REPLACING YOUR MATTRESS

People, especially in India, can keep on dragging and postponing the decision of replacing their existing mattress so as to justify value for money, or due to pure laziness. In a lighter vein, it wouldn't be wrong to say that mattresses are treated like mistresses! People find it hard to let go! However, such postponement is detrimental to those who use the mattress. It could lead to serious health hazards which could take a long time and lots of money to correct.

How can you determine if your mattress needs replacing?
The Better Sleep Council provides this “ABC” checklist: Age, Beauty & Comfort

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Age
Studies show that a mattress and foundation provide optimum service for about 8-10 years of nightly use. This is provided the mattress itself will last such a long duration. However, most mattresses in India sag or stop performing optimally after a couple of years of use. Technically, it should be replaced as soon as its stops performing. However, assuming an optimum performance for a very long duration, a mattress should compulsorily be replaced after 10 years.

Beauty
Is your mattress marred by uneven surfaces, tears and sagging spots? Such poor appearances also indicate poor performance. If there is sagging or an uneven surface, the mattress has well crossed its useful life.

Comfort
Lie down and concentrate on the feel of your mattress. If you find it difficult to gauge its comfort level, visit a local bedding or department store to see how a new, good-quality bed feels. Advancements in betting technology have made today’s beds more comfortable and supportive than new beds were a decade ago. When we spend about 1/3rd of our lives on mattresses, overlooking and compromising on what the mattresses should be offering each day, will be a big mistake.