A mattress is a critical component of healthy sleep hygiene. Yet, even the best quality mattress needs proper maintenance and care to ensure it stays in good condition for an extended period. The average lifespan of a mattress is around 7 to 10 years. But with the right care, you can extend it beyond that.
This guide will explore essential tips for prolonging mattress lifespan to help you get the most out of your investment.
How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer
From simple maintenance routines to conscious habits, let's delve into the secrets of making your mattress last longer.
Rotate or Flip your Mattress Regularly
Regular rotation is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend your mattress's lifespan. Mattresses undergo significant pressure and compression in areas where the body weight is concentrated. Over time, this can result in uneven wear and tear, causing the mattress to sag or lose support in specific spots.
Rotating the mattress regularly allows you to switch pressure points, promoting even wear across the entire surface. This simple practice can significantly contribute to maintaining the structural integrity of your mattress.
Your manufacturer will specify whether to rotate or flip the mattress. If your mattress is double-sided or flippable, rotate it 180 degrees and turn it so that the head becomes the foot and vice versa. If your mattress is not designed to be flipped, simply rotate it without flipping. Memory foam mattresses should be rotated 1 to 2 times yearly while innerspring mattresses should be rotated 2 to 5 times yearly.
Invest in a high-quality Mattress Protector
Mattress protectors are an easy way to prevent your bed from collecting moisture and allergens. They keep dust mites from nesting in your bed, block debris buildup, and limit moisture damage, all of which help maintain the integrity of the mattress. Protectors also keep your mattress warranty intact – critical in case your mattress has a defect or sags prematurely. But most brands include a stain clause in their warranty and won't cover any damage if your bed has a stain.
Ensure Proper Support with an Appropriate Bed Frame
A mattress is only as good as the support it receives. Ensure your mattress has the proper support by using a sturdy and appropriate bed frame or mattress foundation. This includes box springs, solid platform surfaces, adjustable beds, or platform-style bed frames.
The right support system will enhance comfort, promote spinal alignment, and prevent premature wear and sagging. And just as a caution, don't leave your mattress on the floor, as this can lead to issues like mold buildup and improper support.
Regulate Temperature for Optimal Conditions
Extreme temperatures can affect the materials in your mattress, potentially shortening its lifespan. Aim to maintain a consistent and moderate room temperature to preserve the integrity of the bed. Don't place your mattress in direct sunlight or near heat sources, which may accelerate wear and material breakdown. A cool and comfortable sleep environment is great for your bed and contributes to a more restful night's sleep.
Practice Routine Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is essential for keeping your mattress fresh and hygienic. Vacuum your mattress every few months to remove dust and debris. Use a mild detergent like dish soap or upholstery cleaner for stains, as the manufacturer recommends. Allow your mattress to air out periodically by removing bedding, including fitted sheets, and letting it breathe.
Following a regular maintenance schedule enhances the cleanliness of your mattress and contributes to its overall durability.
Avoid Jumping on the Bed
Jumping on the mattress is fun but can also cause serious damage to it. The constant heavy pressure that follows each jump may compromise the structure and integrity of the mattress. Over time, repetitive stress can cause sagging, decreased support, reduced lifespan, noise issues, and a voided warranty.
Besides, jumping on the bed poses a severe safety risk, especially for children. There's a potential for falling off the bed or hitting nearby furniture, leading to serious injuries. So, it's best to encourage safe and responsible bed use to prevent accidents.
Air Your Mattress Outside from Time to Time
An often-overlooked yet beneficial practice for prolonging your mattress lifespan is airing it out periodically. Bringing your mattress outside allows exposure to fresh air and sunlight, contributing to a healthier sleep environment. It helps remove moisture, bad odors, and bacteria that may have accumulated within the mattress.
But still, if you have any stains or spots on your bed, you should spot-clean them first. Clean out stains or spills as soon as they happen. Otherwise, you risk not being able to clean it at all. Experts recommend airing your mattress at least once every three months (or as often as possible).
Practice Good Bedroom Hygiene and Habits
Good bedroom hygiene and habits can help maintain a clean and comfortable sleep environment and complement your efforts to preserve your mattress's lifespan.
- Dust and vacuum the bedroom regularly to remove allergens, dust mites, and other particles. Pay attention to areas under the bed, dressers, and other furniture where dust may accumulate.
- Wash your bedding regularly to remove sweat, oils, and other bodily fluids. Use a gentle detergent, and follow care instructions to keep your bedding fresh and clean.
- While many people enjoy sharing your bed with pets, it's important to consider potential allergens and hygiene. Pet dander and fur can contribute to allergies and impact the overall cleanliness of your bedding.
- Eating in bed can lead to crumbs, spills, and stains. Keep food and beverages in designated areas to prevent unnecessary mess and maintain the cleanliness of your sleep space.
Know When to Replace Your Mattress
Despite all the care and maintenance efforts, there comes a time when every mattress reaches the end of its lifespan. Recognize the signs that indicate it's time to replace your mattress so you can continue to enjoy restful and supportive sleep. These signs include:
- Noticeable indentation or sagging
- Worsening comfort and sleep quality
- Increase allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, or nasal congestion, when in bed.
- Persistent and unpleasant odors that don't dissipate with cleaning
- The mattress has surpassed the typical lifespan of 8 to 10 years
Regular care and maintenance can extend your mattress's lifespan by several years. When it's time to replace your bed, the Bedding Mart carries a huge selection of mattresses to match your needs. Whether you prefer heavy-duty memory foam, the traditional support innerspring, or the innovative features of a hybrid design, we have the perfect mattress for you!
