Regardless of what size and type of mattress you buy, you want it to last as long as possible. There are several steps that you can take to prolong the life of your mattress, including flipping it regularly. One issue that can jeopardize a mattress' longevity is mold. When a mattress develops mold, you may feel hesitant to continue using it because of the potential health risks of breathing in the mold throughout the night.
Fortunately, there are several tactics that you can use to keep your new mattress from developing mold. Here are some options.
Make Sure You're Dry
Mold thrives in damp environments, so don't introduce moisture to the mattress. Some people introduce moisture to their mattresses without necessarily thinking about it. For example, on a hot day, you might have a shower before bed and then lie on the bed under the ceiling fan without fullying drying yourself. While this can feel refreshing, it's also making the sheets wet. Some of the moisture off your body will seep through the sheets and dampen the mattress, which may encourage the growth of mold. It's important to always ensure that you're fully dry before you get into bed.
Change the Base of Your Bed
It's a good idea to assess the design of your bed, as certain beds allow for better airflow around the mattress. If there's a solid piece of wood under the mattress, this can restrict the movement of air and potentially increase the likelihood that the mattress will get mold. You may wish to remove the wood and replace it with wooden slats, which you can buy at a furniture store. The slats will provide adequate support to your mattress, while also allowing the air underneath your bed to come in better contact with the mattress and keep it dry.
Keep the Humidity Low
If you live in an area where the climate gets very humid at certain times of the year, it's important to understand that humid conditions in your bedroom can increase the risk of mold growth on your mattress. One way that you can lower the humidity to help dry out the mattress is with a dehumidifier. This small device plugs into a wall outlet and pulls moisture out of the air as it runs. If it's hot and you've sweat a lot overnight, using a dehumidifier in your bedroom is especially important. Keep these tips in mind when you buy a new mattress, and you can expect that it will remain free of mold for its life.
For more information, contact local mattress stores.
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