5 Ways to Make Your Mattress Last Longer (Quick Tips)
Our tips for getting the most life out of your mattress
When you buy a mattress they tend to tell you it can last from 5-10 years depending on the brand and quality. In recent years mattress manufacturers have been shortening the recommended mattress “lifespan” partially due to the need to sell more mattresses and partially due to a decrease in quality products. If you are wondering how to extend the life of your current mattress, you have come to the right place. Below we have listed our top “tips and tricks” for getting the longest life out of your mattress.
5 Ways to Make Your Mattress Last Longer
1. Before you do anything...Check your bed frame
Sometimes the sagging or breaking down of a mattress is actually due to what is happening beneath your mattress.While everything may look fine on top, it is important to check your support system occasionally for any issues.
To check your bed frame’s support system, follow these steps:
- Take off your mattress. Analyze your bed slats or box spring for any cracks, broken sections, etc... By simply putting your hand on the top of the box spring and pushing down in different spots you will quickly be able to tell if a crack is present.
- If your box spring or bed slats are in working condition, you can take them off and analyze your bed frame. Your bed frame should be on level ground and all feet should be touching the floor (including the center feet). A queen or king size bed frame MUST have a center support bar with feet touching the ground.
- If your frame does not have a center support bar it will cause your mattress to sag. The majority of bed frames are made with a center support but we have seen many that are manufactured without it as well.
2. Mattress Sagging? Add an Anti Sag Support
Certain mattress toppers are designed for making your bed softer. Toppers are essentially thick, responsive, mattress-sized pieces of foam you roll out and lay on the top of your mattress. The proper mattress topper is able to provide a whole new feel to an overly firm mattress. It’s typically 2 or 3 inches in height, and you can choose from different levels of softness. There are two main types of mattress toppers to choose from.
This unique piece of high density support foam is meant to go underneath your mattress in order to push up the saggy portion of your mattress. The foam piece comes in halves so you need to purchase 1 for a twin and 2 in order to fix the sagging of a full, queen or king size mattress. 
3. Mattress Too Soft OR Too Firm? Add the Firming/Softening Topper
Certain mattress toppers are designed for making your bed softer. Toppers are essentially thick, responsive, mattress-sized pieces of foam you roll out and lay on the top of your mattress. The proper mattress topper is able to provide a whole new feel to an overly firm mattress. It’s typically 2 or 3 inches in height, and you can choose from different levels of softness. There are two main types of mattress toppers to choose from.
Memory Foam Mattress Toppers: Memory foam mattress toppers provide a significant level of softness, comfort and pressure relief while still supporting your body. Memory foam is an elastic-like foam that conforms to the curves of your body. Memory foam was initially invented by NASA and has quickly become one of the most popular sleep materials in the industry.
The Puffy mattress topper comes in 2 different options (firm or soft). The soft option is made specifically for softening up a firm mattress and is great for customers looking to get a little more comfort out of a mattress that may be too firm for their liking. This topper also comes standard with a built in elastic cover to help hold it in place on your mattress.
Latex Mattress Toppers: Latex foam is more springy and responsive than memory foam. If you want a soft feel without the sinking effect, a latex topper might be for you. Latex is an all natural product that is poured and molded out of the rubber tree. Latex is also great if you have allergies or want a completely chemical free sleep environment. Latex comes in a variety of firmnesses and if you are looking to soften your sleeping surface, one of the softer options will be a great option for you.
The latex mattress topper by Plushbeds is a great for anyone looking for a natural sleep surface or who prefers the feel of latex over memory foam. This topper comes with a variety of firmnesses from soft to extra-firm. We recommend choosing 3″ thickness and either a soft or med-soft in order to soften your firm mattress. Plushbeds is known throughout the industry for their quality natural sleep products and is a trusted source.
4. Need Comfort? Add a Mattress Pad
Mattress pads are a thin quilted layer of cotton or wool padding that add less support than a mattress topper, but do add cushioning in order to add comfort and make a mattress feel softer. They also smooth out any crevices in your mattress for a flatter feel. Some mattress pads include temperature regulating technology, such as heating or a cooling gel to dispel body heat. If you only need a slightly softer feel, a mattress pad might be the way to go.
Enjoy the plush piloow comfort of a wool topper. Add comfort to soften any mattress. This topper is handmade in the USA, with the finest quality, ethically sourced, 100% natural wool and cotton. It is hypoallergenic, and 100% chemical and cruelty-free. Each natural wool topper is hand tufted and carefully stitched, for superior comfort and lasting durability. This craftsmanship results in a luxurious sleep experience, with exceptional comfort every night.
5. Mattress Dirty? Add a Mattress Protector
A mattress protector is a thin but waterproof covering made to protect your mattress from spills and dirt and dust mites. Many mattress protectors contain a thin fabric or padding layer that helps make your bed softer. Adding one to your mattress or on top of a mattress pad can help add softness.
This mattress pad is made with conductive material to draw heat out and away from your body, creating a cooler sleep environment. It also is made with a luxurious, silky smooth fabric that adds comfort to your mattress and elevates your overall sleep experience while protecting the life of your bed. Not only is it waterproof but its hypoallergenic design protects also against bacteria, bed bugs and dust mites. The protector covers your mattress like a fitted sheet for easy on and off removal. Its also designed to be washable for easier care, simply toss it in the wash with warm water, no bleach, then tumble dry on low.
6. Rotate/Flip Your Mattress
If you have an older mattress, flipping or rotating it may reveal a flatter, less broken down side to the mattress that still has plenty of life left in its materials. If your mattress feels lumpy, try turning it over horizontally and rotating it around so that you’re sleeping on the opposite side as before. You can repeat this every six months to continually get the best shape and cushiony feel from your mattress.
What is causing my mattress to feel hard?
A firm mattress is generally caused by denser foams and a firmer support foam or innerspring unit. Firmer mattresses generally have less comfort layers on top of their support system or base foam, which makes them feel firmer. By simply adding additional comfort layers on top of your mattress you can achieve a softer feel, while still benefitting from the support system of your mattress.
Is an old mattress bad for my back?
If you have a bad back generally it is recommended that a firmer mattress is better due to the increased support and spinal alignment. The most important thing is to make sure you have a quality mattress that is supportive. A softer mattress that is supportive will still be a quality sleeping surface for your back. You can check out our post for our favorite mattress toppers for back pain if you are interested in which we would recommend.
Can I Combine These Tips ?
The more of these techniques you use, the longer your mattress will generally last. Whether you need to add onto your mattress or simply flip it around, you can always continue adjusting the feel and quality of your mattress by trying any of the techniques above. Once you’ve improved your bed’s feel, you can enjoy better sleep with adequate support.
Need to buy a new mattress? What should you do with your old mattress?
When you purchase a mattress online you are left to find a way to get rid of your old one. Luckily “A Bedder World” has mattress disposal services throughout the country. We work with mattress recycling centers to make sure your old mattress gets disposed of in the most eco-friendly manner possible. To date we have recycled over 500K mattresses. Book a pick up here. Or try recycling it yourself!
