Shopping for mattresses can be pretty overwhelming and confusing if you don’t go into it armed with the right information. So today we’re diving into your most commonly asked questions about mattresses to give you the knowledge and tips to make mattress shopping easy!
From how often you should replace your mattress to what to look for in a new mattress, how to get rid of a mattress, and even how to clean your new mattress, I’ve got you covered! 🙌🏻 (post includes affiliate links and is sponsored by Saatva; for more information, see my full disclosure statement {here})
How Often Should I Replace My Mattress?
Does it surprise you to know that the average lifespan of a mattress is 7-10 years?! You might think that your mattress is fine unless there are obvious signs of wear like sagging or visible tears, holes, or stains. But often signs are more subtle, such as having trouble sleeping or waking up feeling achy because your mattress is no longer providing good support. You might also notice that your allergies are worse, which can be from your mattress accumulating allergens like dust mites over time.
GROSS FACT: Your mattress can increase several pounds in weight over 10 years due to the accumulation of skin cells, dust mites, and their droppings! 🤮
Some of the factors that influence the lifespan of your mattress include your body weight, how frequently it’s used, the quality of your mattress, and the type of mattress that you have. Latex mattresses tend to last the longest, followed by hybrid and high-density memory foam mattresses, then innerspring mattresses and low-density memory foam mattresses. Choosing a quality mattress matters too – more on that next…
How Should I Choose a Mattress?
There are five main categories of mattresses to choose from. including (1) innerspring (traditional mattress type with encased metal coils), (2) hybrid (a combination of memory foam or latex for support and the spring of an innerspring), (3) memory foam, (4) latex, and (5) adjustable firmness mattresses. Saatva offers best-in-class mattresses in all five of these categories – let’s dive into deciding between them.
The best mattress for you is going to depend upon several factors, including your weight, primary sleep position, and budget. This chart from Saatva’s mattress buying guide is super helpful in comparing your options:
Also check out Saatva’s mattress quiz {here} that’s awesome for dialing in on the right choice, especially if you and your partner have different sleep preferences.
Personally, I’ve found that I prefer hybrid mattresses, which are also a great choice if you’re looking for a guest room mattress since they work for all types of sleepers. We recently swapped out our 10+ year-old guest room mattress for {this award-winning Saatva classic mattress} in the luxury firm option and have been super happy with it:
It has five layers, including (1) a top layer that’s a 3″ Euro pillow top with an organic cotton cover for cooler sleep. Next (2) is a layer of high-density lumbar memory foam for back support and pressure point relief. Then (3) there’s a layer of pocketed coils that are stronger in the center third of your mattress where most of your body weight is concentrated. It also includes (4) high-density foam rails around the edges for excellent edge support. And (5) it has a durable support base with a dual coil design:
And right now, Saatva is giving you $400 off the purchase of this mattress or any other $1000+ mattress purchase through my links!
What’s equally as important as choosing the right type of mattress is checking that it comes with a generous trial period and warranty. You really need to sleep on a mattress for a minimum of a month to be sure that it’s the right one for you.
Saatva gives you a full 365-night trial to decide whether a mattress is your perfect match. You really can’t beat that! If you’re not completely happy with your mattress, you pay only a $99 processing fee for return or exchange pickup. It takes a lot of stress out of mattress shopping knowing that if you get plenty of time to test out your mattress at home and can return it or exchange it if you decide it’s not the best fit.
How Can I Get Rid of a Mattress?
The easiest way to get rid of your old mattress is to have it hauled away at the same time that your new mattress is delivered. When shopping for a mattress, ask if this is an option and, if so, if there is an associated fee.
Saatva offers free mattress and foundation removal as part of their white glove delivery service when you buy a new mattress (just check the appropriate box at checkout!). So along with hand-delivering and setting up your new mattress, they make getting rid of your old one easy too. And they’ll recycle your old mattress according to your state’s laws.
What about other options? If you live in California, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, there are state mattress recycling programs that you can learn more about {here}. Outside of those states, check out {this mattress recycling service} that serves much of the country and picks up and recycles your mattress for a small fee. Another option for getting rid of an old mattress that’s not visibly stained or worn is to sell it or give it away on Facebook Marketplace. You can also check with local charities and shelters.
How Do I Clean My Mattress?
Now that you’ve got a brand new mattress, what can you do to prolong its life?! Regularly clean it! Over time, mattresses collect dead skin cells, dust mites, dirt, and allergens. Combine those with sweat, and you have a breeding ground for fungus and bacteria – gross!
Luckily, cleaning is a pretty quick and simple process. First, use a handheld vacuum with an upholstery attachment on your bare mattress to thoroughly vacuum it and remove dust, dirt, and allergens. If you have a Dyson cordless, the mini motorhead attachment works well for this:
You could also get a powerful handheld vacuum that’s specifically made for cleaning mattresses, such as {this one} that has the additional benefit of a UV-C light to kill bacteria:
Don’t forget to vacuum around the edges – the crevice tool works well for this if you have one:
Now that your mattress is vacuumed, it’s time to go after any stains. Before using any stain removers, check your mattress manufacturer’s instructions for any recommendations (especially if you have a memory foam mattress, which can be damaged by certain cleaners). Generally, stains from sweat, urine, and other body fluids are best cleaned with an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for removing organic stains.
If you prefer a more organic approach, here are some other stain-removing solutions:
| STAIN | CLEANING SOLUTIONS |
|---|---|
| Vomit | Equal parts white vinegar & water |
| Sweat | (1) Equal parts hydrogen peroxide & water or (2) Make a paste with ¼ cup of baking soda + 1 cup of warm water |
| Urine | (1) Equal parts white vinegar & water or (2) 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide + 3 tablespoons of baking soda + ½ teaspoon dish soap |
| Blood | (1) White vinegar or (2) Hydrogen peroxide or (3) ¼ cup cornstarch + ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide + ½ tablespoon of salt |
| Oily Stains | Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm water |
Generally, you’ll want to start by blotting up any fresh stains. Then apply the cleaner to the stained area, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes (for bottled cleaners, follow the instructions on the bottle for length of sit time). Next, use a clean cloth to blot and remove the stain. Keep blotting until the stain is removed and your cloth is no longer soaking up any cleaner. Then leave your mattress bare for as long as it takes for it to air dry completely.
Finally, to eliminate any lingering odors and refresh your mattress, liberally sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface. Let the baking soda sit for at least a few hours to absorb any odors before vacuuming it up.
Now that your mattress is clean and smelling fresh, let’s be sure to keep it that way! It’s super important to protect your mattress from future stains and spills by using a waterproof mattress protector like {this one} from Saatva.
While other mattress protectors can be crinkly and diaper-like, Saatva’s mattress protector has a thin polyurethane moisture barrier that protects your mattress from spills while still allowing air to flow through, so there isn’t any of that plasticky feel. And the deep pockets and thick silicone elastic band around the edges ensure that your mattress protector stays put.
You can also extend the life of your mattress by rotating it every few months, which can help distribute wear and tear more evenly, extending its lifespan.
Bedding & Other Sleep Accessories
If your mattress is in need of an upgrade, your bedding may not be far behind! In addition to mattresses (including {these speciality designs for babies & children}), did you know that Saatva sells a full collection of luxury bedding products plus designer bed frames, chairs, rugs, and bath towels?! And they’re giving you a 15% discount on accessories through my links!
Some favorites include {these signature sateen sheets},
their scented candles (the Unwind scent is heavenly!)
their plush latex pillow, and {this breathable, waterproof mattress protector}. Also check out these popular picks:
Thanks as always for stopping by! I hope you all have a great week!
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