Most people don't think much about their mattress until they start having trouble sleeping. Unfortunately, it's already too late once you're experiencing discomfort or other problems. Your mattress should be replaced regularly, just like your water filter or toothbrush. By maintaining a fresh bed, you can alleviate pain and sleep more soundly — or at least avoid falling into a body-shaped crater in the middle.

If your mattress is older than your favorite pair of worn-in jeans, consider whether a new one is in order. If you’re wondering when is the best time to buy a new mattress, our guide can help. Read on to find out why your bed is so important, what can cause it to wear out, and how to know when to buy a new mattress.

Although they tend to get forgotten, mattresses are one of the most important furniture pieces in a home. More than a third of your life is spent sleeping (or more, if you're lucky!), so a good mattress is necessary to keep your body supported and comfortable. But what happens when your mattress starts to sag or lose its shape?

Your mattress plays a crucial role in getting a good night's sleep, and if it fails, the quality of your sleep may suffer. Just one night without enough sleep can leave you feeling drowsy, sluggish, lacking energy, and irritable. For the third of American adults who suffer from chronic insomnia, a prolonged lack of sleep can worsen these symptoms and increase the risk of physical and mental illness.

If you're having trouble sleeping without an obvious reason, such as a new baby or illness, your mattress may be the problem.

In theory, mattresses should last for years, but that doesn't always happen. As your mattress ages, it can become lumpy, saggy, and less comfortable. A few factors can contribute to this:

The type of material used in your mattress affects its longevity. Natural materials like wool, cotton, and latex are long-lasting and have many benefits. Research has shown that wool can enhance sleep quality. Latex mattresses maintain their shape and will not compress much over time, with some guaranteed for over 20 years. In addition, beds with a higher density of coils will last longer than those with fewer coils.

How often and in what manner you use your mattress can also affect its lifespan. Couples who work shifts and sleep at different times may use their bed longer than 14 hours a day, which will degrade it faster than one used for eight hours each night. A regular habit of eating and drinking in bed can also negatively affect the longevity of your mattress, whereas cleaning and rotating it might help increase its life.

Sleepers' weight is another factor that can affect the wear of a mattress. In heavier sleepers, the mattress material is compressed more often, accelerating its deterioration. Similarly, a bed used by two people (plus kids and probably pets, who are we kidding?) will likely wear out faster than one used only by one person.

Many people don't consider this factor, but it's important to remember that your mattress is also affected by its environment. If the materials are in a humid or moist climate, mold and mildew can begin to grow. If the materials are in a dry environment, they can start to crack and crumble.

All these factors can contribute to a shorter lifespan for your mattress. If you notice that your bed isn't as comfortable as it used to be, it might be time for a replacement.

Like those high school hairstyles, mattresses don't last forever, no matter how hard you try to hang on to them. So, when should a mattress be changed? The general recommendation is every five to seven years, but this can vary based on the factors listed above.

However, some warning signs can help you know when to buy a new mattress. If you observe any of these features, it's time to hit the mattress store.

Over time, mattresses can start to sag in the middle or develop lumpy spots.

It might have one giant crater in the middle — which means that your partner keeps rolling you in the middle of the night — or maybe you're sinking into your own cozy canyons. In either case, if you notice that your body is leaving an imprint on the mattress, it's a sign the materials have lost their firmness and resilience.

Ultimately, you'll need a new mattress, but consider adding a mattress topper while you wait. The two-inch layer of memory foam in this mattress topper adds comfort and responsive pressure relief to an existing mattress

Another sign that your mattress has seen better days is when you can feel the springs poking through. This usually happens around the edges of the mattress, where people tend to sit or sleep. If you can feel the coils when you lie down, it means they've lost their support and are no longer doing their job.

A properly supportive mattress should be smooth and even to reduce pressure points and evenly distribute weight. The Yogabed Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress features the YogaComfort System, an innovative layered design of foam and gel engineered to distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure points that cause you to toss and turn during sleep.

Even the best quality mattress will eventually start to show some wear and tear as it reaches the end of its lifespan. If you notice that your mattress is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it might be time to think about replacing it. Stains, rips, and tears all telling signs that your mattress has seen better days.

While you wait for a new one, cover the evidence with a mattress protector. Try the Encase HD Mattress Protector to totally seal off any stain and enjoy complete protection from liquids, dust mites, and other unpleasant things.

A comfortable temperature is crucial to a good night's sleep. Some people sleep hotter than others (thanks, hormones), but if you often wake up sweating while you sleep or throw off your covers, it may be your mattress. Many people find that memory foam beds tend to “sleep hot” because the foam is designed to soften with body heat to conform around your body.

A cooling mattress with breathable components, on the other hand, may help you sleep better and longer. Consider trying the Yogabed Cool Memory Foam Mattress. It's 12 times cooler than the competition and has four layers of premium, copper-infused memory foam to keep you cozy and cool.

Grumbling, grunting, and exhaling every time you get up? If you're experiencing more back or neck pain than usual or waking up stiff and sore every morning, your mattress may be to blame. A good mattress should support your spine and allow you to sleep in any position without discomfort.

Try the Yogabed Cool Hybrid Mattress if you need more support. The cool, copper-infused memory foam of our cozy Yogabed unites with the added support of high-density innerspring coils to give you a cool, comfortable night's sleep.

If any of these five characteristics sound familiar, it’s time to replace your mattress. To avoid sleep problems, try to get a new one as soon as possible — replacing it before it becomes completely worn out can be a life (and back) saver.

Replacing your mattress on a regular schedule is one of the best things you can do for your sleep hygiene, your health, and your overall well-being. But many people aren’t sure how to know when to buy a new mattress. These tips will help you know when your mattress is ready for retirement.

Picking out a mattress is an important decision — after all, you'll spend a lot of time on it. A little research is all you need to know when to buy a new mattress, so you can stop counting sheep and start counting ZZZs instead.