Mattress Buying Guide

04.Caring for your mattress

One way to delay the next mattress shopping expedition is to care for your mattress.

• Turn it over and rotate it end to end regularly. Alternate the flipping and turning so that both sides of the ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ of the mattress get equal wear. One manufacturer recommends turning or rotating every two weeks for the first three months, then every two or three months thereafter. One-sided mattresses only need rotating.
• Use a mattress protector to keep it clean. Don’t wet your mattress; only use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning. If you must wash it, use soap, cold water and a damp cloth and rub gently. Dry thoroughly to avoid mildew (try a hair dryer or put it in the sun). A waterproof cover may be useful for bedwetters.
• Don’t use the handles to lift or carry the mattress. They’re not designed to take its weight, and should only be used for positioning it.
• Don’t fold the mattress. Try to bend it as little as possible when carrying it around corners.
• Don’t put a new mattress on a saggy, broken-down base.
• If you often sit on the edge of your bed (to tie up your shoes, say), try to avoid sitting in the same spot every time.
• If you want a trampoline or crash mat, buy one.