When you invest in a quality sofa and you want it to last for many years, you're told to rotate and turn the cushions every time you vacuum your carpet and upholstery. Even more importantly, when you invest in down cushions, which are the most expensive you can get, you are advised to turn and fluff up those cushions every time you use your sofa because down tends to settle and must be renewed so it's not flat. Another common analogy is the maintenance of your automobile. You are advised to change your oil regularly to maintain maximum engine performance and avoid breakdowns. You're also advised to rotate your tires regularly to even out the wear and extend the life of the tires.

It is just as important with mattresses, if not more so (as you spend about a third of your life lying on one), to care for it to extend its life. An investment in a more expensive, higher quality mattress can continue to work for you for over ten years with the proper care. The proper maintenance of a sleep set plays a major role in the consumer's understanding of what they can experience with a new sleep system, and how they can gain the greatest return on investment (long-term comfort and support).

A new sleep set will feel different from an old set. Initially, it will be higher with more loft to the surface. That happens for two reasons. There are different and possibly more layers of upholstery that create the comfort in a new mattress. This is called "top comfort." The important support that the back and the spine need is complemented by these layers of polyfoam, dacron, insulators, and sometimes even wool, silk, or cashmere. The layers of upholstery in old mattresses have become compressed and flattened over the years. Upholstery layers in a new mattress have a certain amount of air in these materials. In addition, a break in period is required. This is when new materials begin to settle and conform to the shapes and curves of the body. This takes time. While this adjustment is taking place, creases, or "comfort wrinkles," may be noticeable. This is a natural process and these creases are not defects. To help the new sleep system complete this adjustment to personal needs, the sleep set needs to be maintained. This settling of materials can be evened out by turning and flipping the mattress on a regular basis. It is recommended that the mattress is alternately turned and flipped once every two weeks for the first three months, and then twice per year after that. The foundation should also be turned every 12 months.

The other part of the bedding investment is the use of a proper frame. A queen or king sized bed needs to have a frame with a center support to compansate for any stress on the set.

You can ask your Mattress Warehouse sales consultant for any more information on maximizing your return on your mattress set. Your role is to be comfortable and enjoy your investment!

The following information is adapted from The Better Sleep Guide, a free brochure from by the Better Sleep Council's "Consumer Information Series."

Mattress care tips

Keep your new sleep set in good condition by following these care guidelines:

• Ask your Mattress Warehouse representative for advice about properly moving your new mattress and foundation into your home. Improper installation can damage your new sleep set.
• Some mattresses may need to be turned and rotated every few months to help smooth out contours - consult your Mattress Warehouse representative for guidelines. And when turning your mattress, be sure to rotate the foundation and check your mattress for signs of wear and tear. Is it time for a new one?
• Don’t use the handles to support the full weight of the mattress. Typically, handles are designed to help you position the mattress over the foundation. If used improperly, handles may pull out and damage the fabric.
• Vacuuming is the only recommended way to clean a mattress. A quality, washable mattress pad will help keep the sleep set free from stains. If you’re determined to tackle a stain, use mild soap with cold water and rub lightly. Don’t ever soak a mattress or foundation.

Always discard your old mattress

Often, when you purchase a new sleep set you can make arrangements with the retailer to dispose of the old one. Mattress Warehouse can disposes of your old mattress! For a very small removal fee, our drivers can remove your old mattress set during delivery.

Using the old mattress in a child’s room or guest bedroom or giving it away is usually not a good idea: If a mattress and foundation no longer meet your comfort and support needs, the set won’t provide the support and comfort your children or guests need for a good night’s sleep.