Insider Health reports on mattress longevity and how to know when it is time to replace it, according to experts including HSS physiatrist Jonathan S. Kirschner, MD, RMSK.

How long your mattress lasts depends on several factors including how much weight you apply to it. “If you're placing 250 pounds or more on your mattress each night, it may wear out faster than the standard 7 to 10 years,” said Dr. Kirschner.

According to Dr. Kirschner, if you regularly wake up with pain, especially in your neck, shoulders, hips, or back, your mattress might not be supporting you properly anymore. Whether you sleep on your side, back, or stomach, you should maintain neutral spine alignment when you sleep, explained Dr. Kirschner, adding your preferred sleeping position will determine what type of mattress is best for you. “Many side sleepers will find a firmer surface to be more uncomfortable, since the mattress should give a bit to allow the shoulders to sink in, encouraging neutral spine alignment,” he noted. Stomach and back sleepers generally prefer firmer mattressed. "But this is by no means set in stone and is highly personalized,” he added.

Waking up with increasing stiffness is common as you age, said Dr. Kirschner. "This is normal for most people until the body loosens up," he cited. "A new mattress may not change that stiffness, unless it is very worn and has lost its support and cushioning."

Read the full article at Insider.com.