​Extend the Life of Your Mattress

Taking care of your mattress may not be something you put a lot of thought into, or that concerns you on a daily basis, yet, just like your bed linens, bedding, comforter and pillows, your mattress requires attention a few times per year in order to give you a comfortable sleep for its entire useful life.

We’ve recently had a reflection about how the Father of His Country slept rough as a young surveyor, but what can we modern folks do about OUR mattresses - to protect them, prolong their usefulness, prevent pest incursions, and to have them provide the very best experience possible for that one-third of our lives we spend upon them.

If you are having trouble sleeping through the night, waking up with new little aches and pains, or it has been years since you’ve treated yourself to a new mattress, it might be time to renew your mattress. With proper care, mattresses can last up to seven to ten years, however, because our bodies tolerate less pressure as we age, persons over 40 years old will benefit from replacing their mattresses every five to seven years.

In any case, both new and “experienced” mattresses can benefit from regular care and cleaning.

Buy a quality mattress. Choose from three primary types: foam (memory foam, polyfoam, latex foam, or a combination), innerspring, and hybrid (a mix of foam and springs). Prices are typically in the $500-1,500 range.

Here are some very simple tips for taking care of your mattress and extending its life.

Protect the mattress from the beginning.

Using a mattress protector is the easiest way to ensure that your mattress will stay clean and provide the healthiest possible sleep.

A mattress pad is essential to both protect your investment and provide a comfortable base. Mattress pads provide protection from stains, add a layer of comfort between the sheets and the mattress, and can help control allergens. If you want a luxury upgrade for a fold-out bed, try adding a plush mattress pad.

Downlite offers a variety of mattress pads, including waterproof, hypoallergenic, cooling, plush, medium plush, super plush, or ultimate plush ideal to soften your bed, and other styles.

Layer up. Start with the mattress pad, then add a pillow topper, soft sheets, luxury hotel quality bedding, lightweight comforter or winter comforter, and, of course, sleeping hotel pillows and decorative pillows, or euro pillows, with a blanket for a soft touch.

Establish a Mattress Care and Cleaning Routine

Clean your mattress. The next time you wash the bed linens, use your vacuum cleaner to give the mattress itself a thorough vacuuming. Every month or two, when washing the bed linens, try to find a sunny spot and let the sunlight and fresh air in to freshen the bed for a few hours. This helps remove excess moisture from sleepers and the ambient humidity, and may also help keep dust mites in check.

Don’t sit on the corners or jump on the bed. Putting all of your weight on a particular point can damage the inner construction of the mattress. Likewise, carry a mattress on its side, and never fold or twist it.

Rotate the mattress periodically. In the old days, we’d flip and turn, but many modern mattresses have only one side as up. Nevertheless, a simple 180° rotation at the beginning of each season can give your favorite sleeping spot a rest and help to spread the wear and tear evenly.

If you would like any help or professional advice before ordering your bedding, you may contact our customer service representatives by email, and they will assist you in your decision-making.

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