How Often Should You Be Replacing Your Mattress, Really?

I can barely remember to pack myself lunch before work, let alone navigate my way through the torturous (and expensive) adult task of replacing my mattress. Truth be told, I think I’m still sleeping on a god damn hand-me-down from my mum after she upgraded to the famous new mattress in a box last year.

That’s why, when I started digging into the depths of mattress content for this article, I was shocked to my very core to learn that the experts from The Sleep Foundation think we should be replacing that big ol’ lump we happen to sleep on every night (and day, if WFH actually means work-from-bed to you, too) once every six to eight years. Now, I know it sounds like such a doozy. I mean, who has time to shop for and fork out a stack of cold hard cash just for a new mattress every eight years? But once you read just how much benefit comes from simply swapping out your old, stained mattress for a new one, you just might change your mind.

Why Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Better Sleep:

It’s no secret old mattresses sag, their springs pop, and frankly, there comes a point when they get too worn-in to be comfortable anymore. A new mattress with support functions tailored to your individual needs (back support/neck support) might be the answer to getting more quality shut-eye. And we all know how beneficial a good night’s sleep is!

Fewer Aches and Pains:

Have you ever woken up with a stiff back and sore neck? You’d be surprised to learn that your bed may well be a part of the problem. How? The older your bed is, the more it sags, contributing to an overall reduction in support. A new mattress will help make sure there’s support in the places you need it, as well as ensure your spine is aligned correctly.

Reduced Motion Transfer:

If you sleep with a partner, your kids, your dog and two cats (or all four), a new mattress can help to reduce the transfer of motion from one side of the bed to the other. This means if anyone moves on the other side of the bed, you’ll be less likely to feel it (and if you’re a light sleeper, you’ll be less likely to be woken up by movement).

Say Good Bye to Your Allergies:

I hate to say this, but there’s a strong chance you could be laying on dust mites, mould and a bunch of other bacteria while you sleep. To add fuel to the fire, a study actually found old mattresses have the highest concentration of dust mites than any other household item. Other allergens are also hidden deep in your mattress’ layers that could be contributing to your allergies or asthma.

Our Top Mattress Picks

You spend one-third of your life in bed (no doubt more after the two unprecedented years we’ve had), so investing in a mattress upgrade is essentially equivalent to investing in a better you. Don’t skimp on the essentials.

Ahead, I’ve rounded-up my top bedroom picks for you to peruse. Bonus points because a fair few of them are going for a sweet bargain.

Emma Diamond Hybrid Mattress was $1,499, now $674.55 (save $824.45)

Heaven on earth does, in fact, exist. And it’s all thanks to Emma’s Diamond Hybrid Mattress that feels like you’re sleeping on an actual cloud. Boasting a multi-layer HRX support foam, this indulgent bed provides three-zone back support for optimal cushioning against sore aches and pains. Did we mention its foam is also optimised to take away any excess heat? A winner in my books.

You can buy the Emma Hybrid Mattress ($674.55) from Emma here.

Koala Mattress, $1000 ($900 with coupon)

Have you ever met a customisable mattress? Well, folks, feast your eyes on Koala’s double-sided mattress. Its Kloudcell️ comfort technology allows you to choose a firmness level that works for you. While it comes fresh out of the box with a medium-firm feel, if you’re on the lookout for something a little firmer, it’s as easy as unzipping and flipping the comfort layer. Still on the fence about investing in a mattress you haven’t been able to try and test? Koala offers a 30-day trial when you shop via Amazon, so you can be sure you’re in for the long haul. You can also nab $100 off this baby if you click ‘apply coupon’ prior to adding it to your cart.

You can buy the Koala Mattress ($1000) from Amazon here.

Emma Comfort Mattress was $799, now $399.50 (save $399.50)

This year’s top-rated mattress thanks to CHOICE is none other than this lil’ baby right here. The Emma Comfort Mattress is made of high-quality foams that adapt to suit your body. Like its Diamond Hybrid counterpart (as featured above), it’s also designed to regulate temperature and ensures your sleep remains uninterrupted.

You can buy the Emma Comfort Mattress ($399.50) from Emma here.

The Eva Mattress, $900

Comfort Pocket Spring Foam Mattress, $419

If you’re a fan of a harder medium-feel mattress, this Comfort Pocket Spring Foam Mattress has your back (literally). What’s better? It’s designed with individually wrapped tempered steel coils that move independently to contour to your body and lessen partner disturbance. Bedtime might just be the best time with this baby in your life.

You can buy the Comfort Pocket Spring Foam Mattress ($419) from Amazon here.

Our Top Mattress Protector Picks

Waterproof Mattress Protector, $10.99

Protect that luscious new bed from stains, wear and tear with this nifty waterproof cover that comes in any size for a bargain of $10.99.

You can buy the Waterproof Mattress Protector ($10.99) from eBay here.

Giselle Bamboo Mattress Cover, $23.90

This water-resistant, hypoallergenic, breathable, washable, antibacterial cover will also keep your new bedroom purchase squeaky clean. This is a solid move after forking out a small fortune for it.

You can buy the Giselle Bamboo Mattress Cover ($23.90) from eBay here.

You can’t get a fresh mattress without bagging some new pillows to suit your sleeping style, too. Thank us later.