Mattress Care: How To’s and Tips

Guest post by Molly Malone.

Be honest: how long have you had your mattress?

Some of us are fortunate enough to have a brand new one, while others may be sleeping on a hand-me-down from generations ago. However, did you know that experts suggest you’re supposed to replace your mattress every 5-7 years? It’s also suggested that you replace even more frequently if you go through major bodily changes (like pregnancy or surgery).

If you’re in the market for a new mattress, make sure to stake out sales, and research well-known, trusted brands like Serta mattresses. Compare prices and reviews online at retailers like ShopNBC. And of course, if you have the opportunity to try before you buy, definitely do!

Several retailers and brands have a trial period where you can return within a certain time period if you’re not 100% satisfied.

However, maybe you don’t feel the need to go out and buy a mattress right now, or want to save the cash. In that case, it’s a great idea to make sure you flip your mattress regularly.

Think about it – whether you sleep alone or with a partner, you’re putting stress and indentation on your mattress every night, especially if you have a traditional spring one. Every few months (try intervals of 3 months or so), give your mattress a 180 degree spin, so that the top is the bottom and vice versa. Most manufacturers recommend actually flipping it once or twice a year; it’s a good idea to have at least two people on hand to do the flip. One person should stand on the left of the bed, the other on the right. Work together to lift the mattress so it stands vertically on its side, then continue to flip so that it is completely turned over. Voila! You have a new sleeping surface! This can help prolong the life of your mattress, and gives you much better support than sleeping in the same indented area year after year.

Did you know you were supposed to flip your mattress? How often do you actually do it? 

photo credit – weheartit.com