When Should You Replace Your Queen Mattress?

Marketing loves big numbers. Real life is a bit more grounded. With normal use and good care, here’s a practical view of how long common queen mattress constructions last in Aotearoa conditions.

Mattress type	Expected lifespan	Common wear pattern	Care tips
Pocket spring	7 to 10 years	Centre dip and edge softening	Rotate regularly, use a solid base with close slat gaps
Hybrid spring + foam	6 to 9 years	Foam comfort layer compression	Use a breathable protector, avoid overheating
Memory foam	5 to 8 years	Body impressions in hip and shoulder	Rotate top-to-bottom, manage bedroom humidity
Natural latex	8 to 12 years	Gradual firming rather than sagging	Ventilate often, keep out of direct harsh sunlight
Traditional innerspring	5 to 7 years	Noisy coils and uneven support	Add a topper short-term, plan for earlier replacement
Plush pillow-top	4 to 7 years	Early flattening of top quilting	Rotate more frequently, consider a topper refresh

 

Numbers assume adult use. A guest room that sees occasional visitors may easily exceed these ranges. A bed for two that sees nightly use sits at the lower end.

Clear signals your queen is past its best
The body keeps an honest score. If you wake up stiff, toss and turn, or argue about who gets the supportive side, your mattress may be waving a flag. These signs make the decision easier:
●    Visible sag of 2.5 cm or more: Lay a straight edge across the surface. A dip of a finger-width or more means support is fading.
●    New morning pain where there was none: Back or hip tightness that resolves after an hour points to inadequate overnight alignment.
●    You sleep better away from home: If hotels or a friend’s guest bed leave you fresher, your mattress is falling behind.
●    Increased partner disturbance: Feeling every turn or late-night return suggests the core has softened or springs have loosened.
●    Heat build-up and night sweats: Ageing foams trap more heat as pores collapse, especially in humid summers.
●    Persistent allergies: Dust mites and moisture accumulate. More sneezing or wheezing at night can be a hygiene cue.
●    Noisy springs: Creaks and pings are a mechanical symptom. Once metal talks, it rarely quietens for long.

A single symptom is a nudge. Three or more is a plan.

Fix or replace: a practical call

Not every annoyance means you need a brand new bed today. A few low-cost tweaks can buy time, especially if you have a big expense month or you are moving soon.
●    Try rotating the mattress 180 degrees to even out wear.
●    Add a breathable, high-density topper for a touch more comfort.
●    Check your base. Slats more than 7 cm apart can cause dips in pocket springs.
●    Vacuum the surface and sides, then air the room to lower humidity.
If you are masking pain that keeps returning, short-term fixes will get frustrating. That is when a targeted upgrade delivers more value than another stopgap.

Quick issue guide

Issue	Quick fix that can help	Replace now if
Shallow body impressions	Rotate and add a firm topper	Dips exceed 2.5 cm or alignment still off
Edge collapse when sitting	Avoid edge sitting for a time	Edges buckle during sleep
Partner movement wakes you	Heavier duvet to dampen feel	Both feel every turn despite rotation
Heat retention	Cotton sheets, fan, airflow	Overheating persists in cooler weather
Allergy flare-ups	Hot-wash bedding, new protector	Symptoms continue even after deep clean

Firmness, alignment and sleep style

Your body shape and sleeping position decide what feels right more than any marketing label. Back sleepers and many stomach sleepers often do better on firmer support that holds the pelvis level and keeps the lumbar curve neutral. Side sleepers tend to need a bit more cushioning at the shoulder and hip to avoid pressure points.

If you prefer a very firm surface, a model like the Moa Super Firm Mattress is worth a look. It sits at roughly 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale and uses a premium pocket spring system where each spring responds on its own. That independence gives targeted support under hips and shoulders while keeping the spine aligned, which many back sleepers find restores morning clarity. It also quietens partner movement, a big win when you share a queen.
Some side sleepers who want the stability of a firm core can pair it with a thin, breathable topper to soften initial contact without sacrificing the underlying support. That mix often eases shoulder pressure while keeping your midsection supported.

Couples, motion and space

A queen offers intimacy and practicality, yet every centimetre counts. If you or your partner are light sleepers, low motion transfer becomes as important as firmness. Pocket springs that compress independently resist ripple effects across the mattress. It is part physics, part peace of mind.
Edge support is another detail that matters more in a queen than a king. Stronger perimeter springs or reinforced foam rails prevent that rolling-off feel and make the full width usable. When the edges hold, sharing feels more generous than the dimensions suggest.

What to prioritise when buying your next queen

Once you decide to move on, a simple checklist keeps the focus on real-world comfort and durability. Look for features that match our climate, your body, and your space, rather than just a headline sale price.
● Genuine pocket springs with reinforced edges
● Breathable comfort layers and a smooth, durable surface fabric
● Low motion transfer for couples
● Slat-friendly design and clear care instructions
● A protector that does not trap heat
● Warranty that covers sag, not only broken parts

When you are ready to try in person, working with a local team that understands Kiwi homes helps. Profurniture’s background in building furniture for nearly three decades shows up in the basics that matter over time: accurate stitching, consistent spring tension and honest specs. Now based in New Zealand with an upgraded brand and an expanded range, they pair durable construction with designs that fit modern bedrooms. The Moa Super Firm Mattress sits squarely in that approach, prioritising robust support, tidy finishing and quiet performance for shared sleep.

Care habits that add years

A bit of routine beats crisis fixes. Rotate your mattress head-to-toe every one to two months for the first half-year, then quarterly. That evens out the stress under hips and shoulders. If your model is two-sided, flipping seasonally can help too. Most modern builds are one-sided, so confirm before turning.

Check your base. Pocket spring mattresses like continuous support. Slats ideally sit 5 to 7 cm apart and run straight. If you can slide your hand easily between slats, they are probably too far apart. Add slat supports or a bunkie board to stop sagging.

Protect from spills and sweat with a breathable protector. Wash bedding hot to reduce dust mites. In humid areas, air the room and open windows when possible. A dry environment keeps foams resilient and springs quiet. Vacuum the top and sides a few times a year to lift dust from quilting.

Avoid sitting on the same edge each morning when you can. Small habits reduce localised wear. If you need to store a mattress, keep it flat. Long-term compression or standing it on end can distort the core.

Sizing your choice to you

Bodies change. Weight loss or gain, surgery, pregnancy or a new training routine can shift what you need from a mattress. If you have recently changed how you live in your body, revisit firmness and support with a clean slate. Do not force your old preference to fit a new reality.
Heat sensitivity matters too. Warm sleepers do better with open-cell foams, ventilated quilting and spring support that moves air through the core. If you sleep cool, a denser comfort layer can feel luxurious without overheating.

Budget and timing without regret

You do not need to buy the priciest option to sleep well. Spend where it shows up every night: core support, breathable comfort, reinforced edges and a reliable base. If replacing the base stretches the budget, at least confirm your current base suits the new mattress specs. Many manufacturers specify maximum slat gaps and centre rail requirements for queens.

Seasonal sales are helpful, but do not let a discount overshadow fit. Bring your own pillow to the store. Lie on your back and your usual side for several minutes. If your pelvis sinks or your shoulder feels jammed, that model is not the one, no matter the tag.

A quick at-home check before you buy

Use this simple matrix to decide your next move with confidence.

What you notice	How to measure at home	Sensible timing
Morning back or hip pain	Rate stiffness 1 to 10 for a week	Replace if 6 or more on most mornings
Visible dip in centre or favourite spot	Straight edge and ruler across the mattress	Replace at 2.5 cm or more
Better sleep on a different bed	Track sleep quality after nights away	Prioritise replacement within 1 to 2 months
Partner movement wakes you	Ask partner to roll while you lie still	Shortlist pocket spring or latex alternatives
Heat build-up	Note sweating even on cooler nights	Choose breathable materials this season
Allergy symptoms in bed	Compare symptoms after hot-washing all bedding	New mattress plus protector if no change

When you decide the time is right, aim for a balanced spec that respects your body and your space. If you prefer firm, the Moa Super Firm Mattress delivers a very sturdy feel with that pocket spring precision and low motion transfer couples appreciate. If you want something less rigid at the surface, test firmer cores with slightly plusher quilting and compare how your spine feels after a full five minutes in each position.

Sleep quality drives daytime quality. A well-chosen queen mattress repays you every morning. If you value solid construction and helpful local support, brands like Profurniture bring long-cultivated craft to New Zealand bedrooms, pairing practical design with resources that make living with your new bed straightforward.