How to Make Your Mattress Last Longer, Feel Better, and Be Less Gross
Americans sleep an average of 7.7 hours a day, according the Bureau of Labor. That’s a lot of one-on-one time with your bed. What are you doing to make sure you get the max out of your mattress?
The quality of your mattress can have a huge effect on the quality of your sleep. And the quality of your sleep… is everything.
Sleep can affect your brain health, decision-making skills and — according to one University of California Berkeley study — even your ability to recognize faces. So the stakes are high.
According to a study done by the National Institutes of Health, sleeping on a new mattress decreased stress levels in test subjects.
Furthermore, mattresses are expensive, with prices averaging between $200 and $5,000 dollars in 2015. Maintaining a good-as-new mattress is much more feasible than replacing it every few years.
A new mattress can last five to 10 years, but according to Consumer Reports, caring for your mattress is key to making it to that 10-year mark.
Sleeping on a well-maintained mattress isn’t just about comfort, mental health, and budget-consciousness, however. If you don’t take steps to keep your mattress clean, you could be sleeping on a bed of bacteria.
According to Lisa Ackerley, PhD, professor of environmental health at University of Salford, “The pathogens that were found in the mattresses have been linked to everything from coughs and chest infections to weepy eyes, sinus problems and skin irritation. They can cause particularly serious problems for anyone with a preexisting lung condition, an allergy or asthma.”
Have we convinced you yet?
Here’s what you need to do:
Cover your mattress
Invest in a mattress cover or encasement. Eric Thompson, the owner of Bedroom & More, a San Francisco mattress dealership, says this is the key to prolonging the life of your mattress. Not only will a cover protect your mattress from dust and dust mites, but the added protection against moisture will ward off bacteria as well.
Clean stains safely
It is important not to soak your mattress when cleaning stains or spills. Blot the affected area with a dry towel, then mix mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution lightly on the stained area. Gently scrub the area with a soft brush. Then blot it dry as much as possible before letting it air dry.
Flip and rotate
Every three months, alternate between rotating and flipping your mattress. This can help offset the normal settling process that occurs by sleeping in the same spot every night.
Refresh your mattress
Each time you flip or rotate your mattress, take a moment to refresh it as well. Mix ¼ cup of baking soda with 2 to 3 drops of your favorite essential oil — perhaps a soothing lavender or peppermint.
Sprinkle this across your mattress and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Then use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove the baking soda (along with as much dust as possible).
Not only does this help deodorize your mattress, it can help draw out some of the moisture.
Air it out
Going on vacation? Let your mattress do the same. Strip your bed before leaving town to give your mattress a nice dose of sanitizing fresh air and sunlight.
The don’ts
Don’t put a board under your mattress, it can shorten its lifespan. Don’t make your bed as soon as you get up … let it air out. Don’t jump on the bed. (Sorry, folks!) Don’t use dry cleaning agents. The chemicals in these spot removers may be harmful to the fabric or underlying materials. Don’t remove the tag — it’s not illegal to remove the tag, but the information on the label will serve as a means of identification should you have a warranty claim. Don’t let your pets sleep in your bed. (Sorry, again!) You don’t need any more dander attracting hungry dust mites.
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