How to improve your sleep with the right bedding

Our experts solve your most-asked home dilemmas. This month, we explore how to choose different mattress and bedding options to promote better sleep

- Lisa Hibberd

How often should I clean my mattress?

Sarah Dempsey is a cleaning expert at the UK's leading trades matching site, MyJobQuote.co.uk. She says...

'It is recommended that you clean your mattress at least twice each year, while bedding should be washed weekly. Over time, your mattress becomes a breeding ground for dust mites, sweat, dead skin cells and other debris, most of which may not be visible to the naked eye. The accumulation of these nasties can trigger allergies, asthma and other respiratory problems.

It's always best to check the mattress manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning, but as a general rule we suggest first using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and other debris. If there are any stains on your mattress, use a mild cleaning solution and a clean cloth to spot-clean them - be careful not to make the mattress too wet in the process. You can deodorise your mattress by sprinkling some bicarbonate of soda over the surface to help absorb any odours. Allow the bicarb to sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. Give your mattress some time to air. If possible, place it in direct sunlight for a few hours to help kill bacteria and mites.'

What is the best pillow for allergy sufferers?

Holly Castle, product manager at Slumberdown, knows how important choosing the right bedding can be if you have allergies. She recommends...

'If you're an allergy sufferer, finding the right pillow can make all the difference for a peaceful night's sleep. Slumberdown Anti-Allergy pillows are a fantastic choice, as they feature special treatments that kill the bacteria and dust mites that accumulate in pillows and cause allergies, making them ideal for sensitive sleepers.