One question that pops up occasionally among new memory foam mattress owners is whether or not their beds should be rotated or cared for differently than traditional spring beds. Due to the way they are made, these memory foam beds have some unique characteristics, requiring both less and different maintenance. In this article, we’ll answer common questions about memory foam mattress care that will help you extend the life of your new bed.
About Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are generally comprised of at least two layers; the memory foam layer at the surface which provides cushioning, and the regular foam core which provides support. This differs from traditional innerspring mattresses, which use metal coils for support and have multiple layers of foam and fiber for padding, sometimes on both sides. Both types of beds have textile covers, though with foam beds they are occasionally removeable. Support is another aspect where these two mattress types differ; memory foam beds require rigid, firm foundations or platforms, while innerspring beds are designed to work with complimentary box springs.
Caring for a Memory Foam Mattress
Maintaining a memory foam bed isn’t too different than caring for a spring bed, but there are a few important guidelines to know. Following these will help keep your bed in good shape and protect your investment.
How to Rotate Your Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam, like all beds, will wear quickest in the areas where it slept on most often. In order to prevent impressions and minimize wear, you should rotate your memory foam mattress regularly. This is a good idea even if the retailer says it’s not necessary.
- The mattress should rotated 180 degrees, swapping the head and foot.
- Memory foam beds can be heavy, so make sure you have a second hand or gradually rotate it using the frame to support the bulk of the weight.
- Plan on rotating your mattress every 6 months or so.
- Mattresses used on adjustable beds may benefit from being rotated more often than those that always lie flat.
More Maintenance Tips
- Memory foam mattresses should NOT be flipped over. They are almost always designed with the memory foam on only one side, with the reverse consisting of firm polyfoam that is not meant to be slept on.
- If the cover is removeable, try to wash it at least every 3 months.
- Vacuum the mattress every so often to reduce allergens.
- Consider using a mattress protector to keep your bed clean and prevent spills.
- If you do have a spill, strip the mattress right away, soak up as much as possible with dry towels, and use a mild soap and water solution to remove any stains. Always make sure you allow the foam to completely dry before returning the bedding to prevent mildew.
Don’t Forget to Check Your Memory Foam Mattress Warranty
The general maintenance tips above provide a basics of memory foam mattress care, but it’s also important to check your warranty and see what the manufacturer suggests. The warranty and customer manuals may detail how often the mattress should be rotated and whether or not a specific foundation or mattress protector are required to maintain coverage. Stipulations like being stain free and having mattress tags attached are fairly common. The warranty will also detail what is covered, such as how deep sagging must be to file a claim and how long the warranty lasts.
Most mattresses aren’t particularly complicated pieces of furniture, and this type is no different. All a memory foam mattress requires is adequate support, occasional cleanings and semi-annual rotations and your bed will last and provide comfort for years.