Margot Chesterfield Winged Headboard

Give it some Air!

Our mattresses are made to order and sealed in protective packaging at the time of manufacture. Initial odours are common once this is removed and are quite normal, these can include a chemical damp and musty smell. 

When you receive your mattress, we advise you to let your mattress air out in a well-ventilated room once unpacked for around 4 hours to freshen and for the 'wrapped-up' aroma to dissipate.

The surface of your mattress may feel damp when unpacked; this is due to the fire retardant coating on the fabric, which is salt-based, absorbing moisture from the air prior to packing and causing condensation to form. This is unavoidable as we are required to use this coating to comply with UK Fire Regulations, however, the feeling of damp should disappear once aired as stated above. 

As well as airing your mattress when it's brand new, you should get into the habit of airing it daily if you want your mattress to last. Throwback your duvet and pillows in the morning (you can leave the mattress cover on) and leave the bed to air for 20 minutes. This will allow body moisture to evaporate out.

Avoid using a plastic sheet on or under the mattress as this prevents air circulation resulting in condensation.

Give yourself time to fall in love

Your new mattress may be different from your old one, or it may seem stiff from its newness, and thus may seem uncomfortable for a little while. Like a new pair of shoes, the mattress materials haven't had time to soften and conform to your body. So, give yourself a little bit of time to get acquainted with your new mattress.

Turning over your mattress

Your body weight compresses a mattress, leading to dips and ultimately an uneven sleeping surface, so it is essential to turn your mattress regularly to maximise its life. We recommend you turn it each time you change your bedding; this will ensure body weight is applied evenly across the entire surface and will prolong the life of the mattress. For single side mattresses, you should still rotate your mattress (top to bottom) regularly to ensure an even sleeping surface – some will even have handles, to make this easier to do. 

Do not stand or jump on the mattress or sit on the sides for prolonged periods as this will cause uneven wear.

Natural settlement

Your mattress is made with various fillings which will settle in time and compress to varying degrees. This is not a defect and is quite normal. Compression of upholstery materials of less than 4.5cm is within acceptable industry standards by FIRA (dependant on the age of mattress) and should not be considered a fault. Natural fillings are subject to settlement to a greater degree and may result in uneven wear and tear in places. This is also considered normal and can be reduced by regularly rotating the mattress. Your mattress will also soften after a period of time, particularly in the areas where you lie - this is natural softening (sometimes classed as dipping) and is not classed as a defect. 

Cleaning

According to The Sleep Council, the average adult sheds around 520g of dead skin over the course of a year, much of which ends up nestled in your bed. Vacuum the mattress and base from time to time to remove this dust. This will not only keep your mattress fresh but also help prevent allergy flare-ups that can occur due to microbes and dust mites. While there's no right or wrong answer to the question of how often a mattress needs cleaning, you should give your bed a complete once over at least every six months. 

When cleaning your mattress, do not use detergents or chemical cleaners, as these may adversely affect the covering, the stitching and the fillings. Instead use a clean damp cloth for light cleaning, allowing the mattress to dry afterwards. In the case of soiling, the mattress may be lightly sponged with a weak solution of soap and water. Excessive wetting can damage the fabric. 

One of the very best ways to keep the upholstery in tip-top condition is to use a mattress protector as this will protect it from contact with body moisture.