It's very easy to forget the safety hazards that a mattress can present. Despite having to meet up to British and European safety standards and pass a manufacturer's quality control test, mattresses can still be deceivingly dangerous if not treated with care and caution. Here are a few important measures to take to avoid anyone getting hurt:
1) Don't smoke in bed:
Mattress King
Whilst all mattresses should have been tested for flammability to British Standards, it's still extremely dangerous to smoke in bed. You'd be surprised how many documented cases the Fire Services have of people falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Not only does that present obvious fire hazards, but also exposes you to the toxic smoke that the bedding and mattress will release. Restrict smoking to other areas of your house and avoid lighting up in bed.
2) Exposed Springs:
Towards the end of a mattress's long, healthy lifespan, you may find that the ticking is threadbare or the springs can be felt through the mattress cover. That's when the mattress is screaming to be changed. Don't ignore it - exposed springs and leaking filling are dangerous for both adults and children so it should be replaced as soon as possible.
3) Mattress turning:
Most mattresses will require being flipped over on a regular basis to balance the load on the springs and keep the filling evenly distributed. But, that can be dangerous since most mattresses are very heavy. There's no need to damage your back, neck or shoulders - simply ask for help when turning the mattress over. Alternatively, you could invest in a non-turn mattress to avoid the hassle altogether.