| Airing: After delivery the mattress should be aired for 4 hours to freshen and remove any aroma from storage. The mattress should be aired on a weekly basis by turning back the bedlinen for a few hours. A mattress protector or an under blanket below the sheet is recommended. Circulation: Avoid using a plastic sheet on or under the mattress as this prevents air circulation and can cause condensation. Sprung mattresses: With sprung mattresses it's important to turn your mattress regularly to maximise its life. Body weight compresses a mattress, leading to dips and ultimately an uneven sleeping surface. Consider a one-sided 'no-turn' mattress if turning a heavy mattress could be difficult. Latex and visco-elastic mattresses: These mattresses do not need turning and in some cases only have one sleeping surface so cannot be turned, but the mattress should still be rotated lengthways occasionally (once a month) to maximise their life. Over time these mattresses may feel as if they are gradually getting softer, as cells within the foam open more fully and the surface reacts more quickly. However the important pressure relieving properties remain the same and eventually the whole mattress will react evenly. |