Even a new mattress can wear quickly when subjected to excessive weight and strain, so it’s important to check your mattress regularly for the following signs of deterioration and damage:
Sagging
Springs lose resistance over time, while foam cells break down and fabric padding compacts. The cumulative effects of pressure on all of these materials leads to sagging or dipping. If your mattress starts to sag, first check the bed base or bed frame or bed base to ensure the mattress has sufficient support from the base and that there are no broken or bowed slats or that the divan base is not sagging. If the bed itself is sound, the mattress will need to be replaced to prevent discomfort.
Worn Or Broken Springs
You shouldn’t be able to feel or hear the springs in your mattress. Damaged springs make a squeaking or creaking sound as you move, and can press against, or poke through the surface material, creating pressure points. A worn spring unit will fail to offer adequate support for your body and can lead to poor spinal alignment. A noisy mattress signals a significant reduction in the mattress quality.
Compressed Mattress Filling
In a sprung mattress the metal spring coils are cushioned by layers of fabric, such as wool or cotton. As the fabric compacts, the level of comfort provided decreases. A mattress topper can provide short term relief, but this is only an interim solution.
Contaminants
Considering the amount of time we spend in bed, and that the average adult human sheds up to 1.5 grams of skin daily, all mattresses eventually become dirty, regardless of how frequently the bedding is changed, or the mattress vacuumed. Mattresses accumulate dead skin cells, dust, skin oils and bodily fluids, creating the perfect breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. As a known allergen, dust mites can cause respiratory problems and allergy symptoms.
A good quality mattress, with a durable and resilient filling, will help absorb body moisture and provide you with a fresh, dry and healthy bed to sleep in. However, as dust mites inhabit the internal and external mattress fabrics, replacing the mattress at the recommended intervals can reduce the risk of developing a dust mite allergy.
The Wrong Mattress
Expense and high quality are so often synonymous with comfort, however even the highest quality mattress may not provide the support you need. If you’ve recently purchased a mattress online without first testing it for comfort and are now experiencing discomfort in the morning, it is likely you may have made an unsuitable choice.
