Most mattresses are a single sealed unit. You can't get inside them, and cleaning is limited to whatever you can do at the surface. The M3 and M5 are built differently. The modular design means the top cover, comfort layer, and Independent Suspension™ units all come out — and each one has a specific cleaning method that keeps the whole system performing the way it should.
This guide covers the setup process and every cleaning scenario you'll encounter as an M3 or M5 owner. Follow the video below for setup first; then bookmark this page for care.
Setting Up Your M3 or M5 Mattress
The M3 ships in a 3-box system. The M5 ships in a 4-box system. The additional box on the M5 accounts for the enhanced comfort layer that gives it deeper pressure relief. Either way, the assembly sequence is the same idea: chassis first, suspension units next, comfort layer on top, cover last.
Watch the step-by-step setup video for your specific model before opening any boxes. The modular construction means the components only seat correctly when assembled in the right order. The video walks through both 3-box and 4-box configurations.
M3 and M5 Setup Video
Do not place the mattress on a surface that isn't fully supported. The M3 and M5 require a foundation, adjustable base, or platform bed with slats no more than 3 inches apart. Gaps in support will affect both performance and warranty coverage.
Registering Your M3 or M5 Mattress
Register your mattress before anything else. It takes two minutes and unlocks everything you need if something goes wrong — and gives you a direct line to BEDGEAR's team for care questions and warranty support.
Unlock Your Full BEDGEAR Benefits
*With consent to email and SMS marketing messages from BEDGEAR.
How to Care for Your M3 or M5 Mattress
The M3 and M5 have three distinct cleaning scenarios — one for the top cover, one for the comfort layer, and one for periodic deep cleaning of the chassis interior. Each component has different care requirements. Using the wrong method on the wrong component (machine washing the foam insert, for example) will damage it permanently.
Here's exactly what to do for each one.
Top Mattress Cover: Machine Washable
- The top cover unzips for easy removal. Unzip fully before washing.
- Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use non-chlorine bleach only when needed.
- Do not use fabric softener — it degrades the performance fabric over time.
- Tumble dry on low heat. Reposition the cover every so often for even drying.
- Do not iron or dry clean.
Mattress Comfort Layer: Cover Washes, Foam Spot Cleans
The comfort layer has two parts: the cover that surrounds it, and the foam insert inside. They need to be separated before cleaning. The cover is machine washable; the foam is not.
- Unzip the top cover and remove the foam comfort layer insert. Keep them separate.
- Machine wash the cover in cold water on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent only. Non-chlorine bleach is acceptable if needed.
- Do not use fabric softener on the cover.
- Tumble dry the cover on low heat. Remove promptly or air dry for best results.
- Do not iron or dry clean the cover.
- Spot clean the foam insert only — use mild detergent and cold water applied directly to the affected area. Do not submerge or machine wash the foam.
The foam comfort layer insert is spot clean only. Machine washing or saturating the foam will permanently damage its structure and void your warranty coverage on that component.
Inside the M3 and M5 Mattress: Periodic Deep Clean
The chassis interior can accumulate dust over time. Removing the Independent Suspension™ units periodically and vacuuming the inside is the most effective way to keep the internal environment clean. This isn't a weekly task — once or twice a year is sufficient for most households.
- Remove the top cover and comfort layer first.
- Remove the Independent Suspension™ units from the chassis.
- Use a vacuum to clean out the inside of the chassis. Work from the center outward.
- Spot clean the interior with mild detergent and cold water only if needed. Do not saturate.
- Do not remove the base cover.
- Allow the chassis to air fully before reassembling the Independent Suspension™ units, comfort layer, and top cover.
The Do's and Don'ts of M3 and M5 Mattress Care at a Glance
The most important care rules across all three components, consolidated.
- Machine wash the top cover in cold water, gentle cycle
- Machine wash the comfort layer cover in cold water, gentle cycle
- Tumble dry covers on low heat
- Spot clean the foam insert with mild detergent and cold water
- Vacuum the chassis interior during periodic deep cleans
- Use non-chlorine bleach if needed on covers
- Air dry covers as an alternative to tumble drying
- Use a mattress protector to reduce cleaning frequency
- Machine wash the foam comfort layer insert
- Use fabric softener on any component
- Use chlorine bleach
- Iron any cover or component
- Dry clean
- Saturate the chassis interior with liquid
- Remove the base cover
- Reassemble before all components are fully dry
Why a Mattress Protector Makes Sense
The M3 and M5 covers are designed to be washed; but the less often you have to wash them, the longer they hold their performance properties. A BEDGEAR Dri-Tec Performance® Mattress Protector sits on top of the cover and takes the daily impact of heat, moisture, and general use. It's machine washable, waterproof, and noiseless — and washing it weekly is far easier than pulling the mattress cover off and running it through the laundry.
For a mattress in this price range, a protector is the most practical thing you can add to extend its lifespan and reduce maintenance over time.
Protect the Investment
The Dri-Tec Performance® Mattress Protector is waterproof, breathable, and noiseless. It keeps your M3 or M5 cover cleaner for longer — and it's one wash cycle instead of pulling the whole mattress apart.
Frequently Asked Questions About M3 and M5 Mattress Care
The most common questions about M3 and M5 care and setup, answered.
