The most obvious sign that it’s time for a new mattress is a permanent dip or dent where you normally sleep.

“We sometimes call it ‘the old country road.’ The mattress will be thick in the middle, and sag where each person sleeps,” says William Wellauer from Everett’s ESC Mattress Center.

But if you’re hoping to get consistent, quality sleep, waiting until your mattress is obviously misshapen isn’t the best idea. So when should you replace your mattress?

“You can expect to get about 10 to 12 years out of the average mattress. Latex mattresses can last close to 20 years, and polyurethane foam typically breaks down after eight to 10 years, so a decade is a reliable benchmark,” says Joshua Rigsby, co-owner of the store.

3 Signs it’s time to replace your mattress

1. You sleep all night but wake up tired. “Sleep is a time for your body to rest and recover, but if your mattress doesn’t provide proper support, you’ll toss and turn and wake up feeling tired,” William says. You may not even realize the work your muscles are doing to keep you comfortable through the night. If you don’t feel rested after a good night’s sleep, your mattress may be to blame.
2. New back pain. If you’ve never had back issues before, but have started to notice soreness or strain, it’s likely your mattress is no longer supporting you properly. “If your back muscles aren’t getting a chance to rest, you may be more prone to injury during the day,” Joshua says.
3. Your mattress is old enough for a driver’s license. We all lose track of time and forget how long it’s been since we made household purchases. Check your mattress tag and see how long it’s actually been! “It’s easy to tell if your refrigerator needs replacing, because it stops keeping food cool — a mattress doesn’t give you the same signs,” William says. Replacing your mattress every 10 years is a good rule of thumb, regardless of its condition. “Our bodies change a lot in a decade, and that means your support needs change too. Products are constantly improving too — a top-of-the-line mattress ten years ago is equivalent to an entry-level mattress now.”

William, Joshua and the rest of the ESC Mattress staff have years of experience and will help you find a bed that matches your sleep style, budget and expectations. They also offer a 365 Day Comfort Guarantee, so you can try it out at home to ensure a good fit.

Find ESC Mattress Center at 10121 #30, Evergreen Way, Everett, on Facebook, or online at www.escmattresscenter.com. Visit the store Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.