DEAR ABBY: A couple of months after moving in with my boyfriend, I have realized that his mattress is not a good fit for me. He says that it's 12 years old and it still has 10 to 15 years left in it.
Every day I wake up with an aching, stiff back. I have a job that keeps me standing all day, so my back pain is starting to affect my performance. I like living with him, but how can I get him to replace the mattress? It seems he has chosen the mattress over me, so I guess I'll start sleeping on the floor. -- SLEEPY IN ST. LOUIS
DEAR SLEEPY: According to the website of one of the top mattress manufacturers, the average lifespan of a quality mattress is between eight and 10 years. Mattresses older than that can suffer from deteriorating comfort features and diminished support capabilities.
Many consumers wait too long to replace their mattresses. If you wake up in the morning not feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, or feeling pain or discomfort, then it's time to replace this one. So talk with your boyfriend again. If he's not willing to invest in a replacement, suggest buying a firm mattress topper or even splitting the cost for a new mattress.
A restful night's sleep is essential for good health. If you are unable to convince him, then you may have moved in with him too quickly.