No doubt about it, a new mattress can be a big investment. This may have you wondering a variety of questions before buying your next mattress, including, “What’s the average life of a mattress?” According to the Sleep Foundation, most mattresses last between seven and ten years. How long a mattress lasts depends on its quality, as well as how well you care for your mattress. Read on for three simple tips to get more life out of your mattress!
Start with a Solid Foundation
As much as you need your mattress for support, your mattress needs it too. Often referred to as a foundation, this can be a quality box spring or bunkie board. Both of these options provide support for your mattress, so choosing which one is a matter of preference. A bunkie board is a flat board with a much lower profile than a traditional box spring foundation.
The key here is what height you need your mattress to be. You want a mattress that’s easy to access, without bending down or climbing, so choose your foundation accordingly. Also, slatted bed frames are okay for some mattresses, but won’t be enough support for others. When in doubt, go with a box spring or bunkie board.
Clean Your Bedding Regularly
As we sleep, we shed skin, hair, oils, and even sweat. Add to that any dander or germs brought in with a pet, and you’ve got an excellent recipe for dust mites, bacteria, mold and mildew in your mattress. For this reason, it’s important to wash your bedding once a week. Doing so will help keep your bed free of contaminants that can shorten the lifespan of your mattress. As an added bonus, this practice will provide a safer, healthier environment for you.
Use a Mattress Protector
Purchase a good quality mattress protector and install it on day one. A mattress protector shields your mattress surface from spills, sweat, skin, pet dander, and even dust mites. The additional cost is worth the extra protection, since liquid stains can void your mattress warranty. This is because liquids are difficult to completely remove from your mattress, which creates a moist environment for mold and mildew. In addition, some mattress materials break down when wet, shortening the lifespan of your mattress.
Mattress protectors come in various materials for every size mattress. Furthermore, the waterproof protection is either top surface only, top and sides, or total encasement. The most basic mattress protector installs on your mattress like a fitted sheet, with the liquid-proof barrier only on top. The Malouf Weekender Jersey Waterproof Mattress Protector is a good example of this type. Meanwhile, a five-sided mattress protector extends the liquid-proof barrier to the sides of your mattress, such as the PureCare Omniguard 5-Sided Mattress Protector. Finally, a total encasement mattress protector slips entirely over your mattress and seals, usually with a zipper, for complete protection on all sides. Our Malouf Encase Omniphase Mattress Protector is an excellent example of a total encasement mattress protector.
As part of your regular routine, you should wash your mattress protector with mild detergent every couple of months. Along with cleaning your bedding bi-weekly, this will go a long way to keeping your mattress and yourself healthier. In addition, it helps you get the most life out of your mattress as possible.
Summing Up
While most mattresses last between seven and ten years, how you treat your mattress has a lot to do with it. A good quality mattress protector is your first defense, as it keeps your mattress free of spills and other contaminants that can shorten its life. Washing your mattress protector every couple of months is an important step in eliminating these contaminants.
In addition to a mattress protector, be sure to keep your bedding clean. In most cases, this means washing your bedding every two weeks. This will prevent buildup of skin cells, hair, pet dander, dust, and a host of other unpleasant contaminants. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for wash temperature and types of detergent, as some bedding materials are more fragile than others.
By giving your mattress strong support in the form of a box spring or bunkie board, you’ll ensure that your mattress can support you. This also means a longer life for your mattress, because it has a solid surface to work from. To get more tips, or if you still have questions, speak to one of our Sleep Experts today!