Investing in a high-quality mattress is advisable because it can serve you for many years. On average, a high-quality mattress can last for five to 10 years. However, your mattress may last longer or shorter than expected, depending on how well you look after it. In addition, the lifespan of your mattress depends on the type as well as the quality of the material.
There are various types of mattresses, including memory foam, innerspring or coil, air bed, water bed, and latex. For those with back pain, memory foam and latex mattresses are ideal choices. For more information on the types of mattresses and their specific benefits, click here.
Regardless of your mattress type, you need to take good care of it to prolong its lifespan. This will allow you to enjoy restful sleep each night, which helps improve your overall health. So, here are seven proven ways to make your mattress last longer.
Ensure Your Mattress Is Adequately Supported
Your mattress needs adequate support to prevent it from wearing out prematurely. The kind of support your mattress needs depends on the mattress type. Spring mattresses are ideally supported by a box spring, while a memory foam mattress requires solid and firm support.
If your bed is designed with a frame, you need to check if it’s sturdy enough for your mattress. For king and queen-sized beds, the frame design should feature center bars to provide sufficient support.
On the other hand, platform beds that come with wide slats might require additional support. However, this depends on the weight as well as the type of mattress. Lastly, it’s advisable to check your bed frame once a year to prevent broken springs or slats from damaging your mattress.
Clean Your Mattress Frequently
Do you want to extend the lifespan of your mattress? If so, you must clean your mattress thoroughly and frequently. This applies to hybrid, memory foam, and innerspring mattresses. Cleaning is an excellent way of preventing dust mites, bed bugs, mildew, mold, and bacteria from settling on your bed.
In addition, cleaning helps keep your mattress fresh over the years. Set a schedule to clean your mattress twice yearly to prevent dirt buildup. In case of liquid spillage, wash the mattress immediately to remove the stain and dry it out completely.
Keep Pets Off Your Bed
Pets make cuddly companions, but you shouldn’t allow them on your bed if you want your mattress to last longer. When your pet sleeps in your bed, you invite bacteria and germs into your mattress. In addition, pets are known for harboring parasites, such as hookworms, roundworms, and fleas. These parasites eventually lay their eggs on the pet’s fur. If you welcome your pet on your mattress, your bedding will harbor the parasite’s eggs, which is the last thing you need.
In addition, pets such as dogs and cats can make your bed dirty with animal dander and fur, making your mattress deteriorate faster.
Invest In A Mattress Protector
Since mattresses are used daily, they’re prone to getting stained or damaged. To make your mattress last longer, you may want to invest in a mattress protector. It’s one of the best ways to shield your mattress against accidents that may affect its performance or shorten its lifespan.
With a mattress protector, you don’t need to worry about pet dander, sweat, dead skin cells, dust mites, and other dirt on your mattress since it provides a physical barrier. On the other hand, a waterproof mattress protector is even better because it protects your mattress from stains and spills.
Life can get messy at home, so it’s wise to keep your bed clean and fresh using a mattress protector.
Avoid Jumping On The Bed
Kids jumping up and down on your bed puts a lot of pressure on the mattress. Your mattress is not built to withstand such impact. This will damage your mattress in no time, including the bed frame.
If you want your mattress to last a long time, remind your toddlers not to jump on the bed. After all, your mattress isn’t a substitute for a trampoline.
Rotate Your Mattress Routinely
It would be beneficial to rotate your mattress routinely, regardless of the material that your mattress is made of. Rotating means moving your mattress from the top of your bed to the bottom. This helps your mattress to wear evenly. If you don’t turn your mattress, it becomes more prone to sagging and softening, making it wear out prematurely.
If your mattress is double-sided, you may also need to flip or turn it regularly. However, single-sided mattresses like memory foam should never be flipped as the underside is not designed for sleeping.
Ensure you rotate your mattress at least once every two to six months, especially when your mattress is new. At any rate, check the mattress label for detailed care instructions.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Most people wash their bedding once in two weeks. However, experts recommend changing the sheets every week to get rid of dead skin cells, sweat, dust mites, and crumbs that accumulate on your bedding. Thus, it’s essential to maintain cleanliness by washing your bedding regularly.
However, you may need to wash your bed linens more often if you usually experience skin irritation or dust allergies. Cleanliness likewise applies to mattress protectors. If you’ve invested in one, wash it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintaining the cleanliness of your bedding and mattress protector keeps bacteria, bed bugs, and dust mites at bay, keeping your mattress in good shape.
Takeaway
By following the sensible suggestions above, you can make your mattress last longer. Regardless of the mattress type, it’s essential to clean and rotate it regularly. However, be mindful of the care instructions that come with it to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of your mattress. Furthermore, avoid jumping on the bed and letting your pets on your bed to extend the lifespan of your mattress.
Implementing these best practices will give you value for money and ensure your comfort and good-quality sleep for many years.
