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Last updated: December 2025
Want to help your mattress stay at its best for as long as possible? This guide answers the most common questions about mattress care - from simple maintenance tips to knowing when it’s time for a replacement. Good care starts the moment your new mattress arrives, and a few easy habits can make a big difference to its lifespan and performance. Here, you’ll find everything you need to get the best from your mattress for years to come.
Once you’ve invested in a new mattress, you’ll want to make the most of it! Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure a good night’s sleep. At Dreams, our delivery teams will carry your mattress directly to your room of choice, so no set up is required but we do recommend routine care.
If you’re not quite ready to use your new mattress straight away, it can be stored temporarily. However, while it is OK to transport a mattress on its side, mattresses are not designed to rest on their sides for extended periods. Doing so could permanently damage your mattress’s structure, as its sides simply are not strong enough to support its weight. To keep your mattress in its best condition until you’re ready to use it, be sure to lay it flat as soon as possible after delivery.
Mattresses should always be stored indoors. Whether pocket spring or memory foam, natural or synthetic, the fillings and internal structure of any type of mattress can be damaged if it’s exposed to the elements in a garage or a garden shed. If you’re not planning on using your new bed or mattress immediately, you may want to reschedule your delivery date.
Your Dreams mattress may be heavy, so you’ll need two people to handle it. Take care when lifting your mattress, so you don’t injure yourself or damage your mattress. Remember, any handles on your mattress aren’t designed for carrying it over any considerable distance.
You can use your new mattress the same day it arrives. Just ensure the room is well ventilated for a few hours before dressing the mattress and settling down for the night. This helps any new material freshness disperse and lets your mattress breathe before first use.
If you’ve purchased a rolled mattress, we recommend allowing up to 48 hours for it to fully unroll and expand to its intended size. You can usually sleep on it sooner, but giving it the full time helps ensure maximum comfort and performance from day one.
It can take up to 30 nights to get used to a new mattress. During this time, your body adjusts to the improved support while the fillings naturally settle, especially in pressure-point areas - a sign the mattress is doing its job.
Your mattress may also initially feel different from the one you tried in the store. This is because display models have been lay on by many people and tend to feel more worn-in. Differences in feel can also come from the type of base you’re using. A new mattress placed on a worn or unsuitable base can offer reduced support and may even invalidate the guarantee, so it’s important to ensure your bedframe is in good condition.
In the unlikely event that you’re finding your new mattress uncomfortable, we offer a Sleep Guarantee, which allows you to exchange your new mattress for another if it’s not quite right. Please refer to the sleep exchange terms and conditions for more information.
If your new mattress is showing signs of settlement, it means the comfort fillings are beginning to mould to your body. Because most people sleep in the same position each night, the fillings naturally compress in those areas, sometimes creating visible body impressions or a slight ridge down the centre. A little settlement is completely normal and a sign your mattress is adapting to you. This is especially common in larger mattresses or pillow-top designs and does not affect the comfort or support your mattress provides.
To help manage and minimise further settlement, regular care is key:
Most mattresses, especially memory foam mattresses, release a slight odour when they’re first unwrapped. This is because of a very normal chemical reaction known as off-gassing. The smell is not harmful and does not linger. To minimise this, allow the mattress to air out in a well-ventilated room for a few hours before making the bed for the first time. If you regularly loosen your bedding to help air circulate, this odour should disappear fully after 14 days.
Using a hot water bottle or electric blanket is safe with all our mattresses. However, they can affect the feel or performance of your mattress. Prolonged heat can soften the fillings, especially with mattresses containing memory foam, making them feel temporarily softer. We don’t recommend placing electric blankets directly on the mattress surface without a sheet, as this can cause the fillings to overheat and void the mattress warranty. Please follow the guidelines provided with the product.
Mattress care starts the moment your new mattress is delivered to your home. We’ve put together our key mattress care information for you below.
Only double-sided mattresses need flipping regularly. If you have a double-sided mattress, you’ll see a “Turn Over Regularly / Double-Sided “; symbol on the label. For the first 3 months, flip your mattress once a week. After that, flipping it once a month is enough to keep the fillings settling evenly and prolong its lifespan.
When flipping your mattress, always have two people to move it safely.
Single-sided mattresses require turning rather than flipping. How often to rotate a mattress will depend on how often it’s slept on. If your mattress is used regularly and shows the “Rotate Regularly / Single-Sided“; symbol, rotate it once a week for the first 3 months. After that, rotate it once a month to help maintain even settlement and support.
To stop a mattress from sliding, start by checking the basics - make sure your bed frame or divan base is the right size (it should be the same size as your mattress) and that the surface isn’t too smooth. Adding a non-slip mattress pad or grip mat between the mattress and base can help everything stay securely in place. You can also use fitted sheets or mattress protectors with strong elastic to keep things snug. If your mattress continues to slide after following these steps, it could indicate an issue with your bed base.
Your bed sees more than just dreams - dead skin, stains, and dust mites can build up over time, causing odours and affecting air quality. A simple, regular clean keeps your mattress fresh and supportive, helping you enjoy a healthier, more comfortable night’s sleep.
How to get stains out of a mattress
To remove stains from a mattress, start by gently blotting the area with a clean cloth and mild soapy water - never scrub, as this can push the stain deeper and cause permanent damage. Work slowly, dabbing until the mark begins to lift, and be careful not to oversaturate the mattress. Use only a small amount of water and allow the area to air-dry fully before replacing your bedding.
How to get urine out of a mattress
To get urine out of a mattress, act quickly by blotting up as much liquid as possible with a clean, absorbent cloth. Mix a solution of mild detergent and cool water, then gently dab the area - avoid scrubbing or soaking the mattress. For lingering odours, sprinkle a generous layer of bicarbonate of soda and leave it to work its magic before vacuuming it away. Once fully dry, your mattress should feel clean, fresh, and ready for a comfortable night’s sleep again.
How to get rid of bed bugs in a mattress
To get rid of bed bugs in a mattress, start by stripping all bedding and washing it on a high heat to kill any lingering pests. Vacuum the mattress thoroughly, paying close attention to seams and crevices where bed bugs like to hide. Use a specialised bed bug spray to treat the surface of the mattress, following the instructions on the specific product you choose. Once everything is dry, a high-quality mattress protector adds an extra layer of defence. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a professional for thorough treatment and peace of mind.
Although a mattress protector may seem like an unnecessary accessory for a brand-new mattress, it’s a great investment to keep it in tip-top condition. A protector will shield your mattress from moisture and spills, plus save you money in the long run as you won’t have to buy a new mattress prematurely.
To keep your mattress in tip-top condition and prolong its life, we advise the following:
And remember:
Follow the link below to view your manufacturer’s care guidance online.
Memory foam mattresses cleverly mould around your body's contours to give you a comfortable and supported night's sleep.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes inside a mattress, this article will reveal all.
At Dreams, we collect your old mattress directly from your home when we deliver your new one. Your mattress then goes on to be recycled at our own specialised bed and mattress recycling centre.