Before we deal in detail with the correct mattress cleaning, we briefly present the functions that a mattress has to fulfill, as there are some important relationships here:
Body positioning The ergonomically correct positioning of the body is the most important main task of the mattress: In every sleeping or lying position, the spine should maintain its natural S-shape so that the necessary relief and regeneration can take place. To do this, the mattress has to (support) the body in some places and be more flexible in other places so that the body can sink deeper into the bedding there. An important keyword here is ergonomics.
Moisture removal
The body of a healthy person releases around half a liter of fluid in a single night – in sick people it can quickly reach one and a half liters and more. About a third of this released liquid goes into the sleeping pad. So that you do not literally lie in “your own juice”, it is therefore very important that the mattress quickly draws the moisture away from the body.
Pay attention to the room temperature
The moisture release of the mattress depends on the air temperature in the bedroom: the colder the room, the slower the mattress releases the moisture. This causes the moisture to collect in the mattress that has been warmed up by the body. Lying wet is unhygienic, uncomfortable and there is hardly anything more damaging to the joints and muscles than the cold and damp. In addition, with additional unfavorable circumstances such as a rarely heated room or a poorly insulated, cold floor, mold can develop. The long-term room temperature in the bedroom should therefore always be at least 15 ° C and a maximum of 20 ° C with a relative humidity between 40% and 60%. In order to determine or check the climatic conditions, it is advisable to
Thermal insulation
The heat-insulating effect of mattresses varies depending on their properties. For example, cold foam mattresses or other mattresses with a foam core have a very high insulating effect and can therefore “store” the absorbed body heat for a long time. This is important for people who freeze faster or people who spend the night at rather low room temperatures. If the bedroom is more heated or if the sleeper generally tends to get too warm at night, a mattress should be chosen that only has a medium insulating effect. In these cases, the mattress should dissipate the heat more quickly from the sleeper so that it does not get too warm in bed. Basically, the choice of a spring mattress is recommended for this.
When evaluating the heat-insulating function of a mattress, however, one must also take into account one’s own body weight and, if necessary, special properties of a mattress model. Those who weigh little and lie on a firm mattress usually hardly sweat, even if the mattress offers a high level of thermal insulation, while a heavy person usually sinks deeper into the mattress and is usually significantly “warmer” even with a less heat-insulating mattress which can lead to increased sweating and negatively affect the quality of sleep.
The body is very sensitive to temperature
For our well-being it is important that the body temperature is kept constant. Our body reacts very sensitively to fluctuations and already perceives deviations of just one degree. For this reason, it is important that both the mattress and the bedding used work in such a way that there is a balanced climate in the bed. Excess heat must therefore be reliably dissipated to the outside. At the same time, it has to stay warm in bed so that the sleeper does not get too cold.
What parts is a mattress made of?
The mattresses, which are usually rectangular in shape, consist of two main components:
Mattress core
The core of a mattress is decisive for its properties and the functionality offered. On the basis of the core material used, a rough distinction is made between spring mattresses (e.g. Bonell spring core, barrel pocket spring core), foam mattresses (e.g. cold foam, visco foam), latex mattresses, gel mattresses and various natural mattresses (e.g. kapok, horsehair or coconut). There are also mattress models in which the core consists of several layers or layers or of different materials.
Mattress cover
The cover of a mattress also influences its properties and functions. It should be tailored to the core of the mattress in terms of material, features and design. Mattresses can be fitted with firmly sewn or removable covers, which is essential for cleaning the mattress. By the way, a good cover with temperature or climate regulating properties can make up half of the total price of a mattress.
And then there is the upholstery
Another important part of mattresses is the upholstery. Since the upholstery can be both a component of the core and of the cover, it is not, strictly speaking, a single element. Usually the upholstery material is processed into a fleece and then applied directly to the mattress core or quilted with the cover. Different padding materials are used for some mattresses and there are also models with padding in the core as well as in the cover. When it comes to mattresses, a distinction is often made between coarse upholstery and fine upholstery. The mattress upholstery should be elastic, moisture and air permeable and have heat-regulating properties. With innerspring mattresses, the upholstery also ensures.
