Purchasing a new foam mattress is an important decision. We spend a lot of our lives in the bedroom at rest and having a comfortable mattress that lasts turns into an investment that is well worth it. But how long do foam mattresses last?
A high-quality made memory foam mattress using the best materials should last you anywhere between eight to ten years if they are well cared for. Typically, memory foam mattresses outlast and outperform the standard box spring mattress, even if it is a hybrid. But one of the most important aspects of the longevity of your memory foam is how you take care of it. There are some easy steps you can take to maintain the life of your memory foam:
- Remove dirt, lint, and hair with a vacuum.
A handheld vacuum or using an extendable hose on your vacuum to clean your mattress routinely will take care of a lot of stray hairs, pet fur, dander, dirt, lint, and other debris that can accumulate over time. If possible, time the vacuuming to whenever you change your sheets, as ground-in dirt can begin to damage your mattress. - If your mattress ever is stained, it is best to treat it as soon as the stain happens with a very mild fabric detergent. It’s important not to use soap, as soap will leave a residue that’s difficult to completely remove. Cover the stain with 1 part cleaner and 1 part water, but just enough to cover the stain—be careful not to soak the mattress. Next, use a clean cloth and gently scrub the stain in small circular motions. Don’t press too hard, your memory foam mattress is essentially a very large sponge and too much water can take a very long time to dry.
After the stain is removed, use a clean wet cloth to remove any excess detergent and then let it dry completely before placing sheets or mattress protector back on the bed. To help dry the bed, you can run a fan on the spot you cleaned, use the vacuum, or a hairdryer on cool to speed up the process. - Once a month, you’ll want to put some baking soda sprinkled on top of your mattress. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum it all off. This is a great way to refresh your mattress, which will help to extend it’s life.
If you see some stains that didn’t get fully removed with the fabric detergent, put some peroxide in a spray bottle, and spray it lightly on the stain. Allow it to dry fully before adding the baking soda, and when you vacuum it up, the stain should be removed. - Rotate your mattress as needed. This will help to even out the pressure put on the foam, especially if you generally sleep on one side of the mattress rather than on all of it.
- Use a mattress cover. Since mattresses can generally be expensive purchases, you can extend the life with a mattress cover. These slip-on top of the mattress, some can add extra cushioning or cooling properties, while others are just there to protect the mattress from accidental spills and stains.
- Change your sheets regularly. Even if you keep your bed clean and free of potential stains and spills, you can still have stains accumulate on your mattress if you don’t clean the sheets regularly. Your body oils and sweat can get through the sheets and soak into the mattress, so it’s important to regularly change and wash your sheets.
With the right maintenance and routine care, your foam mattress should last a full eight to ten years.
