Created by the now defunct National Sleep Council UK and the National Bed Federation, National Bed Month is now observed every March by people in the UK with an interest in beds and sleep. Throughout the U.K., February is the month they raise their voices to create awareness of the importance of sleep, an essential human need.

And there’s a lot to say about beds, from how to choose them to mattress quality; about sleep, from the importance to health top how to get a better night’s sleep; and even about how to deal with snorers.

The Sleep Charity has replaced the National Sleep Council, and its helpline https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/  helps people with issues around sleep, or lack of it, struggling to fall asleep, staying asleep or waking too early, sleep issues and more.

A good quality mattress clearly plays a huge role in bed comfort and quality of sleep. But what happens when you want to store a mattress? How do you store it properly?

Storing it properly will keep its shape, keep its comfort, and protect your investment:

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1. Clean the mattress

Mattresses – even the ones cleaned regularly - accumulate human sweat, dust mites, dust and dirt.  To avoid mould, make sure the mattress is clean and dry before storage.

Be sure to use the right kind of cleaner for the mattress (for example, upholstery cleaner is not usually suitable for use on mattresses containing foam).

Make sure the mattress is fully dry before covering for storage.

2. Cover the mattress

Once the mattress is clean and dry, wrap it in a good quality mattress bag or surround it a breathable fabric secured in place with tape. This will allow the mattress to breathe and keep any dust or dirt off.

Thick plastic will trap moisture and may allow mildew to develop.

3. Store flat

Always store flat. Even if the mattress arrived rolled, don’t be tempted to roll it for storage. Memory foam mattresses cannot hold their weight when on their side and will permanently scrunch up over time. Spring mattresses lack flexibility: bending them whilst moving or storing can cause permanent damage.

Whilst it’s perfectly acceptable to move a mattress placed upright or on its side, storing it this way is not recommended for any kind of mattress. Pressure caused by the mattress being on its side can destroy the internal structure, ruining the internal stuffing or leaving the stuffing permanently uneven.

And if storing flat is really not an option, rotate regularly.

4. Protect underneath

Place a blanket or tarpaulin under the mattress to protect it from anything on the floor and from cold and any damp.  Alternatively create an even surface with furniture for the mattress to lie on.

Wherever it’s stored, it needs to be on a dry, clean, flat, surface.

5. Protect above

Memory foam mattresses are particularly vulnerable because their exterior is softer than other mattresses.

Spring mattresses wear out quickly, making it vital to clear them of any items on top.

Storing anything heavy on top of a mattress can cause damage to the mattress over time. Avoid!

6. Choose the storage unit carefully

Mattresses need protecting against extremes of temperature (both hot and cold) and moisture.

7. Move the mattress carefully

Enlist help to move the mattress, and make sure the way is clear as mattresses are notorious for not being able to see around them.

Move the mattress carefully to avoid rips and snags, and transport in a closed environment, like a van or lorry, rather than balanced on a roof rack.

Keep the mattress dry!

8. Plan maintenance

Mattresses with coils should ideally be to be rotated periodically to avoid pressure being applied to a single area for any extended period.

If there is any plastic being used for protection (not recommended, see mould, above!) plan to regularly open it up to air the mattress.

Keep an eye on the mattress’ protection covering: if it’s damaged, damp or dity, work out why and add extra padding/covering.

If not in professional storage, check regularly for damp.

9. Unpack carefully

Unpacking is a key time to ensure the mattress doesn’t get snagged by anything placed on top of it whilst things are being moved around, during carrying, or by the mattress accidentally being placed on top of anything sharp.

10. Air and clean after unpacking

Once a mattress is unwrapped, let it air for several hours and vacuum/clean before covering with bedding.

Finding appropriate storage

easyStorage’s easyPods come to you for packing, and leave sealed, keeping your goods safe and dry. For a no obligation quote – at around half the price of traditional self storage -  use the easyStorage website https://book.easystorage.com/ which even has a guide to estimate how much storage is needed, or call the on easyStorage advisors on 0800 061 4091.