I hadn’t realized that the right mattress could make or break a home until I finally decided to invest in one. For so long, my bed was simply a place to rest my head at night — I didn’t care about how soft or firm it was, or if it was built of coils or memory foam, only that I was fortunate enough to have one. And, while it took me a long time to acknowledge, I now realize that quality of sleep can change everything for a person — and quality depends on your mattress. (We’re big fans of organic, nontoxic mattresses here for getting the best, safest sleep possible.)
“I now realize that quality of sleep can change everything for a person — and quality depends on your mattress.”
I’ve moved around a lot and, because of that, I haven’t stuck with the same bed for longer than a couple of years since my childhood. I know that when I was younger, I wasn’t caring for my mattress in any of the recommended ways, and it’s safe to assume my parents weren’t doing so for me either (at least not that I can remember). Now, however, with my new appreciation of the mattress that supports my sleep, I’m determined to right those wrongs. Most mattresses are intended to last upwards of 10 years, and with the proper care, these big investment pieces can last even longer.
I spoke to certified sleep expert and CEO of Nolah Mattress, Stephen Light, and Director of Content at Plushbeds, Pat Gunther, for advice on how to make sure you’re getting the most out of your mattress by giving it the attention it deserves. Both shared some easy and effective ways to keep your bed feeling fresh.
Use a mattress protector.
When asked about the key steps in maintaining a mattress to extend its life, Light begins with one of the most important pieces of advice: “I always recommend covering your mattress with a mattress protector, preferably one that’s machine-washable for an easy refresh every month or two.” It may seem obvious (after all, it’s in the name!) but a mattress protector can go a long way to help protect your bed. Beyond the classic stains — a late-night glass of wine, an early morning cup of coffee — you’ll also protect it from those that you don’t think of very often.
“I always recommend covering your mattress with a mattress protector, preferably one that’s machine-washable for an easy refresh every month or two.”
– Stephen Light, certified sleep expert and CEO of Nolah Mattress
Sweat and general bodily fluids may not cross your mind as things that will leave a lasting effect on your mattress, but these things can add up. If you intend to keep your mattress for 10+ years, remember that unless you’re deep cleaning it, the effects of those hot summer nights will lock themselves in there. Gunther agrees that having a mattress protector is top priority and adds, “A mattress protector acts as a barrier against spills, sweat, dust mites, allergens, and other potential contaminants that can damage or degrade your mattress over time.”
Once you get used to the ease of removing your mattress protector of choice and tossing it into the washing machine, you’ll never want to go back. If you don’t have a mattress protector yet, we’ve compiled our favorite organic cotton protectors, and reviewed them too. A protector can save you effort and keep your mattress feeling fresh as time goes on. It’s the simplest way to care for your bed, all while keeping you feeling refreshed and clean.
Rotate and flip your mattress, if needed.
Remember the days of yore when it was common knowledge to rotate and flip all mattresses every 6 months? No longer! Gunther explains that maintenance differs between types of mattresses and emphasizes that it is important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care instructions.
“Pat Gunther of Plushbeds explains that maintenance differs between types of mattresses and emphasizes that it is important to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific care instructions.”
In general, rotating your mattress periodically can help prevent uneven wear and extend its lifespan. Here’s what Gunther advises: “Overall, latex mattresses should be rotated every 3-6 months, to prevent uneven wear and maintain consistent support. Innerspring mattresses should be rotated every 3 months to reduce sagging and maintain even coil support. Hybrid mattresses (latex or memory foam with coils) should be rotated every 3-6 months to prevent compression of the foam and avoid sagging in coil areas. [And] pillowtop mattresses have a top comfort layer that is more delicate and can compress over time. Regular rotation is crucial to avoid flattening in certain areas.”
With memory foam, you don’t need to worry about rotating or flipping. Instead, it’s important to focus on protecting the mattress from moisture — so be sure to use a waterproof mattress protector.
Clean your mattress regularly.
Even with a mattress protector, you still have some cleaning duties. It’s important to remember that with or without one, you should still be aware of what’s going on with your actual mattress. It’s recommended you air out and vacuum your mattress about once a month — so make it a part of your deep cleaning day!
“It’s recommended you air out and vacuum your mattress about once a month — so make it a part of your deep cleaning day!”
Airing out your mattress will help to reduce moisture and any residual odors trapped within. But you don’t have to feel pressure to leave it airing all day — around three hours should be enough time, even less if you’re able to do it somewhere sunny. While it’s airing out, wash your mattress protector following the guidelines above.
Light’s advice for best practices while cleaning is simple: “Never soak your mattress — use water and cleaning liquids sparingly. It causes more harm than good to clean your mattress with a lot of water, leaving your mattress damp and susceptible to mold. Instead, carefully vacuum your mattress, then spot clean any problem issues with just a damp cloth and a small amount of a gentle cleaning solution.” Remember always to let the spot-cleaned area dry completely before putting sheets back on!
“Remember to always let the spot-cleaned area dry completely before putting sheets back on!”
When vacuuming, Gunther suggests that you “use a vacuum cleaner equipped with an upholstery attachment to effectively remove dust, dead skin, and dust mites that accumulate over time. Pay special attention to seams and crevices, as these areas tend to collect the most debris. This not only keeps the surface clean, but also helps in preventing allergen buildup, contributing to a healthier sleep environment.” Ideally, you shouldn’t find much since your protector will be doing the heavy lifting!
If after a while you find that your mattress is holding onto odors, Gunther notes that baking soda is a natural and safe deodorizer for mattresses. “To deodorize, evenly sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire surface of the mattress. Let it sit for several hours, to absorb any odors. Once the baking soda has done its job, thoroughly vacuum it off the mattress, ensuring to remove all traces.”
Remember to maintain your bedding.
Mattress protector aside, your bedding is the only thing standing between your mattress and the outside world. While it is a barrier for the mattress, it can only do so much. Making sure that you’re keeping up with your bedding maintenance will be the clearest sign for yourself that you’re doing what you’re meant to: Your bed will thank you for it and so will your skin.
Opting for natural sheets that use materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo with more breathable qualities will be helpful for keeping unwanted moisture out of your bed. It’ll help to avoid synthetic fabrics that are known to trap heat and moisture, and it’ll keep you feeling more comfortable in the long run. Same goes with the comforter or duvet that goes on top.
“Opting for natural sheets that use materials like cotton, linen, or bamboo with more breathable qualities will be helpful for keeping unwanted moisture out of your bed.”
When it comes to your sheets and pillowcases, these are the ones that will require the most care. It’s recommended to change them every 1-2 weeks — think weekly if you have sensitive skin or there’s been a bit more heat, and biweekly if they still feel fresh and clean. Duvet covers and comforters can stand a little extra time, since they’re likely to accumulate a bit less sweat and oil than sheets. For those, every 2–4 weeks should be just fine.
Be mindful of climate.
Your environment can have an unexpected effect on the lifespan of your mattress. Though the effects may be small and seemingly unnoticeable, it’s still something to look out for when you can. Maintaining proper humidity levels around your mattress isn’t only important for the health of your bed, but also for yourself. Excess humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and dust mites.
“Maintaining proper humidity levels around your mattress isn’t only important for the health of your bed, but also for yourself.”
I asked Light what he’d suggest to protect from things like summer humidity or winter dryness, and his advice came right back to the start: The mattress protector. He says, “A mattress protector is a year-round solution for keeping your mattress clean and dry. But if you live in a particularly humid area, running a dehumidifier can also help. Moisture-wicking bedding (with regular washing) is also beneficial for all seasons to prevent sweat stains.”
While a dehumidifier is helpful for your mattress life, it goes beyond that. Keeping the humidity at a comfortable level, typically between 30% and 50%, in your bedroom will serve to improve the quality of your sleep, and isn’t that what this is all truly about?
Choosing the right mattress for yourself is essential for both your sleep quality and overall well-being. A mattress tailored to your specific needs — whether that be comfort, support, or any specific health concerns — will make all of the difference in your day-to-day life. It’s the first step in making sure that you live your life well-rested and ready for the days ahead. Investing in a high-quality, non-toxic option is key both for your health and the environment, and once you make that investment it’s important to protect it.
“Choosing the right mattress for yourself is essential for both your sleep quality and overall well-being.”
Remember that each type of mattress will come with its own set of guidelines: From memory foam to innerspring, all have different care needs, from how often they should be rotated to specifications for cleaning. Make sure to dive deeper into your mattress’s needs to get the most out of it and avoid any potential damage. And one final tip from Gunther: don’t forget about a supportive bed frame for your mattress. “Ensure the bed frame or foundation is suitable for the mattress type, particularly for heavier models like latex or hybrid mattresses.”
Taking care of your mattress is just as important as choosing the right one. By following these general tips — and remembering to be mindful of your mattress type — you can extend its lifespan, making that extra money you’ll spend picking out the perfect bed worth it.
Sara Jin Li is an essayist, playwright, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. She is also the founder of Heretics Club, a literary salon for creative writers. You can find her on Instagram at @sarajinli.
