Mattress Tango

One of the best investments you can make is a good mattress. Get the best mattress you can afford - that doesn't mean the most money, it means you do the research and get a mattress that is right for you and your back. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed and you only get one spine... you're worth the time and money!

When you get that good mattress, make sure it sticks around for a long time and stays healthy too. Flip your mattress to balance the wear!

If your mattress is the same on the top side as the underside, then there are 4 possible positions:

1. The way it is right now
2. Turning your toes to where your head is
3. Flipping the mattress over to the underside
4. Turning the head to the toe position on the underside

If this describes your mattress, flip your mattress every 3 months (seasonally). To keep it sane, grab a permanent marker and write Jan-Mar, Apr-June, July-Sept, and Oct-Dec - one on each of the sides described above. This will take you about 20 minutes and lots of effort (2 mattress flips) - but it will save you lots of time, mental energy and hassle in the future. Every time you change the sheets you will be reminded that the current month should be written where your head is.

If you are like me and have a pillow-top mattress, there are only 2 possible positions because you can't flip your mattress over. I'd suggest writing on the top and bottom (since it's a great no-brainer visual reminder) Jan-Mar and July-Sept on the top and  Apr-June and Oct-Dec on the bottom. You will be turning your mattress every 3 months.

Picked up this wisdom working in a 5* hotel.

Lazy Housekeeper Advanced - If it's viable when the weather is below 0C, take your mattress outside and let it air. Freezing temperatures and sunlight both kill dust mites in about a half hour. If this is not possible, then steam your mattress at 120F (50C) to minimize the vile critters.