Mattresses - best mattress brands: Choosing the best type of mattress Looking after your mattress

The number of springs is less important than how the mattress is constructed

Whether you have a king mattress or a single, memory foam or pocket sprung, a good bed mattress can last eight to 10 years if looked after properly. Here’s some advice from the Sleep Council on how best to care for your mattress.

Protect the mattress with covers

Use washable mattress (and pillow) covers to protect your mattress from stains. Buy them in a purpose-made ‘barrier’ fabric if you have a dust allergy.

Give the mattress some air

Throw back bedclothes in the morning and leave the bed to air for 20 minutes to allow body moisture to evaporate.

Turn your mattress regularly

Turn your mattress over (if advised) and end to end every three or four months, and every week for the first three months, to help upholstery fillings to settle down more evenly.

Ban bouncing on the mattress

To keep your mattress at its best, don’t sit on the edge of the bed regularly and don’t let the children bounce on it.

Unwrap your mattress immediately

Don’t leave any plastic wrappings on a new bed mattress – this could lead to rot.

Keep your mattress clean

Vacuum the mattress and base from time to time. See the Which? vacuum cleaner reviews for Best Buys.

How to remove stains from a mattress

If your mattress is stained, use a cloth with mild detergent and warm or cold water. Never soak a mattress.