Can old mattress cause health problems?

Dust mites thrive in old and dusty mattresses along with the dead skin that you shed, sweat, dirt, and dust. The constant exposure can affect your sleep quality. You may experience lung and throat problems because of continued exposure to these pesky mites.

Can you get sick from an old mattress?

According to the Sleep Council, older mattresses—typically 10 years or older—provide a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria, including staphylococcus, enterococcus, norovirus, and, in rare cases, MRSA. … Here are three more ways your mattress might be making you sick, and how to reclaim your bed once and for all.

Are old mattresses unhealthy?

Old mattresses are filled with bed bugs and dust mites. These microscopic creatures eat the dead cells your body sheds. … Dust mites also lead to skin problems, such as eczema and respiratory conditions, as they damage your lungs and promote a sore throat. Another side effect of dust mites is snoring.

What are the effects of sleeping on a bad mattress?

10 Annoying Health Side Effects of Sleeping on a Bad Mattress
  • Drowsiness. It shouldn’t be any surprise, but low quality sleep will usually leave you feeling tired and drowsy. …
  • Back pain. Image Source / CC 2.0. …
  • Obesity. …
  • Lung and throat irritation. …
  • Weak immune system. …
  • Heart conditions. …
  • Memory issues. …
  • Premature aging.

What happens if you don’t replace your mattress?

There are a few reasons to replace your mattress, with the main one being comfort. Over time, a mattress can lose its shape and begin to sag, creating dips and lumps. An uncomfortable mattress can interfere with your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

What happens to a mattress after 10 years?

One frightening statistic: The average mattress will double its weight in 10 years as a result of being filled with dead dust mites and their detritus. Facts like these can send even the most skeptical consumer running for the dust mop.

Is a 30 year old mattress bad?

A high-quality mattress can give you years of comfortable sleep—but there’s no magic number as to exactly how many. Typically, manufacturers recommend replacing your mattress every eight years. But according to Consumer Reports, a mattress that’s well cared for could easily last a decade. (Unless you’re over 40.

Can a mattress last 20 years?

It’s possible – but not likely – that a mattress can last 20 years. The longevity of your mattress depends on several factors, including how much wear and tear it undergoes and the quality of its parts. Some mattresses, like memory foams and latex, can last up to 15 years, much longer than the average innerspring.

What happens when a mattress gets old?

Old mattresses tend to gradually lose the ability to provide proper support and once the comfort zone has matted down you will get pressure points by sleeping directly on the springs. … You will also get uncomfortable pressure points that will cause you to toss and turn all night long.

When should you replace your mattress?

But when should you replace your mattress? Under normal conditions, mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 8 years.

How do you know when your mattress is bad?

Keep an eye out for these five warning signs that suggest your mattress has officially kicked the bucket:
  1. You consistently wake up sore. …
  2. Your allergies are acting up. …
  3. You toss and turn throughout the night. …
  4. It begins to sag or have lumps. …
  5. You hear a lot of creaking.

What can a bad mattress do to your body?

Studies have connected poor sleep to memory and concentration problems, weakened immune system functioning, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. A mattress that fails to provide adequate support or pressure relief may also contribute to aches and pains the next day.


How do you know if your mattress is too hard?

In the case of one that is too firm, you’ll find that it’ll push on your pressure points (hips, shoulders, and torso) and cause misalignment. One way to tell if your mattress is too hard is if your arm falls asleep even though you’re not putting much weight on it.

How long is a mattress good for?

Most mattresses should last between 7 and 10 years. However, there are many variables that can influence mattress lifespan. The original build quality of the mattress, the materials used, and even the weight and sleeping styles of the sleepers can all influence a bed’s longevity.

What do you do with old mattresses?

What to do With Old Mattresses? 15 Creative Uses for your Old Mattress
  1. Donate it. …
  2. Recycle it. …
  3. Sell it. …
  4. Repair it. …
  5. Reuse the Mattress Springs as Decorations. …
  6. Reuse Memory Foam Mattress as a bed for your cat or dog. …
  7. Create Alternative Bedding and Furniture. …
  8. Compost.

How do you get rid of old mattresses?

The best and most environmentally friendly way to dispose of a mattress is to recycle it. Throwing your mattress in the garbage means it will end up in a landfill and add to the planet’s waste. According to the Mattress Recycling Council, more than 80% of mattresses can be recycled.