Allergy specialist Dr. Mark Kayem, who has appeared on HGTV's "Tipical Mary Ellen", suggests a waterproof mattress pad that will repel dust and allergens. He also recommends that you replace your feather pillows with synthetic ones to minimize dust.

TIP 2: Don't Throw It Away!
There is an alternative to throwing out that old Posturepedic. Mattresses contain wire, paper, cloth, and other materials that your local recycling plant can convert into useful items, including new mattresses. Your County Extension Office or recycling agency can tell you whether your mattress is recyclable and where the recycling locations are. You can sleep better at night knowing that you've done something to help the planet.

TIP 3: Pad Your Part
Consider investing in a mattress pad to protect your mattress and help you sleep. If you like your mattress soft, a mattress pad can take some of the hardness out of a firm box-spring mattress. Convoluted-foam mattress pads can be used under a traditional mattress pad or the bottom sheet.

You can also buy mattresses with foam permanently embedded in them. Either way, padding provides support and reduces mattress wear and tear, particularly since the contours keep you in one position throughout the night.

Incidentally, mattress pads may also keep you from having to wash your mattress. (see Tip 6) because they repel dust and stains.

TIP 4: For Futon Lovers
You should turn your futon every time you change your sheets. You should also air it out once a day, especially if you live in Japan's warm climate, which can be particularly wearing on futons. Mattress pads (see Tip 3) can protect your futon from moisture and dust. Vacuuming the futon will take care of any dust that does collect on the surface and inside the fabric. When you clean the futon, laundry detergent and water are your best bet. Scrub the futon vigorously with a scrubbing brush. You can also use a granular rug cleaner/scrubbing brush product combo for stains. Placing the mattress out to dry in the sun will not only dry it, but also keep it fresh.

TIP 5: No Mattress Is An Island
If you live in a studio apartment and are trying to save on space by not using a bed frame, consider this: Sleeping close to the ground may not be healthy for your mattress. Colder temperatures close to the ground may wear out your mattress faster, and the dust and pollens on the floor may seep into your mattress and cause allergies (see Tip 2). In addition, because your mattress has no support, it may not hold up as well under your weight because it has none of the resistance and firmness that a bed frame provides.

TIP 6: Wash Without Wear
You don't have to punish your mattress when you wash it. There's a balance between thorough cleaning and abusing the surface of your mattress.

Thorough soaking may cause the mattress to mildew and is not recommended. You're better off washing the mattress a section at a time. Star with a small patch in the corner and clean your mattress bit by bit. Remember to change the rinse water frequently. Do one side at a time, letting the other one dry. You can also use a fan or hairdryer to dry as you go.

Consider not using straight water when you wash that musty mattress. You can actually mix ½ teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent in a quart of warm water and soak a sponge or brush in the solution.

If you don't want to wash your mattress, you can sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on it to get rid of the odors. Leave the mattress alone for a few hours, then use a hand vacuum. However, if your chief concern is the overall cleanliness of your mattress and not the odor, you may want to stick to the washing routine.

A word on household products: Dry cleaning agents and spot removers may damage your mattress. Plain soap and water are your best bet.

TIP 7: Water, Water, Everywhere
When you're not cleaning your mattress, keep liquids from it as much as possible. Don't spill water on your mattress. If you do, air-dry it immediately or use a hair dryer if there isn't too much moisture. Too much water can cause your mattress to weaken and become moldy. We assume you no longer wet the bed, but if you have children who do, a rubber sheet is a good idea. Also, invest in a plastic mattress pad (see "Pad Your Part.")

TIP 8: Keep The Kids Away
Are your kids jumping on every bed in the house? There's a "jumper" in every family, and usually the jumping is contagious. While this may seem like harmless childhood fun, it may mean you have to replace your mattress sooner. Repeated jumping leaves impressions that, over time, can reduce the resiliency and durability of your mattress. Consider investing in a $10 trampoline from Toys "R" Us instead. Encourage young guests not to abuse the bed. As for you adults, we trust you won't stand or jump on your mattress.

TIP 9: He Ain't Heavy…But The Mattress Should Be
The bed frame should be heavy as well. A heavy mattress combined with a solid bed frame provides maximum support. What makes a mattress heavier than another?

• Mattress of steel. The more steel in the coils, the heavier the mattress
• King cotton. Weight for weight, cotton is heavier than foam.
• Light foam or heavy foam? Low-quality foam is less dense than high-quality foam.

TIP 10: For Martha Stewart Fans
If Martha's not available, try Deborah Burnett, who appeared on HGTV's "Decorating With Style<1---->." Burnett proves herself knowledgeable about mattresses as well as about matching pillowcases with sheets or choosing duvets. She advises, "When buying fitted sheets, always check the package to determine what size mattress the sheet fits. Most mattresses nowadays are extra-thick, so you will need a 9" to 13" pocket for a proper fit."

Fitting the sheets properly creates a better-looking bed. But looks alone aren't important-it's the mattress inside that counts. Poorly fitted sheets rub and chafe at your mattress. Sheets that fit your mattress will protect it and keep it in good health for years to come. This improves your sleep, which makes you feel better, and look better, too.

TIP 11: Turn, Turn, Turn
You should turn your mattress frequently. Mattresses conform to your body's natural contours, but they can't do that if you sleep on one side of the mattress too long. This creates impressions that can create resistance to your body's natural shape. You need to sleep on all sides in order for the mattresses to fully conform to your body.

You should turn your mattress end-over-end and upside down once every two weeks for the first three months of use. Afterwards, you only have to do this once every two months. For more detailed instructions, see "Why do I need to rotate my mattress and how do I do that?"

By turning the mattress this way, you save unreasonable wear and tear that's not covered under your warranty.

TIP 12: Air It Out Immediately
Take your sleep set (or mattress, if you have ordered a single mattress) right out of the package immediately. Unless you intend to exchange the mattress, dispose of the plastic wrap and other packaging immediately. Place the mattress in a well-ventilated area, perhaps outdoors, and allow it to air for at least thirty minutes.

TIP 13: Flat on Its Back
When you carry your mattress, keep it flat on its side. This reduces strain on your muscles and eliminates damage to the mattress.

TIP 14: Bent Out of Shape
Do not bend your mattress, since bending damages the innersprings. If you have to bend the edges to fit the sheet, you don't have the correct sheet. When moving the mattress through doorways, you should probably carry it on its side (see "Flat on its Back"). If you must curve the mattress, flex it. Don't allow it to flex more than 45 degrees.

The Stearns and Foster mattresses are the exception, sine they are built specifically for bending and carrying without damage.

TIP 15: Handle With Care
You can strain your mattress by lifting it by its handles. These are designed solely to help you place your mattress correctly in its foundation.

TIP 16: New Foundations
You should replace the foundation when you buy a new mattress, and you should ideally get a foundation that matches the mattress. See "Perfect Match" under "Top Ten Must-Haves for a New Mattress." A new foundation will most likely not support the mattress. Sometimes, you believe the mattress is sagging and worn-out and do not realize the foundation provides the main support for the entire mattress. An old or weak foundation can hurt you the same way an old mattress can.

TIP 17: Framed!
To validate your warranty and make your mattress last longer, buy an appropriate frame and center support. Queen and king sets, in particular, require a frame with a center rail.

TIP 18: No Boarders
Don't use a board to prop up or support your mattress. If you have a good, solid support frame and foundation, you need no extra support. A board may cause friction that can damage the mattress.

TIP 19: Don't Smoke in Bed
Your mattress is flammable, so apart from the cigarettes, keep away matches, lighters, gas burners, torches, and hot plates. If you use heating pads, make sure your wires, plugs and cords are insulated and in good condition. Don't leave a heating pad on all night.

TIP 20: It's The Law
You've heard this warning before: Do not remove the tag label at the end of the mattress. No, you probably won't go to jail. But you'll be at a disadvantage if you want to argue that something is covered under your warranty rights. The tag identifies the mattress and the warranty as yours.