Purchasing a new mattress is a financial investment, which is why you need to know how to properly take care of it. Depending on the construction and materials, a mattress can usually last from seven to ten years with proper care and maintenance.
So when an essential item like a mattress suddenly leaves you with backaches and other unpleasant slumber experiences, you can’t help but sigh in defeat. Replacing a mattress can be a heavy lift, especially if you’re a comparison shopper of frugality and finalization, always ensuring that your purchases are made from the best buying decision you could ever make.
Your sleep, however, is non-negotiable. Whether you’ve just bought a new mattress or looking for ways to get value for money, here are some tips on how to extend your mattress’s lifespan:
1 – Rotate your mattress
Modern problems require modern solutions, they say, but that isn’t always the case. People needed to periodically flip mattresses overdue to double-sided springs. While yours may not be imbued with such materials, rotating mattresses is always a good practice.
While it may seem like too much work, flipping your mattress every other month will delay the onset of body weight sags and dents due to constant use, an uneven mattress is never a joy to sleep in, so don’t make the mistake of thinking of leaving your mattress as-is for the decade to come!
2- Don’t jump on the bed
The joys of using your bed as a trampoline are undeniable. You may have been deprived as a child, or you just needed the lift to reach a shelf or hand painting, but constantly straining it will cause wear and tear on your mattress.
Having a platform bed can be even more dangerous, as the wooden supports can easily break. You’ll send your mattress to the floor, with pieces of wood likely puncturing it underneath.
3 – Regularly clean your mattress
Just like every item in your room, your mattress requires regular cleaning. It should ideally be done twice a year, but if you can, do it as each season comes. Rid your mattress of all coverings, vacuuming the top and side of your mattress. Make sure to get in between the seams of your mattress, as this is where dust mites usually hide.
4 – Never leave spills to dry out
Spills come in many forms—your toddler may have had a nighttime accident, stomach flu may have caused vomiting sessions, or a glass of wine may have accidentally spilled during a Friday night “me time”. Regardless of the cause, spills and mattresses are never a good combination.
As soon as something spills onto your bed, make sure to move fast. Remove the sheets immediately, using a dry and clean towel to mop up the liquid. If there are odors or stains, use baking soda or a commercial cleaner. Once the sun is out, open your windows and allow it to air dry before placing new sheets.
The Bottom Line
Mattresses are specifically designed to last, but even with the best care, they need to be replaced in ten years. You’ll know when it’s time for a replacement when sags and lumps appear, or when you wake up with stiffness and aches. If your mattress is still serving its purpose, however, it’s best to care for it in the best possible way!
If you’re ready for a new mattress, why not browse through our Sleep Number Bed reviews? They’re one of the best mattresses available in the USA market, but we also recommend other adjustable bed alternatives. Through fresh and unbiased reviews and comparisons, we’ll help you arrive at well-informed decisions.
