Luxurious modern bedroom with a Kingsdown Elite mattress on a cream upholstered bed, dark paneled walls, and elegant black nightstands with lamps.

That mattress you’ve been sleeping on since forever? It might be doing more harm than good. Over time, even the best mattresses lose their shape, support, and comfort—yet many people don’t realize the toll it’s taking on their sleep until they wake up sore or groggy one too many mornings in a row. Whether it's sagging foam, noisy springs, or a suspicious uptick in allergy symptoms, the signs of a worn-out mattress aren’t always subtle. And while it’s easy to overlook these changes, your sleep quality—and overall well-being—depend on recognizing them.

A good night’s rest starts with the right foundation, which is why the Star Furniture design pros are sharing the most common red flags that it’s time to upgrade your bed. From better support to smarter materials, knowing what to look for can make all the difference in how you sleep and feel.

1. Your mattress shows visible signs of aging (ouch!)

In many cases, spotting an outdated mattress doesn’t take a rocket scientist. A mattress in good condition should look that way. If your mattress is showing clear signs of wear and tear, you can rest assured it’s time to get a new one sooner rather than later. This could include a variety of signs, such as visible indentations, tears, rips, holes, or stains.

Your mattress should look as good as it feels. If it doesn’t appear to be in good condition, it should come as no surprise that it might not feel comfortable or supportive either. Likewise, if you feel any lumps or bumps when you lie down or roll over, it’s time to ditch your old mattress for one in better condition.

2. Your memory foam mattress has lost its signature spring

Many people love the way memory foam mattresses "remember" your general shape and sleeping position, but that doesn’t mean your mattress should retain the shape of your body after you’ve gotten out of bed. Once you stand up, it should only take a minute or so for your memory foam mattress to return to its normal position. If you notice the indentation of your body is still waiting for you when you crawl into bed at night, it’s safe to assume the cellular structure of the memory foam has broken down, and you’re no longer getting the support you need for a good night’s sleep. Bottom line: it’s time to start shopping for a replacement mattress that will deliver the support your body needs.

3. You wake up tired and cranky

What better way to determine if your mattress is serving you well than by considering how you feel when you lie down at night or get up in the morning? While many factors can impact your quality of sleep, the feel of your mattress is one of the most common issues that make restful sleep difficult. If you’ve grown accustomed to tossing, turning, and waking up feeling exhausted, it’s worth figuring out whether your mattress is to blame. One way to find out is to sleep on a different bed for a night. If you fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and wake up feeling refreshed, chances are your mattress isn’t meeting your sleep needs. Remember—you deserve to look forward to crawling into bed at the end of a long day.

4. You sleep better away from home

Noticing when your mattress starts to break down can be challenging. Because wear and tear happen gradually over time, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly when your mattress stops feeling as good as it used to. Still, the need for a new mattress can sometimes become obvious when you sleep in a different bed—like during a work trip or when visiting family or friends. If you find that you experience better sleep when you’re away from home, your mattress could be the issue. With that in mind, pay attention to how well you sleep when you’re traveling compared to how you sleep in your own bed.

5. You wake up with aches and pains

As we get older, aches and pains often become a regular part of life. However, if you’re waking up every day with pain in your neck, shoulders, lower back, or hips, your mattress might not be offering the support you need. Various mattress issues could be contributing to your discomfort, so it’s important to look for signs of wear and tear that could be impacting your rest. For instance, if you have a memory foam mattress, check whether it returns to its normal shape after you stand up. If you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress, look for lumps, bumps, or the “hammocking effect,” where you feel like you’re rolling to the center of the bed.

6. Your innerspring mattress makes noise

Does your mattress squeak or creak when you or your partner roll over? That’s one of the clearest signs it may be time for a new mattress. A noisy mattress suggests that the springs are starting to wear out. As they continue to deteriorate, they’ll become less springy, less supportive, and overall less comfortable—which means it’s likely time for an upgrade. It’s worth noting that mattress foundations also wear down and can sometimes be the source of squeaks and creaks.

7. You have some new health conditions

It’s no secret that poor sleep can contribute to a range of health problems, including back pain. If you’re struggling with a health issue—or have recently developed a new one, such as snoring or acid reflux—a new mattress might help relieve some of your symptoms. Likewise, an adjustable bed base paired with a compatible mattress can give you the flexibility to raise or lower your head and feet to match your preferred sleep position. Some adjustable bases even include heating and massage features for a fully customizable sleep experience.

8. Your allergies are raging (achoo!)

For those who suffer from allergies or asthma, mattresses can be a major trigger. Mattresses tend to harbor the highest concentration of dust mites in the home, which can contribute to worsening allergy symptoms. So if your allergies have suddenly become more intense, your mattress might be the culprit. Regular maintenance—like changing your sheets and vacuuming your mattress weekly—can help minimize this, but mattresses naturally accumulate allergens over time. These include dust mites, bacteria, and even mold, all of which can irritate your respiratory system. If a mattress cover and frequent cleaning aren’t cutting it, it may be time for a new mattress altogether.

9. Your cell phone is newer than your mattress.

Like cars, mattresses won't last forever. Your mattress works hard for you, night after night, year after year. Generally speaking, you should start fresh with a new sleep system about every eight years. Over time, mattress materials deteriorate, reducing both comfort and support.

On top of that, people’s lives and needs tend to change a lot over an eight-year period. You’ll likely have different preferences and requirements now than you did the last time you mattress shopped. If you can’t remember when you bought your mattress—or you know for sure it’s over a decade old—it’s time to replace it. Even if it doesn’t seem obviously worn, you might be surprised by how much a new mattress can improve your sleep.

Improve Your Sleep Quality with a New Mattress from Star Furniture

Investing in the quality of your sleep is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term well-being. When you sleep well consistently, you’re more likely to feel your best and experience fewer health concerns. Fortunately, getting better sleep at home doesn’t have to be complicated. In many cases, replacing an outdated mattress with one that meets your unique sleep needs is all it takes to fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.

If you're ready to say goodbye to your uncomfortable, worn-out, or outdated mattress, the sleep experts at Star Furniture are here to help make the process simple. Visit one of our showroom locations today to explore our wide selection of mattresses and beds. We look forward to helping you enjoy your best sleep ever with a new mattress from your favorite mattress store!