Are you wondering why you’re struggling to get a decent night’s sleep? Constantly waking up to nagging neck and back pains? Or feel hot and bothered in bed all the time?

Chances are the place you need to look for answers is right under your nose; especially when that nose is on your pillow, because your pillow is over your – okay we’re trying to say it’s your mattress!

Your mattress provides the most pivotal foundation for a great night’s sleep, and unfortunately many people sleep on one that just isn’t providing them with the comfort and support they sorely need. This results in sleepless nights, tiredness, irritability, and has a huge negative impact on your mental health and physical wellbeing.

So, it’s essential that your mattress can pass the MOT test, because if it can’t – then it’s time to look at replacing it.

The mattress MOT checklist

If you want to take your mattress through the MOT test, here are the questions you need to check off to see if it’s still up to scratch:

Is your mattress over 7 years old?

Generally speaking a quality mattress that’d been constructed with care, should last at least 7 years. Of course proper mattress maintenance; such as rotating and turning, avoiding spillages and using protective toppers can extend its lifespan further. If you’ve left your mattress to gain considerable wear and tear over the last 7 years, then it’s probably time to consider getting a new one.

Does your mattress suit both you and your partner?

It’s an all too common problem for partners to sleep on a mattress that is too small for them, leading to endless nights of disturbed sleep for both. You need to ensure your bed is around 10 to 15 centimetres longer than the tallest person on it.

In terms of width, try lying on your back next to each other and with your elbows out. You shouldn’t be able to touch each other, if you can then the mattress isn’t wide enough.

Are there any visible signs of wear and tear?

Visual cues will be a big factor in determining whether or not your mattress is still fit for purpose, as well as how it feels. Lumps can be an obvious visual indicator, and if you notice these appearing across the mattress it’s a sign that the padding is breaking down and causing uneven density. This will severely impact the support and comfort the mattress can offer to your joints.

Sagging is also a visible indication that your mattress needs to be replaced. Over time, cheap cage sprung springs can fail, memory foam can get softer, and fibers in other materials can compress; all of which leads to sagging. This can leave a crater to form and get worse in the middle of your mattress, as lack of support for the most vulnerable parts of your body will start to seriously affect your health. If the mattress is worn on the outside it’s likely to be worn on the inside.

Have you recently slept better in a different bed?

If you often find yourself going into another bedroom to sleep or prefer the couch to your bed, then this should ring some alarm bells. This also applies to sleeping away from home, which can be tough, mainly because you’re in unfamiliar surroundings with unfamiliar sounds.

However, if you consistently have a much better sleep experience away from home then this is an obvious indicator that you need a new mattress. Make a note of the feeling of the other mattresses that you like or places you’ve slept really well. Why not ask the proprietor what mattress make and model it is you’ve slept on. This can help you find a suitable comparative model.

Are your allergens playing up?

As time passes a mattress that hasn’t been properly maintained could be accumulating allergens like mold, mildew, and dust mites. If you happen to be allergic to these irritants then you could be triggering reactions every time you head for bed.  

When you find yourself sneezing more around your mattress, or you constantly wake up with stuffed up sinuses, then it’s probably time to evaluate your mattress situation. Consider looking for hypoallergenic materials, such as wool or latex when searching for a new mattress.

Do you often wake up feeling unrefreshed or aching?

When you wake up feeling tired, no matter when you go to bed, and you’re greeted with constant aches and pains in the morning – this can be a sign that your mattress is compromising the quality of your sleep.

Aches can be an indication that your mattress does not align properly to your body, and a mattress that doesn’t give your pressure points the support they need, or the comfort you deserve, it shouldn’t be your mattress anymore.

Did your mattress pass?

If it didn’t – then it’s time for a replacement.

At John Ryan, we know buying a mattress is a big decision, which is why we’re proud to offer high-quality mattresses that are as cost-effective as they are comfortable. We’ll be upfront with you about every aspect of the buying process, because we know every little detail matters when it comes to getting the best night’s sleep possible.

We’ll make sure you find the mattress that’s right for you, and we offer a 60-day Love It Or Return It guarantee, just in case you’re not completely satisfied.

For more information get in touch with us today, on 0161 437 4419.