A mattress is a big purchase, so we want to help you get your money’s worth. Luckily there are some easy ways to extend its lifespan. On average a mattress lasts six to eight years, but cheaper models tend to loose support faster, while those made with premium natural materials can last ten years or longer.
Here we go through the top eight ways to help your mattress last longer, so you aren’t shelling out for a new bed before you really need to. These include keeping your mattress clean and off the floor After all, even the best mattresses need a hand staying in good shape for years to come.
We also explain why using a proper bed frame or platform reduces mattress wear and tear and helps you stay within the terms of the warranty, meaning your coverage won’t be affected should you need to activate it down the line.
1. Clean your mattress regularly
Whether you own a hybrid, innerspring or one of the best memory foam mattresses, learning how to clean a mattress properly is the second most effective way to help it last longer.
Cleaning helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew and dust mites, and keeps it feeling fresher through the years. Experts recommend cleaning your mattress twice a year to stay on top of all those nasties, plus general sweat, body oil and dead skin build-up.
If you spill liquid on your mattress, deal with it straight away otherwise you’re sending an open invitation for bacteria and mites to snack on the spillage.
2. Always use a mattress protector
The best way to keep your mattress feeling fresh and to help it last longer is to use a one of the best mattress protectors. These thin, waterproof layers fit neatly around your mattress in order to protect it from spills, stains, sweat, body oils, dead skin and dust mites.
There are different types of mattress protector, but if you really want to make sure your bed stays as clean as possible, choose a breathable and waterproof option that offers full coverage. These create a barrier against anything that could seep or burrow through to your mattress – yes, that includes bed bugs.
3. Rotate it to spread out wear and tear
It’s normal for a mattress to dip and sag over time as the weight of our bodies puts pressure on the mattress, leading to indentations and grooves in the spots where we sleep the longest.
To help keep the surface even, you’ll need to rotate your mattress every three months to spread out natural wear and tear. That way, you won’t have to learn how to fix a sagging mattress.
Most but not all mattresses can be rotated, and fewer still can be flipped. Unsure whether yours is suitable for rotating or flipping? We run you through it in our feature answering how often should you rotate or flip a mattress, as each manufacturer has its own guidelines.
4. Add a mattress topper
The best mattress toppers are designed to extend the life of your mattress for another year or two. Bed toppers vary in price and height, but most are designed to fit neatly on top of your mattress via straps or non-slip bottoms.
Toppers can be used to add more comfort – such as extra cooling, firmness or plushness – to keep your bed comfortable and supportive for longer, saving you money because it’s still good for your body and sleep.
The only exception is if your mattress has deep sagging that can’t be offset. But if your mattress is in good condition, a topper will extend its lifespan.