How Long Do Memory Foam Mattresses Last?

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. [Read our full health disclaimer]

Updated on September 29, 2023

A mattress can actually be quite an expensive investment, especially when you want to invest in high-quality mattresses such as memory foam mattresses. This means that it’s essential to select a quality memory foam mattress that can last for a long period of time.

But, what is the average mattress lifespan? How long should your memory foam mattress last?

Though it’s difficult to give a definitive answer to how long any memory foam mattress should last, most can be just as durable as innerspring mattresses, especially when you know how to properly care for your memory foam mattress. The lifespan of your memory foam mattress depends on several factors, and its average lifespan is seven years. However, there are some tricks that can extend the lifespan of your memory foam mattress.

How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Last?

While the average is at about seven years, high-quality memory foam mattresses can last even up to 10 to 15 years. However, budget memory foam mattresses might just give out sooner.

Regardless of the brand, memory foam ones are considered to be the most durable in comparison to other types of mattresses, including innerspring mattresses, latex mattresses, air mattresses, and hybrid mattresses. There are many factors that decide the lifespan of your memory foam mattress, such as firmness, density, and thickness.

Even so, how long your memory foam mattress lasts will largely depend on how you care for it as well as the amount of wear and tear it undergoes.

How to Choose a Longer-Lasting Memory Foam Mattress?

Since we ascertained that memory foam mattresses are the most durable type on the market, let’s discern the factors that impact their lifespan to help you choose a longer-lasting, high-quality mattress.

Memory Foam Mattress Density

Density is the easiest method to measure your memory foam mattress’s lifespan. The highest PCF memory foam (per cubic foot) has a longer lifespan, whereas low-density memory foam refuses the mattress’s durability and density. So, mattresses with high density are costlier because of the extra layers and extra longevity.

Layers and Thickness

A memory foam mattress that is firm, thick, and dense provides the best support. However, people usually have this misconception that the thicker their mattress is, the longer its lifespan will be compared to thinner mattresses. For example, two mattresses of the same height and thickness can have different lifespans due to different foam densities. You also need to know how much bodyweight a mattress can hold. 

Indentation Load Deflection (ILD)

ILD is also known as Indentation Force Deflection (IFD), and this process is conducted by pressing the memory foam mattress throughout a machine in order to check the firmness of the memory foam. A low ILD indicates softer memory foam, whereas a high ILD indicates firmer memory foam. The ILD can help you understand what to expect from the performance and the feel of your memory foam mattress.

Mattress Warranty

It makes perfectly good sense for the manufacturers to give a warranty for their mattresses based on how long they think that their mattresses will last. The average warranty for a mattress is ten years. Some companies give 15, 20, or even 25 years mattress warranty due to the fact that they expect their mattresses to have a lifespan well beyond the 10-years average. The mattress warranty usually includes information about the maintenance needed and the type of mattress foundation to properly maintain your foam bed.

What Affects the Lifespan of a Memory Foam Mattress?

While we did mention maintenance and proper care, wear and tear, and quality as factors that affect the longevity of your memory foam mattress, we never really got into all the details. So, let’s do just that.

  • Proper Maintenance 

Taking good care of your memory foam mattress properly is going to extend the lifespan of your mattress. This means proper cleaning and utilizing a mattress protector that will protect your mattress from spills. Some mattresses need to be rotated and flipped regularly, but make sure to check the recommendations from the manufacturer for your specific mattress type.

  • Sleeping Position 

Believe it or not, your sleeping position can also impact the lifespan of your memory foam mattress.. Side sleepers might find their mattress begin to sag sooner in the shoulder and hip areas of their memory foam mattress.

  • Weight Load

A mattress that is used by two persons will wear out quicker than a single sleeper simply due to the extra body weight.

  • Materials

The materials used in the construction of the memory foam mattresses will have a huge impact on its lifespan as well. Materials such as natural latex and high-density polyurethane foam can last a long time, while low-density polyurethane foam can wear out much faster. This is what largely defines the quality of your mattress, and while price can always be a good indicator, it’s the materials that ultimately define the memory foam mattress.

  • Bed Setup

The bed frame or bed base you use along with your memory foam mattress can cause it to age prematurely if it doesn’t provide proper support for your mattress.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Memory Foam Mattress?

Here are some things that you can do in order to extend the lifespan of your memory foam mattress:

  • Give it a breather

In order for your memory foam mattress to last longer, it would be wise to give it a breather. Remove the mattress cover and put it under a ventilated place or keep it under a fan.

  • Clean the foundation and memory foam mattress

If your bed has a sturdy bed frame with central support, your memory foam mattress will have a longer lifespan. Moreover, you need to clean your foundation and your memory foam mattress from allergens, spots, and dust mites.

  • Avoid stains and dust

Clean your mattress in a timely manner, and it will help you save every bit of expense of replacing your old mattress with a new one. Using a waterproof and washable mattress protector will be quite helpful.

  • Rotate timely

Flip your memory foam mattress over in time in order to sustain its firmness. Some mattress manufacturers especially develop different firmness on each side of the memory foam mattress. So, by rotating the mattress timely you can extend the lifespan of your memory foam mattress.

  • Avoid jumping on your mattress

Kids are habitual of jumping on the mattress. This may break down your memory foam mattress sooner than you had expected. Jumping on the memory foam mattress not only ruins its quality, but can also spoil the foam and foundation of your mattress.

  • Expose your memory foam mattress to daylight

Exposing your memory foam mattress to daylight will help you get rid of the moisture, unpleasant smell, odor, mildew, and bedbugs.

How to Know When You Need a New Mattress?

There are several clues that can help you notice when it’s time to get rid of your old memory foam mattress and buy a new one.

Your Memory Foam Mattress Sags

Memory foam mattresses are known for uniquely conforming to their users, and their firm support gives you pressure relief. A worn-out memory foam mattress won’t spring back to its initial form, and the memory foam itself may even feel a little soft. Your memory foam mattress will sag and form an indentation, especially in the middle of the mattress.

If you put pressure on your memory foam mattress and it fails to get back into its initial form, it’s a good indicator that you should purchase a new memory foam mattress. If the dent is deeper than 5 centimeters (2 inches), you should purchase a new mattress to prevent back pain and spine problems.

Your Memory Foam Mattress Is Dirty

Even if you wash your beddings, use a mattress protector, and clean your memory foam mattress regularly, you won’t be able to clean everything. And by everything, we mean body fluids and oil buildup, mildew, dust mites, fungal spores, dead skin cells, and pollen. So, if you notice that your mattress is getting too dirty and that you can’t really clean up the stains, it’s a good idea to buy a new one. Of course, this likely won’t happen before the structure of the mattress gives out.

Discomfort

Some other problems to check comfort-wise are extreme softness or firmness and lumps on your memory foam mattress. Bumps on your memory foam mattress can feel awkward and result in worse pressure relief because of the uneven surface of your mattress. You need to change your old memory foam mattress once it turns too soft or too hard because of the little temperature changes.

Worsen Allergies

Over a period of time, most types of mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, can accumulate allergens such as dust mites, mildew, and mold. If you’re allergic to some of these, that means that your memory foam mattress will act as a trigger to an allergic reaction. Therefore, if you notice yourself sneezing when you get near your bed or feeling stuffed up when you wake up, it’s probably time to purchase a new mattress. When selecting a new mattress, consider buying hypoallergenic materials such as natural/synthetic latex or wool.

You Wake Up in Pain

If you’re getting out of your bed every morning with pains and aches, a new memory foam mattress can be quite helpful. Your old memory foam mattress usually loses the ability to properly support your body weight, particularly at the pressure points you need the most, such as the lower back, nack, and hips. You might have also experienced a change in your body weight, started sharing your memory foam mattress, or changed your sleeping posture. All of these things can have an impact on whether your memory foam mattress is the right fit for you or not. 

A Few Words Before You Go…

Now that you know how long your memory foam mattress lasts and the factors that have an impact on its durability, you should be well equipped to take good care of your memory foam mattress and know when it is time for a new mattress. Keep in mind that regardless of how long you have had your memory foam mattress, your comfort and health come first. 

Bree Taylor - Lead Editor

Lead Editor

Bree is an interior designer with a passion for helping people improve their sleep quality.

She specializes in creating comfortable and functional bedroom spaces that promote a good night’s rest.

When she’s not testing mattresses or helping people get the best rest possible, Bree loves to travel and explore new cultures.

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