hard and fast rules when determining a mattress’s lifespan. Most decent-quality mattresses should give you about 10 years of service with proper care. After ten years, we can call it elderly, and your bed can now start applying for pensioners’ perks!
To accurately assess a mattress’s lifespan, we must consider whether it suits your current weight and how often it’s used. Of course, the lifespan average does vary, as external factors contribute to a mattress’ demise, and each case is different. Also, as we get older, our comfort and support needs evolve, directly impacting our preference for mattress comfort levels.
Supposing you are still deciding whether it’s time to start shopping for a new mattress; why not pop in store to have a chat or contact us here. We’ll assess your situation and give you an expert recommendation.
Next, we’ll look at common health problems which result from sleeping on an old mattress.
7 Health Risks of Sleeping on an Aged Mattress
1. A Breeding Ground For Dust Mites:
These critters love old and dusty mattresses. Since your old mattress will accumulate dead skin, you shed sweat, dirt, and dust. Prolonged exposure to this can cause skin or lung and throat problems.
2. Increases the Severity of Asthma:
Over the lifespan of a mattress, allergens increase, which worsens your asthma as you breathe this in while asleep.
3. Soreness and Pressure Point Issues:
Another side effect of using an old mattress is that you are more likely to experience soreness or pressure point issues since your spine and neck will not be properly aligned. Your body will then experience sore and tender areas due to unsupported sleeping positions. Resulting in restless sleep filled with tossing and turning as your body looks for a more comfortable sleeping position.
4. Back Pain:
Back Pain is the number one factor that makes people start to look at upgrading their mattresses. This universal niggle is commonly caused by the strain on your lower back and neck due to an unsupportive mattress.
“If you are waking up with aches and pains, it may be a good idea to invest in an orthopaedic mattress.”
5. Anxiety:
Anxiety is a common side effect of long-term poor sleep. Simply put, it causes frustration every time you go to bed, and the lack of sleep affects your overall quality of life.
6. Sleep Apnea:
No one likes a Snorlax! A non-supportive mattress will cause your neck and spine to be misaligned. This can obstruct your airflow when you sleep and can make snoring considerably worse.
7. Sleep Deprivation:
Since you cannot find a suitable position due to the discomfort of an old mattress, you will most likely suffer from Sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation has been associated with obesity which can, in turn, lead to a whole spectrum of health issues. Other long-term side effects of sleep deprivation are a weakened immune system, poor mental function and fatigue.
Don’t Compromise your health just because you are on a budget!
As you can gather, sleeping on an old mattress could be severe implications. And just because you are on a budget does not mean you should compromise on your health.
We stock a large range of great value-for-money mattress options that can solve all your sleep problems! If you are still determining which would be the best fit for you, get in touch with our team we will be happy to be of service!
