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A good mattress is essential for a high level of sleeping comfort. But how long is a mattress actually good and when should it be replaced? We have put together helpful tips for you. We’ll also tell you how you can extend the life of your mattress with the right care.

Why do mattresses get dirty so quickly?

All mattresses get dirty over time and this is due to various factors. Typical mattress dust is made up of house dust, skin flakes and excretions from house dust mites. If this mixture is attacked by bacteria, an unpleasant, slightly tranquil musty odor quickly arises.

Since every person loses up to 1.5 liters of sweat per night, moisture is also a problem. If the mattress is not adequately ventilated, mold can even develop. In addition, the salts and protein contained in the sweat penetrate the cover.

The fact that dust mites live in every mattress is an annoying fact, especially for allergy sufferers. The tiny creatures love it dark, damp and warm. Because they live on flakes of skin and multiply at breakneck speed, up to a million of these unpleasant animals can be found in a double bed. Their natural enemy, the predatory mite, on the other hand, appears to be extinct.

The washable mattress cover

Practically all mattresses now have a removable cover that can be machine washed. When buying, you should make sure that it can be easily removed. Split covers make sense because each half can then be washed separately.

But be careful: The fact that a cover is washable does not mean that it can be washed as often as you like. Depending on the quality, a mattress cover can withstand five to ten washes. It may well happen that it is damaged in a washing drum that is too small if it is exposed to too much friction during the wash cycle.

It is therefore advisable to replace a washable mattress cover for hygienic reasons after five years at the latest.

How do I properly care for my mattress?

If a mattress is always used in the same places, it will naturally give way more quickly there. That is why turning and turning can noticeably extend the life of a mattress. Once a month is ideal. If you always combine turning with covering, it will not be forgotten. By the way: Make sure that you turn the mattress both lengthways and crossways. You should avoid vigorous tapping or cleaning with soapy water, as this can damage the mattress.

What does volume weight have to do with shelf life?

The durability of a cold foam mattress depends to a large extent on the volume weight (RG) of its foam core. The density of the foam is given as the density of the foam in kilograms per cubic meter (kg / m³). A high density means great elasticity of the foam with little material fatigue. The mattress therefore has a longer lifespan.

Many mattress buyers make the mistake of confusing the volume weight with the firmness of the mattress. Caution is advised here, because even a very hard mattress can have a low volume weight because little material was used in its production. While the degree of firmness of the mattress is determined by the compressive strength, the volume weight indicates the material density and is therefore an indicator of quality and durability.

Volume weight and durability – an overview

RG 20-25

It is an extremely light foam quality. Such a mattress will wear out after a year or two. That might be enough for a rarely used guest bed, but this quality is not recommended for long-term use.

RG 30

These mattresses are lightweight and should be replaced after two to three years. Here, too, sporadic use is preferable to permanent use. If you are looking for durability, you should prefer mattresses with a higher density.

RG 35

This is where the good quality begins, which is accompanied by a shelf life of five to six years. A mattress with this density is a good purchase for a longer period of time.

RG 40

Very good quality mattresses that, thanks to their relatively high material density, last an average of six to eight years.

RG 50 – 60

Those with high demands will appreciate mattresses with this density because of their top quality. You can lie down on such a mattress for ten years before it gives way and should be replaced.

RG 75

Mattresses with this density clearly belong to the luxury segment. They are of extremely high quality, which of course also has its price. A mattress with such a high material density has a lifespan that can be well over ten years.

You can easily determine the durability of your mattress when you buy it. However, if one day it shows a slight indentation during use, it should be replaced soon – no matter how old it is.

When should I change my mattress?

If the mattress has clearly exceeded its service life, it no longer offers sufficient comfort and no longer acceptable bed hygiene. Therefore, for the sake of your back and your health, you should carefully examine the condition of your mattress and purchase a new one if necessary.

A mattress should be replaced if:

• □it is older than 5-8 years (for inexpensive mattresses) or
  older than 10-14 years (for high-quality mattresses)
• □it has a recess
• □it has a non-removable cover and is more than 5 years old
• □it is used daily and the density is less than 30