Snooze News Ep. 24: How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress

If you listen to a friend or family member that grew up in the 1940-70’s they’ll tell you that if your mattress is uncomfortable, just flip it over. Easy fix, right? NOPE!

Almost all mattresses (more than 90%) that are made or imported into the United States today are not constructed in a double-sided manner – meaning, you can’t flip them!

How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress

If you’ve read our blog How to Protect Your Mattress & Extends its Life, you are most likely interested in how you can squeeze a few more years out of your aging, uncomfortable mattress. We’ll cut to the chase. The only true way to extend the life of your mattress is to purchase a high-quality, well-constructed mattress (…like the ones we build here at Texas Mattress Makers) and make sure you have the proper support for it. Read more about the importance of a box spring here.

Of course, there are times when a less expensive mattress might be the best choice. For young adults who will be moving a lot and aren’t ready to make an investment as well as children and teenagers – a mattress made with less components but the right amount of support is most likely the best option for you! But, if you do choose to save a few dollars and purchase your mattress made with either fewer or inexpensive materials, you might be replacing it sooner than you think!

Mattress Myths for Extending the Life Of Your Mattress

Here are a few myths:

1. Mattress Toppers

We know what you’re thinking…I’ll just go buy a mattress topper and fix my uncomfortable mattress – no need for a new one – right?!

Wrong.

A mattress cover is designed to keep your mattress clean. But if comfort is your issue, a topper will simply mask the issues that you are having with your mattress for a short time. Wait a few weeks and the problems from your mattress will translate through the mattress topper…now you’re out a few $$ and not happy.

Pro tip: If you are interested in a topper to help keep your mattress fresh, our experts recommend buying one that is both thin and 100% cotton so you don’t sleep hotter due to airflow restriction. Wash it every time you wash your bedsheets to keep it nice and clean!

2. Flip It

To be clear, we are talking flip, like you flip a pancake (the top is now the bottom, the bottom is now the top). While there are some double sided flippable mattresses out there, they are quite rare. If you choose to flip a mattress that was not made to be flipped, you will be very uncomfortable. Plain-and-simple. Don’t do it.

If you’re looking for double sided mattresses, you can shop our Noah Allen Firm or Esteem Firm mattresses.

3. Rotate It

To be clear, we are talking about rotating (the left is now the right, the right is now the left). We don’t recommend this either.

Whether you’re sleeping with a partner in bed or alone, the body impression you make in ‘your side’ of the bed is a good thing.

Rotating the mattress will either make you start over (if you sleep alone), or you’ll assume the body impression of your partner. Both can be very uncomfortable.

Learn more about body impressions in our article: Mattress Sag vs Natural Body Impressions

If you have any questions about a mattress or its components, our experts are happy to help whether you buy from us or not. Call us at (713) 341-6252 – we’re open 7 days a week in East Downtown Houston and Katy!  Or, you can email us at tmm@texasmattressmakers.com and we will be happy to answer any questions you have!