How to Care for Your New Mattress

Updated : 16 Dec 2024
Published : 16 Dec 2024

Getting a new mattress is such a great feeling. It’s all about better sleep, cozy nights, and waking up ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. Whether you chose a soft, memory foam mattress that feels like a hug or a firmer one for solid support, it’s a solid investment in your comfort and health.

But to really get your money’s worth, you’ve got to take care of it from the start. Simple habits like regular upkeep can keep your mattress comfy and supportive for years. Plus, it’ll make sure you’re getting the best sleep possible every single night. Let’s break down some easy tips to keep your new mattress in awesome shape!

Why Mattress Care Matters

A mattress is more than just another piece of furniture: It’s the foundation of your sleep — and thus your health. Proper mattress maintenance keeps it feeling as comfortable and supportive as the day you bought it!

Without proper care, though, common issues can arise that affect both your quality of sleep as well as the longevity of your mattress. Over time, mattresses can begin to sag in the areas where you sleep most, creating uneven surfaces that compromise support. Dust and potential allergens can also naturally accumulate, which is bound to impact the fresh smell of your mattress. Plus spills, stains and general wear and tear can degrade the materials faster than they would naturally break down if the mattress was looked after properly.

By adopting a few simple maintenance habits, you can ward off these problems, preserving both the comfort and structural integrity of your mattress. After all, a well-cared-for mattress is the key to ensuring every night is a great night’s sleep.

Things to Do After You Get Your Mattress

However, before you can enjoy all that your new mattress has to offer, it does need a little bit of prep work before you bring it home. These few steps can mean everything for getting a clean, comfortable, and your well supported mattress.

Unpack and Air It Out

When you receive your mattress, make sure to immediately take it out of the packaging, and give it adequate time to breathe. This is particularly relevant for newer mattresses, as the new materials in the mattress that haven’t been ventilated could potentially have a residual smell from the manufacturing process.

Set It Up on the Right Base

For your brand new mattress to be the best it can be, it needs a solid foundation. Whether it be a slatted frame, a divan base, or a platform bed, you need to make sure that the mattress type is compatible with the mattress. A strong and supportive base can help keep your mattress from sagging and will help it to last longer, whereas the wrong setup can potentially cause earlier wear and in turn discomfort.

Inspect For Any Potential Issues

Before you settle in for your first sleep with your brand new mattress, it is very important to give it a proper look over. Make sure to observe any apparent defects such as tears in the fabric, which are very unlikely, or jagged edges, and feel for anything that does not feel quite right. This could be lumps or dips for example. Ensuring that you tackle such issues promptly, will mean that you can get any potential issues covered under your warranty.

Daily Tips To Keep Your Mattress Fresh

Keeping your mattress clean and comfortable doesn't have to be a massive task as a few easy habits can go an awfully long way in keeping it fresh and supportive for many years.

Use a Mattress Protector

On all mattresses, a mattress protector is a smart way to keep your mattress looking brand new for years to come. A mattress protector basically acts as the first line of defence. Whether it’s an accidental coffee spill or the gradual buildup of sweat and skin oils, a protector keeps your mattress clean and hygienic.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

While making your bed every single morning might seem like a monotonous chore, it has some surprising benefits for your mattress. A neatly made bed can help keep the surface smooth and reduce wear on your bedding and mattress materials. Plus, by straightening your sheets everyday, you’re avoiding unnecessary friction on the fabric. And, if we're being honest, it looks so much better to come home after a long day.

Rotate or Flip (If Needed)

To keep your mattress in good shape, it’s a smart move to rotate it every few months. This helps prevent certain spots from wearing out or getting squished more than others. These days, most mattresses aren’t made to be flipped, so rotating is usually the way to go. Just be sure to check the care instructions from the manufacturer since every mattress is a little different.

How to Keep Your Mattress in Great Shape Over the Years

Skip The Snacks In Bed

Sure, breakfast or snacks in bed sounds great, but it really is not worth the risk. For example, crumbs can attract bugs and spills can soak and stain the mattress, leaving pesky stains, bad smells and even mold. If you cannot resist the occasional bite in bed, make sure to use a sturdy tray and invest in a good mattress protector to guard against accidents.

Keep Furry Friends Off the Mattress

We all love cuddling up to our furry friends, but letting pets sleep on your mattress can bring along with it unwanted wear and tear. From shedding fur to sharp claws, pets can cause scratches, dirt and allergens to build up. To protect your mattress whilst keeping your pets, make sure to leave them in their own beds when it comes to sleeping. This can help keep your bed clean whilst allowing your pets to stay nearby.

Use Seasonal Bedding

Switching up your bedding with the seasons can do a lot more than just keep you feeling comfortable—it can help prolong the lifespan of your mattress. In summer, lightweight and breathable fabrics such as linen or cotton can really help to reduce sweat build up, while on the other hand in winter, insulating layers such as flannel or wool can help maintain a cool and consistent temperature. By choosing appropriate bedding, you can reduce the strain on your mattress materials, helping them to stay fresh and resilient all year round.

The Signs It’s Time for a New Mattress: For Those Who Are Considering A New One

No matter how well you look after your mattress, it won't last forever. Over time, even the best mattresses start to show signs of wear and could potentially no longer provide the comfort and support your body needs. Knowing when it is time to replace your mattress is essential for maintaining a great night's sleep, and avoiding any unnecessary discomfort.

Loss of Support

One of the most noticeable signs that your mattress is not providing the support it should is when you wake up with aches and pains, or feel as though you are sinking into the mattress, instead of lying flat. A mattress that has lost its firmness can no longer align to your body or relieve pressure points effectively.

Visible Sagging or Wear

If you notice sagging, lumps or uneven spots on the mattress surface, these can be red flags. Sagging often occurs in the areas where you lie down most, potentially creating uncomfortable dips that when they get worse can disrupt your sleep. Over time, the mattress materials can break down, and once this happens, it is impossible to restore the expected shape and support.

The Natural Lifespan of a Mattress

Even with the very best care, all mattresses have a limited lifespan. On average, a mattress should be replaced ideally every seven to ten years, depending on the type and the quality. Whilst proper maintenance can help prolong its usable lifespan, it could be better to invest in a new mattress rather than deal with a mattress that is not offering the support it should.

Wrapping It All Up

Taking care of your mattress isn’t just about keeping it clean — it’s about ensuring you have years of restful, rejuvenating sleep.

Whether you use a protector to guard against spills, flip your mattress to allow for even wear, or give it a good deep clean every now and then, these little actions can really add up. All in all, sleep is an important part of your health and well-being, and taking care of your mattress will always be time well spent.

We hope you now have a better idea of how to care for your new mattress. If you’re looking for a new mattress to complement your lifestyle and comfort needs, check out the wide selection of quality mattresses at Next Divan. Find your perfect match today!