A mattress is more than just a piece of furniture — it’s the foundation of restful sleep and overall well-being. While most people regularly wash their sheets and pillowcases, the mattress underneath often receives little attention. Over time, that neglect can affect hygiene, comfort, and even the quality of sleep.

Fortunately, extending the life of your mattress doesn’t require expensive products or complicated routines. A few mindful habits can keep it fresh, supportive, and comfortable for years. Here’s how to make your mattress last longer and work better for you.

Let It Air Out Every Morning

Many people make their beds immediately after waking up. While that habit keeps the room looking tidy, it can trap moisture released during sleep. The human body naturally produces sweat overnight, and when that moisture gets sealed under layers of bedding, it creates a warm environment where odours and microbes can develop.

Instead, leave the mattress uncovered for a short time each morning. Pull back the sheets and allow air to circulate before making the bed. This simple step helps moisture evaporate and keeps the sleeping surface fresher.

Good room ventilation also plays an important role. Opening windows, allowing natural light in, and maintaining airflow can help reduce humidity levels that affect both the mattress fabric and its inner layers.

Rotate Regularly to Prevent Sagging

One of the most common complaints about mattresses is sagging. Over time, consistent pressure on the same areas — especially around the hips and shoulders — can cause uneven wear.

To prevent this, rotate your mattress 180 degrees every three to six months. This distributes body weight more evenly and reduces strain on high-pressure zones. If you own a double-sided mattress designed for flipping, turning it over periodically can further extend its structural support.

Even modern options like memory foam and hybrid mattresses benefit from rotation. A consistent schedule ensures that no single area bears the brunt of nightly use, preserving comfort and spinal support.

Keep It Clean — Gently

Mattresses gradually collect dust, dead skin cells, and allergens. Regular cleaning helps maintain hygiene and improves indoor air quality.

Vacuum the surface once a month using an upholstery attachment to remove debris before it settles deeper into the layers. For odour control, sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the mattress, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum thoroughly. This simple method helps neutralise smells without harsh chemicals.

Avoid steam cleaning, particularly for foam or latex mattresses. Excess moisture can seep into inner layers and create conditions for mould growth. Instead, treat spills immediately by blotting gently with a clean cloth. Mild cleaning solutions are preferable to strong chemical products, which may damage fabric and foam components.

Invest in a Mattress Protector

A quality mattress protector acts as the first line of defence against moisture, spills, body oils, and allergens. Without protection, these elements gradually break down materials and shorten the mattress lifespan.

Choose a breathable, washable protector and clean it regularly along with your bedding. This added layer not only preserves hygiene but also helps maintain the integrity of the mattress beneath.

Equally important is the foundation. Ensure the mattress rests on a sturdy, level base with proper support. An uneven or sagging frame can accelerate structural wear. Repeatedly sitting on the edges should also be avoided, as it weakens the perimeter over time.

Use Sunlight Wisely

Occasional exposure to sunlight can help freshen a mattress naturally. Sunlight acts as a mild disinfectant and helps eliminate lingering moisture and bacteria.

However, care is needed with materials like memory foam. Direct, prolonged heat can damage synthetic layers. If placing the mattress outdoors isn’t practical, indirect sunlight through a window can still offer benefits without risking material breakdown.

Maintaining a mattress isn’t complicated — it’s about routine care. Allow it to breathe, rotate it regularly, clean it gently, protect it from spills, and ensure proper support underneath.

Considering that a third of life is spent in bed, treating a mattress as a long-term health investment makes sense. With small, consistent habits, you can preserve comfort, enhance sleep quality, and extend its lifespan well beyond the expected years.