We’ve all heard those mattress ads yelling, “You should replace your mattress every 7 years!” But is that really true, or just another sales ploy?
Here’s the deal. The 7-year rule is generally accurate for a standard foam mattress, but it does not apply to organic latex mattresses, which, in Avocado Green’s case, can last up to 25 years.
This means buying an organic latex mattress, for example, would prevent roughly 8 mattresses per person or per couple from going to the landfill (and leeching their toxic chemicals into the earth) over a 75-year lifespan, while saving you thousands of dollars!
Understanding mattress longevity will transform how you shop for your next bed, which is what this guide is all about.
Here, we’re unpacking the details behind how often you should purchase a new mattress, including what causes mattress to wear out, signs it’s time to replace your mattress, how and why organic, non-toxic materials, like latex and wool, enhance mattress longevity, and how to find the best mattress to suit your needs for the long haul.
What Causes Mattresses To Wear Out?
Considering we spend about one-third of our lives in bed, mattress wear and tear happens to all types of mattresses.
Besides mechanical wear and tear from sleeping, rolling around, sex, and bouncy children, mattresses also endure biological wear and tear, including:
- Dust mites and allergens: Over time, mattresses can collect dust mites, dead skin cells, and moisture, especially if used without a mattress protector. If you wake up congested or sneezy, your mattress may be part of the problem.
- Note: Natural wool is more resistant to dust mites than synthetic foam and is used in most Avocado mattresses, except for our PETA-approved Vegan Mattress.
- Foam breakdown. As polyurethane foam ages, it can start to break down and release harmful particles, including VOCs. Although the off-gassing process of new mattresses is different from that of old, it’s not necessarily better, and, in some cases, can pose a higher risk of chemical exposure.
- This is not the same for pure organic latex, which wears differently from polyurethane foam. More on this to come.
- Coil wear. Open Bonnell-style coils typically used in conventional mattresses can weaken over time. Individually encased coils in higher-quality systems (such as Avocado’s 7-zone ergonomic innerspring) generally last longer than those in conventional mattresses.
Lack of proper care, such as not using a mattress protector, noticing rotations (head-to-toe rotations are essential for latex mattresses), never cleaning frequently, a lot of jumping on the bed, or not changing regularly, can also contribute to mattress breakdown.
Unsure how to care for your mattress? You’re not alone! Check out “How To Clean A Mattress Naturally” and “How To Clean A Crib Mattress Naturally,” Complete Guide, to learn more.
Read more: How to Combat Sleep Anxiety
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Mattress
Whether you’re sleeping on a luxury organic non-toxic mattress or a standard conventional mattress, these telltale signs signal it’s time to replace:
- You’re waking up with aches or pains that weren’t there when you went to sleep. This may include back or neck pain, or just not feeling great upon waking.
- Poor sleep. For many people, upgrading their mattress completely changes their sleep for the better.
- Noticeable sagging or changes in mattress form. Think saggy middle and body impressions that don’t bounce back.
- Note: Significant body impressions are less common in latex and typically indicate a support issue beneath the mattress versus a material failure.
- Allergies or feeling stuffy in the morning. Years of dust mite buildup can cause allergies or sleep-related congestion.
- A feeling that you’re rolling to the middle of the bed while sleeping.
- You sleep better away from your own bed.
- Squeaky springs. Just keep in mind, this could also be the bed frame.
- Disruptive movement from your partner. Although every mattress offers different types of support, if you didn’t notice much movement from your partner before, that’s a sign of wear and tear.
- Visible signs of wear and tear. This includes ripped mattress coverings, discoloration, fraying, etc.
- The mattress is more than 7-10 years old, and is made with polyurethane foam (most conventional mattresses)
- For Avocado Green and other organic, non-toxic brands, the mattress has reached its warranty timeline, which is typically 25 years for adult mattresses.
Changes in your health or lifestyle, such as injuries, pregnancy, co-sleeping, or just getting older, may also indicate the need for a replacement mattress.
How & Why Organic, Non-Toxic Mattresses Last Longer Than Conventional Foam Mattresses
Most people don’t know that organic, non-toxic mattresses can last up to 18 years longer than conventional mattresses (dang!).
But, how does this work? What exactly makes organic mattresses so durable?
Let’s start by comparing the polyurethane foam used in most conventional mattresses, to natural latex, the foam alternative used in most Avocado Green mattresses (except our latex-free mattress for those with allergies).
The whole replace-your-mattress-every-7-years recommendation is based on polyurethane foam’s rate of degradation.
This type of foam is a closed-cell material that permanently compresses under repeated body weight.
Translation: it doesn’t recover its original shape after you sleep. This structural breakdown occurs gradually and typically goes unnoticed until sleep discomfort begins to creep up about 7 years in.
Natural latex is an open-cell material that returns to its original shape after compression is released, which is why latex mattresses last so much longer.
Independent durability testing by Leggett Labs of Avocado’s organic Dunlop latex shows approximately 1% height loss after 100,000 Rollator cycles. This is equivalent to 10 years of simulated use. (Find the full test results published here.)
This is why our organic mattresses are backed by warranties of up to 25 years. This isn’t a marketing gesture, but a true reflection of materials that genuinely outlast their conventional cousins.
Natural wool, used in most Avocado Green mattresses, also enhances durability thanks to its inherent dust-mite-resistant and moisture-wicking properties.
Other natural materials, like organic cotton, hemp, and silk, offer functional longevity and comfort benefits, including breathability, which helps reduce dust mites, mold, and microbial contamination.
Finally, as mentioned previously, our individually encased coils made from recycled steel, like the 7-zone ergonomic innerspring, tend to last much longer than conventional mattress coils.
This all adds up to big mattress longevity gains, up to 18 years longer than standard conventional mattresses for most Avocado brands.
Read more: Why Natural Latex Mattresses Cost More
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Organic, Non-Toxic Latex Mattress
Conventional and latex mattresses wear differently and require different care.
Regular head-to-toe rotations are the single most important factor to preserving the life of your latex mattress, and are required as part of Avocado Green’s warranty.
We recommend rotating your Avocado Green mattress (not flipping, that’s for polyurethane foam mattresses) head-to-toe monthly for the first six months of use, then every other month for the life of the mattress.
This helps even out distribution of pressure
Failure to rotate as specified may void your warranty. This is not a technicality, but since uneven compression from lack of rotation is distinguishable from a manufacturing defect it’s excluded from coverage.
Using a mattress protector, not placing the mattress directly on the floor (this also voids the warranty), and regular cleaning, including vacuuming your mattress once a month to remove dust mites (or more), and tending to stains quickly, will also help extend the life and quality of your mattress.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Avocado Green Mattress
Even the best things in life must come to an end. Here’s how to tell if your Avocado Green mattress has reached the end of its life.
- You’re coming up on 25 years of use. Most of our adult mattresses are limited-warrantied for 25-years, so unless there’s a defect or improper care, you shouldn’t have a problem before that.
- Kid’s mattresses are coming up on 10 years of use. That’s the limited warranty cycle for most of our crib and kids mattresses.
- Body impressions greater than 1.5″: This is likely covered under your warranty, so contact our support team with photos.
- Persistent pain or discomfort: Before you blame the mattress, check its foundation. An unsupportive base is a common cause of premature decline in mattress performance. See: How to Properly Support Your Mattress for more details.
- Cover damage: If the ticking or quilting layer shows significant wear, contact us so we can advise on repair options before considering replacement.
Read more: New Mattress Not Comfortable Yet? Here’s Why And What To Do
How To Choose The Best, Longest Lasting Mattress For You
If mattress longevity, natural non-toxic materials, affordability, and a low carbon footprint are your priorities then Avocado Green Mattress has a mattress to fit your lifestyle and life season.
Although organic non-toxic mattresses generally cost more upfront, the savings come from not having to replace your mattress for up to 25 years. That means you could only have to buy 1, 2, or 3 mattresses throughout the course of your life, depending on your age—that’s a significant cost, time, and hassle savings.
The bottom line is, In the end, most people end up paying a lot less for a higher quality, safer, and more eco-friendly bed.
Avocado Green has a variety of organic non-toxic mattresses to choose from, including our original organic latex, wool, and cotton mattress, our luxury organic mattress with organic latex, wool, cotton, silk, and hemp, our wool-free vegan mattress, crib and toddler mattresses, kids mattresses**, and more.
We also offer mattress protectors, organic non-toxic pillows, bedding, blankets, and nearly everything else for the non-toxic, organic home and bedroom.
Shop our non-toxic organic mattress collection and see why we’re the #1 organic non-toxic mattress brand in the United States.
*Mattresses covered by our 25-year limited warranty include Green Mattress, Vegan Mattress, Wool Mattress, Extra Firm Mattress, Latex Mattress, Luxury Organic Mattress, Grand Luxe Mattress, Organic Crib Mattress, Luxury Organic Crib Mattress. See What Is Avocado’s Warranty for more information.
**Baby, toddler, and kids mattresses are covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
Read more: Pure Talalay: Our Secret To A Better Night’s Sleep
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