10 Ways to Make Your Mattresses

You spend about a third of your life sleeping (and trying to sleep), and that’s a significant amount of time spent on a mattress. This is one reason why it’s important to have a comfortable mattress that lasts for many years to come.

The average lifespan of a mattress lies somewhere between 5 to 10 years. While no mattress can live forever, its useful life can be extended or shortened depending on how you take care of it. A well-cared-for mattress also provides better air quality and a healthier sleep environment for you. Another reason, you need to take good care of your mattress is that purchasing a new one can be costly. It’s better to keep from having to dispose of it way too early.

Fortunately, there are various ways to keep mattresses pristine, so they last.

1. Make Sure the Mattress Have the Right Kind of Support

   You don’t always have to buy a matching box spring or foundation when getting a new mattress, but it is essential that your mattress still gets the right kind of support. A solid platform ensures that the integrity of the materials is properly preserved and prevents early wear. Always check with the manufacturer or read the warranty policy for recommendations. Typically, box springs are used with innerspring mattresses, while memory foam mattresses and other specialty mattresses will need firm and solid support. If you are planning on placing the mattress on the floor, it is also important to consider how it may affect your mattress and your overall sleeping experience.

2. Use a Mattress Protector

   One of the best ways to protect your mattress’s longevity is to use mattress protectors from the beginning. You can always be careful and tidy in bed, but accidents can happen. Using a waterproof protector ensures that no spill or mess will find its way into the mattress and ruin it. A protector can also safeguard your bed against bodily oils, skin flakes, dust, and debris. This helps the materials in your bed from damage and allergen build-up. There are two popular styles of mattress protector:

   • Fitted – Fitted mattress protectors are placed on your bed the same way a fitted sheet does. They are easy to get on a get off and are affordable. Nevertheless, this type only protects the very surface of your mattress most of the time.
   • Encasement – As the name suggests, encasement protectors cover and protect all sides (bottom included) of the mattress. Encasement mattress protectors are also good to avoid allergens and keep bed bugs at bay.

3. Wash Bed Linens Regularly

    

   For a mattress to be sturdy and comfortable, it also has to be clean. You may not know it or see it, but you shed sweat, oils, hair, and skin cells while you sleep. Eating in bed also leaves crumbs, and pets may shed their fur. All these can get into the layers of the mattress, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria and dust mites. It is essential that bed sheets and blankets be washed regularly, ideally every week or two as recommended by cleaning experts. Even if you are using a mattress protector, the linens still need to be kept clean. The mattress protector also has to be washed occasionally based on the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Rotate Bed Mattress Regularly
   

   Sleeping in the same spot every night can cause wear and tear in only one section of the mattress, leading it to wear out quickly. Every type of mattress, no matter the material or size, will benefit from being flipped or rotated regularly. Memory foam, latex foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses usually benefit from rotation once in a while. It is recommended to rotate the mattress 180 degrees every 2 to 6 months. While there is a newer generation of mattresses that may not need flipping, doing so occasionally still promotes a more even wear and lessens depressions and softening.

5. No Jumping on the Bed

   It is tempting, especially for the little ones, to jump around on the bed. Unfortunately, bouncing on the bed is not only unsafe but it can be harmful to your bed too. The motion puts unnecessary pressure on the mattress, accelerating wear and tear. This also risks the integrity of the bed support and frame, which are not designed to bear the weight of people jumping.

6. Move the Mattress with Care

   When planning on moving or transporting a mattress, it is important to protect it from damage by wrapping it in plastic. This will prevent dust, dirt, and other potential problems like bedbugs from collecting. It is also recommended to put it inside boxes to avoid bending or folding. It will act as another layer of protection to prevent scuffs and scratches as well. Generally, it is best to place the mattress upright on its side when moving so it doesn’t sag. Don’t drag it across the room so you won’t cause unnecessary wear on its cover.

7. Expose Mattress to Sun Occasionally

   On a sunny day, strip your mattress and expose it to sunlight for several hours. A study by Kingston University shows that mites can’t survive in warm and dry conditions. Something as simple as bathing it in sunlight and airing it out can remove moisture from the sheets and mattress, reducing the dust mite population.

8. Don’t Let Bedbugs In

   Bedbugs are flat, reddish-brown bugs that feed on the blood of a host mostly at night, and are usually considered the greatest enemy of mattresses. Bed bugs can hide easily in all types of beddings and be one of the fastest ways to ruin a mattress. A bed bug infestation can be hard to get rid of, and you may have to buy a new one instead.Here are a few steps to avoid bringing home these unwanted hitchhikers:

9. • Always inspect the bed for signs of bed bugs and keep your luggage off the floor, especially when sleeping away from home
   • Keep your room clean and organized.
   • Try to keep pets out of your bed as much as possible. Pets may carry potential germs, bugs, bacteria, and parasites into the bed. Get them separate beds instead.
   • Use an encasement mattress protector
   • Be careful with second-hand furniture you bring in.

10. Address Dirt and Stains Immediately

    Don’t leave any dirt or stain unattended for long. Not only are they unhygienic, but they may invite germs, pests, and parasites soon enough. Prevent sweat, dust, and allergen build-up by vacuuming your mattress at least twice a year. You should also address stains immediately rather than leaving them to dry. One natural way to do it is to mix lemon juice and salt. The bleaching properties of lemon and the moisture-removing properties of salt are good for removing stains.

11. Follow Manufacturer Cleaning Directions
    

    Every type of mattress has to be cleaned regularly to keep it healthy and your sleep environment comfortable. Different types and brands of mattresses need specific methods of care and maintenance. Many manufacturers include instructions for general cleaning. This guide also includes which cleaning agents to use and which to avoid, which is a necessary distinction since some chemical cleaners may break down the materials. Following the manufacturer’s manual is one of the best practices for mattress maintenance, so make sure you do just that.

The life span of mattresses depends on a variety of factors. Adhere to these 10 simple best practices and tips to ensure your mattresses last as long as possible.

Buy a durable and high-quality mattress now and be confident that your investment lasts as long as possible at Sleepmasters Canada. Call us today at (416) 781-7441 or (416) 518-4077 to learn more about our products.