How long should a mattress last?

Most mattresses last 7 to 10 years, though the actual lifespan varies significantly by construction type, with latex and high-coil innerspring models routinely reaching 10 to 12 years while low-density foam beds can degrade noticeably in 4 to 6.

What drives that range is material density and how well the support core holds its shape under repeated compression. Memory foam softens over time, especially below 3 lb/cu ft density, creating the body impressions that signal it's time to replace. Latex, both natural and synthetic, resists compression set far better than foam. Pocketed-coil hybrids hold up well structurally, though the foam comfort layers above the coils often wear out faster than the springs beneath them.

Average mattress lifespan across all types: 7 to 10 years.
Natural latex mattresses commonly last 10 to 12 years, the longest of any mainstream type.
Low-density memory foam (under 3 lb/cu ft) typically shows body impressions within 4 to 6 years.
Pocketed-coil hybrids: coil cores often outlast the foam comfort layers by several years.
Body impressions deeper than 1 to 1.5 inches are the standard replacement indicator most manufacturers cite in warranty terms.

01Side-by-Side Comparison

Dimension	Natural Latex	Pocketed-Coil Hybrid	Memory Foam
Typical lifespan	10 to 12 years	8 to 10 years	4 to 8 years
Primary failure mode	Surface softening, slow onset	Foam comfort layer breakdown before coils fail	Body impressions from compression set
Density / durability driver	Vulcanized rubber cell structure resists deformation	Coil gauge and foam layer density above springs	Foam density (lb/cu ft); under 3 lb degrades fastest
Best for longevity	Heavier sleepers, nightly co-sleeping couples	Combination sleepers who need support and pressure relief	Lightweight sleepers with strict pressure relief needs
Replacement signal	Noticeable all-over softening, loss of rebound	Visible sag or impression in foam top layer	Persistent body impression deeper than 1 to 1.5 inches