While investing in a comfortable, supportive, and durable mattress can reduce the number of times you have to replace your bed, there are many ways to care for your current (and future) mattress to extend its life.

Fortunately, Lydia Lloyd, homeware and textile designer at M&S Home, is here to answer some common questions about mattress care. From whether you should invest in a mattress topper or a mattress protector to whether your bed needs to breathe, the homeware expert answers common questions about mattress care.

Turning the mattress over means turning the mattress over and sleeping on the side that was facing down. Often, mattresses are flipped over to prevent one side from becoming damaged or dented from overuse. However, as Lloyd explains, only some mattresses need to be flipped over.

"Generally, spring mattresses need to be turned once a week for the first three months and then once every three to four months after that," he says. Not only that, but the general wear and tear will be evenly distributed across the mattress."

Memory foam beds, on the other hand, should be treated differently, she warns. 'Memory foam mattresses are generally designed to sleep on only one side and should not be rotated. Instead, rotate the mattress end-to-end every few weeks so that the mattress wears evenly."

She adds that "the mattress should be rotated every few weeks so that the mattress wears evenly.

Rotating a mattress requires less effort than turning it over, since it is not turned over completely, but only rotated 180 degrees while it is flat.

We have always been told to make our beds to make our bedrooms look nicer, but this may actually do more harm than good. Lloyd explains that making the bed prevents the mattress from breathing. He says, "You may be tempted to make the bed right away, but I recommend letting the mattress and bedding breathe between uses.

But you don't have to let the bed stay untidy all day. It only takes 30 minutes, and the washing machine will do the rest. Lloyd suggests, "Turn the duvet over every morning for half an hour to air the bed, which disperses moisture and naturally accumulated allergens."

"It is also recommended that bed sheets be changed and laundered once a week in a washing machine at least 60 degrees hot to kill bacteria."

Yes, it is. According to Lloyd, cleaning the mattresses should be done every six months, and the change of season can be used as a guide. This is discussed in detail in the step-by-step guide on how to clean a mattress.

But how to clean it? Homeware and textile experts suggest vacuuming first. 'Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to clean the entire mattress. Pay special attention to the seams and use the smaller attachments to get out any hidden dirt."

Next comes cleaning, but it's best to tackle one stain at a time. 'Some mattresses, such as memory foam mattresses, should not be wetted with water. Instead, use the spot-cleaning method and wipe away the marks with a stain remover solution."

You've probably heard about protecting the surface of your mattress by investing in a good bed topper or mattress protector, but are they worth it? According to Lloyd, they are worth it if you want to keep your mattress in good condition.

"Placing a mattress protector on top of the mattress and under the bed sheets will help protect the mattress from spills, dirt, moisture, and other general wear and tear.

"Layer a fitted sheet over it to keep it dust-free and clean.

"To prolong the life of your mattress, it's important to replace the mattress topper every year or two."

There are several quick fixes that can make a mattress softer, firmer, and less saggy, but they are only a band-aid. In fact, Lloyd says that when a mattress needs repair and is ready for a new one, you should take that as a sign that it's time to replace it.

"If you wake up feeling sore, rolling around in the middle of the mattress, or making noise, it may be time to consider a replacement," she says. Whether it's a king-size mattress, a double, or a single, "aim to replace it every six to eight years.

When it's time to replace your old mattress, follow our guide on how to dispose of your old mattress responsibly.