CARING FOR YOUR NEW MATTRESS
Consider your new mattress and foundation as "sleep equipment" that needs to be properly cared for in order to assure good hygiene and the best performance. It's important to follow mattress care instructions from the mattress manufacturer since products vary greatly. But here are some general guidelines to follow:
PROPER INSTALLATION
Make sure your new mattress and foundation are properly installed in your home. Improper installation can damage your new sleep set, thus voiding your warranty. If you choose to transport and install on your own, never bend, crimp or force your mattress and foundation, ask the store personnel to give you some tips to help you avoid problems.
USE A PROTECTIVE PAD
A good quality, washable mattress pad (and one for the foundation, too, if you like) is a must to keep your set fresh and free from stains that void your warranty.
LET IT BREATHE
If you detect a slight "new product" odor, leave the mattress and foundation uncovered and well ventilated for a few hours. A breath of fresh air should do the trick!
GIVE IT GOOD SUPPORT
Be sure to use a sturdy, high-quality bed frame. If it's a queen-size or king-size set, make sure your frame has the extra strong center support with a leg or legs to the floor that will prevent bowing or breakage. If you purchased a mattress only, it will need to be supported by a solid platform foundation to avoid damage and voiding of your warranty.
DON'T CLEAN IT
The chemicals in cleaning and dry cleaning agents or spot removers may be harmful to the fabric or underlying materials; also, never get your mattress or foundation wet or apply heat. Vacuuming is the only recommended cleaning method.
DON'T REMOVE THE TAG
Contrary to popular belief, it's not illegal for you, the consumer, to remove the law tag, but the information on the label will serve as a means of identification should you have a warranty claim. However, you should remove and read any other information that comes with your mattress, such as papers or cards that are attached to, or sewn in with, the law tag.
IT'S NOT A TRAMPOLINE
Don't let the kids jump on your sleep set. Their roughhousing could do damage to the interior construction, as well as to themselves.
NO BOARDS, PLEASE
Never put a board between the mattress and foundation. It may enhance the sense of support for a while, but it will only make the problem worse over time. When any mattress or foundation in your home has reached the "board stage," get rid of it.
OUT WITH THE OLD
Once you've treated yourself to a new sleep set, dispose of your old one. Don't give it to the kids, relatives, guests or neighbors. If it wasn't good enough for you, it isn't good enough for anyone else.
'BODY IMPRESSIONS' ARE NORMAL
Many of today's quality mattresses use extra-plush foams and fibers to create comfort layers designed to cradle your body and relieve pressure. In the first few weeks, you will likely notice some body impressions on the surface. These impressions are normal in today's best mattresses. They indicate that the comfort layers are conforming to your body, as they are supposed to do, and shouldn't be considered a sign that something is wrong with your new mattress. Unless your mattress care instructions indicate otherwise, you may want to periodically rotate it to even out these impressions over time.