The mattress is the key to a healthy night's sleep and a feeling of well-being throughout the day. Its lifespan majorly depends on transportation & storage conditions. If you want to store a mattress safely, this article is right for you.
Perfect storage conditions; most common problems related to preserving mattresses; transportation tips — you can find answers to all of those questions. Read on if you want to prolong the lifespan of your mattress drastically.
How To Store A Mattress So That It Does Not Lose Its Qualities?
The place and positioning of a mattress are two variables under your control. These are responsible for 80% of successful storage. Let’s discuss each one.
Place: handling humidity and air temperature
All types of orthopedic mattresses suffer from high humidity, sudden temperature changes, and direct sun exposure. Therefore air temperature in the room should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius, while air humidity should not exceed 70%. Especially if you have a mattress for bad backs as it has enhanced airflow (moisture will accommodate underneath)
A flat and solid surface is the best place to store the mattress. Both a clean floor and a bed’s base do the job. Place the mattress away from heaters and off the windows. Never expose it to direct sunlight. Sun heats the surface unimaginably fast.
Proper positioning & package
Memorize an important rule: It is absolutely forbidden to store a mattress standing up! Even if you do not have enough space at home.
If a mattress remains in an upright position for more than 48 hours, it invariably loses shape and eventually sags. Deflections in the structure appear. If you extend this period to several months, the mattress will be as useless as a submarine with screen doors. So by no means neglect this rule.
Keep the factory packaging — it’s the best possible package for storage (fights moisture, dust, and dirt). If you did not keep the factory packaging, use heavy polyethylene: wrap it around on all sides. Once sealed, make sure to turn the mattress on the other side: especially if you’re planning a storage period of 4 months or even more. Memory foam mattresses are sensitive in a long-term time frame.
Also read: TOP 3 Best Pocket Spring Mattresses
Mattresses Storage Problems (Key Takeaways)
Here is the list of the most common issues you may face:
- Keep temperature about average. A good range is from 10°C to 30°C.
- Never expose a mattress to direct sunlight. It’s the shortest way to a mattress shop.
- No fungus, mold, and parasites that might cause damage (cockroaches, bedbugs, rats, etc.). Sanitize the place beforehand. Chemicals take a couple of days to perform fully.
- Do not exceed 70% humidity. Consider dehumidifier and active ventilation.
- Place a mattress horizontally flat. Stand-up is for comedians, not mattresses.
- The default package is the best. Polyethylene and vacuum methods do the trick as well.
- Do not overweight your mattress with any solid & liquid items.
How To Store A Mattress During A Move
Modern mattresses are large and heavy. Of course, that does not make relocation and storage any easier. On top of shape and size, some models have spring blocks that can deal the damage from the inside. Therefore, a careless, negligent attitude is an absolute no-no during a move.
As a result of a fall, it is easy as one-two-three to damage the upholstery, spring assembly, and deform the structure. The mattress should be firmly fixed and preferably packed in thick material. There are two potentially safe options:
- Factory Package. There are several types of factory packaging. The most common design is a transparent film that covers the mattress completely. A thick plastic layer protects against moisture, dust, and dirt. Even severe rain or snow won’t cause any damage through such protective skin.
- Vacuum. It’s a package method based on air removal. Once there is no air, the mattress is rolled up and covered with protective film. This transportation method is widely used both for luxury and cheap mattresses. The post-delivery period usually takes a couple of hours. So the unpacked one can take some air back.
Once packed, fasten the mattress with adhesive tape. It can not squeeze the filler hard enough and does not cause deformation. Never use ropes or belts. Alternatively, you can get mattresses in a box: compressed and rolled-up form.
Non-spring designs usually have several layers for enhanced rigidity. The only good way to transport such items is horizontal. Do not seat a mattress on edge even for a short period. Filler caking is a risk you are probably not willing to take.
If you’re about to move, check out the Best Way to Repack A Memory Foam Mattress.
FAQ
How long can you store a mattress?
The average lifespan for a high-end mattress is about 8 to 10 years. However, that timeline depends on the materials used. Here is a brief classification with an approximate life expectancy:
- Memory foam mattresses — 10 to 15 years
- Hybrid — up to 8 years
- Innerspring — 7 to 8 years
- Latex — up to 15 years
- Waterbed — 7 to 10 years
- Air Mattress — 3 to 8 years
You can increase those numbers if the mattress is stored correctly.
What affects the storage duration of a mattress?
Two main factors influencing storage time are humidity and temperature. Moisture can easily halve the lifespan of a mattress. The same happens due to temperature fluctuations. Some less affecting factors:
- Items and heavy objects stacked on top of a mattress. Additional weight may damage coils and springs.
- Direct sunlight. Sun heats the surface and spoils materials
- The wrong positioning can seriously damage coils. Store a mattress horizontally on a flat and solid surface.
Basements, garages, and most storage units are the worst places to keep a mattress protected. Consider buying a dehumidifier to prolong the lifespan, or choose climate-controlled storage to ensure stable temperature no matter what is the season.
Conclusion
Now you have all the needed knowledge to arrange safe storage conditions. All you need to do is follow some simple rules. For instance, vacuuming the mattress or not placing heavy objects on it. If you do not have time or desire to do it yourself, consider hiring a company: specialized companies provide all the requisite conditions for long-term, reliable storage. For example, warehouse units with humidity and temperature control may come in handy if you’re looking for a sweet spot.
Did we miss any aspect of proper mattress storage? Share your opinion about it in the comments down below.
References
- Ecosa Dream Writers. (January 29, 2019). Best Way to Repack A Memory Foam Mattress When Moving Homes. Retrieved from https://www.ecosa.com.au/blog/post/best-way-to-repack-memory-foam-mattress-when-moving.html
Allana Wass is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-chief at Comfybeddy. She was trained at the Spencer Institute to become a Certified Sleep Science Coach and has been featured in VeryWellMind, U.S. News, and Bustle. She has tested over 50 sleep products, which include mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows. She has spent countless hours researching the mattress industry and learning about its cutting-edge technology for over four years, helping you improve your sleep. With her wealth of experience, she thoroughly reviews mattresses and other sleep products to give the best recommendations for each kind of sleeper.