Get better sleep with proper mattress care

Considering that on average humans spend a third of their life sleeping, it’s probably worthwhile to give our mattresses some proper care and attention beyond just changing the sheets. Here are tips to ensure they stay performing in tiptop shape so they yield the best Z’s possible.

Rotate

You’ve probably heard the age-old advice of rotating your mattress regularly. And the recommendation is a sound one, because spinning it 180 degrees from head to toe helps prevent an impression from forming caused by sleeping in the same position every night. Not only does this cause uneven wear, but potentially improper support provided as well. Ideally rotate once every three months or follow manufacturer recommendations.

Flip

Flipping was once often suggested for similar reasons as rotating, however the newer generation of mattresses, for example pillow tops, may not require this step. As always, refer to the manufacturer specs.

Vacuum

Just as you would with the floor, vacuum the mattress to remove dust and dead skin — two things that dust mites love to feed on. A build-up of these microscopic critters can cause an allergic reaction in certain people, so break out the vacuum cleaner often. Remember to remove the bed sheets first and use an upholstery brush head attachment.

Cover

Anyone who has ever tried to spot clean a stained mattress knows how difficult (or impossible) it can be, so investing in a liquid-resistant cover to protect against unwanted spills and permanent stains might be a good idea. A bonus is that models like Healthy Nights are breathable and promote airflow and temperature balancing by wicking away moisture.

Don’t bounce

Although fun, try to resist the popular child pastime of jumping up and down on the mattress. The added stress can damage inner coils or fibres, depending on the design. Stick with sitting or lying down only.