Bedroom · Jun 08, 2023

Mattress Care Guide

Getting a good night’s sleep every night is one of the best things you can do for your health. If you are having trouble sleeping, your mattress may be to blame.

Why Should You Replace Your Mattress?

Experts suggest that you should replace your mattress every 7-10 years, but your mattress may not last that long. Here are some signs to look for that can suggest that it’s time to look for a new mattress.

Back pain-if you’re waking up with back pain two or three times a week, it could be a sign that your mattress is no longer supporting your body properly. While this could be a result of your body changing, it could also be a sign that your mattress needs to be replaced.
Stains or tears-the next time you change your linens, take a close look at your mattress. Are there tears in the fabric, stains, or unpleasant odors? All of these could mean you need to change your mattress.
Allergies-if your allergies have started acting up every time you wake up, it could mean that your mattress has become the home of allergens like dust mites that can interfere with your getting a good night’s sleep.
Motion transfer- if you can feel your partner move in the night, it may mean that your mattress’s ability to prevent motion transfer has decreased and you need a new one. Of course, even when brand new, mattresses vary in their ability to prevent motion transfer. A softer mattress, like memory foam, tends to have less motion transfer than a pocket spring mattress.
Difficulty getting comfortable-If you have trouble getting comfortable in your bed or if you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, you mattress may be the cause. Over time, your mattress might become lumpy or have depressions where the heaviest part of your body lies when you’re asleep.

If you’ve experienced any of these signs, or if your mattress is 7 years old or older, you probably need a new one. A new mattress is a significant investment, but it can allow you to sleep more soundly and will likely improve your overall health.

How to Choose a Mattress

Shopping for a new mattress is a challenging task. The first decision you need to make is what size mattress you want, and there are many to choose from:

Small single-75cm x 190cm-these mattresses are great for children and fit into tight spaces.
Single-90cm x 190cm-slightly wider than the small single, this size is good for older children or to be used as a guest room mattress.
Small double-120cm x 190cm-this one is slightly smaller than a standard double and is suitable for two adults in a smaller bedroom.
Standard double-135cm x 190cm-a standard double can comfortably sleep two average adults.
King -150cm x 200cm-wider and slightly longer than the standard double, the king size mattress sleeps two but is roomier than the double. This size is good for couples who disturb each other in the night, or for folks who find children or dogs with them in their beds.
Super king-180cm x 200cm-this mattress is particularly suited for taller or heavier sleepers, and they work well in a larger bedroom.

Next, what type of mattress do you need? Most consumers these days choose a pocket spring design or a memory foam mattress

Memory Foam

The main reason for the popularity of memory foam mattresses is that they conform to the contours of your body, reducing pressure on your spine, which means you’ll get the best rest possible.

They respond to heat and pressure to reduce pressure point problems. This means that your spine, neck, and hips are realigned, evenly distributing body weight, and effectively correcting a poor sleeping posture.
Long term use has shown to reduce chronic back and neck pain
Memory foam can have an effect on chronic respiratory problems by easing your breathing during sleep.
Memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant, which makes them great for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
Memory foam is quiet with no squeaks or creaks, and there’s almost no motion transfer from one sleeper to another. If you or your partner toss and turn a lot, this can become very important.
Memory foam mattresses don’t require turning or flipping, and they don’t sag. A high quality memory foam mattress will usually come with a warranty period of 10 years or more.

Pocket Spring

Pocket spring mattresses have been around for a long time, and they offer certain advantages

Pocket spring mattresses are generally more affordable than memory foam mattresses of similar quality
Every comfort type can be found in pocket spring mattresses.
Pocket spring mattresses are more responsive and have a bouncier feel than memory foam, so they’re well suited to those who prefer a more traditional feel.
Innerspring mattresses have been the industry standard for over 100 years, and pocket springs are the most modern version of spring supported mattresses. That doesn’t specifically make them better, but the technology has been tried and tested for decades.
Pocket spring mattresses can have a longer lifespan when compared to other types of mattresses.
They’re good for hot sleepers, as the coil structure offers ample airflow.

Hybrid Mattresses

In recent years, hybrid mattresses have been developed and are now very popular. The German manufacturer Emma offers three types of hybrid mattresses, each designed for a different consumer:

Smart Hybrid-this one is designed for added support with two types of foam for pressure relief
Helix Hybrid-with increased airflow through the mattress, this one is well suited for people who experience restlessness or sleep hot.
Diamond Hybrid- these are best for people who want deeper longer sleep, as the technology here includes a graphite coating to reduce excess heat.

Your New Mattress

Once you’ve taken delivery of your new mattress, you need to know how to care for it so that it will last you as long as possible will give you restful nights for years to come. To help you with that, let’s explore the ins and outs of mattress care. Bed and mattress care begin the moment your new mattress is delivered to your home.

Mattress Setup

Air and Ventilate Your New Mattress

Whether your new mattress is a standard or rolled up mattress, it will most likely arrive wrapped in plastic. This is so that the mattress will remain clean and dry during transit. It’s best if you unwrap the mattress immediately. This will allow the mattress to breathe and will help to eliminate any new mattress odour.

If you have to store your mattress for a time, you can do so, but not for long. To store your standard mattress, it’s best not to stand it on its side, but rather lay it flat. If you’re storing it, make sure that it’s in a dry place that’s well ventilated.

You can leave your mattress-in-a-box packed up for up to three months, but it’s recommended that you unroll it within the first few weeks of being delivered so that your mattress is as comfortable and supportive as possible. This just eliminates the potential for any fillings, foam, or springs inside to become misshapen or damaged. That’s why it’s best to unwrap it sooner rather than later.

When Can You Sleep on a New Mattress?

A standard mattress can be used as soon as 4-8 hours after it’s unwrapped. If you purchased a roll up mattress though, you need to let it air out for at least 8 hours. Some rolled up mattresses can take as long as 24 hours to fully expand to be ready to use.

Getting Used to a New Mattress

A new mattress will feel much different than your old one, and it may take some time to get used to it. It’s not unusual to experience soreness for a few nights, but it could take up to 30 days to get used to the new mattress.

Protecting Your Bed

Now that you’ve got the mattress and you’ve let it air out sufficiently, it’s time to dress it. It’s recommended that you purchase a quality mattress protector or topper. The types of protector or topper will depend on the results you’re looking for. Some people just want a mattress protector that they can pull off and wash periodically. Others opt for a topper to get a softer feel. Whichever you choose, you’ll be protecting your mattress from sweat, moisture, dead skin, bacteria , spills, and leaks.

Another way to protect your new bed is to avoid standing or jumping on your mattress or sitting on the edge of your mattress.

Cleaning and Care of a Mattress

Here are some tips for how to care for your mattress:

Air it out – This is often overlooked but can make your mattress perform better. The easiest way to do this is to pull the covers back for a few hours once a week. This can prevent moisture from adversely affecting the mattress.
Change your linens – Change your bed linens at least once a week. This will also help to ventilate the bed until you put the clean linens back on the bed.
Treat stains or spills immediately – If something spills on your mattress, do your best to blot it up with a clean, soft cloth as soon as possible. This will help protect the appearance of the mattress but can also prevent any odours from developing.
Rotate or turn – Some mattresses are designed to be turned over regularly. If your mattress is this type, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended frequency. If you don’t have one of these mattresses, you should still rotate your mattress 180 degrees weekly or monthly so that it will wear evenly.

Cleaning Your Mattress

One of the most difficult things to clean in your home is your mattress, but here are some tips that will help you with that task.

Deodorize – After you’ve stripped the bed, look for any stains or smells. You can deodorize the surface of the mattress with vinegar, baking soda, or corn starch. After applying them, leave them to dry for a few hours.
Vacuum- Next, vacuum the surface of the mattress. Use the crevice tool on your cleaner to get all the tight spots. Next use an upholstery brush attachment to loosen any surface dust or dirt. Then switch to the bare floor attachment to remove any dust and loose dirt.
Remove stains – Remove stains by using a solution of ammonia and cold water. Be sure to test an inconspicuous area of the mattress to see how the fabric reacts before going any further.
Sprinkle with baking soda – You can sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress and let it sit for a few minutes or a few hours. The baking soda will absorb any odors or moisture that may be trapped in your mattress. After waiting for a time, vacuum thoroughly.
Flip and Repeat – After you’ve completed all of these steps, turn the mattress over and do them all over again.

Where to Shop

For assistance with purchasing a mattress, or for any questions about the cleaning and care of a new mattress, check with the experts at Carters Furniture.

At Carters Furniture, we pride ourselves on the vast selection of furniture that we offer, along with our outstanding customer service. Our highly trained staff can provide you with the right advice and information so that you can make the most of your furniture purchase. Because of the special relationships we have with our suppliers, we are able to source furniture from all over the globe, as well as products that are manufactured locally, and we can offer the lowest prices on all of the products we sell. In fact, we have a low price guarantee that states that we will match or beat any competitors price on identical products. We have 2 large showrooms full of the most stylish, practical, and high quality furniture and bedding, and our stores are open seven days a week to serve you.

If you’d like more information about the products and services we offer, visit our website or call us at 01562 540862 (Carters Furniture Store) or 01562 66396 (Carters Bed City). Even better, stop by either of our locations to see for yourself. We look forward to serving you!