Your mattress might just be one of the most important items in your home—yet we often treat it like an afterthought.

It’s where we begin and end each day, a place of comfort, rest, and recovery. But if you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t thought too deeply about how you’re caring for it. 

Over the years, I’ve made a few mattress mistakes myself—ones I didn’t even know were damaging until I started digging a little deeper. If you want your mattress to last (and let’s be honest, they’re not cheap), here are five common habits to break.  

Never flipping or rotating it

 This one’s easy to forget. If you always sleep in the same spot, over time, that section starts to sag. Most mattresses today don’t need to be flipped (especially the memory foam types), but rotating it 180 degrees every few months can help even out the wear and tear. I set a reminder on my phone for every change of season—easy and effective. 

Skipping the mattress protector

 Think of a mattress protector as a shield—one that guards against sweat, spills, dust mites, and other not-so-pretty things. I used to think it was optional, but after seeing what accumulates over time, I won’t go without one.

Bonus: it makes cleaning up any accidents (hello, morning coffee) a lot simpler. 

Rarely cleaning your mattress

Out of sight, out of mind? Not quite. Your mattress collects dust, dead skin cells, and allergens—even with a sheet on. Every three months or so, I give mine a once-over with a vacuum and sprinkle some baking soda to absorb any smells before vacuuming again. It’s surprisingly satisfying.

Read more: 5 things to look for in a bedroom mattress

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Letting the kids jump on the bed

 It’s all fun and games—until your mattress loses its support. I get it, my niece loves bouncing on the bed too, but those inner springs and support layers aren’t built for bouncing. Encourage jumping outside instead (or at least on a trampoline made for it!). 

Leaving your bedding on too long

 Fresh sheets aren’t just a luxury—they help protect your mattress. The longer your bedding stays on, the more buildup seeps through. I aim to change mine weekly. It makes the bed feel brand new and keeps the mattress fresher for longer.  

Taking a little time to care for your mattress goes a long way. Not only will it last longer, but you’ll also sleep better—and isn’t that the whole point? If your bed feels off lately, it might not be the mattress—it could be how you’re treating it. A few small changes can make all the difference. 

ALSO SEE: THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN YOUR MATTRESS

The best way to clean and maintain your mattress