Based on our sleeping style, body shape, and comfort preferences, we generally know what kind of mattress and pillow will suit our sleeping needs. However, these preferences and needs change as we age.

Even the best mattresses have a life span. Sleep patterns change with age, and certain health conditions, such as restless leg syndrome, arthritis, and back pain, may appear or worsen. In addition, actual sleep requirements change with age, with people spending more or less time in bed. When these factors add up, it may mean that the current mattress and pillow combination is not appropriate for a particular life stage.

Replacing a mattress can be expensive, but if you time your purchase to coincide with a mattress sale, you are unlikely to have to pay the full MSRP. Of course, if you buy in time for a major holiday like the Memorial Day mattress sale in May, you will get the biggest discount. But isn't it time to buy a new mattress or pillow? Let's find out.

While everyone's sleep needs and preferences are unique, there are several factors that affect everyone as they age. One of the most significant factors is a decrease in melatonin levels, which makes it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. In addition, as age advances, health conditions such as restless leg syndrome, arthritis, and back pain may appear or worsen, and aches and pains may prevent sound sleep.

Why do we need to replace mattresses and pillows? As we age, proper alignment of the spine becomes more important, and whether or not the spine is properly supported can mean the difference between suffering from back pain or not.

Also, sleeping on the wrong type of mattress may not provide the support you need (the same goes for pillows). As we age, firmer mattresses tend to be optimal, but care should still be taken to ensure adequate pressure and even weight distribution to avoid painful pressure distribution.

Memory foam does not always provide adequate support as one gets older and sinks in too far to support pressure points. The best hybrid mattresses provide combined support from foam and coils. Memory foam at the top of the mattress provides cushioning, but latex-filled mattresses for combi sleepers are easier to move around.

As you age, a firmer mattress may provide the extra support you need to prevent aches and pains. However, this does not mean that too firm is the way to go, as the body still needs cushioning and pressure distribution as it ages. We recommend looking for a mattress with a firmness of 7-8/10.

One of the major problems with modern mattresses is that they are incredibly high. Not only does this mean that you will need to purchase deeper fitted sheets, but a mattress that is too high can be difficult to get on and off as you get older. This is especially important if you have mobility problems or leg problems (e.g., arthritis).

Choose a mattress that is at a height that makes it easy to get in and out of bed (remember to consider your height). Many good mattresses come with the option to customize the height. For example, the Saatva Classic mattress comes in both 11.5" and 14.5" heights.

As with mattress height, having good edge support makes it easier to get in and out of bed. However, sturdy edge support is also necessary to make it safer to sit on the edge of the bed to change clothes or otherwise physically get out of bed. Poor edge support can make it more difficult to get out of bed as you get older. In addition, the usable sleeping area on the mattress will be smaller, which can make it more uncomfortable to try to keep from rolling out of bed.

As you age, especially if you don't want a firmer mattress as suggested above, you may want to look for a mattress with targeted lumbar support Mattresses like the Saatva Classic offer this targeted support and are a top pick for back pain This makes it a top pick for the best mattresses for Targeted lumbar support and zone mattresses provide targeted support to help reduce pain and curvature and keep the spine aligned.

While firmer mattresses are better as we age, we still need to be careful to relieve key pressure points (neck, shoulders, back, and hips). A firmer pillow-top mattress can be a great solution, providing cushioned comfort and a bit of sinkage at the top of the mattress, with firmer foam and coils underneath for firm support. Pillow top mattresses can help you choose the one that best suits your sleeping needs.

Women in particular need to consider the hormonal changes that accompany aging. A common side effect of menopause is hot flashes, so you want to avoid mattresses that trap heat and overheat you further. The best cooling mattresses have the ability to keep you cool at night and help regulate temperature for a comfortable night's sleep. Of course, if you struggle to stay warm at night, you may consider an electric blanket.

While young people can sleep on any pillow, as they get older, they need to be more thoughtful when choosing a pillow. The first thing to consider is your sleeping position. The best pillow for you will encompass your head, neck, and spine in neutral alignment and help prevent neck pain.

Back sleepers should look for a pillow with medium loft (height) and medium firmness to fit their body pressure, while side sleepers need high loft and firm support to keep their head elevated and aligned. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need low loft and soft support so that the pillow does not shift the position of the neck.

Sleeping preferences are also relevant. If you are a hot sleeper, a pillow with a cooling effect is essential so that heat is not trapped in the pillow as it escapes from your head. Likewise, consider whether you have allergies. A hypoallergenic pillow will help reduce dust mites.