Health Tip: Care for Your Mattress

(HealthDay News) — Proper care of your mattress can help you get a longer and healthier night’s sleep.

The National Sleep Foundation offers these suggestions to extend the life of your mattress:

Rotate both your mattress and box spring regularly. For the first four months of a new bed, rotate it every two weeks, then every three months. Rotate the box spring every six months.
When you sit on the edge of your bed, make sure you sit in a different spot each time to help maintain the structure of your bed.
Never allow kids or adults to jump on the bed.
Cover your mattress with a washable pad to protect against stains, allergens and bedbugs.
Regularly vacuum your mattress. If you have a stain, prevent mold growth by spot cleaning the mattress with minimal water and letting it dry before replacing sheets. To get rid of odors, sprinkle with baking soda before vacuuming.
Regularly check the bed to see if anything needs repair or tightening. Replace your mattress when worn or after about 8-to-10 years.