How Long Does A Memory Foam Mattress Last?
Memory foam mattresses generally have a similar lifecycle to many other types of mattresses. They tend to last around 7-10 years, however there are variables that can make your mattress last longer or need replacing sooner than that.
For example, memory foam mattresses with a higher density tend to last longer than those with less density and adopting a regular cleaning schedule when it comes to your memory foam mattress can help to extend its life too. How much weight the mattress is subjected to and how that weight is distributed can affect how long it lasts too.
How Does Memory Foam Density Affect Comfort Levels?
Density refers to how heavy something is in relation to its size. Memory foam mattresses are available in a range of densities and the density of the mattress has an effect on how it feels whilst sleeping in it.
Higher density mattresses have more material tightly packed within the mattress and feature less air pockets. Which results in a slower response time to pressure which provides greater support. Higher density memory foam mattresses are more durable too. Whilst memory foam mattresses with less density have more air pockets, a softer feel and a quicker response time.
Memory foam density is measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) which is calculated by dividing the weight of the mattress by its size. For example, a mattress that measures 30 cubic feet and weighs 200 pounds, would have a PCF of 6.6. Typically, any mattress that has a PCF of 3 or less is a low-density mattress, those with a PCF of 3-5 are a medium density mattress and anything that has a PCF of 5 or over is a high density memory foam mattress.
How To Clean A Memory Foam Mattress?
It’s important to keep your bed nice and clean to prevent any potential build up of allergens and ensure a hygienic environment that’s conducive to a great night’s sleep. Ensuring the mattress itself is kept clean is an important step to ensuring its longevity too. Here’s our general steps to take when cleaning your memory foam mattress.
First of all, you’ll want to grab your vacuum cleaner and clean away any dust and debris that may be present on the mattress. When it comes to cleaning stains, there are specific techniques for cleaning each and every type, so be sure to check out our guide on that, but they usually involve washing up liquid, baking soda, white vinegar or a combination of all three.
Baking soda can also be used to deodorise the mattress as well, because it naturally absorbs odours. This is an important step to take generally, but especially if there are any stains that have a strong odour such as urine. Finally, be sure to make sure your mattress is aired out and dry before putting fresh bedding on it.
Can You Use An Electric Blanket With A Memory Foam Mattress?
Whilst it’s perfectly safe to use an electric blanket with your memory foam mattress (as long as all safety steps have been followed), it’s important to consider the effect that extra heat may have on the mattress and its performance.
Memory foam mattresses are activated by both pressure and heat. They’re designed to utilise body heat to contour to your body and provide you with the support you need. However the additional heat an electric blanket provides will heat up the mattress more than usual, resulting in a ‘softer’ mattress and potentially less support.
You could look to prevent or negate this somewhat by either using a mattress protector and putting the electric blanket on top of that or using a heated ‘over blanket’ rather than a fitted electric blanket instead.
Can You Flip A Memory Foam Mattress?
You can, but only if the mattress has been designed to be flipped. Dual sided mattresses are specially designed to be slept on either side and it’s actively encouraged that you flip them to make the most of them and extend their lifespan. But generally you shouldn’t flip memory foam mattresses as more often than not, they’ve been designed with a top layer of comforting foam and supportive base layers underneath. So if you flipped the mattress, you’d be sleeping on the wrong side, which would be rather uncomfortable.
Do Memory Foam Mattresses Have Springs?
Some memory foam mattresses do feature springs, however these are often categorised as hybrid mattresses. They tend to contain a combination of memory foam and individually pocketed springs that move independently of one another, providing tailored support through the night.