Mattress Damage

Mattresses

• Mattresses come in several forms. Traditional mattresses contain an inner framework of metal coils surrounded by soft cushioning formed from cotton or wool. Latex mattresses contain a solid core of synthetic or natural latex surrounded by a protective layer of cotton. All mattresses are intended to provide you with the correct combination of support and softness to give you a good night's sleep. Damage done to your mattress can interfere with your ability to enjoy a restful night.

Moisture

• Moisture can damage all kinds of mattresses, but it causes the most problems for traditional mattresses. Moisture like a spill or water or urine can do more than stain; if it gets into the mattress's interior, it can trigger mold growth inside. Not only will this lead to a foul, musty smell in your mattress, but it can also cause health problems, including respiratory difficulties and skin rashes. Latex mattresses are at risk for mold growth on the underside, especially if they lay flat on a platform. Even if the moisture does not lead to mold growth, stains on a mattress will often void the manufacturer's warranty.

Physical Damage

• Mattresses are subject to physical damage as well. It does not take a group of children jumping up and down on a bed to hurt it; failing to rotate or flip a mattress on a regular basis can also lead to serious damage. If you sleep on the same place on a mattress every night, your body weight compresses the material, whether it is metal springs or latex. Over time, this compression breaks down the materials inside the bed. It will sag and fail to provide you with the same support as it did when it was new. This damage will mean you need to buy a new mattress sooner.

Considerations

• To protect your mattress from damage, cover it with a tightly woven mattress cover. The cover will stop moisture from reaching it and prevent staining and mold. Rotating and flipping your mattress on a regular basis will prevent physical damage over time. As a general rule, rotate your mattress about once a month. Flip it over twice a year. If you have a pillow-top mattress that cannot be flipped over, you should rotate it on a regular basis. This simple maintenance step prolongs the life of your mattress and extends the number of good nights it can give you.