How Long Do Foam Mattresses Last?

Purchasing a new foam mattress is an important decision. We spend a lot of our lives in the bedroom at rest. Having a comfortable mattress that lasts is an investment that is absolutely worth it. But how long do foam mattresses last?

A high-quality memory foam mattress can last you anywhere from twelve to twenty-five years if they are well cared for. Typically, memory foam mattresses outlast and outperform the standard box spring mattress, even if it is a hybrid. One of the most important factors in prolonging the life of your memory foam is how you take care of it.

Maintaining Your Foam Mattress

Here are six easy steps you can take to extend the life of your memory foam mattress:

Remove dirt, lint, and hair with a vacuum

Routinely using a handheld vacuum or an extendable vacuum hose can take care of stray hairs, pet fur, dirt, lint, and other debris that accumulates over time. If possible, time the vacuuming to be done at the same time that you change your sheets. This timing will prevent ground-in dirt that can cause damage to your mattress over time.

Treat stains as soon as possible

If your mattress is ever stained, it is best to treat it as soon as the stain occurs with a very mild fabric detergent. To avoid residue that is difficult to completely remove, it is important not to use soap. Cover the stain with 1 part cleaner and 1 part water, but just enough to cover the stain—be careful not to soak the mattress. Next, use a clean cloth and gently scrub the stain in small circular motions. Don’t press too hard.  Keep in mind that your memory foam mattress is essentially a very large sponge. Too much water can take a very long time to dry.

After the stain is removed, use a wet cloth to remove any excess detergent. Let the mattress dry completely before placing sheets or a mattress protector back on the bed. To help dry the bed faster, you can run a fan or use a cooling hair dryer on the spot you cleaned.

Sprinkle baking soda on your mattress

Once a month, you’ll want to sprinkle some baking soda on top of your mattress. Allow it to sit for a couple of hours, then vacuum it all off. This is a great way to refresh your mattress, which will help extend its life.

If you see some stains that didn’t get fully removed with the fabric detergent, put some peroxide in a spray bottle, and spray it lightly on the stain. Allow it to dry fully before adding the baking soda.  When you vacuum it up, the stain should be removed completely.

Rotate your mattress as needed

This will help to even out the pressure put on the foam. This is especially helpful if you sleep on one particular side of the mattress rather than on all of it.

Use a mattress cover

Since you probably want to make your investment in a mattress worth it, you can extend its life with a mattress cover. These slip on top of the mattress and can add extra cushioning or even cooling properties. Most importantly, though, they protect the mattress from accidental spills and stains.

Change your sheets regularly

Even if you keep your bed clean and free of potential stains and spills, you can still have spots accumulate on your mattress if you don’t clean the sheets regularly. Your body oils and sweat can get through the sheets and soak into the mattress, so it’s important to regularly change and wash your sheets.

With the right maintenance and routine care, your foam mattress should have a very full, long life!