Your mattress might look clean on the surface but beneath the covers, it’s a whole different story.
Over time, even the most pristine-looking mattresses become breeding grounds for bacteria, dust mites, dead skin cells, and more. In fact, if your mattress is more than a few years old, it could be impacting your health, sleep quality, and hygiene far more than you realise.
Here’s a deep (and slightly gross) dive into what’s really lurking in your mattress and what you can do about it.
1. Dead Skin Cells (Millions of Them)
Every night, your body sheds millions of skin cells, much of which ends up in your bed. Over time, a significant portion of these cells work their way into your mattress.
Why it matters:
Dead skin is a food source for dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid environments like mattresses. A single used mattress can host up to 10 million dust mites.
Fix it:
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Use a mattress protector and wash it regularly
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Vacuum your mattress once a month using a HEPA filter
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Replace your mattress every 7–8 years
2. Dust Mites and Their Droppings
Dust mites themselves are microscopic, but their presence is felt. It’s not the mites that cause allergies - it's their droppings. A single mite can produce 2,000 faecal particles in its lifetime.
Why it matters:
Dust mite droppings are one of the leading indoor allergens, contributing to asthma, eczema, congestion, and itchy eyes.
Fix it:
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Choose hypoallergenic materials like eucalyptus or bamboo
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Wash bedding in 60°C water to kill mites
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Opt for a mattress like the COCOCORE™ Natural Mattress, which is naturally resistant to dust mites thanks to its coconut fibre and bamboo layers
3. Sweat, Oil & Moisture Buildup
You lose about 200ml of moisture every night through sweat and breath. Most of this gets absorbed into your sheets, pillows, and mattress. Over time, it creates a humid environment that bacteria and mould love.
Why it matters:
Trapped moisture can lead to mould, mildew, and bacteria growth deep inside your mattress, often without visible signs until it’s too late.
Fix it:
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Air your mattress by leaving the covers off for 30 minutes daily
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Invest in breathable, moisture-wicking bedding, like eucalyptus TENCEL™
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Replace old or sagging mattresses that trap heat and moisture
4. Fungal Spores & Bacteria
A study by the University of Manchester found that the average pillow and mattress can host up to 16 species of fungi, including Aspergillus fumigatus, which is linked to respiratory problems.
Why it matters:
Long-term exposure to fungal spores and bacteria can trigger allergies, weaken immune systems, and even cause infections, especially in people with asthma or eczema.
Fix it:
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Use naturally antibacterial materials, like bamboo and eucalyptus
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Clean your bedding weekly and your mattress seasonally
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Upgrade to a mattress that incorporates natural antimicrobial fibres like coconut and organic hemp, such as the COCOCORE™ Mattress
5. Chemical Residue from Synthetic Materials
Many mattresses - especially memory foam or synthetic models - off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from flame retardants, adhesives, and dyes. That "new mattress smell"? It could include formaldehyde and benzene.
Why it matters:
VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and long-term exposure may affect organ health or cause hormone disruption.
Fix it:
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Look for certified chemical-free mattresses with natural fire-retardant treatments like BeFree®
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Avoid synthetic foams and plastic-derived fabrics
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Choose mattresses like COCOCORE™ that are made from natural, biodegradable materials without toxic off-gassing
The Case for Replacing Your Mattress Every 8 Years
By year 8, your mattress has soaked up nearly a litre of bodily fluids, hosted countless dust mites, and lost its structural support.
Old mattresses:
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Increase pressure points and disrupt spinal alignment
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Aggravate allergies and skin issues
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Sabotage deep sleep and overnight recovery
COCOCORE™ Natural Bamboo Mattress is designed with longevity and hygiene in mind, featuring:
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Up to 11,000 pocket springs for full-body support
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Natural, breathable layers (bamboo, coconut, flax, hemp, organic cotton)
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A 15-year warranty
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Ethically handmade in the UK
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Biodegradable, vegan, and fully recyclable content
It’s not just about comfort - it’s about sleeping cleaner, deeper, and healthier.
Final Thought: Your Mattress Is Either Helping You Heal or Making You Sick
If your mattress is old, synthetic, or visibly sagging, it could be undermining your health from the inside out. From dust mites to bacteria and VOCs, what’s hidden inside your mattress has a direct impact on how well you sleep and how well you live.
Replacing your mattress is not a luxury - it’s a wellness decision.
Ready to Upgrade Your Sleep (and Your Hygiene)?
Experience the cleanest, most supportive sleep with the COCOCORE™ Natural Bamboo Mattress - ethically crafted for health, hygiene, and harmony with the planet.
