Make the most of your mattress
A well-cared-for mattress should give you a good night’s sleep for years and years to come.
In this Guide
Our mattress care guide will give you expert advice on the following:
•
How do I care for my new mattress? • Do I need to rotate or flip my mattress? • Which bed is best for my mattress? • How do I keep my mattress fresh? • How do I clean my mattress? • When should I replace my mattress? • What is my mattress’s guarantee?
How do I care for my new mattress?
A good care routine for your mattress begins from the moment it arrives, so here are some top tips to look after your new mattress right from the get-go:
All mattresses should be left to air for a few hours after unpacking. If your mattress arrives rolled, it needs unpacking within three months. It will then need six hours to expand before it can be slept on and may take up to 72 hours to be at its full size. Never try to re-roll or bend your mattress.
Some of our heavier mattresses such as our Dorma and Hotel options may need two or more people to move. Although the handles on the sides of our mattresses are there to help with moving, they are not designed to be used over considerable distances or support the weight of the mattress over long periods.
Your body can take up to 30 nights to adjust to a new mattress, so give it some time to allow for fillings to settle as this will affect your comfort level over the first few weeks.
It’s okay to transport your mattress on its side for a short period of time, but please store your mattress flat as soon as possible to protect its structure.
You might notice your foam mattress has a slight smell at first. This is normal and will disappear after a few days out of the packaging. To help minimise this, make sure the room is well-ventilated and loosen or undress the bed occasionally within the first few days to allow the mattress to air.
If you’re not planning to use your mattress immediately, do not store it in humid or damp locations such as sheds or garages as moisture can be absorbed causing the mattress to grow mouldy or damp. We recommend waiting to arrange delivery when you’re ready to use the mattress.
Do I need to rotate or flip my mattress?
Over time, mattresses will settle in areas where your body presses into the surface, such as where your shoulders and bottom rest. This is natural, however, you can manage this by regularly rotating and/or flipping your mattress to spread out wear.
All mattresses can be rotated, however only dual-sided mattresses can be flipped, so you first need to understand the type of mattress you have bought. Look at the product label to confirm.
How often should I flip or rotate my mattress?
We recommend for the first 3 months you flip and/or rotate your mattress every 2-4 weeks. After that, we recommend flipping and / or rotating every 3 months until you decide to replace. If your mattress can be flipped and rotated (if it is dual-sided) do both at the same time.
Dual sided mattresses:
This type of mattress is the same on both sides, which means you should flip as well as rotate the mattress to even out wear. We recommend doing both at the same time, so you will rotate the head of the mattress to the foot of the bed as well as flip the mattress to the opposite side.
SHOP OUR DUAL-SIDED MATTRESSES HERESingle-sided or pillow-topped mattresses:
These types of mattresses are different on both sides, meaning they are designed to be slept on one side only and shouldn’t be flipped. However, you can still rotate them to even out wear. This will mean the head of the mattress will be rotated to the foot of the bed and vice versa.
SHOP OUR SINGLE-SIDED & PILLOW-TOP MATTRESSES HERE
Which bed is best for my mattress?
You might not realise it, but your bed frame will affect the performance and durability of your mattress.
Divan bases
Solid divan bases will maximise the performance of your mattress, allowing you to get the most out of its support and comfort as they prevent uneven distribution. However, divan bases don’t allow airflow around your mattress which will reduce breathability and could lead to you feeling hotter.
SHOP DIVAN BEDSSlat frames
This type of bed frame is the most popular and is fine to be used with most types of mattress. They allow airflow under the mattress for breathability and sprung slat frames have a more reactive and bouncier base which works with the mattress to offer extra support and comfort. Always ensure the gap between each slat is not greater than 70mm and that the slats themselves are at least 10cm wide or the performance and durability of your mattress will be affected.
SHOP SLATTED BED FRAMES
Unsure which bed to buy for your new mattress? Take a look at our
How do I keep my mattress fresh?
A good bedding routine is the best way to keep your mattress fresh and performing at its best. Here are our top tips to keep your mattress feeling (almost) as good as new:
To help keep your mattress clean, we recommend cleaning your sheets and pillowcases every 1-2 weeks. Bedding items such as duvets and pillows can be washed less regularly, however, we still recommend washing them every couple of months.
Mattress protectors are also a great way to keep your mattress clean and fresh. It is much easier and cheaper to wash or replace a mattress protector than your entire mattress, so make sure you invest in one to help prolong your mattress's lifespan.
SHOP MATTRESS PROTECTORSMattress toppers are designed to add an extra layer of comfort to your mattress rather than protect it, but are better than nothing if this is all you have.
SHOP MATTRESS TOPPERS
How do I clean my mattress?
In addition to washing bedding and using a mattress protector, we advise cleaning your mattress every 6 months. Here are some general dos and don’ts, however please follow the specific care instructions provided with your mattress:
Do
- Leave your mattress fully undressed for around an hour when changing bedding to allow the mattress to breathe
- Vacuum the surface of the mattress to remove any dust or dirt which has built up.
- Spot-clean any stains with soapy lukewarm water
- After spot-cleaning, leave your bedding pulled back for a couple of hours daily to allow the mattress to fully dry
Don't
- Use detergents or chemical cleaners on your mattress, as this may damage the fabric and stitching
- Remove your mattress cover, unless otherwise stated on the care label
- Wait for spills and accidents to dry before cleaning them – address them as soon as possible to avoid the fibres soaking up more of the stain
- Scrub or oversaturate the area you are spot-cleaning
When should I replace my mattress?
There are quite a few things that determine how long a mattress lasts, including the manufacturer, mattress type, how much you use it and how heavy you are. That said, a good quality mattress should last between 8-10 years. After that, it’s recommended you buy a new one to avoid it becoming uncomfortable and offering uneven support.
There are several warning signs that you should look out for if you suspect it’s time for a new mattress:
Your mattress becomes saggy and lumpy, or you can feel the coils through the fabric.
You wake up sore, stiff and unrefreshed because your body isn’t being sufficiently supported.
The mattress fabric looks worn.
You have a better night's sleep in a different bed.
You’re more aware of your partner’s tossing and turning, or you both roll into the middle.
You notice allergies flaring up after a night’s sleep or notice allergies for the first time.
What is my mattress’s guarantee?
See our Guarantee Page for information on what is covered, for how long and terms and conditions.
Please note: Removal of the fire-resistant label will render the mattress non-compliant with The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 and void any guarantee.