Congratulations on your mattress purchase! Whether you now own an innerspring mattress, air bed, memory foam mattress, adjustable bed or latex mattress it is necessary to treat it well if you wish to get the most out of it for years to come. Here are some essential steps you should follow from the moment your new mattress arrives in your home.
Breaking in a New Mattress
This is par for the course, not just to have a mattress get used to your shape, but also for your body to get used to the mattress. For some people it can take up to four weeks to really start getting the sleep benefits from their new mattress – during this time, make sure to rotate your mattress at least once in order to give both sides of the bed equal attention. If you are not enjoying your sleep after a month (your trial period may be anywhere from 90 to 180 days), consider sending your mattress back.
Beware of Sagging
Constant weight cause your mattress to sag over time – that is why you need to make sure to buy the right foundation with your mattress, as it will surprisingly take on a lot of the wear and tear. Every few weeks, rotating or flipping your mattress can help keep your mattress from sagging; also the addition of a mattress topper can take on some of the physical impact and increase the longevity of your mattress. Also, don’t sit on the edge of your mattress so much especially if you have an innerspring or air mattress, as the edge is usually the weakest part.
Keep Your Mattress Covered
By having a mattress cover, you can help prevent the build up of moisture, mildew, and bacteria and also protect the cosmetic surface of your mattress. Every couple of weeks you can remove the cover, wash it and put it back on for a fresh start. While certain mattresses like memory foam and natural latex are naturally anti-microbial and mold and mildew resistant, an extra layer never hurts.
Clean Your Mattress
It’s easy to forget that your mattress is still a piece of furniture that requires the same hygienic care that everything else in your home receives. When you can, vacuum your mattress or wipe it down with a cloth depending on the type of mattress you own and the corresponding care instructions (as a general rule, stay away from using too much water that will instead promote the growth of bacteria and mold).
Ultimately, always treat your mattress well, and it will care for you even better in return.