7 Mattress Myths You Should Put to Rest

You probably only think about your mattress whenever it’s time to buy a new one. While that’s a normal part of the mattress life cycle, the long periods of not thinking about the market or your options can leave you believing untrue rumors about the bed you sleep on at night. Here are seven mattress myths that could keep you tossing and turning all night long.

Organic mattresses aren’t worth the investment

As more organic mattresses hit the market, myths about their value continue to spread. Despite the noise about their worth, organic mattresses, like those from Essentia, offer several health benefits. These beds are allergy-resistant, safe, and eco-friendly. The breathable materials used to make organic mattresses are also excellent for heating and cooling the body at night, alleviating symptoms of restlessness. 

If you struggle to sleep at night, an organic mattress could be the boost your nighttime routine is looking for. 

Memory foam mattresses are always hot

The rumor is that memory foam mattresses are hot and sweaty, but this myth might be too hot to handle. People who want to feel cool and comfortable at night should turn to open-celled foam along with medium and low-density foam for maximum airflow.

The only foam that makes nights warm is the high-density version because air cannot flow through it. Interestingly, only a few sleepers complain about warm memory foam mattresses, so this rumor is far from true.

Mattress toppers make mattresses last longer

Mattress toppers can add more comfort or support to a mattress. However, toppers don’t extend the life of the mattress as the sleepers still rely on the structure of the underlying bedding for support. Nothing will bring it back to life once the mattress has lost its structural qualities.

People with back problems need firm mattresses

It makes sense that a supportive mattress would help someone with a bad back. This rumor isn’t scientifically proven, as most people with bad backs benefit from having a mattress with medium to medium-firm support. 

Mattresses with too much support put hips, shoulders, and backs out of alignment, so a less supportive mattress provides relief at pressure points and curvy areas of the body. 

Replace a mattress every eight years 

The consensus in the mattress industry is to replace them every eight years. The standard does not apply to all mattresses, as some don’t last a full eight years, but others can last up to fifteen years. 

When your mattress is no longer supportive, it’s time to replace it so you stop struggling to fall asleep. Replace your bed according to its structural integrity, not its age. 

You cannot clean a mattress

The rumor that you cannot clean a mattress is false, as mattresses require cleaning. You can vacuum the tops of mattresses and use toppers to protect the fabric from spills and dirt.

Flip your mattress every six months

In the past, mattress flipping was necessary. Flipping your mattress kept the wear even and prevented them from becoming lumpy. 

Newer models no longer need flipping, and many have single-sided padding or pillow tops. While you don’t need to flip mattresses, most mattresses need rotating, so the ends wear evenly. 

Learn the truths about mattresses

Mattress technology has changed over the years. Beds no longer require flipped, but they need to be rotated and cleaned. Today’s mattresses last a variety of years, and they come in several textiles that keep sleepers comfortable at night. Hopefully, you can put these seven myths to bed on your next mattress hunting trip.