Mattress Care Guide
Discover expert tips and insights to help you maintain the luxurious comfort and longevity of your mattress. Learn simple yet effective ways to ensure your mattress care provides you with restful and rejuvenating sleep for years ahead.
Mattress care is an essential element of housekeeping, yet it’s often overlooked in the busy routine of everyday life. A good mattress is an investment in your health and well-being, providing you with the comfort and support you need for restorative sleep. Taking the time and effort to properly care for your mattress will prolong its lifespan and preserve its luxurious comfort, so you can enjoy peaceful slumber night after night.
In this mattress care guide, we’ll explore the simple steps it takes to keep your mattress in optimal condition, answering essential questions, such as: How often should you change a mattress? Should you flip your mattress? How long does a mattress last? And how often should you replace a mattress?
By following our expert guidance on mattress care, you can ensure you get the most out of your mattress for many years to come.
Can you sleep on a new mattress straight away?
Once unpackaged and in situ on your bed, you may wonder if you can slumber on a new mattress straight away. We recommend that you allow a little time for the fillings to settle before you sleep on a new mattress for the first time. How long a mattress takes to settle can vary, but we suggest allowing at least 24 hours to ensure optimum comfort.
During this period, it’s advisable to refrain from putting any bedding or bed linen on the bed so that the mattress can continue to air out, and any residual odour can disperse. You may find that parts of the mattress settle more quickly than others once you start using it, but this isn’t cause for concern. The mattress is simply fulfilling its intended purpose by adapting to the specific areas of support that your body needs.
Use a mattress protector
At Feather & Black, we offer a selection of luxurious mattress protectors, but why should you invest in one? While it’s true that a mattress protector can make your bed softer and more comfortable, it also helps to shield your mattress from damage and allergens, such as bed bugs and dust mites.
Using a protector as part of your mattress care routine reduces the amount of body moisture that comes into contact with the mattress, keeping it more hygienic and prolonging its lifespan. A 100% cotton, machine-washable mattress protector is the best option, allowing you to regularly refresh your bed for a clean and comfortable environment.
How long do mattresses last?
This depends on various influencing factors, such as the type of mattress you invest in, and the techniques and materials used in its construction. Additionally, the strain that the mattress endures over time from the weight and sleeping positions of those using it plays a significant role.
As a guide, a well-crafted, high-quality mattress that suits your sleeping habits and lifestyle should last at least 7-10 years. By following our expert guidance on how to care for a mattress, you can ensure you extend its life for as long as possible, allowing you to enjoy years of comfortable rest and rejuvenating sleep.
How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?
If you tested a mattress in a Feather & Black store, it’s possible that your new mattress will feel a little different when it arrives in your home. This is because many other shoppers have likely tried the showroom model, leading to it having a more “worn-in” feel. The type of bed base you have and the condition the frame is in may also affect the way your mattress feels.
Understandably, this may leave you asking yourself, "How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?" We recommend allowing a period of between 30 to 90 days for the fillings to settle and your body to adjust to your new mattress. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll find your new Feather & Black mattress uncomfortable, for your peace of mind, we do offer a 100-night comfort guarantee.
How to maintain a mattress
With your new sleep sanctuary settled into pride of place in your bedroom, it’s essential to understand how to maintain a mattress. Implementing a regular routine of mattress care is incredibly important, yet it needn’t be a daunting task.
With just a few low-maintenance mattress care tips carried out once every few months, you can ensure that your sleeping environment remains comfortable and hygienic for as long as possible.
Turn your mattress every few months
The first mattress care tip to integrate into to your housekeeping routine relates to the question of "Should you flip your mattress?" The answer is usually yes, however there are some exceptions to the rule.
Single-sided and pillow top mattresses do not require turning and this will be specified on the label, so always refer to your mattress care instructions. Our collection of high-quality, non-turn mattresses are an ideal choice for those who may have difficulty lifting a mattress.
For double-sided mattresses that require flipping, we recommend doing so every three to four months to help resettle the fillings and even out any pressure points. Seasonal mattresses with a warm and cool side can be turned in line with the clocks changing.
A split-tension mattress should be turned from head to foot to maintain your sleeping side and preferred tension, while Zip and Link mattresses should be disconnected before turning.
Top tip: We advise that you turn your mattress with the help of another person to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the mattress, particularly with king, super king and emperor mattresses.
Rotate your mattress during the first three months
Whilst your mattress settles into its new home during the first few months, we recommend that you rotate it by 180 degrees every one to two weeks. This helps the mattress fillings to settle and distribute evenly, avoiding any premature dipping or sagging. Again, Zip and Link mattresses should be disconnected before being rotated individually.
Beyond the first three months, you can reduce the regularity of mattress rotation to once every three to four months. This routine mattress care will prevent any sagging from sleeping in the same spot each night, even out any wear and tear, maintain the comfort of your mattress, and ultimately, prolong its lifespan.
Brush your mattress
The final step in your mattress care and maintenance is to lightly brush your mattress with a soft-bristled brush once a month. This will remove any dust, skin cells or debris that can build up over time, keeping your mattress clean and reducing the risk of triggering allergies or respiratory problems. It’s best to avoid using a vacuum cleaner for mattress care, as this can displace the fillings.
Any spillages should be absorbed using a dry cloth or paper towel, while stubborn stains can be tackled by dabbing the area with a damp cloth and a very mild solution of soap and water. Always allow your mattress and bedding to thoroughly dry before making the bed. It’s also a good idea to allow your mattress to air out occasionally by opening a window when you change your bed sheets, eliminating lingering odours and keeping things fresh.
Caring for a silk mattress
Despite the enhanced luxury of a silk mattress, your mattress care routine can follow a very similar, low-maintenance pattern. Our Harrogate Silk Mattress is beautifully handcrafted for Feather & Black by Harrison Spinks, filled with a sumptuous blend of the finest 100% natural fibres, including cashmere and silk. This extremely sumptuous mattress regulates both moisture and temperature for a blissfully comfortable night’s sleep.
The Harrogate Silk Mattress should be rotated and turned every one to two weeks for the first three months. Beyond that, it can be rotated monthly and turned when the clocks change. Remove dust and fluff from your mattress every month using a soft brush and absorb any spillages with a dry cloth. If you need to sponge the mattress, use a damp cloth and a very mild solution of soap and water and allow it to dry thoroughly.
How often should you change your mattress?
For hygiene reasons, The Sleep Foundation advises buying a new mattress every 6-8 years, however there are many influencing factors to consider in your decision. These elements may indicate that you require a new mattress sooner or that your existing mattress has plenty of life left. For example, if your mattress is noticeably saggy or damaged in areas, or if it’s making more noise than usual, this could mean that the springs are damaged or worn.
If you notice that you sleep better away from home, this could suggest that your mattress is the underlying issue. Evolving health issues, fluctuations in weight and whether you sleep alone or with a partner should also be taken into consideration. While there are no set rules on exactly how often you should replace your mattress, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last.
Mattress care tips by our experts
We understand that your mattress is a significant investment, so it’s important to understand how to care for a mattress to make the most of it. Feather & Black’s lead buyer, Laura Burnett, summarises our expert guidance on everything you need to consider.
“Every mattress in our exquisite collection is meticulously designed and expertly crafted to offer enduring comfort and long-lasting luxury; however, a mattress must be properly cared for to ensure it lasts as long as possible. The key to extending the life of your Feather & Black mattress lies in embracing the mattress maintenance tips explained in this guide:
- Unwrap your new mattress and allow it to air out for a few hours
- Once on the bed, leave your new mattress uncovered for at least 24 hours
- Invest in a high-quality mattress protector
- Allow up to 90 days to get used to your new mattress
- Turn your mattress every three to four months (if required)
- Rotate your mattress every three to four months
- Brush your mattress with a soft brush once a month
- Absorb any spillages immediately with a soft cloth
- Allow the mattress to air out each time your change the bed linen.
“As a rule, always check the individual mattress care instructions before embarking on any maintenance, adhering to any specific advice accurately. If in doubt, our friendly customer service team is always happy to help.”
Luxury mattresses from Feather & Black
Embracing a regular routine of mattress care is a commitment to your overall health and well-being. By following the expert advice in our mattress care guide, you can ensure that your mattress remains a steadfast companion in your pursuit of peaceful slumber.
Explore our exquisite collection of luxury mattresses to find your perfect match and experience the countless nights of blissful rest that a well-cared-for mattress can provide.