When to replace your mattress or pillow

Mattresses and pillows don't fail all at once — they lose support gradually, which makes it easy to keep sleeping on one for years past its useful life without noticing.

Typical lifespan

Most mattresses last about 7 to 10 years, though this varies by material: innerspring mattresses often need replacing closer to the 7-year mark, while higher-density memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses can sometimes last closer to 10. Pillows wear out much faster — most should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, since the fill compresses and loses shape well before the cover looks worn. Memory foam pillows tend to hold up slightly longer, around 2 to 3 years.

Visible and physical signs of wear

• Visible sagging, indentations or lumps in the mattress, especially where you usually lie.
• Springs or firm spots you can feel through the surface.
• A pillow that stays flattened or folded after you fluff it, or that no longer springs back.
• Waking up with new or worse back, neck or shoulder pain that wasn't there before.
• Sleeping better away from home, in a hotel or on a friend's guest bed, which often points to your own mattress or pillow.

Health and allergy reasons to replace sooner

Beyond comfort, mattresses and pillows accumulate dust mites, dead skin cells and allergens over time, which can worsen allergies, asthma or skin irritation. If you notice more sneezing, congestion or itchy eyes at night, an aging mattress or pillow — even one that still feels physically fine — can be a contributing factor worth addressing.