Caring for Memory Foam Mattresses

Nothing helps you recuperate, rejuvenate, or relax quite like your mattress. We spend over a quarter of our days sleeping, bringing energy and wellbeing back to our bodies. Where we sleep has a powerful effect on how we sleep, so using a good mattress has a profound impact on our health and lifestyle. Memory foam mattresses are increasingly popular. What differences are there between a traditional mattress and memory foam?

History and Benefits of Memory Foam

Back in the 1960s, NASA began development on customized seats for astronauts as they endured the pressure of launching into space. They needed a material that would adapt to all body forms, instead of creating a customized seat for each astronaut on every assignment. One of their developments began with a petroleum base, and resulted in a synthetic, visco-elastic material that contoured to whatever form was pressed against it. Since it returned to its original form when not in use, some called it memory foam. Eventually it was sold and distributed under this name by the commercial world.

When compared to traditional mattresses, memory foam has many benefits, including:

• Molding to your body style and form
• Evenly distributing body weight, making it ideal for multiple sleeping positions
• Ability to absorb motion
• Hypo-allergenic properties

As with any mattress, memory foam wears over time, lasting for about 10 to 15 years. Rotating your memory foam mattress every 6 months helps the mattress wear evenly, letting it last even longer. You can rotate it horizontally, from head to foot, but most models are not double-sided, so there’s no need to flip them. It’s also a good idea to keep them dry, as moisture increases how quickly the foam deteriorates. Using a mattress protector is always a great idea.

Proper Care of Memory Foam

Make sure to change and clean your bedding regularly to keep dirt, moisture, mites or bedbugs from finding their way into your memory foam. Wash your sheets, blankets and pillowcases with higher temperatures to eliminate dust mites and bacteria. While washing your bedding, take the opportunity to review the cleaning instructions for your mattress. Many mattresses have this information on or alongside the attached warranty tag. With most memory foam mattresses, vacuuming is recommended, but make sure to use the proper attachments so you avoid damaging the foam.

Since it’s recommended you have your carpets professionally cleaned twice a year, you can use your carpet cleaning schedule as a reminder to rotate your mattress. In fact, Preferred Carpet Care in Redding is happy to clean your memory foam mattress when we clean your carpets twice a year. That way you know your mattress is fresh and sanitized whenever you rotate it.

If you would like to know more about memory foam mattresses or how to take care of them, give Preferred Carpet Care a jingle – or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment. We’re happy to help you care for your memory foam mattress, as well as your carpets, rugs, upholstery, tile, grout, and even your car interior. Take it from us: fresh, clean mattresses and fresh, clean carpets are definitely worth remembering.