“If your mattress is no longer providing the comfort and support you need for a good night's sleep, it’s time to replace it,” says Tristine Hargreaves, executive director at Bed Advice UK and The National Bed Federation. An ageing mattress doesn’t just lose its feel-good factor, it can show clear signs of decline, from sagging to lumps, and may leave you waking with aches and pains. Hargreaves advises replacing your mattress every seven to 10 years, noting that stretching beyond this window often results in a tangible drop in both comfort and support.
Expert tips for choosing the right mattress firmness
“As a general rule, lighter people may prefer a softer mattress, whereas heavier people may need more support from a firmer one,” explains Dr Lindsay Browning, sleep expert at Troublesleeping.co.uk.
“Some studies have found that people with back pain may prefer medium-firm mattresses to improve comfort, sleep quality and spinal alignment, and that a firmer mattress is not always better (as a mattress can be too firm),” she adds.
