Wondering if it’s time to replace your mattress? Learn how to spot the signs of wear and how a new mattress can transform your sleep – and your health.
Key takeaways
Mattresses wear out faster than you think. Most need replacing every 7 to 10 years, especially if you notice sagging, lumps, or wake up in pain.
Poor sleep could be your mattress’s fault. A worn-out bed can disrupt rest, cause back pain, and leave you feeling more tired during the day.
A new mattress can boost your health. Better sleep leads to improved mood, reduced stress, and less physical discomfort.
We spend about one-third of our lives in bed, but many of us don't think much about the surface we're sleeping on. But the age and condition of your mattress directly impact your sleep quality, which in turn affects your energy, mood, and even your physical health
Think of your mattress like a pair of running shoes. Over time, the support and cushioning wear down. Just as you wouldn't run a marathon in worn-out shoes, you shouldn't expect a great night's sleep on an old, unsupportive mattress. Understanding when it's time for an upgrade is the first step toward better rest and a better you.
Warning signs your mattress is done
Most experts agree that a quality mattress should last between seven and ten years. However, this isn't a hard and fast rule. How you use your mattress, its material, and your body type can all change its lifespan. Instead of just counting the years, it's better to look for clear signs that your mattress is past its prime.
These signs can sneak up on you over time. Here’s what to look for:
Visible sagging or dips: This is the most obvious sign. If you see a body-shaped impression in the middle of your bed that doesn't go away, the materials have broken down. This means you're no longer getting the support you need.
Lumps and bumps: Run your hand over the surface of your mattress. Do you feel lumps or uneven spots? This happens when the padding and filling inside shift and clump together. Sleeping on a lumpy surface is a recipe for a sore back.
Aches and pains: Do you often wake up with a stiff neck, sore back, or aching hips? Your mattress might be the culprit. An old mattress that doesn't support your spine correctly can cause you to wake up feeling worse than when you went to bed.
You sleep better elsewhere: If you get a better night's sleep in a hotel or a guest room, that’s a big red flag. It shows that your own bed is the problem, not your sleep habits.
Increased allergy symptoms: Over the years, mattresses collect dust mites, dead skin cells, and other allergens. If you find yourself waking up with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or breathing issues, your old mattress could be triggering your allergies.
Creaks and groans: When you move around, does your mattress or its foundation make a lot of noise? Squeaks and creaks from the springs or box spring are a sign that they are old and worn out.
You and your partner roll toward the middle: If the mattress sags in the center, you and your partner might find yourselves unintentionally rolling toward each other during the night. This lack of support can disrupt sleep for both of you.
If you recognize any of these signs, it's probably time to start thinking about a new mattress.
Health and sleep benefits of upgrading your mattress
Investing in a new mattress is an investment in your health. The benefits go far beyond just feeling more comfortable at night. A new, supportive mattress can have a ripple effect on your entire life.
First and foremost, you will get better sleep. A new mattress provides the right comfort and support to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. You'll experience fewer interruptions during the night, leading to deeper, more restorative sleep cycles. This is when your body does its most important work: repairing muscles, consolidating memories, and regulating hormones.
Better sleep leads directly to better physical health. A supportive mattress keeps your spine in proper alignment, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate chronic back, neck, and hip pain. Proper alignment takes the pressure off your joints, allowing your muscles to fully relax. This means you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free instead of stiff and sore.
The positive effects don't stop there. When you're well-rested, your mental and emotional well-being improves. Quality sleep helps regulate your mood, reducing irritability and stress. It also boosts your cognitive function, leading to better focus, clearer thinking, and improved problem-solving skills throughout the day. You'll have more energy to tackle your daily tasks, whether at work, with family, or for your hobbies.
Can’t afford it? Here’s how to finance a new mattress
A new mattress is a significant purchase, and the price tag can feel overwhelming, especially if money is tight and your credit score is low. The good news is you don't need to have hundreds or thousands of dollars saved up to get the quality sleep you deserve. There are many ways to finance a mattress, including lease-to-own financing.
Snap Finance is a leading provider of lease-to-own financing. How does it work? In a lease-to-own agreement, Snap purchases the merchandise from the retailer and then leases the merchandise to you, the customer.
As part of your agreement, you make payments over time to Snap. Once you make all your payments and have completed the terms of your lease agreement, you obtain ownership of the merchandise and it's yours.
Snap’s lease-to-own financing lets you get the mattress you need right away and pay for it over time through scheduled payments – even if you have less-than-perfect credit.1 It’s not a loan or traditional credit.
How does Snap Finance work?
Apply online or in-store. No credit is needed and it won't impact your FICO® score to apply.1
Get approved for up to $5,000 in lease-to-own financing.2 Use your approval amount to shop at mattress retailers near you or online.
Pay later. Make payments over time. When you complete your payments and your lease agreement, the items are yours.
Pay early and save. Snap’s Maximum-Term Plan is 12-18 months or you can choose an early ownership option to save on overall lease costs.3
Don't let your financial situation stop you from getting a good night's sleep. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any financing agreement so you understand the payment schedule and any potential finance charges. A little research can help you find a plan that fits your finances.
What to do with your old mattress
Once you bring home your new mattress, you have to figure out what to do with the old one. You can't just leave it on the curb with your regular trash. Mattresses are bulky and contain materials that don't break down easily in landfills. Tossing it out is bad for the environment.
Fortunately, there are several responsible ways to dispose of your old mattress:
Recycling: This is one of the best options. About 80-90% of the materials in a mattress, including steel springs, foam, wood, and fabric, can be recycled. Search online for a mattress recycling facility near you. Some cities and states have programs that make this easy and affordable.
Donation: If your mattress is still in good condition (no major sags, stains, or rips), you may be able to donate it. Some charities, shelters, and thrift stores accept used mattresses. Always call ahead to check their policies, as many have strict hygiene standards.
Retailer take-back programs: When you buy a new mattress, ask the retailer if they offer a removal service. Many companies will haul away your old mattress for a small fee or even for free when they deliver your new one. They will often handle the recycling or disposal for you.
Properly disposing of your old mattress helps keep communities clean and reduces waste in landfills. It’s a final, responsible step in your journey to better sleep.
Don’t sleep on a bad bed
Your mattress is one of the most important items you own. It plays a huge role in how you feel every single day. If your bed is old, sagging, and uncomfortable, it’s holding you back from living your best life. Paying attention to the warning signs and deciding to upgrade is a powerful choice for your health and happiness.
Don't put it off any longer. Shop now for the mattress of your dreams, and pay later with ake the first step toward waking up refreshed, pain-free, and full of energy. You deserve a great night's sleep, and a new mattress is the key to getting it. With lease-to-own financing, a new mattress can be in reach.
Interested in learning more? Check out these additional resources from Snap Finance:
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2 Approval amounts vary from $300 to $5,000, subject to underwriting, and apply only to the cash price of leased items.
3 The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.