018 Mattress Resolutions That Will Improve Your Sleep

Your mattress represents one of the most-used pieces of furniture in your home — and one of the most neglected. Most people buy a mattress and then do almost nothing to maintain it for the next decade. The result: reduced comfort, shorter lifespan, and sleep that gradually gets worse without an obvious explanation.

These 8 resolutions are practical, low-effort, and make a genuine difference. Most take less than an hour a year to execute.

031. Protect It with a Quality Mattress Pad

A good mattress pad is cheap insurance on an expensive investment. It creates a barrier against sweat, spills, dust mites, and allergens — all of which accumulate inside your mattress over time and cannot be fully removed.

If you have kids or pets, go waterproof. A waterproof mattress protector typically costs $40–100 and can extend the functional life of your mattress by years. Wash it monthly — or immediately after any spill.

This is the easiest resolution on the list. If you don't have a mattress pad, get one this week.

042. Wash Your Sheets Weekly

Most Americans wash their sheets every 10–14 days. Some wait 3–4 weeks. The reality: a week of sleep deposits significant amounts of sweat, skin cells, and body oils into your bedding — which then migrate into your mattress.

Weekly washing in warm water (not hot, which can shrink fibers) keeps your sleep environment clean and fresh. Launder colored pillowcases inside-out to prevent fading. Air-dry when possible to preserve fabric quality.

053. Rotate Your Mattress Seasonally (4x Per Year)

Most modern mattresses are no-flip, but they should still be rotated 180 degrees every 3 months. The reason: you tend to sleep in the same position, which creates uneven wear over time — compressing certain areas more than others.

Rotating distributes this wear more evenly and helps prevent permanent body impressions. Set a calendar reminder for every season change: March, June, September, December.

Note: Some mattresses have zoned construction (firmer support in some areas, softer in others) and should not be fully rotated. Check your mattress's care instructions first.

064. Wash Pillows and Comforters — Not Just the Covers

Pillow covers and duvet covers protect the fillings underneath, but they're not a substitute for washing the actual pillows and comforters. Wash pillows at least twice a year. For comforters, once a season is reasonable — more often if you sweat at night or have allergies.

When drying pillows, toss in a few tennis balls or dryer balls to prevent clumping. Always check the care label first — down and synthetic fills have different requirements. Use pillow protectors between the pillow and pillowcase to reduce oil absorption into the fill.

075. Treat Stains Immediately — Don't Let Them Set

The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Act quickly and you'll have much better results.

A practical stain-removal process that works for most accidents:

  1. Blot, don't rub. Blot up any liquid immediately with a clean cloth. Rubbing spreads the stain.
  2. Spray with diluted dish soap. Mix dish detergent 50/50 with cold water in a spray bottle. Spray sparingly, let sit for several minutes, then scrub gently.
  3. Repeat if needed. Stubborn stains may need two or three rounds.
  4. For blood or urine: Use cold water only (hot water sets protein stains). Try hydrogen peroxide first, then a small amount of laundry detergent with a brush.
  5. Let it dry fully. Before putting sheets back on, make sure the area is completely dry. A damp mattress is an invitation for mold.

086. Deep Clean Your Mattress Twice a Year

Even with a mattress pad, a semi-annual deep clean removes accumulated dust mites, allergens, and odors. Here's how:

  1. Strip the bed completely.
  2. Vacuum the entire mattress surface with an upholstery brush attachment — pay attention to seams and edges.
  3. Spot-clean any stains with the method above.
  4. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the entire surface and let it sit for at least 1–2 hours (overnight is ideal). Baking soda absorbs odors and moisture.
  5. Vacuum up the baking soda thoroughly.
  6. Allow the mattress to air out before remaking the bed.

Pair this with your seasonal rotation for a natural, low-effort maintenance rhythm.

097. Keep Food and Drinks Out of Bed

Breakfast in bed sounds romantic until you realize what crumbs and spills do to a mattress over time. Food particles attract pests. Liquids soak into foam and coil layers, creating odors and potentially mold.

Keep eating and drinking in other rooms. Your mattress will last longer, smell better, and stay cleaner. This is one of the simplest resolutions with the least effort required — just stop.

108. Know When to Replace Your Mattress

This is the most important resolution and the one most people avoid. The Better Sleep Council recommends assessing your mattress every 5–7 years and replacing it when it no longer supports restful sleep — which for most mattresses means somewhere in the 7–10 year range, depending on quality and care.

Signs your mattress needs replacing:

  • You wake up with back, neck, or shoulder stiffness that improves during the day
  • You sleep noticeably better in hotels or on other mattresses
  • Visible sagging, indentations, or lumps in the surface
  • Increased allergy symptoms (dust mite accumulation inside older mattresses is real)
  • Consistent restless sleep without another obvious cause
  • Your mattress is 8+ years old

Don't let a failing mattress quietly degrade your sleep for years. It's one of the most impactful changes you can make.

If you're due for a replacement, the best next step is testing options in person. At LA Mattress Store, you can try a wide range of mattresses across 5 Southern California showrooms — from budget-friendly to premium — with expert guidance and no pressure. We also offer flexible financing and a 120-Night Comfort Guarantee.

11Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I rotate a memory foam mattress?

Every 3–6 months is a good rule. Memory foam is particularly prone to body impressions over time, so regular rotation helps distribute wear more evenly. Check whether your specific mattress has zoned support before rotating.

Can I flip my mattress?

Most modern mattresses are designed to be one-sided and should not be flipped. Flipping them puts the support layer on top, which defeats its purpose. Rotation (head to foot) is the right maintenance move. Some older or double-sided mattresses can be flipped — check your model's documentation.

What's the best way to deodorize a mattress?

Baking soda is the most effective and safest option. Sprinkle it generously, let it sit for several hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. For persistent odors, a light mist of diluted white vinegar (allowed to dry completely) can help neutralize the source before applying baking soda.

How long should a good mattress last?

With proper care, a quality mattress should perform well for 8–10 years. Innerspring mattresses often fall in the 7–9 year range. High-quality latex and hybrid mattresses can last 10–12 years or more. Budget foam mattresses may decline noticeably after 5–6 years.

Browse our mattress collection or read our mattress buying guide if you're thinking about a replacement.