Suggestions for Extending the Life of Your Mattress

The purchase of a mattress is a substantial investment, financially and in what it means for your health and well-being. When you find the right mattress, it’s important to do everything possible to keep it in top shape and get the longest possible life. To help with that, here are a few suggestions on how to extend your mattress life:

• Add a mattress pad. If your comfort preferences have evolved since you first purchased your bed but the mattress is still structurally sound, you don’t need to go out and replace it. For mattresses that still offer all the support necessary, adding a foam bedding mattress topper can add years of life to a mattress you’re no longer crazy about while giving you premium comfort.
• Be gentle. Because of its soft, springy feel, it’s hard to resist the temptation to use your bed as a relaxation or play area with the kids or pets. But even with a thick mattress, it’s important to remember that a bed’s only actual purpose is to offer a sound sleep surface, and using it for anything besides that can wear it down prematurely. Foam can tear, springs can break, and air and waterbeds can puncture from too much activity.
• Keep it dry. Nobody would willingly dump a glass of water on their bed or leave the bedroom window open during a rainstorm, but accidents can happen. And when a mattress gets wet, it is very hard to dry, which leads to potential mold and mildew allergens growing and ruining the mattress. It’s a good idea to use a water resistant mattress cover and adhere to a no eating or drinking rule in bed. Additionally, many companies will not honor a warranty on a stained or water damaged mattress even if its structure fails prematurely, so it’s important to keep it in returnable condition.