Mattress Care Guide

Settling in with your new mattress

New mattresses take time to contour to your body. Don't be concerned if your mattress feels different at home than it did in store: it can take several weeks to properly mould to your shape. You'll also notice body impressions developing over time, typically between 25mm and 35mm depending on your body shape and size. This is a normal part of the comfort layers adjusting to you, not a fault. We recommend you try to sleep across the entire surface of your mattress. If you usually only sleep on one side then try to sit in the middle of the mattress to watch TV or read, to help flatten the mattress evenly.

Rotating your mattress

Regular rotation helps even out wear and extends the life of your mattress. Rotate end to end every two weeks for the first two months, then every three months after that. If you have a heavier mattress, enlist help so you don't injure yourself (or the mattress!)

Get the foundation right

A good, sturdy bed base is essential, and we recommend you invest in an upgrade when you buy a new mattress. If you have a split base, make sure the two pieces are firmly connected using the joiners provided, then fit the castors to the bottom. If you have an older box spring or flexible slat base it's unlikely your mattress will be properly supported: don't make the mistake of spending good money on a mattress and overlooking the base! Damage caused by using an incorrect base is unlikely to be covered under your warranty.

Everyday care of your mattress

  • Use a good quality, washable mattress protector to keep your mattress clean and protect your warranty: a waterproof protector is ideal for children's beds.
  • Air your mattress periodically and let moisture escape by regularly leaving the bed linen off for a few hours. 
  • Vacuum your mattress when you clean your room. Use low suction and a brush attachment, paying attention to seams and any divots where dust tends to gather.
  • Treat spills and stains as soon as they happen. Gently scrape away any solid soiling or mop up liquid, then use a clean, damp cloth and allow the area to dry thoroughly, away from direct sunlight or heat, before use.
  • Push in all base legs or castors firmly. This supports the base properly and helps maintain optimum comfort.
    Keep your mattress labels and tags in place. These identify your specific mattress and are useful if you ever need to raise a warranty concern.
  • Store your mattress in a breathable bag, and make sure it's properly packaged during any transport to avoid structural damage, dampness and mildew.
  • Dispose of plastic packaging immediately and safely. It can be recycled, but keep it well away from young children as it presents a suffocation risk.

What to avoid when caring for your mattress

  • Don't use cleaning agents or chemical cleaners on your mattress. These can damage the fabric or materials underneath. A clean, damp cloth is all you need for spot cleaning.
  • Don't bend your mattress or jump on it. This can damage the internal construction.
  • Don't smoke in bed.
  • Don't saturate the mattress with water or cleaning liquid, and avoid scrubbing with a stiff brush.

Deep cleaning your mattress

We recommend a proper clean every 6 to 12 months to keep your mattress fresh and free of allergens.

For general freshening and light odour, sprinkle plain, unscented baking soda over the mattress surface and leave it for at least an hour, or overnight for a deeper clean. Vacuum thoroughly afterwards to remove all residue. Baking soda can be abrasive, so spot test first if your mattress has more delicate materials like silk.

For dust and everyday debris, vacuum regularly. Every Tattersfield mattress is treated with Ultra-Fresh, which helps protect against dust mites, bacteria, mould and mildew, but regular vacuuming still helps keep things fresh, especially if anyone in your household has allergies.

For deeper stains, a steam cleaner* can help, though it's worth noting this isn't suitable for foam mattresses, as foam absorbs moisture readily and steam can cause damage. If you do steam clean, hold the steamer several centimetres above the surface, work in slow, even strokes, and check regularly that the mattress stays damp rather than wet. Afterwards, open windows or use a fan to let the mattress air dry fully, ideally for a few hours, so no moisture is left trapped in the fibres. *Please don’t mistake this for a rug doctor you can hire from the supermarket, which will be too aggressive and wet too heavily for a mattress. You can find portable steam cleaners at most retailers: try Bunnings, Harvey Norman or KMart.

If your mattress becomes extremely soiled and can't be cleaned effectively, it may be time to replace it rather than continue trying to clean it.