Mattress Guide: How to Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Mattress

Proper mattress maintenance is essential for extending the life of your mattress and ensuring optimal comfort while you sleep. This guide covers everything you need to know, including when to replace your mattress, how to care for it, and general tips to help you enjoy a restful night’s sleep for as long as possible.

When to Replace Your Mattress

A mattress is a significant investment, and several factors should be considered before purchasing a new one. This includes understanding when and how to dispose of your old mattress and choosing the best type for your specific needs.

How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?

We recommend replacing your mattress every 8 years. As your mattress ages, it provides less support for your pressure points and accumulates dust and sweat. For instance, a 10-year-old mattress could contain up to 10 million dust mites! If you often wake up with aches or pains, it could be due to a sagging mattress. If your mattress causes discomfort, it’s time for a new one.

How to Dispose of Your Old Mattress

Wondering what to do with your old mattress after buying a new one? You can usually contact your local council for collection, often for a fee, but it will likely end up in a landfill. A more environmentally friendly option is to use our recycling service. When we deliver your new mattress, we can take away your old one. We’ll reuse its materials and convert any waste into green energy, helping you do your part for the planet.

For a wide selection of high-quality mattresses, visit our mattress page at Apley Beds.

Choosing the Right Mattress

Selecting a new mattress can be challenging with so many options available. We offer various mattress types, comfort grades, and fillings. Consider factors such as your weight, any health conditions (like allergies or back pain), and your preferred sleeping position when choosing the best mattress for you.

Which Mattress Lasts the Longest?

While most mattresses need replacement every 8 years for optimal support and hygiene, several factors influence a mattress’s lifespan. These include frequency of use, the weight it supports, how often it’s cleaned and aired, and any damage it receives.

For more information on the quality standards we adhere to, you can check out the National Bed Federation, where all our suppliers are proud members.

Setting Up Your New Mattress

Once you’ve invested in a new mattress, you’ll want to maximize its benefits to ensure a good night’s sleep for years. At Apley Beds, our delivery team will place your mattress in your chosen room, so no setup is needed on your part. If you’ve purchased a standard unrolled mattress, it’s ready for immediate use. However, rolled mattresses can take up to 48 hours to fully unroll and rise.

Mattress Dimensions

Many of our mattresses are handmade, so they may vary slightly in size—around +/- 2cm, in line with the BS1334:1996 regulation. During transit, some mattresses may contract but will relax to their normal length after a short period of use.

Mattress Care and Maintenance

Proper mattress care is crucial for extending its lifespan and maintaining comfort. Here are some key tips:

Rotate and Turn Your Mattress

Depending on whether you have a single-sided or double-sided mattress, follow the care instructions on the label. For single-sided mattresses, rotate from head to toe once a week for the first three months, then once a month. For double-sided mattresses, turn them over once a week for the first three months, then once a month. This practice helps prolong your mattress’s lifespan and ensures even settlement of the fillings.

Cleaning and Airing Out Your Mattress

Clean any spills promptly with warm, soapy water and a cloth. Avoid using cleaning products or vacuuming your mattress. Dust and debris can be removed with a soft brush. Air your mattress daily by pulling back the covers for a while, allowing moisture to evaporate and odors to disperse.

Using a Mattress Protector

A mattress protector may seem unnecessary for a new mattress, but it’s a wise investment. It protects your mattress from moisture and spills, ultimately saving you money by delaying the need for a replacement.

For a range of mattress protectors and other sleep essentials, explore our mattress page.

Dealing with a Sagging Mattress

As a mattress ages, sagging may occur. If your mattress starts to sag, consider replacing it soon to avoid spinal misalignment and potential aches and pains. In the meantime, placing firm pillows under the sagging areas can provide temporary support.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure your mattress remains in excellent condition, providing a comfortable and supportive sleep environment for years to come.