We’ve all heard of the ‘7 year itch’ in matrimonial terms but did you know mattresses suffer from the same reputation?
 
According to the National Bed Federation “After 7 years, a bed has been subjected to around 20,000 hours of hard labour and may have deteriorated by as much as 70% from its ‘as new’ state.”
 
If you’re not getting your best night’s sleep, despite trying all the tricks in the book, the culprit could actually be your bed and mattress.

Luckily, the bed experts at The Headboard Workshop have got some brilliant advice on how you can action a quick health check for your bed and mattress.  Give yours a full ‘MOT’ this National Bed Month and get the quality of rest you deserve.
 
So, what should you look for?
 
Things that go Bump in the night
 
Lumps and bumps in your mattress are a tell-tale sign that it’s not coping as well as it used to.  However, with the recent upsurge in popularity of memory foam mattresses, a new set of issues has come to the fore. 
 
If you feel any ‘dipping’ or feel as though you are rolling into a groove, you may be experiencing your memory foams’, well, memory!  Most memory foam topped mattresses are ‘no turn’ mattresses.  This means, that unlike traditional mattresses, you can’t flip it over and counterbalance the imprint of your body into the foam.  This can lead to aches and pains from an uneven sleeping surface or a permanent dip where you lie that corresponds with the contours of your body. Remember that a mattresses useful lifespan is only 7 to 8 years.  If yours is older than this then treat yourself to a new mattress (and ensure it has ‘flip-ability!’).
 
Nocturnal noises
 
Any unusual noises coming from your bed frame or mattress may be a sign of structural stress.  Inspect joints, legs and slats where possible in case they need replacement or repair.  If your bed slats are worn, consider investing in a bed with a platform base which spreads the load evenly over a greater area.
 
If your headboard knocks every time you move during the night, consider updating your bedroom with a beautiful new headboard that can be wall mounted.  Wall mounting your headboard has an added advantage - Your bed can easily be moved to allow access for vacuum cleaning and wiping down your skirting boards.
 
Speaking of cleaning …

Give your bed a good blitz
 
Now is a good time to strip everything down and give it a clean.  Regular vacuuming of your mattress can protect against mites and dust, helping to relieve any allergy symptoms.
 
Duvets, pillows and protectors should be laundered or replaced at this time.  Removable headboard covers, scatter cushions and bed valances should be dropped off at the dry cleaners for some TLC too.
 
If you are lucky enough to have a deep buttoned headboard or bed base, now is the time to give it a gentle brush or vacuum and spruce it up.
 
Keep your bed looking smart for another year by re-applying any fabric protectors that your bed arrived with.  Laura at The Headboard Workshop is a great fan of their Fabric Protector.  She comments “when you’re spending quite a bit of money on a beautifully upholstered bed, adding fabric protector is a really wise decision.  It does not alter the feel, look or smell of the material but if you happen to spill something on it, you’ll be very glad you had it protected.”

Laura adds that it’s even more important to fabric protect lighter colours of material which will inevitably show more dirt over time.
 
Finally, if you find anything wrong with either your bed or your mattress, change it.  The quality of sleep that you afford yourself is linked to your physical and mental health. 

Being the best version of yourself starts with waking up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead after a great night’s sleep.

National Bed Month runs annually during March.  Its aim is to increase awareness of the impact of your bed’s effect on your mood and wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle.