Your mattress is a significant investment that will support your sleep for many years. But like any other investment, even the highest-quality mattress is bound to wear out. Since a mattress is not a cheap purchase, you want to make the most of it for a longer time.
A mattress has an average lifespan of 6–10 years, depending on its quality and how it is maintained. Higher-quality mattresses can even last for 15 years if well maintained. In contrast, budget mattresses made from cheaper foams or springs wear out much easier.
Although you can’t keep your mattress with you forever, there are things that you can do to guarantee that you can make the most of its lifespan.
In this guide, we’ll list some ways to extend the lifespan of your favourite mattress in Singapore.
How to Extend the Life of Your Mattress
The best way to enjoy a longer mattress lifespan is to buy a quality mattress from the get-go. It’s also important to be aware of the physical and environmental factors that affect the life expectancy of your sleeping solution. With these in mind, here are some tips to make the most of your bed’s lifespan.
Wash Your Bedding Regularly
Prevent dirt, allergens, and nasty odours from sticking to your mattress by regularly washing and changing your bedding accessories.
Most experts suggest washing your bed sheets, blankets, pillowcases, and other bedding items at least once a week. However, if you have allergies or share your mattress with your pet, washing your bedding accessories more often is advised. If you or a family member gets sick, wash the bedding accessories immediately.
Many bedding items are machine washable but always refer to the manufacturer’s label for the best cleaning practices.
Clean Your Mattress Regularly
Cleaning your mattress regularly is just as important as washing your bedding items. Keep your mattress clean and pristine by vacuuming the surface regularly. Spot clean pee or period stains, and sprinkle some baking soda to deodorise your sleeping surface.
Flip or Rotate Your Mattress Regularly
Depending on your mattress type, you can flip or rotate it regularly, especially during its first couple of years. Doing this will distribute the pressure your sleeping surface receives, preventing premature sagging and other damage.
Double-sided mattresses can be flipped every six months or three months to retain shape. Single-sided mattresses, on the other hand, can be rotated to distribute the pressure on both ends. However, whether a single-sided mattress must be rotated or not will still depend on its zoned structure.
Do not Eat on Your Bed
It’s tempting to eat some chips or drink your milk while watching television on your bed. But things can happen, and food stains can affect mattresses. Prevent dirt and liquid stains from ruining the quality of your mattress by keeping your midnight snacks away from your bed. Food crumbs can find their way into the fabric sheets between your mattress layers, while liquid stains cause mould and mildew buildup.
Give Your Pets a Bed to Snuggle
Letting your pet sleep on your bed can bring comfort and a sense of security. However, no matter how much we love to snuggle up with our lovely furry friends, they contribute to the early deterioration of the mattress. Pet dander, oils, and pee accidents can damage your mattress and cause allergies.
Check for Bed Bugs
Sometimes, what ruins your mattress and your sleep quality are the unwanted visitors that stick to your luggage during vacation or when you sleep away from home. Bed bugs are small hitchhikers that can immediately cause trouble in your home. Prevent this nuisance by cleaning your bedroom often and guarding your mattress with a mattress protector.
Use a Mattress Protector
Speaking of protection, when buying a new mattress in Singapore, it’s wise to also invest in a mattress protector that can guard your mattress against all nasty elements that can affect its quality. Mattress protectors are water-resistant, easy to remove, and easy to clean. The next time you encounter a pee accident or stubborn stains, you can simply remove and wash the mattress protector instead of spot-cleaning your mattress for hours. Overall, having a mattress protector is one of the most important things you should consider to prolong the lifespan of your mattress.
Make Sure that Your Mattress is Protected
Choose a solid mattress foundation to maintain the optimum shape of your mattress for longer. A solid mattress foundation can ensure even wear while making sure that your weight is properly distributed when you lie down. But, take note that no matter how durable your foundation is, NO JUMPING ON THE BED! Springs, foams, and other mattress components wear down quickly with too much pressure.
Check Your Mattress Warranty
Some mattress issues can be addressed directly by the manufacturer. When shopping for your mattress, it’s always important to read the warranty and ask questions about the warranty to make sure that you can get the benefits in the future. It’s also important to read the care instructions so you know how to properly maintain your mattress.
When Should You Replace Your Mattress?
Under normal conditions, your mattress can last an average of 6–10 years. However, since a mattress has no specific expiration date, look out for some signs of damage and discomfort. These include:
- Negative effects on your sleep
- Frequent aches and pains caused by your mattress
- Noticeable sagging and signs of wear
- Noisy springs and components
- Increased allergy and asthma attacks
- Discomfort during sleep
All in all, you should replace your mattress once it’s not healthy for your sleep anymore. A new mattress is a significant investment that does not come at a cheap price but is certainly worthwhile.
When buying a new mattress in Singapore, make sure to choose one that is made from quality materials so you can enjoy its unprecedented comfort and longer lifespan.
Takeaway
The best way to enjoy a longer mattress lifespan is by choosing a high-quality mattress upfront, as lower-quality mattresses wear out faster. Following proactive cleaning and maintenance tips such as those listed above can also help you enjoy more years of good nights rest.