You’ve spent the last few weeks thinking of buying a new mattress because of the many promotions going around but are quite hesitant because you’ve still got a few years left on your 20-year warranty.

Here’s the thing: If you haven’t changed your mattress in 7 to 10 years, it’s time to get a new one - regardless of warranty.

Why replace your mattress now?

Mattresses undergo normal wear and tear with regular use, which means they do deteriorate over the years. You’ll notice lumps and sags here and there, plus there’s sure to be the buildup of dust particles, sweat, grime and dead skin cells that dust mites thrive on.

Of course, you can wait to buy a new mattress until you absolutely can’t bear sleeping on it anymore, but by that time you’ve probably spent countless hours tossing and turning just trying to get a good night’s sleep. You’ve also probably spent not a few dollars on anti-allergy meds and sleep aids because it’s gotten more difficult for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Money-saving benefits of a new mattress

There’s a saying that goes “The less you spend, the more you save.” However, this may not necessarily be applicable in all situations. There are times when it’s wiser to spend more in the short term for to be able to save money in the long run.

There are some things that can cost a lot upfront, but when you consider the savings they will generate in the future, investing in them becomes justifiable.

Indeed, making a big purchase such as a mattress may seem counterproductive when you want to save money, but it actually makes sense. A new, more comfortable mattress can help you sleep better. Sleep is important for our overall health and well-being, and if you are well-rested, you’ll not only be more productive but also healthier, which means you avoid getting sick and spending on medications.

If buying a new mattress now will help you sleep better and become healthier, then you save on health care costs later.

Avoiding health care costs

Lack of sleep has been associated with long-term health consequences. These include chronic medical conditions that can be costly to treat, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity and diabetes. For people who already suffer from these conditions, sleep deprivation can cause these to worsen.

Avoiding these diseases involves good nutrition, an active lifestyle and enough rest. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that having sufficient sleep has become an essential part of preventing chronic disease and promoting better health.

To stay healthy, you should be able to address these top three factors. A balanced diet, or one that is prescribed by your nutritionist or physician, should be supplemented with regular exercise and 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted quality sleep.

Final word

Sleep experts have recommended using a mattress that’s right for you so you can rest comfortably at night and make the most of your sleeping hours. With the variety of mattresses available today, you’re sure to find one that’s best for your physical condition and sleeping position. It’s best not to wait until you’re extremely sleep deprived (and are at risk of chronic disease) to finally invest in your health and get a new mattress.