Our guide to choosing and caring for your mattress
The average person will spend about one-third of their life in bed. So it’s really important to make sure you’re not only choosing the right mattress, but that you’re caring for it properly. After all, mattresses are an investment, so you want to make sure it lasts!
Types of mattresses
There are 4 main types of mattresses
Coil
Coil mattresses are usually lighter and cheaper than other options, but they may wear out faster. If you sleep with a partner, you may find that any tossing and turning on a coil mattress could disturb them because the coil spring system is linked.
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are topped with a layer of foam that molds to your body and takes pressure off the joints. They tend to be quite heavy and cumbersome and can get warm easily as they don’t have great air circulation.
3. Latex foam
Latex foam mattresses also mold to your body. Latex foam doesn’t gather dust mites, so they’re great for people with allergies.. Like memory foam mattresses, they’re quite heavy.
4. Pocket spring
A pocket spring mattress has the springs sewn into individual pockets. This means the firmness of the mattress can be adjusted by the manufacturer based on how tight they set the springs. Each side of the bed can be set separately, so it’s a good option if you and your partner prefer different levels of firmness. Pocket spring mattresses also provide great air circulation, so they don’t get as warm as other options.
Mattress in a box
You may have heard the term “mattress in a box”. A mattress in a box is a compressed mattress that is deoxygenated and vacuum packed. Typically, they’re made from foam. You can buy a mattress in a box online directly from the manufacturer, and because you’re cutting out the middle-man, they tend to be a whole lot cheaper than buying a traditional mattress from a retailer.
Because you're buying online, you don’t get the chance to try before you buy. However, most manufacturers will offer free returns within the first 100 days if you find it’s not the right mattress for you.
How firm should a mattress be
This depends on what position you like to sleep in.
Side-sleepers might prefer a soft mattress because it supports the natural curves of the body. Back-sleepers should opt for a medium mattress that provides support for the back and spine, while still feeling comfortable. Stomach sleepers should choose a firm mattress to keep the spine aligned.
If you have back or joint pain, your best bet is to choose a medium-firm mattress as too-soft mattresses can make it hard to keep your spine in proper alignment, while too-firm mattresses may be uncomfortable.
Read more about sleeping with a bad back.
How to clean your mattress
With so much time spent in bed, you’ll want to make sure you regularly clean your mattress and bedding. Cleaning your mattress will remove any allergens such as dust and mites, and ensure the longevity of your mattress.
Strip the bed and wash your sheets in hot water
Use a vacuum to remove any dust and dirt. Vacuum the entire surface of the mattress, including the sides.
Spot-clean your mattress with a stain remover. Some mattresses, like memory foam, aren't supposed to get wet at all, so use a clean white cloth, a stain remover and cold water to blot away any stains. Try to use as little moisture as possible.
Move the mattress outside if you can. Sun and fresh air will help kill any mold or bacteria. If you can’t move it, open all your bedroom windows to let some fresh air and sunlight in.
Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress. The baking soda will soak up any moisture from spot cleaning. Leave the baking soda on for a few hours or overnight if you can.
Vacuum again to remove the baking soda
Flip the mattress and repeat on the other side
Add a mattress protector. A mattress protector fits over your mattress to protect it from spills and stains. And because they can be removed and put in the washing machine, they’re much easier to clean than the entire mattress.
Flipping and turning your mattress
The general rule used to be that you should flip and/or rotate your mattress every three to six months to ensure it didn’t sag unevenly in one spot under the weight of your body each night.
Many mattresses these days, however, don’t need to be flipped, as they often come with a top layer such as memory foam. With these mattresses, the bottom layer is not supposed to be slept on.
Coil mattresses, however, can be flipped and slept on either side. It’s best to check with the manufacturer. Oh, and never jump on your bed. It may sound like fun, but it can damage the internal structure and springs of your mattress.
When to replace your mattress
As a general rule, mattresses should be replaced every 10 years, but if you find you’re waking up sore, or that your mattress feels lumpy or unformattable, it’s likely time to find a new one.
IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCING PERSISTENT DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR SLEEP, CONSULT WITH A PHARMACIST OR TRUSTED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS.
Any advice provided in this content is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, health or needs. The information in this post is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to diagnose or manage a medical condition. You need to consider the appropriateness of any information or general advice we give you, having regard to your personal situation, before acting on our advice or purchasing any over-the-counter sleep product.