Most brands sell mattress protectors, and if you buy a mattress on Amazon, you can usually snag a deal on a mattress protector in the related products section.Balanzat also recommends supporting your mattress with a solid bed frame or box spring, and keeping your mattress as dry as possible. Avoid excess moisture by ensuring proper ventilation and addressing spills immediately, she says.9. Keep out dust with a fitted sheetUsing fitted sheets that are regularly washed and keeping the area around the mattress clean should protect it from any dust, Parikh says. That said, wrapping mattresses and box springs in mattress encasements ensures that dust mites dont take up residence, Curry saysan especially good idea for those who suffer from allergies or asthma.Along with your bed sheets, Balanzat says your regular mattress maintenance should include cleaning pillowcases and blankets weekly in hot water to reduce dirt and bacteria.Just make sure the encasement is flexible enough to stretch as your body sinks into the bed, which is especially important for side sleepers. (Back sleepers and stomach sleepers dont need as much cushioning, so this isnt an issue for them.)Cleaning a mattress will no doubt extend its life and make it a treat to sleep on, but all good things must come to an end. There are different lifespans for a clean mattress, and depending on the type of mattress, Balanzat says to look for a new mattress once youve reached the following timeframes:Memory foam and latex mattresses: 7 to 10 yearsInnerspring and hybrid mattresses: 5 to 8 yearsWaterbed and airbed mattresses: 7 to 9 yearsAdjustable bed mattresses: 8 to 12 years (Warning: Some components may wear out sooner with these types of mattresses)On average, you should consider investing in a new mattress every eight years or so. Body impressions and sagging indicate that its no longer providing adequate support, Curry says. Its also important to listen to your body, Parikh says. Waking up in pain or sleeping poorly every night are signs that its time to move on.How to know when its time to clean your mattressBefore you complete the steps above, you should look for warning signs that its time to give your mattress a good cleaning. Balanzat says theres one general hygiene note: If you havent cleaned your mattress in over six months, youre officially overdue for a cleaning. Before then, these are a few other signals:There are visible stains or discoloration on your mattressYou can smell odors, especially musty or sour smellsYour allergy symptoms are worsening (due to dust mites, pet dander, or mold)Youve noticed an increase in dust or debris on your bedding