A mattress is a big investment — as you’ll know quite well if you’ve ever had to buy one.
It’s a big investment not only because of the cost, but also because it’s an item we use every single day. When you use something that frequently (whether it’s your car, a favorite sweater or a cast iron skillet), you need to take care of it.
The same goes for your mattress.
It’s especially important to protect your bed because it’s exposed to everything from skin and body oil to dust mites and pet dander. It’s easy for your mattress to get, well, gross. Plus, every night when you sleep on it, you inevitably contribute to the gradual wearing down of your mattress.
If you don’t take steps to counteract that wear, your mattress might not last as long as it should, and you could suddenly find yourself shopping for a new one. So, how do you protect your mattress?
5 Ways You Can Extend the Lifespan of Your Mattress
1. Use a Mattress Protector
The number one way you can make sure your mattress lasts as long as possible is to use a mattress protector.
A mattress protector acts as a safeguard against anything that could potentially damage or decrease the lifespan of your mattress. Most mattress covers create a waterproof barrier against stains and other liquid damage. They also help protect against dust mites, allergens, bacteria, pet dander and — worst of all — bed bugs, all of which love living in mattress fibers.
In this sense, most mattress protectors are quite similar. Unfortunately, many of them also tend to be plasticy, hot and noisy. The Bear Protector, however, is unique in that it uses HeiQ Technology to create a cool, dry microclimate for sleep by transporting heat and moisture away from your body. This will help stop you from sweating while you sleep, which is great because it means you’ll be more comfortable. But, it also means there won’t be any sweat to soak into and cause long-term damage to your mattress.
2. Clean Your Mattress (Yes, It’s Possible)
Sure we all wash our sheets and bedding regularly (once a week, right!?), but how many of us think about cleaning the mattress itself? Well, cleaning your mattress is another great way to lengthen its lifespan. Getting rid of crumbs, dust, stains and bacteria will help prevent the fibers from wearing down quickly.
Of course, if you use a mattress protector, you probably won’t have to clean your mattress as often. Just make sure you wash the protector as instructed!
Not sure how to go about cleaning your mattress? Check out our helpful guide!
3. Use the Right Type of Mattress Base
Believe it or not, using the right type of base for your mattress is important if you want to ensure it lasts a long time.
Not only will using a base and bed frame protect it from gross stuff on your floor (like dust and pet hair), but it will also prevent it from sagging — which means less support for you while you sleep.
4. Rotate Your Mattress Every Now and Then
While there’s some debate about whether or not you need to rotate your mattress, it certainly doesn’t hurt.
By rotating your mattress every three months or so, you will distribute your body weight more evenly across the mattress over time. This prevents certain areas of your mattress from wearing down more than others under the pressure of your body.
In other words, you’re giving the internal structure a chance to recover, which will help prevent excess sagging in areas of your mattress that support the majority of your body weight.
5. Take Extra Precautions If You Have Pets
We love our furry friends, so we don’t blame you for letting Fido cuddle in bed with you.
But if you let your pets sleep in your bed, make sure you’re using a waterproof mattress cover (in case of accidents) and a mattress pad, and try to wash your bedding more regularly than you would if you didn’t have a pet. It’s also a good idea to lay down a special blanket for them to sleep on — just so there’s one additional layer better your pet and the mattress.
The waterproof mattress cover is especially important here because it will protect against vomit, urine, furballs and other pet fluids that can lead to mold and bacteria build-up in your mattress fibers.
How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Now, even though you can take steps to make your mattress last longer, it still won’t last forever.
So, how long does a mattress last? Well, it depends.
On average, a typical mattress will last about 7–10 years, but there are a number of factors that can alter that range. For example, a memory foam mattress will usually last 6.5–7 years, and a latex foam mattress could last closer to 8 years. But, the density of the foam, the weight of the people sleeping on it and the way it’s constructed are all variables that can change the average lifespan.
In other words, we can’t tell you exactly how long your mattress will last (though we wish there was a magic formula to do so). However, there are some sure signs that it’s time for a new mattress, like obvious sagging or lumps.
Take Care of Your Mattress, and It’ll Take Care of You
It’s hard to say how long your mattress will last. But if you don’t take care of it, we guarantee it won’t last as long as you’d like.
If you want to help keep your mattress in good, supportive condition, get yourself a mattress protector, clean your mattress a couple times per year, wash your bedding regularly, use a high-quality base and consider rotating it every now and again.
It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s worth it — if you protect your mattress, you won’t have to throw down the cash for a new one (at least not for a while).
