Common Mattress Care Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

A mattress is one of the most important investments you make for your comfort and health, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood when it comes to care. Many common mattress problems, including sagging, odors and shortened lifespan, are not caused by defects. They are the result of everyday care mistakes that slowly take a toll over time.

Proactive mattress care can help you protect your investment, improve sleep quality and avoid premature replacement.

Using the Wrong Foundation or Frame

One of the most common mattress care mistakes is placing a mattress on an incompatible foundation or no foundation. Mattresses are designed to work with specific types of support, such as platform beds, reinforced slats or approved adjustable bases.

Old box springs, weak frames or slats spaced too far apart allow the mattress to bend unevenly. Over time, this leads to premature sagging and uneven wear, even if the mattress itself is well-made.

Always make sure the foundation meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper support is not optional if you want to get the most out of your mattress.

Skipping Mattress Rotation

Many people never rotate their mattress, assuming that modern designs no longer require it. While not all modern mattresses are double-sided and flippable, all should be periodically rotated.

Sleeping in the same position night after night concentrates pressure in specific areas. Without rotation, those areas break down faster, leading to impressions and discomfort.

Rotating your mattress every three to six months helps distribute wear more evenly and extends the usable life of the mattress.

Not Using a Mattress Protector

Another frequent mistake is skipping a mattress protector. Even if spills never happen, mattresses are exposed to moisture from sweat, humidity and everyday use.

Over time, moisture can break down foams, encourage odors and reduce the integrity of internal materials. A quality mattress protector acts as a barrier without affecting comfort.

Protectors also help guard against dust, allergens and accidental spills, all of which can shorten a mattress’s lifespan if left unchecked.

Sitting or Sleeping in the Same Spot Constantly

While it isn’t realistic to constantly change sleep positions, repeated use of one area, or sitting in the same place on the edge, does gradually compress the materials and can shorten the mattress’s lifespan.

Edge compression, in particular, is often seen when the same spot is used for sitting. Over time, this can weaken the edge support and contribute to uneven wear.

While you don’t need to worry about shuffling your sleeping position every night, being mindful of habits that put extra pressure on the same areas, like always sitting in the same place, can help.

For most mattresses, especially those that can’t be flipped, rotating the mattress head-to-foot a few times a year is the most effective way to distribute wear more evenly.

Placing Mattresses Directly on the Floor

While placing a mattress on the floor may seem harmless, it can cause problems over time. Limited airflow beneath the mattress traps moisture, which can affect internal materials.

Poor ventilation increases the risk of odors and material breakdown, especially in humid environments. Mattresses are designed to breathe, and blocking airflow can shorten their lifespan.

Using a proper frame or base promotes airflow and supports mattress health.

Exposing the Mattress to Excessive Moisture or Heat

Environmental conditions matter more than many people realize. Excess humidity, spills that are not fully dried, or placing a mattress near heat sources can degrade materials faster.

Foams and adhesives are sensitive to prolonged moisture and extreme temperatures. Keeping the bedroom well-ventilated and addressing spills promptly helps preserve the mattress’s comfort layers.

Overlooking Weight Limits and Usage Expectations

Every mattress is designed with a certain weight range and usage pattern in mind. Exceeding those expectations without proper support can lead to faster wear.

This does not mean heavier sleepers cannot enjoy long-lasting mattresses. It means choosing materials and designs suited for the load and ensuring the foundation provides adequate reinforcement.

Matching the mattress to the sleeper is part of proper care.

A High-Quality Mattress Ensures You Enjoy a Better-Quality Sleep for Longer

Twilight Bedding helps customers choose and care for mattresses designed for long-term comfort and durability. Visit one of our locations today or call our North Spokane Showroom at (509) 413-2431 or our Spokane Valley Showroom at (509) 926-2333 for more information.