When you invest in a quality mattress, chances are you expect it to provide comfort for many years. The average mattress is made to last anywhere from five to ten years, but how it’s cared for can shorten or lengthen its lifespan. Knowing how to maintain your mattress can help you save a few bucks. Here’s a list of ways to protect your mattress in the long run.
Ensure Your Mattress is Adequately Supported
While you may not need to purchase a box spring or foundation with a new mattress, it’s essential to ensure that your mattress has solid support. This helps preserve the binding materials and prevents premature wear. Box springs can be used with spring mattresses. Memory foam mattresses offer firm, solid support, and don’t need them. Bed frames should be designed to support the weight of sleepers and mattresses. Check with your mattress’ manufacturer or look at the warranty policy for recommendations.
Use a Mattress Protector
This is one of the best ways to protect your bed’s longevity. A quality protector is waterproof, reduces the dust, debris, and dirt that make it into your bed, and helps keep skin oils and sweat off the mattress. This protects the materials inside your bed from damage and makes cleanups easy when accidents occur.
Wash Bed Linens Regularly
It’s essential to wash your sheets and blankets frequently because they can get dirty from oils, sweat, hair, and skin cells. Whether you eat in bed or have pets, dirty bed linens are unavoidable. The dirt and contaminants can get into the mattress layers, breed bacteria, and encourage dust mites.
Watch out For Unwanted Hitchhikers
Bed bugs can infest mattresses. When you travel, be sure to inspect your bed before getting into it. If possible, keep your luggage off the floor and away from other items that may attract their attention. Consider using a bed bug-proof mattress encasement in apartments or buildings where these critters are common. These unique mattress covers have impenetrable zippers covering the entire surface on all sides to stop bed bugs from calling your mattress their home.
