Care and Maintenance
Care & Maintenance
Your bed and mattress are one of the most important investments you'll make for your health and wellbeing. With the right care, they'll reward you with years of comfortable, supportive sleep. Here's everything you need to know — honest advice from our team, built on over 30 years of experience.
At a Glance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Rotate mattress | Once a week for first 12 weeks, then once a month |
| Flip mattress (double-sided only) | Alternate weekly: one week flip, one week rotate |
| ⚠️ Hoover your mattress | NEVER — moves fillings and voids your guarantee |
| Wash mattress protector | Once a month |
| Air your mattress | Once a month |
| Check bolts on bed frame | Every 6 months |
Our Honest Advice
"After helping customers for over 30 years, the one thing we see time and time again is a mattress wearing unevenly because it hasn't been turned or rotated. This is so important — even if you never used to do it, start now."
— The Bedtime Bed Centre Team
Mattress Rotation
Rotating your mattress regularly ensures even wear across the entire sleeping surface, preventing body impressions from forming in one spot. This is the single most important thing you can do to extend the life of your mattress.
- First 12 weeks: Rotate head-to-toe once a week. This is the settling-in period and the most critical time.
- Ongoing: Rotate once a month thereafter.
To rotate, simply turn the mattress 180° so the head end becomes the foot end.
Mattress Flipping
Not all mattresses can be flipped — only double-sided mattresses are designed to be used on both sides. Check with us if you're unsure whether your mattress is single or double-sided.
- If your mattress is double-sided: Alternate between flipping and rotating on a weekly basis during the first 12 weeks, then monthly thereafter.
- Week 1: Flip (turn over so the underside faces up)
- Week 2: Rotate (turn 180° head to toe)
- Repeat this pattern ongoing.
Never flip a single-sided mattress — the underside is not designed for sleeping on and will damage the mattress.
Mattress Protector Care
A good mattress protector is essential — it guards against spills, allergens, and general wear, and keeps your guarantee intact. Without one, many manufacturer guarantees are void.
- Wash: Once a month at the temperature stated on the care label.
- Never tumble dry on high heat unless the label says it's safe.
- Replace your protector if it becomes worn or loses its waterproofing.
Airing Your Mattress
Mattresses absorb moisture overnight from natural body heat and perspiration. Airing it out helps prevent the build-up of damp and keeps it fresh.
- Once a month, pull back the bedding and leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours.
- Open a window if possible to allow fresh air to circulate.
Bed Frame Maintenance
A well-maintained bed frame supports your mattress properly and prevents unnecessary movement or noise. Loose bolts are one of the most common causes of a squeaky or unstable bed.
- Check and tighten all bolts and fixings every 6 months.
- If your frame has slats, check they are all in place and none are cracked or bowing.
- Contact us if you notice any structural issues — don't sleep on a compromised frame.
Guarantees & Warranties
Proper care of your mattress and bed frame is essential to keeping your guarantee valid. For full details on what's covered and for how long, please read our dedicated guide.
Read our Guarantees & Warranties guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep on a new mattress straight away?
Yes, absolutely. There's no need to wait — you can sleep on your new mattress from the very first night. It may feel slightly different to how it felt in the showroom at first, but that's completely normal as it begins to settle to your body shape and the temperature of your home.
If your mattress arrived rolled up, it will expand quickly once unpackaged — but occasionally the corners can be the last part to fully come up. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. It's still perfectly safe to sleep on, and in rare cases it can take up to 24 hours for the corners to fully expand.
Why does my mattress smell?
A slight smell when a new mattress is first unwrapped is completely normal — it's simply the materials off-gassing after being packaged. Leave it to air in a well-ventilated room for a few hours and the smell will dissipate quickly.
The type of smell can vary depending on the mattress:
- Memory foam mattresses can have a chemical or synthetic smell when new. This is harmless and will disappear over time as the foam airs out.
- Natural fill mattresses (such as wool, cotton, or horsehair) can have an earthy, farm-like smell. Again, this is completely natural — it's simply the smell of the raw materials — and it will fade with time and airing.
Why can I see where I've been lying?
Body impressions are normal — and actually a sign that your mattress is working correctly. The fillings are conforming to your body shape, which is exactly what they're designed to do. It means your mattress is responding to you.
A couple of things worth knowing:
- Impressions can look more pronounced on larger mattresses — a king or super king will naturally show more than a single, simply due to the greater surface area of filling.
- They also tend to look worse when the bed is made, as the weight of the bedding can emphasise the dip. This is completely normal.
If the impression is deep or uneven on one side, it's usually a sign that the mattress hasn't been rotated (or flipped, if double-sided) regularly enough. Start your rotation routine now and it should even out over time.
Can I use my existing base?
It depends. A new mattress should always be used on a base that's in good condition and appropriate for that mattress type. A worn-out or broken base can damage a new mattress and may void your guarantee. If you're unsure whether your existing base is suitable, pop into one of our showrooms and we'll give you an honest answer.
Helpful tip for divan bases: Remove the mattress and run your hand firmly across the top of the base. If you can feel any dips or waves in the surface, the base has worn and needs replacing. A good base should feel completely flat and firm. Putting a new mattress on a worn divan base is one of the most common causes of premature mattress wear — and it's easily avoided.
Do I really need a mattress protector?
Yes — and we can't stress this enough. A mattress protector guards against spills, sweat, allergens, and general wear. More importantly, most manufacturer guarantees require one to be in place. Without a protector, any staining or soiling — however minor — can void your guarantee entirely. It's a small investment that protects a much bigger one.
Why can't I vacuum my mattress?
Vacuuming a mattress moves and compresses the internal fillings, which can cause them to clump, shift, or wear unevenly. This is particularly damaging to natural-fill mattresses. It also voids most manufacturer guarantees. If you need to freshen your mattress, air it monthly and ensure your protector is washed regularly instead.
How long should a mattress last?
It depends — and the honest answer starts with the quality of the mattress in the first place.
- Budget and mid-range mattresses typically last between 3 and 5 years, though this varies depending on how well they're cared for, body weight, and how frequently they're used.
- Premium mattresses are built to last longer — generally 7 to 10 years, and sometimes more with proper care.
Regardless of the mattress, the biggest factors in longevity are regular rotation (and flipping if double-sided), using a good mattress protector, and ensuring it's on a suitable, supportive base. If your mattress is no longer giving you the support you need, come and speak to us — we'll give you an honest assessment.
Can I use an electric blanket?
It depends on the mattress — and it's always best to check at the point of purchase. While electric blankets are permitted on some mattresses, they are generally not recommended, particularly on memory foam.
- Memory foam mattresses: Using an electric blanket is not recommended. The additional heat can affect how the foam performs and may cause discolouration of the foam over time — which could void your guarantee.
- Other mattress types: Some spring or natural fill mattresses may be compatible, but always check the manufacturer's guidance for your specific mattress before using one.
If in doubt, ask us when you purchase — we'll always give you a straight answer.
Why does my new mattress feel firmer than the one in the shop?
Showroom mattresses have never been slept on, but they may have softened slightly over time as customers try them — often just by sitting or lying on them briefly. However, we believe that the longer you lie on a mattress, the firmer it can feel, which is why the experience in the showroom may differ from sleeping on it at home night after night.
This is exactly why we always encourage customers to take their time and properly lie down on a mattress in the showroom — it's the only way to get a true feel for it. A quick sit on the edge simply won't tell you what you need to know.
Your new mattress will also continue to settle with regular use — typically over 4 to 8 weeks — and rotating it regularly during this period helps the fillings distribute evenly and reach their full comfort level.
How long does it take to get used to a new mattress?
Most people adjust within a few weeks, but for some it can take up to 3 months — and that's completely normal. It can seem like a long time, but your body genuinely needs time to adapt to a new level of support, especially if you've been sleeping on an old or worn mattress for years. Stick with it, keep rotating regularly, and give your body the chance to adjust. The difference in how you feel after a good night's sleep on the right mattress is well worth it.
Need More Advice?
Our team is always happy to help — whether you have a question about your mattress, need guidance on care, or want to explore our range in person. No commission, no pressure — just honest advice.
Visit us at our showrooms in King's Lynn or Wisbech, or get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
