Myths vs Facts

Myth #1: The age of the mattress does not affect your sleep.

Fact: Mattress age is a big contributor to a mattress’ quality. The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every 7-10 years, depending on comfort and support. The truth is that the life of a mattress varies wildly, which depends on how you take care of it, how you sleep on it and how often you rotate it.

Myth #2: A hard mattress is best for a bad back.

Fact: Your spine takes a natural ‘S’ shape as you grow. Your spine is shaped that way so it acts as a spring: it is flexible when under pressure. When you lie on a hard mattress, the curve of your back is unsupported. The mattress will support your shoulders and hips, but not the middle part of your spine. That will tend to sag down, put pressure on your vertebrae and lead to back pains. A hard mattress may suit you if you always sleep on your side, not otherwise.

Myth #3: You can remove dust mites by washing your sheets.

Fact: Washing your sheets might remove dust mites from the sheets, but most live within the mattress itself. An innerspring mattress can harbor zillions of dust mites. Steam cleaning the mattress can help – but only to an extent. The best way to protect yourself from dust mites is to use a washable mattress protector on top.

Myth #4: You should regularly rotate or flip your mattress.

Fact: The advanced construction of mattresses today means there is no need for flipping, but rotating is recommended unless you have a no-turn or memory foam mattress.

Myth #5: Buy a mattress with the longest warranty possible.

Fact: Mattress warranties do not refer to the life expectancy of your purchase. The warranty covers workmanship and materials and just like many products used with extreme regularity, you’ll notice wear and tear before you reach the end of the warranty.