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Finding the perfect mattress can be time-consuming and cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But finding the perfect mattress is just step one. You also need to protect your investment to maximize your chances of getting a healthy night’s sleep for years to come. Considering the average American spends more than 2,000 hours a year in bed, it is important to care for your mattress correctly.

Cotton Damask Mattress Pad
Buy New: $19.99

“This is an EXCELLENT mattress pad for the price! I was so impressed when I received it that I bought two more! It has a really nice cotton cover and is much better quality than I expected.”

Here are some steps to make sure your mattress stays newer longer, allowing you to have the most comfortable and healthy sleep environment possible:

Use a Mattress Protector
Using a mattress protector is the easiest and most effective way to care for your mattress. Every night, a person loses one pint of body moisture. Unprotected mattresses absorb this body moisture, compounding fibers and causing the mattress to collapse over time. Mattress protectors prevent moisture from ever hitting your mattress, therefore extending the life of your mattress.

In addition, a mattress protector from one of the most trusted names in the industry will safeguard you and your family from allergens such as dust mites, which can cause a stuffy nose, watery eyes, sneezing and eczema. Protect-A-Bed’s mattress protectors are made of a new-age breathable fabric with a 100 percent natural, hypoallergenic cotton surface. The material is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Furthermore, the protectors slip easily onto a bed like a fitted sheet and are remarkably quiet.

If you’re looking for complete protection from a more bothersome problem, like bed bugs, which are proving to be one of the most challenging bugs pest management professionals have ever faced, Protect-A-Bed also offers the AllerZip, a mattress protector that completely encases the mattress, making it impossible for bugs to enter and breed in your mattress.

“The easiest way to prevent these problems is to protect the mattress, and in my opinion, the encasements designed by Protect-A-Bed are the best to date,” says Richard Cooper, an entomologist and an expert in pest control.

Flip for Even Wear
To minimize wear, rotate your mattress every four to six months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Make sure to flip over the mattress from top-to-bottom as well as turn it end-to-end for uniform weight distribution. Always have two people flip the mattress to avoid damaging the mattress and injuring yourself.

Air Out
It is also important to air out your mattress upon buying it and throughout its life. When you first purchase your mattress, take it out of the packaging immediately. Throughout the life of the mattress, occasionally fold back the covers to allow moisture and odors to escape.

Don’t Bend
Bending a mattress can damage the innersprings. If you have to bend the corners to put on a sheet, the sheet is too small. Carry the mattress on its side when moving through doorways, and if you must bend it, do not flex more than 45 degrees.

Clean Gently
Before putting a protector on a mattress that is not new, you should clean it first. To remove dust and surface dirt, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment. To remove stains, use a damp washcloth and mild detergent or vinegar on any soiled areas and scrub lightly. Limit the amount of water you use. Excess water can get trapped inside your mattress triggering the growth of mold and mildew. Once clean, place it in the sun or set up a fan to dry the damp areas.

“Your bed should be a comfortable, personal sanctuary, and more importantly, clear of allergens and other pests like bed bugs. Caring for your mattress will not only help you achieve a better night’s sleep, but it will help keep your mattress in good condition for much longer,” says Cooper.

For more information visit www.protectabed.com.

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