The energy resources that go into making a bed are huge, and despite being made from largely recyclable materials, they are often dumped in landfills.
When we spoke to the Environmental Protection Agency, they told Tom’s Guide that in 2018, the U.S. generated approximately 12,080,000 tons of furniture (which includes items such as sofas, tables, chairs and mattresses). Of that, 8,900,000 tons were landfilled.
While the EPA couldn’t specify exactly the percentage of mattresses in the equation, we know that an estimated 18.2 million mattresses are thrown away every year in America.
But this doesn’t need to be the case, especially when a quality mattress should last anywhere between eight and 25 years.
So, with yet another sales event upon us, is there a way to shop more sustainably and be less wasteful? Absolutely, and your mattress should be where you start. I’m sharing our advice on how to choose the best mattress for your sleep needs that will last and last in this year’s Labor Day mattress sales.
How to choose a mattress that will last
1. Read the user reviews
Who better to trust than your fellow sleepers? Word of mouth is always a great way to find a product that can be trusted, and it’s no different with mattresses. User reviews are a fantastic resource to see how a bed performs over a period of time.
While it’s rare to find a mattress with complete 5-star reviews (you can expect some idiosyncrasies with reviews because firmness is ultimately subjective), a score of 4 and above generally indicates a quality mattress that lives up to its reputation.
One tip: be sure to check how long the person has slept on it before reviewing. The more time that has passed since they purchased, the better the understanding of how durable the mattress is. Repeat customers are also a good sign.
2. Assess the build of the bed
Durability depends largely on the structure of a mattress. Without adequate support and comfort layers, over time impressions can form and you can sink through key layers designed to keep you aligned all night.
As soon as this structure is compromised, your mattress is no longer doing what it’s supposed to. If you’re shopping for a memory foam bed, look for a significant and thick support core made from a dense and stable foam.
In the best hybrid mattresses, look for a coil unit that’s made from a robust material like steel. Another sign of a durable structure is a reinforced perimeter.
3. Look for quality materials
In general, natural materials last longer than synthetic, man-made materials. In mattresses, this can include cotton, wool and natural latex, which are often found in the best organic mattresses.
But that’s not to say common bed materials like foam aren’t made to last. In fact, memory foam was originally designed by NASA to cushion astronauts, so it’s made to be incredibly durable and long-lasting.
However, cheap foam is the opposite and can wear thin quickly. To tell the difference, look for certifications, like CertiPUR-US, which indicate a higher quality foam. You can also check the density — in general, the higher the density, the better.
4. Don’t settle for a short warranty
It might seem obvious, but warranties are an important consideration as they can generally be taken as an estimation of how long your mattress will last. This is why you often see super long warranties on latex mattresses which are expected to have a lifespan of up to 25 years.
An industry-standard warranty is 10 years. Anything below that and alarm bells should start to ring. This should cover you for the lifespan of your bed.
Recently, ‘forever warranties’ have become popular, offered by top brands like Saatva, DreamCloud and Nectar. While they’re a great perk and indicate a very high-quality mattress, make sure you look at the small print as you’re unlikely to be fully covered ‘forever’.
The 3 most durable mattresses we’ve tested
Top 3 reasons people return a mattress
1. They don’t consider their sleep position
Personally, I never realized that the mattress you should buy depends largely on your sleeping position. But once you choose a bed designed to support how you sleep, it’ll change your rest and keep you comfortable night after night.
In general, side sleepers benefit from a medium-firm to plush mattress that gives beneath the hips, shoulders and knees. This prevents pressure from building up. However, the best mattresses for side sleepers aren’t so soft they lack support — keeping the hips elevated is important for spinal alignment.
Back and stomach sleepers will generally need a firmer option to ensure their hips don’t sink, which can cause a curve in the spine and lead to aches and pains.
2. They don’t think about their body type
A mattress is there to support our bodies. But if you don’t choose a bed that compliments your body types, it can feel like you’re battling your mattress night after night.
If you’re a heavier sleeper, opting for a mattress designed for heavy bodies ensures you get the support you need (and the durability). The best mattresses for heavy people have more layers or thicker layers and reinforced coils, as well as extra pressure relief layers.
On the other hand, if you’re very lightweight, many mattresses will likely feel too firm for you, leading to pressure build up. If this is the case, choosing plush mattresses that incorporate soft layers at the top of the mattress can help. Consider shopping the best pillow top mattresses, as these will contour to even the lightest of bodies.
3. They underestimate their health needs
Believe it or not, a mattress can have a huge knock-on effect on your physical health. There are key areas where this is super important, like temperature regulation. Certain medications and health conditions can cause hot flashes and night sweats, but a good mattress can combat this.
The best cooling mattresses use materials like Glaciotex and PCM to keep sleepers comfortable during the night. Or, if you need more advanced tech, the best smart mattresses can automatically adjust the temperature of the bed based on your body temperature.
Other health conditions like sleep apnea, back pain or joint pain can be eased by a mattress, too. Adjustable firmness can help those recovering from injuries or whose pain fluctuates, and adjustable positions can help open the airways for sleepers with sleep apnea.
