Good Nights Sleep Or Good Bites Sleep
The main reason why sleep associations recommend replacing your mattress every 8-10 years is due to its potential to be a hotbed of bacteria. Imagine spending so much of your life on a 10-year-old mattress we doubt its clean at all .
Dust mites or bed bugs will make your mattress their home if left alone. Sure, you can use a mattress protector, but while that might prevent insect build-up, that wont be for forever.
Once you see one, chances are, there are others in different areas of your mattress. Nothing takes you out of the mood to sleep than a bite from a dust mite.
The presence of minuscule insects in your mattress extends beyond irritating bites. They threaten your overall health, and the longer you allow these critters to bug you, the worse its going to get.
When you discover mites and bugs, the life of your mattress is probably on its last legs. Next time you shop for a mattress, look for features such as water and dust mite-proof.
Something else to worry about is allergen accumulation. Dead skin cells and hair build up on pillowcases and mattress toppers, but they can also build up in your mattress.
If its time to say goodbye to your old and worn mattress, remember to look for a hypoallergenic and dust-mite repellant mattress.
Make Sure Its Ventilated
Another way to avoid damp issues with your mattress is to make sure that the room is well ventilated. Mattresses need air flow to stay clean and fresh.
If youre storing your mattress at home, you can open a window or use a fan to maintain airflow. In a storage space, ensure that your unit has air conditioning to prevent the room from getting humid.
When storing your mattress for an extended period of time, you should open the seal on the bag or plastic once a week to let the mattress breathe.
Is Your Mattress Older Than 8 Years Old
This is the clincher. Both the mattress industry and the Sleep Council strongly recommend that you replace a mattress every eight years, because by this time it will have lost much of its original comfort and support.
We appreciate that a mattress is hidden under sheets and blankets for most of its life, so its not always obvious what condition its in, but if its starting to give you any of the problems weve mentioned then its probably time to say goodbye and buy yourself a new one.
Do you think you need to change your mattress? A better sleep could be just a mattress away . . .
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How Long Does A Hybrid Mattress Last
Hybrid models arent as durable as memory foam, but you can still expect several years of use. Some brands, such as Purple and Casper, state that their hybrid mattresses can last as long as 10 years, due to the high-quality materials theyre made with.
With more layers and components in a hybrid than in most other beds on the market, they can be prone to a little premature sagging, hence the slightly shorter average lifespan.
Hybrids can be rotated regularly but should not be flipped unless the manufacturer specifically states otherwise. This is because they generally have a soft top and a sturdy base. You might also void the warranty if you flip a hybrid mattress when it isnt designed to be flipped.
Can A Waterproof Mattress Protector Go In The Dryer
You can tumble dry a waterproof mattress protector but you just have to do it with care. First of use a low to medium heat setting. It will take slightly longer to dry but it is worth it. It isnt so much the heat that is generated during the drying cycle that is the problem it is what happens when the dryer stops.
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How Do I Rotate My Mattress
Rotating a mattress is simple and straightforward. Whilst one person can do it, itâs easier with two.
Hereâs how:
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Should I Store My Mattress Or Just Toss It
If your mattress has visible sagging or you feel like youre sinking when you lay down, it could mean that the coils, springs, or foam have broken or bent. This can happen over time and ultimately cause back and joint pain due to inadequate support. If this is the case, theres no point in keeping it any longer and you shouldnt bother storing it.
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Finding The Best Mattress
The best way to get rid of the problems caused by an old, worn-out mattress is simple: Replace it with a new one. But with so many options to choose from, how are you supposed to know which sleep surface is the best one for you? Heres a quick breakdown of the basics:
- Innerspring mattresses: This is your family of standard coil spring mattress, some of which come with comfortable topper materials like pillow or latex. They tend to range in firmness, though experts say that people who suffer from lower back pain might do better with a firmer surface. Note that innerspring mattresses must be used with box springs, which can trap bed bugs and dust mites.
- Memory foam mattresses: These mattresses, which are growing in popularity, are made from layers of plush foam that respond to body weight and temperature. Since they mold to the shape of your body, memory foam mattresses are known for reducing pressure points and relieving pain.
- Latex mattresses: Made from natural or synthetic rubber, these also offer firmness and support. That can make them a good choice for those with back pain, however, some people complain that latex mattresses are too firm.
Dont forget about your budget! The average mattress price runs from about $800-$1200 for a high-quality queen size. Watch out for luxury beds that are marked up simply because of features that dont actually help with sleep. And dont fall for a cheap mattress eitehr
How Long Can You Leave A Memory Foam Mattress In The Box
Ordering a new memory foam mattress always brings a new level of hype and excitement. If you recently moved home and youre bringing in new furniture, its likely you also shopped for a new mattress. Its no secret that people are easily falling in love with the contouring and hugging of memory foam mattresses, so they often decide on a mattress in a box option.
However, not all mattresses can be kept in a box for too long. Thats why we wrote this article to help you learn about how long you can leave a memory foam mattress in the box, without damaging it and potentially voiding the warranty.
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How To Know How Long You Can Keep Your Mattress In A Box
The general rule of thumb is to simply not take any risks and unpack your mattress as soon as it comes to your doorstep. That means 24 to 72 hours, or one week at most, as we mentioned.
But, thats not the only option. There are a lot of ways to find out which timeline different manufacturers suggest. Some manufacturers will allow you to keep a mattress in the box for well around 3 months. Some others will tell you that you can keep it in for one week at most.
Manufacturers list these times on different product labels, instructions, and oftentimes on the website itself.
We did some digging to find how much each manufacturer estimates and have listed our findings below.
- Nectar Mattress 90 days
- Casper Mattress 90 days
- Layla Mattress 2 weeks
- Zinus Mattress 72 hours
- Tuft & Needle 2-4 weeks
Can You Store A Mattress In Your Basement
While theres no law saying you cant store a mattress in the basement, its not recommended. Its too humid and damp down there, which is not good for a mattress at all. They will absorb that moisture and, over time, become moldy and smell badly. We recommend you store them in a cool, dry location. Better still, in a climate-controlled storage unit. That way, theyll never be in danger of getting damp and gross.
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How Long Does A Mattress Last: At A Glance
Although there are many combinations of materials used in mattresses, the main types are memory foam, hybrid, latex, or innerspring. Each type will have a slightly different lifespan. Heres a quick run-down of how long each type of mattress lasts on average:
- Latex: 15 to 25 years
- Memory foam: 8-10 years
- Hybrid: 7 to 10 years
- Innerspring: 5 to 7 years
If youre still sleeping soundly on your bed, but your mattress is over five years old or needs a little boost in terms of comfort or support, consider investing in one of the best mattress toppers. Get the right one and it can give you a few more years of comfortable sleeping on your current bed.
The Mattress Moves Or Shakes
Does your mattress sink or shuffle with even the slightest movement? Its definitely time for a mattress upgrade. The reason older mattresses shake and slide is that they cannot isolate motion.
When sleeping with a partner, an old mattress will cause the opposite side of the bed to bounce when your partner moves or gets out of bed. This can be highly disturbing throughout the night. If you upgrade to the best mattress, you can expect it to isolate motion with ease and remain entirely still even if there is movement around you.
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Prevent Significant Wear And Tear
To keep your mattress as good as new, its important to prevent permanent indentations. Many mattresses no longer need to be flipped or rotated. But unless specifically advised not to, it wouldnt hurt to flip your mattress every few months. Continuous sleeping on one specific area will eventually create a dent in the mattress, so regular rotations will help prolong its even surface. In addition, refrain from applying any other unnecessary pressure on your mattress, including jumping on the bed or placing heavy objects on top.
Hey Google Are There Any Other Risks
Yes, you could lose money. And you understand what the search engine is talking about when you look at the results! In fact, if you store your foam mattress for a few weeks, you might simply forget that you have to unpack it. And if you wait until the last moment to do so and the mattress is damaged, you won’t be able to return it!Then you’ll lose twice over, just because you wanted to stay with your terminally ill mattress, Robert. You’ll never have the comfort and support that your new mattress was supposed to provide, and you won’t be able to get a refund or exchange it for a new one if it’s defective.
In short, and this is what we agree on at Polysleep: to avoid surprises with your new mattress. Say goodbye to Robert for good, thank him for his many years of loyal service and take your foam mattress out as soon as possible, whether it comes from Polysleep or not. Voilà!
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Dead Skin Body Oil And Dust Mites Oh My
Since you spend about a third of your life in bed, you better believe that over time, your mattress starts to collect loads of dead skin and body oils. Who loves to snack on that stuff? Dust mites.
In fact, the typical used mattress can house as many as 10 million of the microscopic bugs, according to Ohio State University experts. And since even dust mites poop, that stuff is in your bed, too.
Pretty disgusting, right? Mercifully, the little buggers are invisibleand most of us seem to get along with them just fine. But if you suffer from allergies, sleeping on a too-old mattress can pose a problem. Dust mite allergies can cause sneezing, runny noses, itchiness, watery eyes, coughing, and sinus pressure.
It gets worse if you have asthma, which can be exacerbated by dust mites. Then, you could be at risk for difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or even trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath.
Of course, even a mattress thats a few months old can have dust mites, just not as many as what would be in an older mattress or worse, a secondhand mattress. And since you cant buy a new mattress every year , it makes sense to take other steps to keep your sleeping space as dust mite-free as possible.
You Dont Sleep Comfortably
Mattresses serve one specific purpose for you to sleep. If you cant seem to do this comfortably and only end up with neck aches and back pains, then its not really fulfilling its purpose. No matter how old your mattress is or how nice it still looks, if you cant remember the last time you slept well, you should get a new one.
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Follow Manufacturer Cleaning Directions
Every type of mattress should be cleaned regularly to keep your sleep environment clean and keep your mattress healthy.
Many manufacturers will include directions for stain removal and general cleaning, but most beds should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to remove surface dust.
Stains can be spot treated with a mild water and soap solution, but allow them to completely dry before making the bed. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners on foams as they can break down foam integrity.
Depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal preference, vacuuming should be done every 1 to 3 months and stains spot-treated as necessary.
Although different types and brands of mattresses can differ somewhat in care and maintenance, the basics are the same. Essentially, keep the bed clean, protect it from accidents and damage, ensure its supported, and rotate for even wear.
Mattress lifespan depends on many factors, but following these best practices can help ensure that you enjoy years of healthy sleep and that your investment lasts as long as possible. Whether you are looking at more traditional brick-and-mortar stores, or a new bed in a box mattress companies, know that a 10-year warranty on your mattress is considered an industry standard.
Do you have any great mattress care tips to share? Has your mattress kept in great condition since you purchased it?
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Worsening Allergies Or Asthma
If its not allergy season and theres no alternate explanation for an uptick in allergy or asthma symptoms, your mattress might be the culprit. Slate interviewed an expert on dust mites that said your mattress is a crime scene in terms of how it gets inoculated with mites over time.
The protein in dust mite feces may cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks and so can the dust that accumulates in your mattress. Vacuuming, steaming, and flipping your mattress might reduce dust and mites to ease your symptoms. If these steps dont help, a new mattress might be the solution.
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How Often Should You Change An Innerspring Mattress
Spring mattresses are often the cheapest option, so theyâre more tempting to buy. This is a false economy though. Why? Because springs wear down quicker, which means your mattress will sag faster and within no time at all you wonât have the spinal support you need in bed.
Most innerspring or pocket-spring mattresses need to be replaced every four to six years. There are higher-quality options from the likes of Silentnight and Dreams, and these are guaranteed to last a little longer because they use better quality wire and construction methods.
Innerspring mattresses are more traditional. These comprise a straightforward layer of springs, while pocket-spring mattresses feature springs individually encased in their own fabric pocket. Each coil moves independently, so the mattress offers better support and less motion transfer than an innerspring.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Mattress
While many factors contribute to how long your mattress will last, most quality mattresses will require an upgrade every 6 – 8 years. How long a mattress lasts can be influenced by the frequency of usage, the weight of the person using it, how well its cared for, as well as the material used to make it.
Traditional beds such as spring mattresses, latex mattresses, and water beds tend to have a shorter mattress lifespan than more recent innovations such as memory foam mattresses and hybrids. However, when cared for correctly, the best memory foam mattress can last up to 15 years.
One thing to keep in mind is that a deteriorating mattress isnt the only reason you might want to upgrade. Your comfort and support needs are likely to shift as you age, experience pain, or face other sleeping difficulties.
Most people choose to buy a new mattress before it reaches the dire end of its life expectancy because sleeping on a lumpy and uncomfortable bed can do more harm than good for your sleep health.
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Optional Step : Consider The Addition Of A Waterproof Mattress Storage Cover
Depending on the length of time you plan on storing your mattress, you may want to apply an additional mattress cover or encasement. This is especially true if you need to plan for longer periods of time to provide peace of mind. Even the best-wrapped plastic may allow fine dirt and dust in overtime through small cracks and folds. The addition of another layer will help provide extra protection that will keep fine dust and dirt from getting too far into any available openings. When placed over a wrapped mattress, it also helps keep your plastic in place and snug up against the mattress itself and also keeps any tape that may have not quite sealed well from peeling back and exposing your material.
What to Remember: Where you choose to store your mattress is also very important, as Ill explain below, but this extra cover may be what you need if you are limited in storage choices. This is also good for extra protection during transportation.
