How to Care for Your Bed and Mattress

Buying a new bed or mattress is an investment in your comfort and, importantly, your sleep. But once it has been delivered and you have enjoyed that first night in a brand-new bed, how much thought do you give to looking after it?

A little regular care can help keep your bed feeling comfortable, fresh and supportive for longer. The good news is that most of it is surprisingly simple.

Here are some of the easiest ways to look after your bed and mattress.

Give a New Mattress Time to Settle

A new mattress can feel different from the one you tried in the showroom, particularly if you have spent years sleeping on your previous mattress.

This is completely normal. Your body needs time to adjust to a new level of support, while the mattress itself may also need a short settling-in period.

Don’t be too quick to decide that a new mattress feels different from what you expected. Give yourself time to get used to it and always follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions.

Rotate Your Mattress Regularly

Rotating your mattress can help encourage more even wear and prevent one particular area from taking all the pressure night after night.

How often you should rotate it depends on the mattress, so always check the manufacturer’s guidance. Some mattresses can also be turned over, while many modern designs are made to be used on one side only.

If yours is a one-sided mattress, don’t flip it unless the manufacturer specifically recommends doing so.

Protect Your Mattress

One of the simplest things you can do is use a good-quality mattress protector.

During the night, mattresses are naturally exposed to perspiration, body oils and general everyday dust. A protector creates an additional layer between you and your mattress and can usually be removed and washed much more easily than the mattress itself.

It can also help protect against accidental spills, particularly if you enjoy that first cup of tea in bed.

Check the care label on your protector and wash it regularly.

Let Your Bed Breathe

Making the bed the second you get up might make the bedroom look beautifully tidy, but giving it a little time to air first can be beneficial.

Pull back the duvet in the morning and allow air to circulate in the mattress before making the bed. Keeping the bedroom well ventilated can also help maintain a fresher sleeping environment.

When changing your bedding, it is a good opportunity to leave the mattress uncovered for a little longer, too.

Keep It Clean

Your mattress doesn’t need an elaborate cleaning routine, but regular light maintenance can help.

When changing your bedding, you can gently vacuum the surface using a suitable upholstery attachment, provided the mattress manufacturer’s instructions allow it. This can help remove dust, hair and other debris from the surface.

If something is spilt, check the mattress care instructions before reaching for cleaning products. Avoid soaking the mattress, and allow any cleaned area to dry thoroughly before putting bedding back on.

Don’t Forget the Bed Frame or Base

Mattress care tends to get most of the attention, but the rest of your bed needs looking after too.

Check your bed frame periodically to ensure fittings remain secure, and inspect slats, legs, and other components for signs of damage. Upholstered headboards and bed frames can also benefit from gentle vacuuming to prevent dust buildup.

If you have an ottoman or divan bed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the mechanisms and storage areas.

Don’t Sit on the Same Edge Every Day

We all have our habits, and sitting on the same spot on the edge of the bed every morning is an easy one to fall into.

Over time, repeatedly concentrating weight in one small area can contribute to uneven wear. Try to vary where you sit and avoid standing or jumping on the mattress, tempting though that last one may be for younger members of the household.

Use the Right Base

Your mattress and bed base work together to provide the support you need.

If you are replacing your mattress but keeping your existing bed frame, check that the base is compatible with the new mattress. The condition of an older base is worth considering, too, as a worn or damaged base can affect how a new mattress feels and performs.

This is one of the reasons it’s useful to get advice when choosing a new mattress rather than looking at the mattress in isolation.

Know When It’s Time for a Replacement

Even with excellent care, no mattress lasts forever.

Rather than relying on age alone, pay attention to how your bed feels. If you’re regularly waking up uncomfortable, noticing significant sagging or lumps, or simply no longer getting the support you once did, it may be time to start considering a replacement.

Your own needs can change over the years, too, so the mattress that suited you previously may not necessarily be the right choice next time.

Need Some Advice on Your Bed or Mattress?

Good bed care doesn’t need to be complicated. A mattress protector, regular rotation where recommended, plenty of ventilation and a little routine maintenance can all help you get the best from your bed.

If you’re unsure how to care for your particular mattress, or you’re beginning to wonder whether it’s time for a new one, speak to the team at C&C. We can help you understand your options and find a bed or mattress that’s right for the way you sleep.