Not only is it important to sleep on a mattress that suits your needs, it is also a good idea to purchase a new mattress every seven to ten years.

"Some mattresses break down after a number of years, and that happens in about seven to ten years, depending on the quality," David Smith, co-owner of Mattress Depot USA (www.mattressdepotusa.com), said recently.

As mattresses get older and break down, they are unable to support the sleeper's body as effectively as before.  As a consequence, sleep - and health - is affected.

But usage is not the only reason why mattress and, yes, pillows should be changed.

Most mattresses contain chemicals which are potentially health damaging.  Some of the more commonly cited sources of concern are fire retardants, stain resistant solvents and the various substances found in synthetic fibers.  The same applies to some pillows.

One easy solution to reducing this problem is to cover the mattress and/or pillow with a cotton barrier cloth.  Bear in mind, a cotton barrier provides more protection than a plastic case does.

For more information about how to safeguard yourself and enjoy your mattress, visit www.care2.com.

"You also have to keep in mind that a mattress, and to a lesser degree a pillow, acts likes a sponge," Smith explained.

He went on to say that as people get in and out of bed, they compress and release the mattress much like one does a sponge.

"When you get up, the mattress relaxes and breathes in airborne dust particles.  When you get into bed, you push them out into the air, next to where you sleep," Smith explained.

He mentioned this cause and effect reaction causes the weight of the mattress to increase over time.  He also pointed out, that pillows act in much the same way but on a smaller scale.

"Our sleep consultants educate our customers to this fact; we sell good sleep and health," Smith added.