A new study was conducted to estimate the average time between mattress manufacture and consumer disposal. The average age for all units was 13.9 years. Foundations averaged 15.1 years. Innerspring and all-foam mattresses averaged 13.2 years. The results of this study do not necessarily represent the useful life of mattresses and foundations. Several factors besides durability can influence a consumer’s decision to discard a mattress.

The purpose of the study was to provide stakeholders with data to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies to improve recycling processes, reduce waste, and promote sustainability.

In 2019, MRC conducted a study in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island and determined that the average age of recycled mattresses was 11.2 years. However, that study found that 65 percent of the mattresses were not counted because the manufacturer’s tag was missing.