How Long Should Your Organic Mattress Last?
How long should your mattress last?
Conventional wisdom suggests that your mattress should be replaced every 7 - 10 years.
While that advice is fine for memory foam mattresses that break down with use, it doesn’t make sense for an organic mattress, which can have a much longer life span.
Let’s take a look at the difference between foam and natural mattresses, and just how long that organic mattress should last.
Foam vs Latex Mattresses
Most mattresses on the market today are made from polyurethane foam — you know it as memory foam.
Even non-memory foam mattresses typically have some amount of foam inside, it’s used for comfort.
Foam mattresses break down over time from friction and moisture. As you sleep, you sweat, you toss, you turn. And the more you sweat, toss, and turn, the faster your foam mattress breaks down. If your foam mattress is starting to dip, that’s a clear sign that the foam is breaking down.
Over time, these dips in your mattress will get deeper and larger.
And your back, neck, and joints may start to protest as a result.
While a majority of mattresses are made from foam, they’re not the only option for mattress shoppers. A new breed of mattresses is rising in popularity: organic and natural mattresses made from natural materials.
Understanding Organic Materials
The secret to the longevity of an organic mattress are the durable, natural materials inside:
- Wool
- Organic Cotton
- Natural Latex
Natural Latex
The primary material found in organic mattresses is natural latex. Out of all of the different types of mattresses available, natural latex has the longest known lifespan out of any material used for support in mattresses.
Latex is sustainably sourced from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis).
Unlike petroleum-based foams, latex is very durable and longer-lasting. Latex-based mattresses can have up to double the lifespan of a foam/ memory foam mattress, and it’s not unusual for organic mattress manufacturers to offer 20, 25, or even 30-year warranties.
Over time, even natural latex can start to lose its spring. (Hey, nothing lasts forever!)
But you can expect a long life out of your natural latex mattress — at least twice as long as its foam counterparts.
Wool
Wool is one of natures’ wonders. It’s safe to say that wool is one of the most durable materials out there.
Wool is naturally flame-resistant, repels moisture, and keeps a layer of air next to the skin, keeping you comfortable all year long.
When you care for it properly, good wool can last a lifetime. Kind of like those socks your grandma made you. The wool used in your organic mattress is probably a lot less scratchy, though.
Organic Cotton
The touch, the feel… You know the rest. You probably already know a lot about cotton. It’s no secret that it’s one of the most breathable fabrics out there! It doesn’t hold on to odors, it doesn’t pill, and it gets all A’s for retaining its shape.
What does this mean for your mattress?
It means that cotton doesn’t tear easily. Organic cotton is a durable and long-lasting mattress material.
How to Extend the Life of Your Organic Mattress
Organic mattresses made from durable, natural materials like latex are going to outlive their toxic-foam competitors in pretty much every scenario. But there are definitely some steps you can take to ensure your organic mattress stays in good shape, even through its golden years.
Use Mattress Protectors
Pretty much any mattress manufacturer will recommend that you use a mattress protector to extend the life of your mattress. Protector or pad, whatever you call it, these add-ons go a long way to keeping your mattress in the best possible condition for as long as possible. They’ll save your mattress from stains, crumbs, and cuts down on everyday wear and tear.
Keep it Clean
Regularly Swapping out your sheets for a fresh, clean set once a week can go a long way to maintaining the health of your mattress. Oils from our skin can rub off onto sheets and soak through to your mattress. Regularly swapping out your sheets can help keep destructive oils away from the organic fibers on your natural mattress.
Give Pets their Own Bed
We know you love your pets. And there’s no doubt that their favorite place in the world is snuggled up on your bed with you.
But pets can significantly shorten the lifespan of your mattress. Sharp fingernails can tear through bedding and mattress covers. Various pet “substances” can damage and ruin bedding.
Give your favorite fluffy friend their own organic pet bed to enjoy!
They can still get the benefits of a non toxic bed to enjoy, and you can be sure your own organic mattress lives a long, long life.
Let’s be honest, here. If there’s no way that your pet will vacate your bed, then be sure to use waterproof mattress protectors and regularly wash and change your bedding.
Understanding Your Warranty
Many organic mattress companies will offer a you 20 year warranty. They cover a range of things from manufacturing defects to normal wear and tear. So, if something does happen to your mattress, your warranty will likely ensure it’s fixed or replaced if appropriate.
Make sure you read your warranty and understand it fully.
A manufacturer's warranty will typically cover all manners of mattress sins, but you have to be careful not to accidentally void the warranty.
How can you avoid voiding the warranty?
- Keep the tag
- Be kind to your mattress
- Don't misuse your mattress
- Keep the food and drink in the kitchen
- So, How Long Will It Last?
An organic mattress typically should last up to 20 years, but how long it actually lasts greatly depends on how well you care for it. I
f you put in a little effort to clean it properly, protect it with a cover or pad, and maintain it, your organic mattress could last for the next 20 - 25 years and maybe even beyond!