Many people underestimate the importance of a good mattress, but anyone who’s ever had a bad one can tell you about the nights full of tossing and turning, searching in vain for that sweet spot.
Along with discomfort, having a poor mattress can lead to chronic pain, exhaustion, and a weak immune system. Here are some tips for approaching your mattress care the right way.
How Long Have You Had Your Mattress?
If you’re wondering about the condition of your mattress, consider how long have had it.
While each mattress is different and many factors affect how long they last (i.e. brand, type, usage, etc.), you may want to consider getting a new one if it’s five or more years old.
One reason is that your mattress becomes a haven for bacteria, dust mites, and other microorganisms that can cause illnesses. No matter how much you clean your house and/or mattress, at some point, it’s simply time to invest in a new one.
Researching and reading online reviews can help you navigate the overwhelming process of purchasing a mattress. Then, you can carefully choose one that fits your sleep style and needs.
Choose The Right Type
One of the reasons picking out a mattress can be so overwhelming is because there are so many different types. Some of the most common types are latex, memory foam, coils, pillow top, and adjustable.
Which kind you need depends on many factors, a few of which are bodyweight, budget, personal preference, and which sleeping positions you most frequently use.
Latex mattresses are known for their cool temperature and bounce; memory foam for their support and body contouring; coils for their springy feel; pillow top for their softer support; and adjustable mattresses for their ability to recline and incline.
Be sure you get one with good support and the right amount of firmness in order to prevent chronic neck and back pain.
Make A Routine Of Cleaning Your Mattress
Once you choose a good mattress for your specific needs, you want to get in the habit of cleaning it. This won’t make your mattress immune to aging, but it will help you rest easy to know that you’re doing your part in keeping your sleeping quarters sanitary.
Vacuuming, spot cleaning, and deodorizing will go a long way in mitigating those pesky dust mites, dead skin cells, late-night snack crumbs, stains, and smelly residues.
Airing out your mattress by opening the windows (or taking it outside, if that’s feasible) is another great way to clean your mattress and fight bacteria. Moreover, get a mattress cover.
They can help shield your mattress from unwelcome microorganisms, and you can easily wash them in the washing machine. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help your mattress last longer.
Reserve Your Mattress For Sleeping
Finally, designating your mattress primarily for sleeping can help prolong its life. Many people who work from home—or bring work home with them from the office—like to use their bed as a workspace.
After all, it’s comfortable and it makes it feel a little less like work, right? But the more you use your mattress, the faster it will wear out. Reserve your mattress for only sleeping, and you could add a little time to its lifespan, as well as help avoid potential sleeping problems.
Your mattress is something worth investing both money and time in. If you’ve had your mattress for five years or longer, you should start looking into buying another one.
Though it can be overwhelming, take your time, do your research, and pick the right type of mattress.
Also, clean your mattress and bedding frequently, and designate your bed for sleeping only. It may sound like a lot of work, but you’ll be grateful when you start getting the best sleep of your life.
