You’ve invested in a brand new mattress! That’s great news – not just for you but also for your back, the future-you’s night’s sleep, your bed and anyone else who might sleep next to you. But how should you care for your new mattress? What’s all this talk about mattress settlement, where do you start with figuring out how to turn your new mattress and how on earth should you keep your mattress clean and hygienic? These questions and more answered below in our quick and easy Mattress Care Guide.
First Things First
How Do I Know When I Need A New Mattress?
There’s only one person who can decide whether or not you need a new mattress – you. Bed Advice UK suggests asking yourself: Does your mattress show any obvious signs of wear and tear? Do you wake up with any frequent aches or pains? And how long have you had your mattress? If it’s more than 7 or 8 years, your mattress could be due a renewal.
What Firmness Should I Buy?
When it comes to mattress firmness, each individual is different. Some will prefer a softer mattress, others sleep better on a firmer one whilst some of us will favour something in-between! Fortunately, our friends over at Vispring have created some Mattress Support Guidelines to help you decide:
Mattress Chosen, What Next?
What To Do With A New Mattress
After careful consideration, you’ve chosen your mattress and a few weeks later, it has been delivered to your home. Great! Now, what?
Use A Mattress Protector
Before you dress your bed, cover your mattress with a protector. We’d recommend using a high-quality cotton or wool-faced option. Not only will this protect the surface of your mattress against spills and stains, but cotton and wool mattress protectors are made from natural fibres that allow your mattress to ‘breathe’.
For the same reason, avoid plastic or plastic fibre alternatives. These will absorb moisture released from your body as you sleep, trapping in condensation and risking potential mould growth. This, in turn, could invalidate your new mattresses lifetime guarantee.
Want To Move Your Mattress?
Woah, wait there! Put that mattress down until you’ve learnt how to move it properly. Those handles – they aren’t for carrying. They’re designed to help rotate and position the mattress whilst it’s on the bed. Lift mattresses carefully from the base and always keep them flat. Rolling or folding them – even for a short time – can damage both the interior and exterior.
Mattress Settlement
Are Body Impressions Normal?
In short, yes. Body impressions – or mattress settlement – refers to the indents left in a mattress from use.
In fact, our luxury mattress brand, Hypnos, say to expect body impressions, stating: ‘Most people tend to sleep in the same position on their mattress every night. Body impressions are therefore a normal occurrence and a positive indication that the generous amount of upholstery fillings are conforming to your body’s unique shape, weight and sleeping pattern’.
So, mattress settlement or dipping is not a sign that your mattress is failing but in fact, demonstrates that your bed is supporting you correctly! The National Bed Federation have likened mattress settlement to buying a good new pair of leather shoes – the first time you wear these, the shoes will feel uncomfortable as they haven’t conformed to the shape of your foot. They need wearing in, just like a new mattress. After a few sleeps, it will ‘relax’ to your body shape and leave body impressions that are completely normal.
How Can I Minimise Mattress Settlement?
Turning your mattress as advised will minimise (but not eliminate!) body impressions. Turn your new mattress once a week during the first 3 months of use. After that, turn your mattress seasonally.
How Do I Rotate A Mattress?
If you have a pocket sprung mattress, use the diagrams below recommended by Hypnos as a helpful guide on how to correctly turn and rotate your mattress seasonally:
Mattress Care Guide
How Do I Clean My Mattress?
Remove dust, fibres and fluff from your mattress using a soft brush. Should you spill anything on your mattress, clean stains with a dry or paper towel. Don’t use detergents, chemicals or wet cloths as this may lead to bleaching or damage that could invalidate your guarantee.
Should I Hoover My Mattress?
No! Avoid vacuuming your mattress as this may dislodge or disturb the interior mattress fillings.
How Long Should I Air Out My New Mattress?
Like a new car or a new book, your mattress may have a slight scent when it first arrives in your home due to the fillings and materials used. But all mattresses benefit from occasional airing. Turn back the bed linen regularly for a few hours to let your mattress breathe – daily if you can but if not, once a week will suffice.
Need of more advice that you can't find in our Mattress Care Guide? Check out our dedicated Vispring and Hypnos Buying Guides below...