All the Ways You Didn’t Know You Ruined Your Mattress
Given that the average person sleeps for about 26 years , how we care for our mattress matters. But the mattress is easy to forget. Most of the time it is invisible, covered by sheets and too many pillows. While he is doing his job, we may not even think about him until the time comes to replace him.
Given that we typically spend between $ 450 and $ 2,500 on the benefit of improved sleep, it requires proper care and cleaning, just like any major purchase in our home. But many of us unwittingly do things with a mattress that will make it last longer. Here’s what to avoid if you want it to last longer.
Do not use a mattress topper
Mattress toppers will protect your sleep from sweat, spills and stains that, if left unattended, can cause mold and bacteria to grow on the mattress. They also protect your skin from allergic reactions to dust mites inside the fibers. While the old protectors were cheap, plastic and hot, there are many waterproof yet breathable options on the market today.
Forgetting to turn the mattress
According to the Sleep Foundation , “Areas of the mattress that are subject to strong pressure (usually around the hips and shoulders) tend to sag prematurely,” and a regularly inverted mattress will last longer than a non-rotating mattress “potentially a year or more.”
The user manual contains detailed instructions on how often to change mattresses, but a good rule of thumb is 1-2 times a year for memory foam mattresses, latex mattresses and new innerspring mattresses. Many modern mattresses are single-sided, in which case you do not need to turn old school mattresses and simply turn the top of the mattress to the foot of the bed. (The only mattresses that cannot be rotated are mattresses designed with a “zoned comfort system” that provides additional support for specific areas of the body.)
Never clean your mattress
Don’t shoot the messenger, but uncleaned mattresses are disgusting. Basically, they are graveyards for the bacteria in our saliva, sweat, dead skin cells and millions of dust mites that feed on our skin while we sleep, before dumping allergenic poop, dying and leaving their corpses in the fibers of our mattress. … (And yes, some mites can still get through the mattress protector.) Use the upholstery nozzle to remove unwanted bystanders from the top and sides of the mattress every three months.
Jump on the bed
It turns out that parents who yell at their kids to stop jumping on the bed are not just random jokes – they ( we ) are right. Not only can this result in serious injury (especially if there is a window or ceiling fan nearby), but strong impacts of strong pressure can damage the inner structure of the mattress and cause lumps to form. It can also weaken the springs and damage the bed frame. This is a bad idea in every way – and a win for parents who are worthless.
Washing the sheets too often
Your sheets contain sweat, pet hair, dirt, and other debris that will eventually end up on your mattress. Wash them weekly or at least every two weeks to keep your mattress fresher. Be sure to include any comforters and duvet covers in your sheets as well.
Depriving him of the sunshine
Of course, a mattress is not a plant that needs sunlight to survive, but letting it catch clean rays from time to time has its benefits. While it cannot completely disinfect the mattress, sunlight is a natural deodorant that removes musty odors, and UV rays kill mold, bacteria, and fungus. Sunbathing will also kill a significant number of dust mites. Just be sure to bring it in before any outdoor dampness descends.
Using the wrong bed frame
Depending on which mattress you buy, you may need to re-evaluate the frame that supports it. While box spring and slatted bed frames were a suitable base for most traditional mattresses, newer, denser and heavier memory foam mattresses require a stronger, more durable bed frame structure on a platform. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper mattress life.
Garage (or basement) storage
If you want to remove the mattress for future use, don’t drag it into an unfinished basement to hang out there forever. After thorough evacuation, wrap it in the protective cover of the mattress topper and store on a flat surface in a climate-controlled room. If left upright in a garage or damp basement, it becomes vulnerable to moisture, mold growth, insect infestation, and internal padding and coil migration, which will irreversibly damage the pillow and render it unable to sleep. (Trust me, I did this experiment.)