Tips For Taking Care of Your Mattress

After purchasing a quality sofa, you want it to last for many years, no doubt. That's why you're told to rotate and turn the cushions every time you vacuum. More importantly, when you invest in more expensive down cushions, you're told to fluff up and turn the cushions every time you use your sofa. This is because down tends to settle so it must be renewed so it's not flat.

Another common analogy is the maintenance of your automobile. To avoid breakdowns and help with maximum engine performance, you are advised to change your oil regularly. You're also advised to rotate your tires regularly to even out the wear and extend the life of the tires.

It is just as important with mattresses, if not more so (as you spend about a third of your life lying on one), to care for it to extend its life. An investment in a more expensive, higher quality mattress can continue to work for you for over ten years with the proper care. The proper maintenance of a sleep set plays a major role in the consumer's understanding of what they can experience with a new sleep system, and how they can gain the greatest return on investment (long-term comfort and support).

A new sleep set will feel different from an old set. Initially, it will be higher with more loft to the surface. That happens for two reasons. There are different and possibly more layers of upholstery that create the comfort in a new mattress. This is called "top comfort." The important support that the back and the spine need is complemented by these layers of polyfoam, dacron, insulators, and sometimes even wool, silk, or cashmere. The layers of upholstery in old mattresses have become compressed and flattened over the years. Layers of upholstery in new mattresses have small portion of air in these materials. In addition, a break in period is required. This is when new materials begin to settle and conform to the shapes and curves of the body. This takes time. While this adjustment is taking place, creases, or "comfort wrinkles," may be noticeable. This process is natural and these creases are not defects.

To help the new sleep system complete this adjustment to personal needs, the sleep set needs to be maintained. This settling of materials can be evened out by turning and flipping the mattress on a regular basis. It is recommended that the mattress is alternately turned and flipped once every two weeks for the first three months, and then twice per year after that. The foundation should also be turned every 12 months.

The other part of the bedding investment is the use of a proper frame. A queen or king sized bed needs to have a frame with a center support to compensate for any stress on the set.

Mattress Care Tips

Keep your new sleep set in good condition by following these care guidelines:

- Improper installation can damage your new sleep set. Follow the warranty guidelines for bending a mattress when moving it into your home.

- Some mattresses may need to be turned and rotated every few months to help smooth out contours. Be sure to rotate the foundation and check your mattress for signs of wear and tear. Is it time for a new one?

- Never use handles to support the full weight of mattresses. Typically, handles are designed to help you position the mattress over the foundation. If used improperly, handles may pull out and damage the fabric.

- Vacuuming is the only recommended way to clean a mattress. A quality, washable mattress pad will help keep the sleep set free from stains. If you're determined to tackle a stain, use mild soap with cold water and rub lightly.
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