Putting it to Bed: Why a Mattress Break-Up Might Be What You Need This Valentine's Day

We’ve all heard of the seven-year itch. That time in any relationship when you start finding lumps in all the wrong places. Perhaps you don’t feel supported in the same way you used to, or noisy groans in the night keep you awake and fantasising about sleeping elsewhere?

Well, it pains us to say it… but maybe your relationship has run its course and it’s time for a clean break. We know it can be really tough. Thoughts about how and when you’ll do it, whether you can afford to and the upheaval it might bring might be running around your head.

But it’s always for the best in the long run.

Time for a fresh start this Valentine’s Day?

No, we’re not talking about your partner (although they might snore too). We mean the other thing you spend every night with - your unsupportive, groaning and lumpy old mattress.

In fact, according to our recent survey, 1 in 10 Brits have fallen out of love with their mattress; with just under half complaining of discomfort every night. Over a third of Brits still sleep on a mattress that is over 10 years old. That’s older than TikTok or Apple Watches, and if they were a person, they’d be starting secondary school this year!

What’s more, a staggering 1 in 10 still use the first mattress they ever bought! Clearly, some long-term relationships are outstaying their welcome.

But how often should you change your mattress? What are the signs your mattress needs replacing?

How to know when to change your mattress

You should change your mattress every 7-10 years as standard, but interrupted sleep (16%), waking up in a bad mood (11%), broken springs (8%) and allergy flare-ups (7%) are just some of the signs that indicate you are in a toxic relationship with your mattress. Likewise, you might notice stains on it, a musty smell you can’t shift or distinct divots where you’ve slept on it for so long.

Relationship expert, Sophie Personne, explains:

“Unsupportive relationships can trigger stress and a sense of anxiety, which can trigger poor sleep quality and leave us emotionally drained.”

“Most of the time, we hold on to things and/or people because they represent comfort or familiarity - even when they no longer serve our best interests. This attachment can create a false sense of security and make it even more difficult to let go even when it's unhealthy."

“To move forward, we have to allow the new to come into our lives. Hanging on to the past keeps us there and affects the way we live in the present as well as our future.”

So, with Valentine’s Day around the corner how do you break up with your mattress? Sophie has broken down her relationship advice into five simple tips:

• Acknowledge the emotional attachment and the reason(s) why you’re holding onto it: More often than not, it’s because of a memory or it gives us comfort. Letting go, not just of objects but in general, is scary because it can feel like we’re letting a part of ourselves go.
• Prepare yourself to let go: The timing has to be right. Taking a photo of the object can help because you can still look at it if you want to. The chances are that you won’t, but it can help you to part with it and reassure you.
• Separate the emotion from the object: Can you actually use it for the purpose it was intended for? Often the objects we hold onto no longer serve us and aren’t enhancing our life, they just take up emotional and physical space.
• Remember that the memories are within you: An object is a thing and isn’t the experience, it’s just a reminder of the experience. Remember that no-one can take your memories away from you.
• Pass it on with purpose: If the object is still in a reasonable condition, give it to someone who will appreciate it or repurpose it as something new. That way, you can feel safe in the knowledge the object still lives on.

Passing on an old mattress might be hard, but you can recycle it with our service to ensure that it doesn’t go to waste.

New mattress, new you

If this sounds familiar then why not trade your old one in for a brand new mattress?

Whether you’re a hot sleeper, an all-night mover, or someone who needs that extra bit of firmness, Bensons for Beds has got your back. From traditional pocket-sprung mattresses to supportive memory foam, orthopaedic to eco-friendly, you’ll find your next long-term partner with us.

Go on, buy a new mattress today… you know it’s the right time.