A mattress is a big purchase, so we want to help you get what you pay for. Fortunately, there are simple ways to extend their lifespan. On average, a mattress lasts six to eight years, but cheaper models tend to lose support faster, while those made from premium natural materials can last ten years or more.
Here we review the eight best ways to help your mattress last longer, so you don't pay for a new bed before you really need it. This includes keeping the mattress clean and off the floor. After all, even the best mattresses need a helping hand to keep them in great shape for years to come.
We also explain why using the correct bed frame or platform reduces wear and tear on your mattress and helps you meet warranty terms, which means your coverage won't be affected if you need to activate it later.
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1. Regularly clean your mattress
Whether you have a hybrid, innerspring, or one of the best memory foam mattresses, learning how to properly clean a mattress is the second most effective way to help it last longer.
Cleaning helps prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and dust mites, keeping it fresh for years to come. Experts recommend cleaning your mattress twice a year to stay on top of all those annoyances, as well as general sweat, body oil, and dead skin buildup.
If you spill liquid on your mattress, treat it immediately, or you're sending an open invitation for bacteria and dust mites to chew on the spill.
(Image credit: Getty)
2. Always use a mattress protector
The best way to keep your mattress fresh and help it last longer is to use one of the best mattress protectors. These thin waterproof layers fit snugly around your mattress to protect it from spills, stains, sweat, body oils, dead skin, and dust mites.
There are different types of mattress protectors, but if you really want to make sure your bed stays as clean as possible, choose a breathable, waterproof option that provides full coverage. These create a barrier against anything that might seep or dig into your mattress; yes, that includes bed bugs.
3. Rotate it to distribute the wear.
It is normal for a mattress to sag and sag over time as our body weight puts pressure on the mattress causing indentations and grooves where we sleep the longest.
To help keep the surface level, you'll need to rotate the mattress every three months to even out wear and tear. This way, you won't have to learn how to fix a sagging mattress.
Most, but not all, mattresses can be flipped, and even fewer can be flipped. Not sure if yours is suitable for turning or flipping? We explain it to you in our article so that you know how often you should rotate or flip a mattress, since each manufacturer has its own guidelines.
4. Add a mattress topper
The best mattress toppers are designed to extend the life of your mattress by a year or two. Toppers vary in price and height, but most are designed to fit snugly over your mattress via non-slip straps or bottoms.
Mattress toppers can be used to add extra comfort, such as extra cooling, firmness, or fluffiness, to keep your bed comfortable and supportive for longer, saving you money because it's still good for your body and your sleep.
The only exception is if your mattress has a deep sag that cannot be compensated for. But if your mattress is in good condition, a mattress topper will prolong its life.
(Image credit: Getty)(*8*)5. Place your mattress on a suitable bed frame
Placing your mattress on a compatible bed frame, platform, or foundation better supports your body weight and reduces wear and tear on your mattress.
A decent foundation will not only hold your mattress at a proper height to allow you to easily get in and out of bed, but it will also help prevent your mattress from sagging (especially memory foam mattresses), which can cause back pain with time.
Some people place their mattress directly on the floor for firmer support, but if you have allergies, you'll be closer to the dust and allergens that collect on the floor. It can also be tucked into the floor, so using a spaced slatted base ensures better airflow to keep your bed cooler and cooler.
6. Air it out to keep dust mites under control
Dust mites can live for up to 90 days in mattresses and bedding, so regular airing and cleaning of the bed is essential. The mites feed on the skin and then release droppings that can aggravate allergies and, in turn, disrupt sleep.
While it's not always practical to ventilate your mattress in the same way as pillows or comforters, an effective way to kill dust mites is to expose them to direct sunlight, so place your mattress outdoors or near a window for three or four hours. .
7. Do not use it as a trampoline
We understood. Children and pets love to jump on beds, but if this happens too often, the mattress will wear out faster, the springs on hybrid and innerspring mattresses will break, and the edge support will be weakened so you slide out of bed.
Jumping also makes the mattress surface uneven, not to mention it will damage the bed frame, which means less support for your mattress. In addition, you will not only need a new mattress, but also a new frame.
(Image credit: Getty)
8. Check the guarantee of your mattress
Most brands guarantee their mattress against manufacturing defects. Some warranties also allow for sag, but if the sag is shallow, it won't be covered. In general, accidental damage, spills and discoloration due to sweat are not included. Normal wear and tear either.
If your mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty and you are the original purchaser, the mattress is covered for as long as you own it. Terms vary, but manufacturing defects are covered for extended periods under lifetime warranties, after which the brand will repair, salvage, or replace the mattress free of charge if necessary.
How to make your mattress last longer: Summary
Prevention is better than cure and here that means taking care of your mattress from the day you bring it home. You can always take care of an old mattress to make it last longer, so don't throw yours away if it's a few years old.
Regular cleaning, rotation, and protection against stains, spills, and bacteria will extend its life so you can save your money. But if you've decided you need a new mattress, we've included some of our top picks below.
To further improve your sleeping comfort, also check out our guide to the best pillows, as pillows should be replaced every one to two years for hygienic and supportive sleep.
Today's Best Prices on Popular Boxed Mattresses
