Extending the Lifespan of your Mattress
While no mattress will last forever, you likely don’t want to dispose it before it has reached the end of its lifespan…after all, we work too hard for our money!
Like all materialistic things, the longevity of a particular item can depend on the quality of the materials used, the workmanship involved and, of course, how they are cared for.
Our motto: a cleaner mattress will enhance the indoor air quality in your bedroom, which in turn, contributes to an over all healthier environment.
First things first, lets consider the materials…
There are 3 general materials being used in todays mattress industry - latex, memory foam and coils. Within each of these categories, there are many variations of quality plus different marketing tricks that are being disguised at benefits. Greenwashing is a term used when an organization spends more time and money on marketing itself as being environmentally conscious or ‘nontoxic’. The intent is to mislead consumers who may not normally have purchased from them into buying goods based on the environmental and personal health benefits.
This is especially common in Canada.
When searching for an Organic, nontoxic mattress, you want to research the brands reputation and the certifications that are associated with the products. Organic latex is the cleanest material out there, and the open cell structure will ensure that heat and moisture can pass through, eliminating the risk of mould/mildew and dust mites. This is a major reason for replacing a conventional mattress every 5-7 years, but by investing in something that will be naturally more breathable, you’re also investing in a longer lasting product.
Flipping your mattress can ensure you are using it entirely…
Conventional mattresses are very restricted in terms of how you can flip and rotate them. The bottom is not usually the same as the top, the covers are sewn shut and the layers inside are glued together. One of the advantages of an organic latex mattress is the layers are not attached to one another and they can be accessed individually by unzipping the cover. To take it a step further, Sunshine Queen and King adult mattresses have split cores so that you can flip each layer so that the edge can lay in the middle of the mattress! That means no more sneaking to the edge to try to get that ‘like new’ experience.
Protect your investment…
You can absolutely spot clean your mattress after one spill, or even every few months, but there is no better way to protect your investment than investing in a quality mattress protector. Whether you decide to go with something that’s waterproof or water resistant, it should fit like a fitted sheet and be easily thrown into the washing machine. This added layer of protection can prevent against bacteria, bed buds, dust mites and all kinds of oils and liquids. The key to a longer lasting mattress is to keep it looking and feeling like new!
Clean your bedding regularly…
While it may be a pain, it’s best to wash your bedding every week or two. This is because as we sleep, we shed dead skin cells, hair, oil, and sweat. Plus, for those of us who eat on our beds, we may leave crumbs behind. And if you have children or pets, they can drag all sorts of things onto the mattress that shouldn’t be there.
All of this can transform your bedding and mattress into a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites, resulting in an unhealthy sleeping environment. Even if you use a mattress protector, it’s still necessary to wash the blankets and bedsheets.
It’s important to take precautions to care for your mattress. Doing so will ensure that it lasts as long as possible. By following these practices, you can enjoy your non-toxic mattress in Canada for many years to come and maximize your investment. Most importantly, you will create a healthy sleep environment for you and your family.