After making an investment in a good mattress, it’s likely that you anticipate using it for many years to provide comfortable sleep. The lifespan of your bed can be shortened or extended depending on how well you care for your mattress, which is typically intended to last five to ten years or more.
Ensure that your Mattress is Supported Properly
Although you might not always need to buy the foundation or box spring along with a new mattress, it is important to make sure your mattress has the proper support. This prevents early wear and maintains the integrity of the materials.
For advice, speak with the manufacturer or review the warranty policy. While memory foam and other specialty mattresses typically require firm, solid support, box springs are typically only used with spring mattresses.
The weight of the mattress and the sleepers should be supported by the frame of the bed, and queens and kings should have center support bars. Depending on the weight and type of the mattress, platform beds with wide slats may require additional support. Every year or so, you should check the support of your bed to make sure there aren’t any slats or springs that could be damaged and affect your mattress.
Start Using a Mattress Protector Right Away
The advantages of mattress protectors have already been discussed, and they are among the best and simplest ways to extend the life of your bed. A high-quality mattress protector offers waterproof defense against spills and accidents and helps to keep your bed free of dirt, dust, and other allergens.
This lessens the accumulation of allergens like mold and dust mites, keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed, and safeguards the materials inside your mattress from harm. When accidents do occur, a protector also makes cleanup a breeze, and many more recent models feel just as cozy as fitted sheets.
Regularly Wash your Bed Linens
You expel sweat, oils, hair, and skin cells while you sleep. Additionally, crumbs from eating in bed can be tracked in by animals. All of this can get into mattress layers, where it can become gross and breed bacteria and dust mites.
Most cleaning professionals agree that bed linens and blankets should ideally be washed once a week to twice a month. The mattress protector should occasionally be washed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regularly Rotate the Mattress
No matter the size or the material, rotating a mattress on a regular basis is beneficial. Although some manufacturers claim it is not necessary, rotating encourages more even wear, while not rotating increases the likelihood of depressions and softening. Rotate the mattress from head to foot every three to six months. This is especially crucial in the first few years as you break in the mattress.
Move your Mattress with Caution
When moving, cover your mattress in plastic to prevent damage and avoid folding or bending it. Heavy-duty mattress bags that can be taped shut to keep dirt and water off the bed and to guard against scuffs and scratches are frequently available at moving and box stores.
In general, it’s best to keep mattresses upright and on their sides when moving them to prevent creases or sagging during the move. Manufacturers typically advise against dragging or moving mattresses with covers that have handles.
Although the care and maintenance requirements for various types and brands of mattresses can vary somewhat, the fundamentals remain the same. Basically, make sure the bed is clean, shield it from harm, make sure it’s supported, and rotate it for even wear.
Although there are many factors that affect how long a mattress will last, adhering to these best practices can help you get years of restful sleep and get the most out of your investment.
