How long should a mattress last?

Roughly 7–10 years for a quality build. Visible sagging or waking up sore are the practical signals, not the calendar.

Hybrids suit heavier sleepers, hot sleepers and couples who want edge support. All-foam suits lighter sleepers who want motion isolation.

Does a mattress need breaking in?

Yes — most need two to four weeks before the feel settles, which is why trial periods matter.

Mattress marketing is noise. Sleep position, body weight, temperature and partner differences decide the right firmness and construction.

Position and support
Side sleepers need pressure relief at hip and shoulder; back and stomach sleepers need more support.
Heat
Dense all-foam sleeps warmer. Coils and breathable covers move heat away.
Two people, one bed
Different weights and positions often mean a split feel or a hybrid rather than a compromise firmness.

TLC asks these one at a time, then reasons from your answers — and your photos, if you share them.

Judging a mattress by a few minutes in a showroom.
Buying firmer than you need because 'firm is better for backs' — support matters, hardness doesn't.
Ignoring the trial period and return terms.

Answer a few questions and get one clear recommendation, with the reasoning shown.