This month, we hear from Bed Advice UK – the consumer arm of the National Bed Federation (NBF) and a long-time partner of the charity. Bed Advice provides friendly, impartial advice on all your bed-related needs.

Spring has sprung and National Bed Month is here again! Our biggest annual awareness campaign has taken place every March since 1990. It’s dedicated to raising awareness of how a good, comfortable and supportive bed can improve your sleep.

A new season is often the nudge we need to give our homes a much-needed refresh. Just like you polish your shoes, plump your pillows and vacuum your carpets, it’s crucial you care for your bed to prolong its lifespan and get your money’s worth.

As well as your bed’s noticeable wear and tear from body weight, it’s estimated that we lose around 280 ml (half a pint) of body moisture every night and shed around 0.45 kilos (1lb) of skin particles every year. Nice. This creates the perfect habitat for dust mites, which can aggravate breathing and skin problems such as asthma and eczema. But don’t worry; here are some simple steps you can take to ensure your bed is clean and conducive to good sleep.

Caring for your bed

• If your new mattress was delivered flat, don’t bend or roll it, as this will permanently damage the spring unit and invalidate any warranties and guarantees.
• Air it out well before use and open any windows. Do this regularly, too – strip your bedsheets before going on holiday to give your bed ample time to air out.
• Rotate your mattress regularly and flip it, too, if it’s double-sided to minimise body impressions and the effects of settlement. You should always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions, but in the absence of these, we’d generally recommend rotating and flipping (if single-sided) weekly for the first three months.
• Wash your bedsheets at least every two weeks and always use a mattress protector.
• Clean any stains as soon as they appear and gently vacuum the surface of the mattress and all around the bed base.
• Don’t allow pets to share your bed – not only can they aggravate allergies and asthma but their snoring, twitching and moving around will disturb your precious sleep.

It’s not just your own bed that needs care – your child’s bed plays a fundamental role in their sleep quality and overall wellbeing. The Sleep Charity’s Children’s Sleep Awareness Month in February highlighted just how vital good sleep is for children’s physical and mental development.

A clean, well-maintained bed helps create a healthier sleep environment, reducing allergens and ensuring a more restful night. Regularly rotating and airing their mattress, using a washable protector, and promptly cleaning spills can all help keep their bed fresh and comfortable. And while bouncing on the bed might be fun, keeping it in good condition will ensure your little one sleeps soundly for years to come!

By following these simple steps, you’ll not only extend your bed’s lifespan but also create a fresher, healthier sleep environment. A clean and well-maintained bed supports better sleep quality, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. After all, good sleep starts with a great bed.

We’ll be sharing lots more tips throughout National Bed Month, including how to buy the right bed for your needs and The Sleep Charity’s top dos and don’ts of sleeping well, on the Sleep Charity's website and social media. Follow along: @bedadviceuk #NationalBedMonth2025.