Lying on old and worn out mattresses can have a very negative impact on the body and could even give rise to pressure ulcers. As the foam in the mattress shifts and ages beyond it’s technical lifespan, the structure changes and eventually, the foam could ”collapse”.
To counteract this, it is very important to know how old the mattresses used really are. On Care of Sweden's mattresses and covers, there is always a date stamp where you can read the date of manufacture. However, how a mattress has been used and how it's been stored can also have an impact on the expected lifespan.
By conducting regular mattress audits with the intention of checking the condition of the mattress, you can take stock of the status of your mattresses so that you can discard and replace these at an early stage. This in turn, contributes to a better health economy as well as reduced suffering for the user.
How do I know when it’s time to replace a mattress?
We’ll guide you step-by-step! Please use one of our protocols to support you through the audit.
1. Begin the audit.
Begin by localizing the cover's date stamp to identify it's age and other product information. Open the cover and localize a similar date stamp on the actual foam. The cover might have been changed at some point, meaning its age might be different compared to the cover.
2. Inspect the cover.
Are there any holes, stains, or other visible damage to the cover? Use backlighting and hold up the cover to easier inspect the inside.
3. Inspect the foam.
Begin by removing the cover. Inspect the foam for any obvious damage to the foam like holes, moisture or stains. Fold up the foam to inspect both sides.
4. Examine the composition.
Is it possible to feel the bottom of the mattress with your hands? Cup your hands and use the weight of your body to push your hands into the foam. Begin a the end of the mattress and work your way up.
5. Finish the inspection.
Put the cover back on and write your notes in the protocol. If the mattress needs to be discarded it is important that this is marked in a clear and explicit way.
