5 ways to make your mattress last longer

Follow these tips to help maintain your mattress for years to come.

Properly support your mattress

Check your manufacturer’s website or your warranty to find recommendations about what type of base to use. Spring mattresses usually need to sit on box springs – a base typically made of springs and wood – while memory foam mattresses prefer a slatted or solid base with firm support. Check the slats or springs under your bed at least once a year for any damage that may need to be repaired.

Use a mattress protector

Using a mattress protector from day one rather than towards the end of the mattress’ lifetime will help you prolong its use. The additional layer makes clearing up after spills and accidents a straightforward process and there are other hygiene benefits too. For instance, they prevent sweat, skin cells and saliva from reaching your mattress, and they provide an extra hypoallergenic layer to keep dust mites at bay.

Regularly rotate your mattress

Over time, the filling inside your mattress can spread unevenly. Rotating your mattress will reduce the effects of dipping and sagging for a more level sleeping surface. Although most mattresses will benefit from being rotated at least once every six months, some won’t need to be flipped at all. Check your manufacturers’ instructions for more guidance and always be careful not to let the mattress bend in the process.

Regularly clean your bedding

The skin cells and oils we shed at night can breed bacteria in your bedsheets, which can eventually make their way into your mattress. To stop this from happening, wash your bedding regularly, including any mattress protectors. If you want to clean the mattress itself, use a vacuum to remove small crumbs and debris and follow manufacturer instructions for removing any larger stains.

Keep pets away

Although many of us like nothing more than cuddling up with our pets on the bed, furry family members can wreak havoc on your mattress. Drool, hairs and the occasional accident can lead to nasty stains and bacteria build-up, while scratches from claws can wear away at the surface of your mattress. Investing in a dog or cat bed and training your pets to keep off your own bed could add years to your mattress’ lifespan.