Congratulations! You did it! You got rid of that old mattress that was causing you back pain and many restless nights! Now, you get to enjoy the benefits of a better mattress that fits your specific sleep needs. But, how do you ensure that you get the most out of your mattress? In this article, we will cover all the different things to avoid and to do to ensure that you get great night’s sleep for years to come.

The first thing to look for with your new mattress is that it is properly supported. There are 3 essential parts of each mattress system: the base, the support layer, and the comfort layer. The support and comfort layer are apart of the mattress. The base layer refers to the frame and the foundation. Frames come in a variety of styles and usually are comprised of metal or wood. When looking at the frame, it is important to make sure that there is support for the box or foundation to sit down in. Also, when looking at Queen, King, and California King sizes, the frame should have a center support that has a leg that reaches the floor. Mattresses are only getting heavier as time progresses and the center support will help to reduce dipping and sagging in the center of the mattress. The box or foundation of the mattress should be a solid foundation. These can include foundations, boxes, platform beds, and adjustable bases. The one thing that all these items have in common is that they do not dip or sag. If you did not get new foundations with the mattress, make sure that your current boxes do not have any dips. Most mattress manufacturers do not use “box springs” because they are comprised of springs. Just like any other coil, they are susceptible to dipping and sagging. If the box/foundation has a dip, then your mattress is going to dip right along with it. A good way to see if your box is still good is to take a straight edge of some kind and run it from head to foot. If at any point the box does not reach the straight edge, then it is time to replace them.

Well built mattresses, using good quality materials, should last somewhere between 10-12 years. In order to help get the most life out of your mattress, it is important to remember to rotate it. Most manufacturers do not create 2 sided or “flippable” mattresses anymore. The industry has faded out of them for the most part because they are designing them to last longer and 2 sided mattresses cost more to make. However, that does not mean that you should not rotate your mattress. It is important to rotate 180 degrees (head to foot) 4 times a year. A good way to remember this is to rotate at the change of the seasons. In addition, when the mattress first arrives, it will feel firmer than the one you tried in the store. People have laid on and tried the mattresses in the store, but nobody has laid on your. Most manufacturers use a tight knit cell structure in their foams. This helps the foam to want to stay together longer and be more durable. The flip side is that the cells need to be loosened up to expand which gives the foam the “cushion” feel. This process can take anywhere from 7-20 days depending on the foam type and density. It is also a good idea to rotate your mattress about 2 weeks after receiving it, to help break in the other side. After that, follow the change of seasons guidelines for rotating.

Insurance is something that is available for many things that we own. Car insurance, home owner’s insurance, renter’s insurance, the list goes on and on. Remember that your mattress can last 10-12 years and it is important to protect your investment! All mattress manufacturer’s provide a warranty for their products. However, if the mattress gets a stain, then your warranty will be null and void. Foam does not do well when it gets wet. Wet foam breaks down faster and loses its’ integrity. Therefore, to ensure your mattress will last the full lifetime, make sure to get a mattress protector. There are many breathable fabric mattress protectors that prevent water, stains, and dust from getting through the mattress. These products often are machine washable, do not have a plastic feel that creates noise, and they have a warranty where if something does happen to your mattress, they will pay to have it professionally cleaned or buy you a brand new mattress. Also, there are some protectors that will help to keep the mattress cooler at night.

A great night’s sleep is the gift that keeps on giving. It gives more energy, focus, and has many health benefits of reducing risks for heart attack, strokes, and many other health conditions. Once you take the step to improve your health and lifestyle with a new mattress, don’t forget to ensure your mattress is supported, rotated, and protected so that you can enjoy the benefits for years to come. Happy Sleeping!