Coker, who is a sales associate at the family owned Beds, Beds, and More in Austin, Texas, says, "If you start waking up with a backache it means something is wrong and you need a new mattress. Likewise if your mattress shows visible bowing or sagging in the middle you need a new mattress."
Life changes can also mark the need for a new mattress. For example, if you have recently begun sharing your bed with a partner it may no longer fit your needs as well as it did when you were sleeping alone. Our bodies also change as we age, and you may discover that your old mattress is no longer as comfortable as it used to be and that your need for a certain level of support has changed.
We sleep about one-third of our lives, and a good mattress can be very important to your sense of well-being and proper rest. Another rule of thumb for determining when it's time for a new mattress is if you have recently slept away from home and enjoyed a more comfortable night's sleep. Mattress technology has changed greatly in recent years, and there have been a number of improvements in the manufacturing of mattresses resulting in an almost unlimited selection of choices when selecting a new mattress.
A quality mattress can be expected to last around 10 years and usually comes with a 10-year warranty. The higher quality mattress you purchase the longer you can expect it to last. If your mattress's upholstery is ragged or shabby or if the head is higher than the foot it's also time to begin the search for a new one.
Coker says that there is no particular time of year that is best to buy mattresses since discounts and sales occur year round. She does note that the busiest time for the mattress industry is just before school starts in the fall when college students are preparing to set up their apartments.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 for a quality queen size mattress says Coker.
"For an average queen size mattress (medium quality) you would pay no less than $300 to $450. On the other extreme, the most expensive mattress we have in queen size runs $1,500. That is the top of the line, but it also gives you a three inch pillow top. I would say you don't want to spend more than $1,500."
If you are looking for a high quality mattress that will provide you with years of comfort and good sleep you should plan to spend around $700 to $800 for a queen size mattress with a 10 year warranty. Extras like built-in massage or heating components can also affect the price of your new mattress.
In addition, when you're buying a bed, you should buy a mattress and box set.
"Boxes really don't cost much at all. Generally, the box is 30% of the price of the mattress set and the proper foundation is very important when buying a mattress," adds Coker.
It is not advisable to put a new mattress on an old box spring since the foundation and the mattress are designed to work together to provide you with the longest and best use of the mattress. Warranties may even be invalid if the matching box spring is not used.
Since good sleep can have such a big effect on how we feel during the daytime hours, the price of a good mattress should be considered an investment in your health and quality of life.
