A mattress can turn yellow due to several factors, most commonly due to sweat and body oils.
Here's a breakdown of why this happens:
Sweat: Everyone sweats during sleep to some degree, and, over time, this sweat can soak into the mattress. Sweat contains salts and other compounds that can leave behind a yellowish stain as they accumulate.
Body oils: The natural oils produced by your skin can also seep into the mattress fabric and padding, leading to yellowing. These oils can attract dirt and dust, further contributing to the discolouration.
Other bodily fluids: Apart from sweat and oils, other bodily fluids like urine (especially common in mattresses used by young children) can cause yellowing.
Aging of materials: The materials inside the mattress, such as foam and fibers, can oxidise and break down over time due to exposure to air and light, leading to yellow discolouration.
Spills and acidents: Food and drink spills, if not cleaned properly, can leave yellow stains over time.
Environmental factors: Factors like humidity and exposure to sunlight can also contribute to the yellowing of mattresses.
To mitigate this, using a mattress protector is advisable, as it can help absorb sweat and oils, protecting the mattress from direct exposure.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of the mattress also play a crucial role in preventing and reducing the appearance of yellow stains.