5 Signs You Need a New Mattress

Sometimes it takes years of discomfort, poor sleep and sore muscles before we suddenly realize --- maybe we need a new mattress!

Here are 5 signs you may need a new mattress:

1. Mattress age

You've had your present mattress for more than 10 years. Some high quality mattresses will, of course, last much longer than this, but if you suspect it's time for a new mattress, this is the first thing to consider.

2. Lumpy, bumpy or saggy

Your mattress has noticeable lumps and bumps, or is uneven and saggy. Sleeping every night on a surface like this has the same effect on your body, particularly your back, as sleeping on rocky ground! Do your back a favour and get a new mattress.

3. Creaks and groans (the mattress, not you!)

When you lie down on the bed, your mattress squeaks, creaks or groans. This is a sure sign of old age in a mattress, and could soon have you creaking and groaning too!

4. Hole in the middle

You and your sleeping partner always end up crammed together in the deep depression in the middle of the mattress. This may sound romantic, but it loses its appeal after a couple of nights!

5. Sore, stiff muscles

You wake up sore and stiff all over. Worn out mattresses contribute to worn out bodies!

Any or all of these conditions suggest you need a new mattress. Before you run out and buy the first or cheapest one you find, though, do some research to find out which mattress will be the best for you

Sleep well!

By Mandy Duncan

Cleaning Tips For Your Mattress' Long Life

More than 30% of your life is spent sleeping. Now, if this statistic is true, which it is, then you would also want to have a comfortable and clean mattress to sleep on. How can you achieve this? You should therefore maintain the cleanliness of your mattress; make sure that it stays fresh for a much longer period. Use these helpful mattress cleaning tips to aid you in your cleaning task.

You must admit it, there are times when your mattress is stale-smelling; this kind of mattress is unfriendly especially to individuals with allergies. The common cause is dust mites. Make sure that you flip the mattress and vacuum it on all sides every 6 or 8 weeks. Remember to use your vacuum hose's hard surface and non-brush attachment.

To maintain the fresh smell of your mattress, put dryer sheets first before covering the mattress with beddings. The scents of dryer sheets vary, so make sure that you're quite comfortable with it, otherwise, change the dryers and choose a scent that you can sleep on at night comfortably.

It's impossible to find a used mattress without mildew or mold. For your health, purchase a new mattress if about 50% of your existing mattress is covered with mildew/mold. But if you're only dealing with a little area, you can salvage your mattress. When the weather is dry and sunny, take your mattress to the outdoors. Wear a mask and vacuum the mattress. Leave the mattress outside for the whole day and bring it in before dew settles in.

If you're a cigarette smoker, then your mattress might smell of cigarettes too. Again, take the mattress outside during a sunny and dry day. Spray some odor remover on the mattress and leave it under the heat of the sun. In the afternoon, bring the mattress inside and sprinkle some baking soda. Leave it on for the night and the following day, you can vacuum it.

Cleaning your mattress is one way to ensure its long life. Have a good night sleep.

By Anthony Lee