When was the last time that you replaced your mattress?
Experts say we should replace our TV every six to eight year – for a variety of reasons.
If we snooze on an older one, we may inhale bacteria and mould.
It can lead to sore throats and itchy eyes. You may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and serious infections such as pneumonia.
A worn-out mattress can cause back pain, aches, and other sleep issues.
Opera Beds sleep specialists said: “Mattresses are the foundation for good quality sleeping.
The right mattress can improve your sleep and prevent you from having aches and discomfort in the morning.
Finding a mattress that suits your sleeping style and needs is important for comfort. It will ensure proper physical recovery, cognitive function and emotional well-being.
It’s a choice that is made by the individual, taking into account their needs, preferences and underlying health concerns.
Many of us, once we have one, fail to recognize the signs that it is time to replace it.
Mattresses should be replaced at least every six to eight year depending on factors such as usage and wear.
If you don’t, the well-being and health consequences can be massive. Here’s why.
Bacteria
The team stated that a shabby bed is a breeding place for bacteria.
Researchers have found staphylococcus and lactobacillus as well as streptococcus, E. coli.
They can also cause skin infections, stomach upsets, abscesses and joint problems.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) as well as heart, bone and eyes infections are possible.
Dust mites
Dust mites may also burrow into the fibers of carpets and cause or worsen skin conditions like Eczema, as well as respiratory problems such Asthma.
Experts said that the older the mattress is, the more dust will be accumulated.
Your mattress is full of dead skin flake flakes that the critters feed off of.
We shed on average 11lb (5kg), so if you share with a pet or partner, that number will be doubled.
Bodily Fluids
It’s also said that mattresses are smothered in bodily fluids.
Your bed is full of everything from sweat and semen to skin oils and even saliva.
The liquids are absorbed into your mattress and remain there for many years.
Over the life of your mattress, experts estimate that these fluids can fill up two bathtubs.
The average adult sweats about 26 gallons per year while in bed. This makes it an ideal warm and moist environment for fungi.
Mold, yeast, and bacteria such as staphylococcus, can find their way into crevices. This puts you at risk for painful lumps of skin, blisters, sores, and crusts.
Mouldspores
Mattresses can also become susceptible to mould.
Opera Beds stated that “These can be harmful for your health in the short term.”
This can be especially bad if the bedroom is damp or not ventilated correctly.
Mold exposure can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing and itchy or red eyes or skin.
Penicillium is the most common spore, followed by cladosporium and alternaria. These spores can cause allergic symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, congestion, itching, and sneezing.
Sleep
An old mattress, even if it is free of germs, can disrupt your sleep.
You may be waking more frequently, feeling discomfort or having difficulty falling asleep.
Opera Beds stated that “a lack of sleep can affect our daily lives and ability to function, and it will create a negative sleep cycle, where you associate bed and sleep with frustration and cause further problems.”
Aches and Pains
Finally, saggy foam and springs can cause pain.
OperaBeds stated: “A worn-out mattress will not provide your body with the necessary foundation for a restful night’s sleep. You may wake up in pain, not realizing why and thinking that it is due to sleeping positions.
It is not good for posture and support if your mattress has dips.
There are some additional steps that you can take to help avoid these problems.
Danielle Mason , a cleaning whizz, has shared with us her best tips and tricks for extending the life of your products and keeping you safe.