Your mattress probably isn’t something you spend a whole lot of time thinking about during the day, but it could be impacting your health in very significant ways. And by making a simple switch from an old, worn-out mattress to a newer alternative, you could find yourself healthier and happier.

The Adverse Effects of Using the Wrong Mattress

Despite the fact that we tend to give it the status of “optional” in our day-to-day lives, the truth is that sleep is incredibly important. Research shows that healthy sleep patterns are linked to a lower risk of obesity, healthier eating habits, improved concentration and productivity, better athletic performance, lower risk of heart disease and stroke, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, lower risk of depression, improved immune system functioning, less inflammation in the body, and superior emotional and social interactions.

Dozens of factors impact an individual’s quality of sleep – including daytime habits, health conditions, and timing – but certain factors seem to consistently slip through the cracks and get overlooked. Your mattress is among them.

According to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), 92 percent of people believe a comfortable mattress is important in getting a good night’s sleep (with just 1 percent of respondents saying it’s not important at all). That makes the highest-rated factor in the study. Despite this, millions of people regularly sleep on mattresses that are hurting their health.

Every person is different and has unique health needs, but research shows that a poor mattress can have the following adverse effects:

1. Triggering Allergies. It’s pretty disgusting to think about, but old mattresses are filled with dust mites, dead skin cells, and even bed bugs. While bed bugs are nasty for obvious reasons, dust mites are arguably harsher on your body. They can lead to skin problems, respiratory conditions, and even eczema outbreaks.
   

   While washing sheets and pillowcases in hot water and vacuum cleaning your comforter on a regular basis can “allergy-proof” your sleep environment to a degree, an old mattress will always be a trigger. To prevent your mattress from becoming a dust mite farm, you’ll need to replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

2. Back and Neck Pain. Did you know that your back and neck pain may be caused by your old mattress? At the very least, it’s probably exacerbated by it. This is especially common with people who sleep on coil spring mattresses past the recommended discard date.
   

   According to a study conducted by Oklahoma State University, people who replace their mattresses every five years report a significant decrease in back pain. And while newer memory foam mattresses are now designed to last much longer than five years, this just goes to show how important it is to replace your mattress as recommended.

3. Snoring. Did you know that your nighttime snoring issues may be a direct result of an old mattress that’s improperly attuned to your body? An old mattress with improper spinal and head support can lead to collapsing of the muscles in the jaw and throat, which results in increased snoring. Dust mites may also be partially to blame (leading to allergies, congestion, and increased snoring).
4. Joint Soreness. While a firm mattress is good for your back and posture, it can create isolated pressure points that lead to stiff and sore joints in the morning. If you struggle to find a comfortable position on your current mattress, this could be a sign that you have the wrong type of mattress. Switching to a newer mattress that’s right for your body type and sleep preferences may help. 
5. Sleep Deprivation. While some people find sleep difficult as a result of underlying health conditions, others discover that their sleep issues are the direct result of an uncomfortable mattress.
   

   If you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep because of a mattress that’s painful, hot, and/or uncomfortable, you could be depriving yourself of sleep (which impacts your waking hours). Upgrade your mattress and find relief.

Selecting the Right Mattress for Your Health

The average American sleeps 6.8 hours per night. That amounts to 2,482 hours per year (or more than 103 days). And if you consider that the average lifespan of a mattress is somewhere around 10 years, this means you’ll eventually spend the better part of 24,820 hours – or in excess of 1,000 days – on your mattress. In other words, your mattress isn’t just another purchase – it’s an important investment in your health and longevity.

Not only do you need to get rid of your old, worn-out mattress, but you also need to replace it with one that benefits your health. Here are some things to consider:

• There are three common types of mattresses on the market today: spring, memory foam, and hybrid. Read up on the differences between them and figure out which option is best for your needs.
• Never buy a mattress without either trying it first (laying on it in the store) or getting the assurance of a trial period or money-back guarantee (important when ordering online).

• A mattress is not a purchase you should skimp on. In other words, don’t let a $100 difference in price dissuade you from purchasing the mattress you really want. This is an investment in your long-term health. Treat it as such.

• If your mattress is being delivered to your home, make sure you inspect it prior to signing off on the shipment. Thoroughly inspect the mattress for any signs of damage and only sign off when you’re confident that you’ve received exactly what you ordered.

Try Our Ultraplush Memory Foam Mattress for 120 Nights!

At Perfect Cloud, we believe a quality mattress should be readily available and affordable to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Ultraplush Memory Foam Mattress, which is made from thoroughly tested memory foam that’s shown to eliminate nervous tension caused from head, neck, and shoulder pain. Plus, with a gel-infused top layer, you’ll sleep cooler and more comfortably all year round.

Feel free to shop around for the right mattress; but with a 10-year warranty, free shipping, and a 120-day sleep trial, we’re confident that you’ll become a Perfect Cloud customer for life!