"It's not something that you can really stick in the washing machine:" The right time to replace your mattress

MILWAUKEE — How old is your mattress? If you don't know, it may be time to get a new one.

"This is a product really that you're spending eight to 10 hours a day on. Now, with laptops, we're probably spending more time on our bed," said Vy Nguyen, the CEO of mattress maker Brentwood Home.

With all the time people are spending in their beds, mattresses become saturated with things like dead skin cells, sweat, oil and dust mites.

"It's not something that you can really stick in the washing machine. So, we really think between five to seven years is an ideal time to start shopping for a new mattress," Nguyen recommended.

However, choosing the right mattress isn't as easy as counting sheep.

"Consumers, first really need to identify what kind of main mattress support system that they like," Nguyen advised.

If you're not sure, The Better Sleep Council recommends following the S.L.E.E.P. method: 

Once you've picked a new mattress instead of putting the old one out on the curb, consider calling a junk removal service or donating it.

For more mattress buying advice from The Better Sleep Council, click HERE.