Your mattress is one of the most important investments you can make for your health and well-being, but even the best mattress won’t last forever without a little care. From moisture buildup to everyday wear and tear, a number of factors can shorten its lifespan if left unchecked. Fortunately, with just a few simple maintenance habits, you can help your mattress stay supportive, comfortable, and clean for years to come. In this post, we’ll walk you through practical tips for extending the life of a mattress and getting the most out of your investment.
Why Should You Care About Extending the Life of Your Mattress?
Extending the life of a mattress is important for both your comfort and your investment. A well-maintained mattress provides consistent support, ensuring a good night’s sleep and promoting better health. By taking steps to protect and care for your mattress, you can avoid premature wear and tear, which can lead to discomfort, poor sleep quality, and the need for costly replacements. Proper care helps you get the most out of your mattress, maximizing both its lifespan and your comfort.
Here are five tips for extending the life of your mattress:
Tip 1: Keep Your Mattress Dry
Moisture is one of the leading contributors to premature mattress deterioration. Whether you sleep on a traditional innerspring, memory foam, or latex model, exposure to excess moisture can lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and unwanted odors—all of which compromise both comfort and hygiene.
While spills and accidents are an obvious threat, most moisture comes from an unavoidable source: your own body. During sleep, your body naturally releases sweat and vapor. Over time, this moisture accumulates in bedding layers and the mattress itself, especially when airflow is restricted.
To mitigate this, we recommend uncovering your bed for 30–60 minutes each morning before making it. This allows residual moisture to dissipate, reducing the risk of mold buildup. In humid climates or summer months, consider using a fan to enhance ventilation and evaporation.
Tip 2: Always Use a Mattress Cover
This one might seem obvious—after all, most people wouldn’t dream of sleeping on a bare mattress. But while standard sheets are the norm, there are a few other protective layers that can make a big difference in keeping your mattress in great shape for the long haul.
The most common option is a basic mattress pad or cover. These come in a range of materials and styles, from simple cotton pads with elastic edges to quilted covers that zip snugly around the entire mattress. While many people choose them for added comfort, mattress pads also serve as a valuable line of defense. They absorb moisture, guard against spills, and help prevent everyday wear from seeping into the mattress itself. Most are machine-washable, making it easy to keep your sleep surface fresh. And since most mattress warranties are voided by stains, a good cover isn’t just about hygiene—it’s also a smart safeguard for your investment.
Another protective option is a waterproof, hypoallergenic cover—typically made from vinyl or similar non-permeable materials. Though often used for young children, these covers offer benefits for sleepers of any age. Waterproof barriers prevent moisture from reaching your mattress and help reduce the risk of mold or mildew. Plus, when properly sealed, they block dust mites and allergens from getting in—making them a great choice for allergy sufferers. Once allergens settle inside a mattress, it’s nearly impossible to get them out.
Tip 3: Use Your Mattress for Sleep
Mattresses are engineered for one thing: supporting your body while you sleep. They’re not built to handle the kinds of stress that come from bouncing, lounging, or sitting in the same spot every day. Using your bed for anything other than rest can lead to sagging, lumps, or even structural damage over time.
Sitting on the edge of your bed each morning while putting on shoes might seem harmless, but concentrated pressure in one area adds up fast. Unlike lying down—where your weight is evenly spread—sitting places all that force in a small space. Over time, this can break down the materials and create soft spots that affect your comfort and support.
The same goes for using your mattress like a couch. Whether you’re cross-legged watching TV or propped in the middle of the bed, that daily pressure can wear the mattress unevenly—similar to how shoes show wear based on your walking pattern. And eating or drinking in bed? That only adds risk, inviting spills and stains that can void your warranty or lead to mold.
The worst offender? Jumping. Kids might love turning the bed into a trampoline, but it’s one of the quickest ways to ruin a mattress—and it’s not safe either.
In short, treat your mattress like the sleep surface it’s designed to be. Keep the play, meals, and lounging to other areas of the home. It’s a simple habit shift that goes a long way in extending the life of your mattress.
Tip 4: Give Your Mattress the Support It Deserves
Just like you rely on your mattress for support, your mattress needs proper support too. A solid foundation—whether it’s a box spring, slatted frame, or platform base—helps maintain the structure and comfort of your mattress for years to come.
Without the right support, mattresses can sag, bow, or break down prematurely, especially under daily pressure. This is particularly true for heavier innerspring and foam mattresses, which can warp even without a sleeper. Box springs help by absorbing movement and reducing direct stress on the mattress, but full-body support from your bed frame is just as crucial, especially across the middle, not just the edges.
Keeping your mattress off the floor matters too. Elevating it improves airflow, helps prevent mold and mildew buildup, and protects you from dust, dirt, and the occasional unwelcome pest. Mattresses placed directly on the floor are more likely to trap moisture, especially in humid rooms or on cool flooring, leading to potential damage you might not see until it’s too late.
The fix is simple: even a low-profile frame that allows for air circulation can extend your mattress’s life and keep your sleeping environment healthier. Your mattress does a lot for you—make sure you return the favor with the right support underneath.
Tip 5: Be Gentle With Your Mattress
It’s easy to overlook the delicate nature of a mattress, especially considering its size and weight. But while mattresses are sturdy, rough handling can shorten their lifespan. Moving or repositioning a mattress might seem like a simple task, but it’s crucial to take extra care to avoid damaging it in the process.
When your mattress arrives, it’s typically delivered by professionals who use the best method for handling. However, when it’s time to move it yourself—whether for cleaning, remodeling, or flipping—things can go wrong. One of the most common mistakes is using the handles on innerspring mattresses to carry them. These handles are meant for positioning the mattress on its foundation, not for heavy lifting. If you try to lift it by the handles or use straps to hoist it through windows or balconies, you risk damaging the mattress.
Foam mattresses are more forgiving in terms of handling. Unlike innerspring mattresses, foam can be folded or rolled (without excessive force) for transport. Just be sure not to use thin straps that could cut into the material, and avoid grabbing the corners or edges to prevent tearing. Air mattresses are the easiest to move, but always take care not to puncture them when opening or packing.
Better Habits, Better Sleep
Taking care of your mattress doesn’t require a lot of effort, but it does require consistency. From giving it the right support and handling it properly to resisting the urge to treat it like a couch or playground, small habits go a long way in protecting your investment. A little care today means many more restful nights ahead!
