How often should we change our mattress?
It is recommended that we change our mattress every 8 – 10 years. But before you get rid of that mattress, the most environmentally friendly thing to do is ask yourself if you really need a new one.
The good news is that mattresses have been found to be 85% to 95% recyclable. Whilst it’s possible to convert most the mattresses’ components into reusable material, the process of ‘breaking down’ is so time consuming that it’s not economically viable and most are sent to landfill or incinerated.
This means that only around 16% of mattresses are recycled. Not great news for the environment as mattresses take more than 10 years to decompose, with non-biodegradable parts polluting soil and groundwater.
So, before you dispose of your mattress consider whether someone else could use it. Offering to friends and family should be considered as well as donating it to local charities or recycle sites such as Freecycle.
Are there ways to extend the life of your mattress?
To keep your mattress in great condition, it is recommended that you rotate or turn it at least once every three months. This means alternating between moving it from top to bottom and turning it over so you are sleeping on a different side of the mattress. This evens out the pressure on the mattress and ensures that the filings are evenly distributed. Regularly rotating and turning will extend the life of your mattress and give you a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Covering your mattress with a mattress protector is also a simple and inexpensive way to extend the life of your mattress. It forms a barrier that keeps the mattress clean and fresh for longer.
Mattress protectors help to prevent contact with common allergens like dust mites. And as a mattress protector prevents moisture from getting onto the mattress you deprive dust mites of their natural habitat. Great news for sleepers who suffer from common allergies such as asthma.
It also protects the mattress from spills, dirt and other contaminants that may stain mattresses or cause unpleasant odours.
So be proactive – ensure that take steps to ensure that your mattress stays in good shape for as long as possible and think carefully before you dispose of it.
