Guide for Care and Maintenance of Your Mattress

Mattresses are our back and neck's best friend while we sleep and the bane of our existence when they start to sag in the middle. Over time, mattresses can lose their shape and firmness, making them uncomfortable to sleep on. Whether your kids are playing jujitsu on it or your dog is using it as a chew toy, your mattress will see bad days!

You can't keep switching out your mattress every few years, nor can you afford stiff necks and backs - that's just not practical or sustainable. So how do you ensure your mattress stays in good condition for as long as possible?

Here are some tips for caring for and maintaining your mattress:

Rotate Your Mattress Regularly:

Weight distribution is one of the main reasons mattresses start to sag. You must have noticed dips forming on either side of the bed where you and your partner sleep. To prevent this, rotate your mattress every few months, so it wears evenly. Mattresses are heavy, so get someone to help you flip them over. Some prefer flipping mattresses every three months; others do it every six.

Use a Mattress Protector:

Do you eat in bed? Maybe you have kids who like to jump on the bed or play with their food. Perhaps you just have a habit of spilling things. And if the slime is involved, you will want a mattress protector. No matter how clean you are, your bed will get dirty. A mattress protector is an extra layer between you and the bed, keeping it clean and prolonging its life.

Invest in a Good Mattress Topper:

A mattress topper is not the same as a mattress protector. A topper is an additional layer of cushioning that goes on top of your mattress and stays under your bedding. It makes your bed more comfortable and can help extend its life by absorbing some of the wear and tear. Use bedding with corner loops or bed straps to keep the protector in place.

Keep Your Mattress Clean:

Your bed is a magnet for dust, dirt, and dead skin cells. Even if you can't see it, there's a lot of grime on your bed. Vacuum your mattress regularly to eliminate the dust mites and tiny creatures that thrive in dirty environments. You can also use a special mattress cleaner or an upholstery attachment on your vacuum.

Your mattress needs to air out. There's a lot of trapped heat and moisture in your bed, which creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Before leaving for vacation, strip the bed and dump the sheets and bedding off for a few days. It will give the mattress a chance to air out and dry thoroughly.

Replace Broken Foundations:

Which mattress are you currently using? Is it a pillow-top, memory foam, or innerspring? No matter the type, a foundation (or box spring) goes under it. Over time, these foundations can break down, which will cause your mattress to sag as well. If you notice any sagging or lumpiness, it's time to replace the foundation. You can ask a store salesperson for help picking the right one.