Sleep Learning Hub · Topic 4 of 5

Mattress Care and Everyday Use

A little care keeps a mattress comfortable and hygienic for longer, and protects your warranty. These answers cover everyday habits, what to do about spills and humidity, how to tell normal settling from a problem, and how to prepare if you ever need to make a warranty enquiry. Where we mention HASVANN terms, they come from the published HASVANN Premium Limited Warranty.

15 questions · Last reviewed 12 November 2026

Do I really need a mattress protector?#

Yes. A mattress protector is the simplest way to keep a mattress clean, because it stops sweat, spills and skin flakes reaching the layers inside. Unlike a mattress, it can go in the washing machine.

It also protects your warranty. Many warranties, including HASVANN's, exclude stains, liquid damage and hygiene issues, and say a claim may be rejected if stains or contamination prevent a proper inspection. HASVANN's care guidance specifically asks owners to use a suitable mattress protector. Choose one that fits your mattress depth, including any pillow top, so the corners stay on through the night.

Will a waterproof mattress protector make me feel hot?#

It can, depending on the type. Some waterproof protectors use a plastic-like backing that blocks air as well as liquid, which can make the bed feel warmer and stickier on humid nights.

Look for protectors described as breathable, which use a thin membrane that stops liquid but lets some air and moisture vapour through, ideally with a cotton or cool-touch top. Washing a new protector before first use often softens it. If you have a cool-touch mattress cover, a thick protector will dull its feel, so choose a thinner one. For homes with young children or pets, a waterproof protector is usually worth a small trade-off in airflow.

Should I rotate or flip my mattress?#

Most modern mattresses should be rotated, not flipped. If your mattress has a pillow top, euro top or comfort layers only on the upper side, it is designed to be slept on one side, so turn it head-to-foot instead of upside down.

Rotating spreads wear more evenly, because you aren't always lying on the same spot. Many owners do it every few months, and more often in the first year while comfort layers settle. HASVANN's care guidance asks owners to rotate regularly. The HASVANN cross-section diagrams show comfort layers on the top only, with a bottom fabric underneath, so they are designed to be rotated rather than flipped. Get help, since mattresses are heavy and awkward to turn.

What kind of bed base should I use?#

Use a strong, stable base that supports the whole mattress evenly, such as a well-built divan or a platform with a solid or closely spaced surface. A weak, sagging or poorly assembled frame can make a good mattress feel uneven.

Check that the base is level, that centre legs touch the floor on larger sizes, and that nothing creaks or bows. Some warranties are strict here. The HASVANN warranty does not cover damage from unsuitable or improperly assembled bed frames, weak or broken foundations, slatted bed bases, or failing to give the mattress adequate, continuous support. If you plan to reuse your current frame, check its condition before your new mattress arrives.

Can I put my mattress directly on the floor?#

It isn't recommended, especially in Singapore. A mattress lying directly on the floor gets very little air underneath, so moisture from your body and the humid air can build up and lead to mould or a musty smell.

A raised base lets air circulate under the mattress and keeps it away from floor dust. If you must use the floor for a while, for example right after moving in, stand the mattress on its side to air it regularly and check the underside for damp spots. Note that mould and mildew damage is excluded from many warranties, including HASVANN's.

How do I clean a mattress?#

Vacuum the mattress regularly with an upholstery attachment, and spot-clean marks with as little moisture as possible. Never soak a mattress or put it under a running tap, because water trapped in the layers is very hard to dry out.

For a stain, blot with a cloth dampened in cool water and a little mild detergent, working from the outside inwards. Then blot with a clean damp cloth and dry thoroughly with a fan or air-conditioning before putting sheets back on. Avoid bleach and strong chemicals, which can damage fabrics and foams. Washing your protector and sheets every week or two does most of the work, which is why a protector is worth having.

What should I do if I spill a drink or a child wets the bed?#

Act quickly: strip the bedding, then blot, don't rub, to soak up as much liquid as possible with dry towels. Press firmly so the towel draws liquid out of the top layers.

Next, dab with a cloth dampened in water and a little mild detergent, then blot dry again. Leave the mattress uncovered to dry completely, with a fan or air-conditioning running. This can take several hours. A sprinkle of baking soda left for a few hours, then vacuumed off, helps with odour. If it happens often, use a waterproof protector, since liquid damage and stains are typically excluded from mattress warranties.

How do I prevent mould and dust mites in Singapore's humid weather?#

Keep air moving and moisture low. Use a raised bed base, air the room daily, run air-conditioning or a dehumidifier on very humid days, and wash sheets and protectors regularly.

Singapore's nights are often warm and humid, as the National Environment Agency has noted, and moisture builds up in bedding. Pull back the covers for a while each morning so the mattress can dry before you make the bed. Wash bedding in hot water where the care label allows. A mattress protector reduces the moisture and skin flakes that dust mites feed on. If you notice a musty smell or dark spots, dry the mattress thoroughly and check under it, as mould spreads if left damp.

My new mattress has a smell. Is that normal?#

A mild smell from a new mattress is common, especially from new foam and fresh packaging, and usually fades within a few days as the mattress airs out.

Remove all plastic wrapping straight away. Open the windows or run a fan, and leave the mattress uncovered for a few hours if you can. A strong chemical smell that doesn't fade after a week is worth raising with the retailer. Note that warranties often treat new-product odour as normal rather than a defect. HASVANN's warranty, for example, does not cover new-product odour.

Are body impressions in a new mattress normal?#

Yes, some body impressions are normal. As the comfort layers settle to your shape over the first months, it's common to see a gentle outline where you sleep. That is softening, not a fault.

Rotating the mattress regularly helps impressions form evenly. The key question is depth. HASVANN's warranty, for example, treats body impressions of less than 38 mm as normal wear. To measure, remove all bedding, lay a straight edge such as a long ruler or broom handle across the dip from edge to edge, and measure the gap at its deepest point with nobody on the bed. Write down the result and take a photo.

How do I tell normal settling from sagging that needs attention?#

Normal settling is a gentle, even softening where you sleep. Sagging that needs attention is a deeper dip that you can measure, feel when you lie down and that doesn't recover when the mattress is rotated.

First rule out the base. Put the mattress on the floor briefly or check whether the frame itself bows, since a weak base often causes what looks like sagging. Then measure the dip with no one on the bed. Under the HASVANN warranty, sagging of more than 38 mm caused by a manufacturing defect is covered. If yours is deeper than that, follow the steps in preparing a warranty enquiry.

How do I move a mattress without damaging it?#

Wrap the mattress in a clean mattress bag, carry it upright or flat as the maker advises, and avoid folding or bending it unless it is designed to be rolled. Folding can damage springs and crease foam.

Use the side handles only to position the mattress, not to carry its full weight, since handles aren't designed for that. Keep it dry and off dirty floors during the move. Check your warranty before moving house. HASVANN's warranty excludes damage caused by improper transport, relocation, self-collection or third-party movers. It also asks owners to tell HASVANN if they relocate, and HASVANN may inspect before approving any later claim.

Is it okay to sit, stand or jump on my mattress?#

Sitting on the edge is normal everyday use. Standing or jumping on a mattress is not, because it puts a lot of weight on a small area and can damage springs and foam.

This matters for warranties. HASVANN's warranty, for example, excludes damage caused by standing, jumping, misuse or negligence. If children treat the bed as a trampoline, a firm talk now can save a mattress later. If you often sit on the edge to dress, a mattress with good edge support will keep its shape better there. See what edge support is.

Can my pet sleep on the mattress?#

It's your choice, but pets add hair, dander, moisture and the risk of claw or chewing damage, so a washable protector and regular vacuuming become even more important.

A waterproof protector guards against accidents, and a throw blanket on the pet's favourite spot catches most of the hair. Trim claws regularly. Be aware that warranties usually exclude damage by animals. HASVANN's warranty, for example, does not cover damage caused by pets or rodents. If anyone in the home has allergies, keeping pets off the bed is usually the better option.

How do I prepare a mattress warranty enquiry?#

Gather your proof of purchase, the model name, your delivery date, a clear description of the problem, and photos or videos. Report anything visible at delivery straight away.

For HASVANN, keep your original sales invoice. Take photos of the whole mattress and close-ups of the problem, plus the HASVANN label on the side of the mattress. For sagging, photograph a straight edge across the dip with a ruler showing the depth. Any visible damage or wrong item should be reported within one working day of delivery. HASVANN may inspect the mattress in person. An inspection fee of SGD40 may apply and is waived if a manufacturing defect is confirmed. HASVANN also encourages owners to register their warranty within 7 days of delivery.

This information is general education, not medical advice. No mattress treats a medical condition. If sleep problems or pain continue, please see a doctor.

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