You’ve done the research and came to the decision that the mattress you want to sleep on is from My Green Mattress, one free from flame retardants and other toxic chemicals. Now that you made the purchase and are on your way to a healthier sleep, you’ll want to protect the mattress so that it lasts you the average ten years that mattresses typically do.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Purchase an organic mattress protector
After going through the lengths of researching safe mattresses, you’ll want to make sure that the very top layer you’ll be sleeping on is also free of chemicals by making sure you purchase an organic protector. Mattress protectors help to prevent dust mites and bed bugs because they keep the inside of the mattress from accumulating human oils and skin flakes (this is what they eat). It also protects the bed from any bodily fluids, like sweat, and from accidental spills of liquids you may have near the bed. We here at My Green Mattress are working on releasing our own green mattress protector, which is slated for release the Summer of 2017. Join our mailing list so that you’re one of the first to hear when it’s released!
2. Flip and rotate your mattress
If you purchased a double-sided mattress, make sure to flip it and rotate it every six to eight weeks or so to even out the wear and tear. If it’s not double sided, rotate it 180 degrees from head to foot every six weeks. Rotating helps promote more even wear, while not rotating it makes depressions and softening more likely. Marking this on a calendar is a good way to remember to do this.
3. Don’t let the kids jump on the bed
Mattresses, foundations, and frames can all wear down more quickly from the extra pressure that jumping creates.
4. Give it sunlight
Every so often, when there is a dry, sunny day, strip down the bed and open the windows, letting the sunlight in to air out the bed for several hours. According to a Kingston University Study, this helps prevent excess moisture both from sleepers and humidity. Direct sunlight also kills dust mites, thus why they thrive in dark places where they are safe.
If you’re looking to freshen up your sleep surface, we recommend a sprinkling of baking soda which you can then vacuum up!
