Sleep is one of the vital needs of every human being, and we need it if we want to function properly. We spend roughly a third of our lives in bed. That’s why it makes a perfect sense to ensure that we sleep on the right mattress. Unfortunately, many people don’t pay enough attention to their sleeping surface.
Given the fact that we sleep for around one-third of our lives, mattresses are a fundamental part of our lives as we spend a lot of time on them. Our choice of mattresses can have a vital impact on our health and well-being. However, many people are not aware of their importance. The lifespan of an average mattress is around 9 years, but the exact life expectancy depends on a variety of factors. After this period, it will start to go downhill. It won’t be as comfortable as before, and won’t provide the support that we need. People who sleep on mattresses that are beyond their life expectancy often have issues drifting off to dreamland in the late evening, and staying asleep throughout the night. If you are one of them, you should consider replacing your current sleeping surface with a new one, and unbiased Real Mattress ratings can help you find a perfect model that will match your wishes and needs by comparing features of different mattresses.
You need to keep in mind that your health will go downhill together with your mattress, and you need to do something about it if you want to prevent it. Sleeping on a significantly old surface comes with potential health risks that can affect you. Here is what you can expect from sleeping on a mattress that is far beyond its life expectancy:
Back or Neck Pain
It is crucial to realize that mattresses lose their initial support and comfort after years of use. Their structure starts dipping and sagging over time, and they simply can’t support your body and pressure points in the same way as possible. Resting on a surface that lacks support on a regular basis can strain your back and neck, and disrupt your sleep. Of course, you can prolong its lifespan a bit by rotating it every couple of months, but it is simply not a long-term solution. Your body will benefit a lot from a new and more comfortable surface for sleeping.
Mold and Bacteria
Maybe you are not aware of this, but old mattresses create an optimum environment for bacteria. A range of fungi and bacteria can be found on old surfaces for sleeping, and they can cause urinary tract infections, viruses, and skin infections. Mold is also a potential danger that you may encounter, especially if your bedroom is not properly ventilated. Although most common mold spores are harmless, they can trigger allergic reactions including eczema, coughing, and itchy eyes. If your mattress is growing mold, it is about time to replace it.
Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are another threat that you can expect as old sleeping surfaces are an ideal habitat for them. Although they just give itchy bites, it can be quite challenging to get rid of them without having to throw out your bed altogether. If you notice small bites on your skin, reddish spots on your sheets, or bed bugs themselves, you should get rid of the old mattress and replace it with a new model.
