These are the telling signs that people may need to get rid of their mattress.
Experts said having a decent mattress is essential for people's physical and mental wellbeing. It has been proven that if a person's bed is comfortable and their body weight is supported correctly, people will get a better night's sleep.
This will also help with a wide range of physical and mental disorders. However there are telling signs of when a mattress should be changed, how to clean it and protect them according to Levon Hall from Bed Kingdom.
READ MORE:
If a mattress is not showing signs of wear and tear, a person might be forgiven in thinking they do not need to replace it. However, it is recommended that a mattress should be replaced every six to eight years.
As well as causing muscle, back and joint pain, an uncomfortable mattress can result in a lack of sleep, which has been linked to several other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. A dirty mattress provides the perfect conditions for bacteria, fungi and dust mites to thrive and reproduce, ultimately impacting your health without you realising.
There are also different types of mattresses and experts said it is important to know what type people have, as people may be able to extend its shelf life with the right care and maintenance. How often a particular type of mattress needs to be changed depends on the quality of materials used to make it and how well it is cared for.
Innerspring mattresses are common due to their affordable price point. They usually last between five to seven years but can last longer if it is double-sided. This means that it can be flipped over and be used on the other side, to prevent premature sagging, especially if you tend to sleep in the same position every night.
Memory foam mattresses are made from a foam material that contours the body, these are more expensive compared to innerspring, however, they do last longer – up to 10 years. With the correct maintenance and care, a memory foam mattress can last up to 15.
Hybrid mattresses are a fusion of innerspring and memory foam and can last up to 10 years. Another type of mattress is a latex mattress, which is combination of latex foam and either springs or reflex foam. Depending on whether the latex is natural or synthetic, these mattresses can last up to 25 years.
What are the benefits of replacing your mattress?
- Better sleep quality — Not only are there health benefits to getting a good night’s sleep, but it can also improve peoples mood and productivity.
- Fewer aches and pains — An old mattress that sinks in the middle puts increased pressure on the spine, causing shoulder, neck, and hip stiffness and back pain.
- Fewer allergic reactions — Newer mattresses contain fewer dust mites and other allergens.
- Less motion transfer — A new foam or hybrid mattress can reduce motion transfer so that people will not be woken up when their partner moves around in bed.
How can you clean your mattress?
Air it out
Airing a mattress can reduce the build-up of dust and moisture which can result in mould. To air a mattress, strip the bedding and open your windows for ventilation. Ensure there is airflow on all sides of the mattress, if you need to prop it up, do so.
It can also be placed in direct sunlight to kill off any bacteria.
Vacuum and Baking Soda
Vacuuming is the quickest way to remove, mites, skin flakes and other allergens. For a deeper clean, sprinkling baking soda before vacuuming and letting it sit can help absorb any moisture and odour.
Spot Treatment
Bodily fluids such as sweat, blood and urine can stain. In order to remove this, dilute some laundry detergent or dish soap in lukewarm water, and dab it onto the stain. Using a paper towel or brush, gently agitate the stain until it begins to fade.
It is vital to be gentle as you do not want to damage the mattress.
Vinegar
A solution of two parts water and one part vinegar in a spray bottle can be used to remove odours, and even kill bed bugs. Using the solution with baking soda can also remove stains.
It is essential to allow the mattress to dry thoroughly before putting any bedding on.
How can you protect your mattress?
Regular maintenance will prolong your mattress’ shelf life, but here is what you can do or buy to help you along the way. A mattress protector is a great way to protect your mattress from spills, sweat, dust, and debris.
They can be easily machine washed and are relatively inexpensive to buy. If you can afford to spend a little more, consider a mattress topper, which does the same job as a protector but adds an extra layer of comfort.
Avoid jumping on the bed, this can damage the foam or springs inside your mattress, ultimately making it uncomfortable to sleep on. Make sure to change your bed sheets regularly, as this will help prevent build-up of dirt, odour and dead skin cells.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
