WHEN was the last time you replaced your mattress?
Experts reckon we’re supposed to get a new one every six to eight years – and there are several gross reasons why.
GettyExperts say mattresses should be replaced every six to eight years[/caption]
Snoozing on an old one apparently puts us at risk of inhaling rather unpleasant bacteria and mould.
This can cause sore throats, itchy eyes, diarrhoea and vomiting – and even serious infections and pneumonia.
A well-worn mattress can also lead to back trouble, aches and pains, and a whole host of sleep problems.
Sleep specialists at Opera Beds said: “Mattresses provide the foundation and support necessary to achieve good quality sleep.
“The right mattress can elevate and influence your sleep by providing pressure relief and preventing you from waking up with aches and pain in the morning.
“Finding a suitable one that caters to your sleep style and requirements is essential for overall comfort, ensuring proper physical restoration, cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall vitality.
“It’s a personal choice and one that should take individual needs, preferences, and any underlying health concerns into consideration.
“But once we’ve got one, many of us fail to recognise the tell-tale signs that it’s time to be replaced.
“Depending on factors like usage and wear and tear, mattresses should ideally be replaced every six to eight years.”
The health and wellbeing implications for failing to do so can be huge. Here’s why.
Bacteria
A shabby mattress is a breeding ground for bacteria, the team said.
Research shows they’re hotbeds of microscopic activity – with staphylococcus, lactobacillus, streptococcus and E coli all found.
These can cause nasty skin infections and upset stomachs, as well as abscesses, joint problems and even pneumonia.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and heart, bone and eye infections are also possible.
Dust mites
Dust mites can also burrow in the fibres, causing or worsening skin problems like eczema and respiratory issues like asthma.
“The reality is – the older your mattress, the more dust it will have gathered,” experts said.
The critters feed on flakes of dead skin – which your mattress is full of.
In eight years, we shed an average of 11lb (5kg) of dead skin cells – so double that if you’re sharing with a partner or pet.
Bodily fluids
Mattresses are also chockablock with bodily fluids, it’s said.
From sweat and saliva to semen and skin oils, your bed is full of it.
The liquids seep through your sheets and are absorbed by your mattress, sticking around for years.
Experts reckon that over the lifespan of your mattress, these fluids could fill two bathtubs to the brim.
It is estimated the average adult sweats 26 gallons a year in bed, making it a warm, moist home for fungus.
Yeast, mould and bacteria like staphylococcus aureus can make its way into the crevices, leaving you at risk of painful red lumps on the skin, sores, crusts and blisters, and painful eyes and eyelids.
Mould spores
If that wasn’t enough, mattresses can become susceptible to mould spores.
“These can be detrimental for health in the short and long-term,” Opera Beds said.
“This can be particularly bad if a bedroom gets damp or isn’t ventilated properly.
“Some of the first signs of mould exposure can be the sniffles, sneezing, and red or itchy eyes or skin.”
The most commonly found spores are penicillium, cladosporium, alternaria, and aspergillus, which can cause allergy symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, congestion and itching.
Sleep
Away from the germs, an old mattress can wreak havoc on your sleep.
You may find yourself waking up more often, experiencing discomfort or struggling to nod off.
“A lack of sleep affects our day-to-day lives and our ability to function properly, and the issue will cause a negative cycle of sleep disruption, meaning you associate sleep and bed with frustration, causing further problems,” Opera Beds said.
Aches and pains
And finally, saggy springs and floppy foam can cause a range of aches and pains.
OperaBeds said: “A tired, worn out mattress likely won’t be providing your body with the foundation it needs for a restful sleep, and you might find yourself waking up with pains, without realising why, and thinking it’s due to your sleeping positions.
“A lot of older mattresses develop dips in them, which is bad for support and posture.”
While getting a new mattress every six to eight years is the best way to avoid these issues, there are some extra steps you can take.
Cleaning whizz Danielle Mason has shared her top tips and tricks to help them last longer and keep you safe.
This includes:
Vacuuming the mattress every time you change the sheetsSteam cleaning the surface and headboard Sprinkling with baking sodaRotating the mattress twice a year and flipping it annually
She said: “Regular maintenance of your mattress is crucial.”