Composed of super-absorbent polyurethane foam, memory foam mattresses, also commonly called “synthetic viscoelastic foam”, provide soft support that almost feels like sleeping on a cloud. This distinctive characteristic of Memoform makes sense, considering it was first developed by NASA for space shuttles.
Ever since memory foam made its debut in the sleep market, sleepers have had a lot of good things to say about the near-perfect comfort this material delivers. But the real question many have is, how should you take care of a memory foam mattress? This guide will brief you on simple yet effective ways you can maintain it to increase its lifespan.
Be Gentle With A New Mattress
First things first, when you get a new memory foam mattress, avoid using any sharp objects to open it. Doing this can cause damage to the mattress itself. Take your time, gently open the mattress, and lay it on a warm, flat surface, giving it time to recover its normal shape and structure. This will usually take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. New rolled mattresses will be ready to sleep on by 8 hours after opening and can take up to 24 hours to reach their full depth.
Rotate Once Every Six Months
As memory foam moulds to the shape of the sleeper, sleeping in the same position every night can leave an impression on the supportive memory foam layer. Rotating the mattress helps with avoiding this issue.
Rotating the mattress also gives the mattress enough time to recover until its next rotation. As a general rule, mattress stores and manufacturers recommend a routine rotation every 4-6 months.
Remember that while mattresses are designed to withstand years of use, including the movement of getting out of bed, sitting on the edge of the bed all the time can increase the risk of early wear and tear. While sitting on the edge of your bed can feel a lot more comfortable, it is not considered a part of “normal use”, according to warranties given by mattress stores or manufacturers.
Use A Mattress Protector
Although very often overlooked, covering your mattress with a protector underneath your fitted sheet goes a long way in guarding your mattress against spills, sweat, and stains. It also provides a hygienic layer as it prevents contact with body moisture and the subsequent build-up of bacteria. Using a mattress protector is one of the most simple yet effective ways to care for a memory foam mattress for increased durability.
Air Your Mattress
This is a practice of giving you a memory foam mattress some time to breathe off from covers and fitted sheets. To take care of your mattress, remove all the covers from the bed and leave your mattress plain for 20 minutes each day when you get up in the morning. Doing this helps the moisture in the surface to escape and air to flow through the mattress.
Use The Right Base
The surface your mattress sits on is really important when it comes to caring for it. Any mattress should sit on a firm bed base so that it doesn’t experience any depressions, crinkles, or any other potential damages when it is being used.
If you find your mattress not to be sturdy, then it is recommended that you change it as soon as possible. Besides reasons for prolonging the usability of the mattress, having the right solid base is also important for a healthy back and spine alignment when sleeping.
Caring For A Memory Foam Mattress When Cleaning It
Caring for your mattress extends beyond just maintaining it for regular use. In fact, practising the correct standards to clean a mattress directly impacts its lifespan and usability in general.
Memory foam mattresses demand more specific care requirements than many other regular mattresses. This means that you will need to adjust your cleaning practices when moving from a more traditional mattress to one made with memory foam.
Here is what you need to know when cleaning a memory foam mattress:
Check Instructions First
Before you clean any new mattress, check for their cleaning instructions. Keep in mind that cleaning best practices vary from one mattress to another. If you have any doubts, make sure to clear them from the mattress store or the manufacturer.
Cleaning Stains
Using a mattress protector to a great extent can minimise the risk of stains on your memory foam. Besides this, any stains or spills should be cleaned immediately before they soak up to the layers.
Avoid using strong chemicals to treat stains, as it affects the quality of the foam. Instead, try gentle alternatives like mattress freshener spray or a small amount of dishwashing liquid mixed with water until it gets some bubble-like consistency. Spread the solution with a clean sponge in a circular motion to clean the stain.
Drying
Once you’re done cleaning, make sure to give enough time for the foam to dry completely before using the mattress again. Using a damp memory foam can result in bad odours and mildew. Whenever you decide to wash or clean your mattress, check for the climate or account for the drying time.
You shouldn’t dry a memory foam mattress under direct sunlight or use a hot dryer. Too much heat can also damage the foam. Place the mattress in the shade to dry with sufficient airflow. For faster drying, try sprinkling baking soda on wet spots to absorb any dampness before vacuuming.
Vacuuming
To remove any dust and other external deposits from the outside of your mattress, you can conveniently use a vacuum cleaner. A handheld model works best, as it lets you reach difficult areas. Always use a brush attachment to avoid catching any part of your mattress, which can result in a tear.
Taking Care Of A Memory Foam Mattress The Right Way
Most mattress stores and manufacturers provide a handy guide on how you can take care of a memory foam mattress. If you didn’t receive them or can’t find any guidelines, try contacting the manufacturer directly. It is always best to care for your memory foam mattress through first–hand knowledge from the mattress stores or manufacturers.
The second best option is to follow simple cleaning and maintenance methods that call for gentle treatments. Always remember that while a high-quality memory foam mattress can last for anywhere from 8-10 years, maintenance plays a crucial role in making sure you can use it for its intended lifespan or even for longer.
