A quality mattress typically lasts for about 8 to 10 years. However, you can extend the life of your mattress by following proper maintenance and care.
This includes using a mattress protector, rotating and flipping regularly, keeping it clean, and addressing any visible wear and tear promptly. It also helps to use a bed frame and foundation designed for mattresses.
Use a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is one of the most basic and important things you can do to extend the lifespan of your sleeping mattress. It acts as a thin, waterproof barrier that protects your mattress from spills and accidents, keeping it clean. It also prevents moisture and air from seeping into the mattress, which can cause mold and mildew.
A good quality mattress protector should be breathable and have a cooling material like tencel or bamboo. It will draw sweat away from the body, ensuring you have a comfortable night’s sleep. It should also have a fitted style and elasticated edges to fit over most mattresses. A fitted protector is easy to use, just as you would apply a sheet, but it provides more protection.
Many mattress protectors come with a warranty, making them an investment in the lifespan of your mattress. They can also help you avoid the cost of a new mattress and the need to dispose of your old one. Mattresses are expensive items, and if you can keep yours for a long time, it will save you money. It will also save on landfill waste, as a well-maintained mattress can be recycled rather than thrown away.
Mattresses are made of many materials, including foam and springs, and they degrade over time. As outlined on Manchester Evening News, the lifespan of a mattress depends on the quality of the materials, how it is used and cared for, and other factors. Poorly maintained mattresses need to be replaced more often, and that can have a negative impact on the environment.
When you eat in bed, it’s likely that food will fall onto the mattress. This can leave behind residue stains and smells, which is hard to get out with just a vacuum cleaner. A mattress protector will prevent this from happening, and it will make the mattress easier to clean. It will also help extend the life of your mattress by protecting it from bugs and other pests. In addition, some mattresses are treated with flame retardants. These chemicals are harmful to the environment, and a protector will prevent them from coming into contact with your mattress.
Rotate Regularly
Mattresses should be rotated every three to six months, unless instructed otherwise by the manufacturer. This simple step helps to even out wear and tear across the surface of the mattress so that one side doesn’t break down more quickly than the other. It also prevents indentations from forming on the mattress, which can lead to discomfort and back problems.
Mattress rotation is an easy and inexpensive way to extend the lifespan of your sleeping mattress. In addition, it can help to prevent issues like lumps and bumps, sagging, and hammocking. It can also help to reduce dust build-up and improve air quality in the bedroom.
The frequency of when you need to rotate your mattress depends on a few factors, including the type of mattress and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some mattresses, such as traditional innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam mattresses require more frequent rotation than others, such as latex or one-sided mattresses. If you’re not sure whether or not your mattress requires flipping and rotating, check the manufacturer’s website for guidance.
Generally, you should rotate your mattress 180 degrees each time you do so. This means that the part of the mattress that was once at the foot of the bed will now be at the head of the bed, and vice versa. This will redistribute the weight of your body evenly and reduce the possibility of indentations and other support problems.
Before you begin rotating your mattress, move any delicate or expensive items away from it. It’s also a good idea to ask for help if you’re doing it for the first time or if you have a large, heavy mattress. Having a friend or family member assist you with the process is a great way to get the job done more quickly and safely.
The last thing you want to do is over-rotate your mattress, as this can cause it to lose its shape. You should only rotate your mattress as often as the manufacturer recommends, and as needed to reduce indentations and other common issues. Setting a reminder on your phone or using an online calendar is a good way to keep track of when it’s time to rotate your mattress again.
Keep It Clean
Keeping your mattress clean is one of the best ways to extend its lifespan. Keeping it free from dirt and grime prevents the build-up of bacteria, mold, mildew, dust mites and other nasties that can make your bed feel stuffy and cause respiratory problems.
Cleaning your mattress frequently is also a great way to remove any old stains. Stains that aren’t cleaned immediately can discolor your mattress and leave behind a smelly, sticky residue. You can use a combination of natural liquid dish soap, baking soda, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and water to clean your mattress – simply mix them together in a spray bottle, apply the solution and blot away with a clean cloth.
Regularly rotating your mattress helps distribute wear evenly and prolongs the life of your sleeping mattress. This will prevent indentations from developing on one side of the mattress while reducing pressure points that can lead to sagging and reduced support.
Having a mattress protector is another essential piece of your mattress care kit. These thin, waterproof layers fit neatly on top of your mattress and absorb sweat, makeup, body oils, dead skin cells and more, helping to keep your mattress cleaner for longer. Look for protectors made from natural materials, as they are better for the environment and more breathable than synthetic ones.
If you eat in bed, it’s important to keep food and drink away from your mattress to prevent the development of unsightly stains. Not only that, but crumbs left on your mattress can attract bacteria and dust mites.
Eating in bed can also speed up the deterioration of your mattress, breaking springs on innerspring mattresses and weakening edge support on hybrid and foam mattresses. If you must eat in bed, be sure to place a table or mat underneath your mattress to protect it.
Regularly exposing your mattress to sunlight is an effective way to kill dust mites and other microscopic bugs, as they are unable to survive in the heat. While it may not be practical to take your mattress outside for a full airing, simply removing the sheets and leaving it near a sunny window for three or four hours can have a similar effect.
Avoid Excessive Weight
Mattresses are expensive purchases, and every little bit of extra use that they get beyond the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan is a good thing. It’s not only helpful for your bank account, but it’s also better for the planet: less landfill waste is created if mattresses are kept for longer than they’re supposed to be.
There are a few key factors that determine how long your mattress will last. The first is your body weight: a heavier person will wear the mattress out more quickly, especially with cheaper models made of lower-quality materials. It’s a good idea to try to work out your BMI (body mass index) before you buy your mattress, so that you can choose one that’s appropriate for your size.
Other important factors include sleeping positions and the type of mattress you have. Side sleepers tend to wear their mattresses out more quickly than back or stomach sleepers, because they put a lot of pressure in concentrated areas like the hips and shoulders. The type of mattress you have is also a factor: foam and hybrid mattresses will last longer than innerspring or spring mattresses.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to avoid eating in bed, which can accelerate the wear and tear on your mattress by breaking the springs of hybrid or innerspring mattresses, or causing the edge support to deteriorate and allow you to slide off the mattress easily. Also, kids and pets jumping on the bed can cause your mattress to break down more quickly.
Following the tips above will help to extend the lifespan of your mattress, and ensure that it’s as comfortable as possible for as long as you own it. It’s worth the extra effort because nobody likes waking up in pain or grouchy, and that can affect their entire day. It’s also better for your family and friends to have a happy, healthy you! So, what are you waiting for? Start implementing these easy tips today! You’ll be glad you did. Madison is an ex-mattress tester and current law student, but she puts her accumulated knowledge of mattresses to good use writing articles for Mattress Clarity. When she’s not in class, you can find her trying out new restaurants, reading short stories or watching too much reality TV.