Mattresses are one of the best investments you can make at home, and knowing how to correctly care for your mattress is key to its longevity. We spend a third of our lives in bed asleep, so when it comes to catching those Z’s, giving your new mattress a little TLC can make all the difference. This complete guide looks at everything from regular flipping and rotating to gentle cleaning techniques and how to minimise dents. Our top tips will help you look after your mattress so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep for years to come.

Can you sleep on a new mattress straight away?

Once you’ve decided on your dream mattress, it will be made to order by skilled bedmakers in the Hypnos factory in Buckinghamshire, England. While it’s on its way to you, your mattress may compress slightly. This is perfectly normal, and your mattress will soon return to its natural shape and size.

Your mattress will be delivered to a room of your choice, and once unwrapped, leave it uncovered for a few hours to breathe. You may notice a slight odour after removing the mattress from its packaging, as natural fillings occasionally release a smell. This isn’t a cause for concern and will disappear once the mattress has aired. Unlike foam mattresses, you don’t need to worry about off-gassing, as our mattresses are foam free and don’t contain flame-retardant chemicals.

TL;DR: Yes, your Hawks Barn or Cortelferry mattress is good to sleep on almost straight away.

Should you use a mattress protector?

It’s a good idea to use a mattress protector to help shield your mattress from any spills and stains. Accidents happen (whether it’s a spilt drink or otherwise), and it’s reassuring to know you have an added protection layer.

A good quality mattress protector will also prolong the life of your mattress. It acts as a barrier against dust mites and can keep your mattress in better condition for longer. Opt for a cotton or wool mattress protector rather than plastic-based non-breathable types, as these tend to trap condensation and risk potential mould growth.

Our Merino Wool Mattress Topper is filled with 100% Merino sheep’s wool encased in organic cotton, helping regulate temperature and providing extra comfort and support.

How often should you turn your mattress?

To keep your mattress in tip-top condition, it’s important to turn or rotate your mattress seasonally. Our Hawks Barn Pocket Sprung Wool mattress is double-sided, giving you the option to sleep on either side. This mattress is upholstered with natural fillings on both sides, so it needs to be rotated and turned every three months to refresh the fillings. During the first three months, we recommend turning and rotating your mattress once a week.

Our Cortelferry Pocket Sprung Wool and Cotton mattress is single-sided, so it requires no turning at all. You just need to rotate it through 180° every three months. This type of mattress may be better suited to a spare room or for someone who may have issues lifting and rotating a mattress.

We’d recommend setting reminders in your calendar so you don’t forget!

How should you turn or rotate your mattress?

Mattresses are heavy to move, so it’s worth having a game plan before you get shifting and, ideally, a second pair of hands to help. Firstly, remove any fragile items nearby, like bedside table lamps, and strip your bed so your sheets don’t get tangled.

If you’re turning (or flipping) your mattress, start by sliding it to 90° so it’s propped up along the long edge of the mattress. Then gently lower the mattress onto the bed frame by a further 90°, so you’ve flipped it by 180° total.

If you’re only rotating your mattress, have one person on each side to pick up the bed. Rotate the mattress clockwise or anticlockwise (decide beforehand!) and rotate it by 180° so what was once the head of the bed will now be the foot. If you have a headboard and footboard on your bed frame, you’ll need to rest the mattress on the footboard as you rotate.

Note that you shouldn’t use the handles to lift or carry your mattress. The handles are there to help you rotate and position your mattress but aren’t designed to support the full weight of the mattress.

How can you minimise body impressions on a mattress?

Most people tend to sleep in the same position night after night, so it’s normal for the cushioning layers of your mattress to compress over time. After a while, body impressions might appear, indicating that the fillings conform to your shape and weight. To help minimise any dents, rotate and turn your mattress regularly, as detailed above.

Do you need to air your mattress?

To keep your mattress feeling fresh, make sure you air it on a daily or weekly basis. When you get up in the morning, simply turn back your bed linen and leave it anywhere upwards of 30 minutes before you make your bed. This allows the air to circulate around and through the mattress, helping to eliminate any bacteria or odours that may have accumulated during the night.

How do you clean a mattress?

Hypnos recommends cleaning your mattress every other month with a soft brush to keep it clear of dust and fluff. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as this may disturb the upholstery fillings. If you’ve spilt something on your mattress or notice a stain, treat it immediately using dry towels or paper towels. Don’t use detergents or chemical cleaners, which may bleach or disintegrate the fabric.

To keep your mattress and mattress topper fresh, you’ll want to regularly change your bed linen too. We’ve got more details on caring for your linen, in our linen bedding guide.