How do I keep from getting shocked by my mattress (without buying a new one)?

Question

I can't even make my bed without getting shocked. It's a box spring, but I like it and it's practically brand new. I am looking for a way to discharge the static and keep this from happening in the future.

Answer 1

That is most likely caused by "dryness' in the room. A humidifier would add moisture to the room and do the job. You can also buy anti-static spray and spray it directly on the sheets and covers.
A bowl of water in the room will hel a little.
If the entire house seems dry consider purchasing a whole house humidifier and having it installed on your furnace. That will add moist warm air to the entire house.

Answer 2

It is probably not the mattress -- it's you, having built up static electricity from walking across the carpet or other similar activity. Just before getting into bed or otherwise touching the mattress, use a metal object such as a coin to discharge any static you may have picked up to a grounded metal object (such as the screws holding a switch plate in place). That should take care of it.

Answer 3

Pajamas

If your pajamas and bed sheets are the type of materials that create static electricity when rubbed together, you can be bothered with shocks all night long on a dry winter night. If you have dry skin, the problem can be amplified.

Try using pajamas and/or sheets made of different materials. Cotton does not seem to develop as much static electricity as some artificial fibers.

Failing that, perhaps get an electrician to check that your house wiring is properly earthed.

Answer 4

There are anti static sprays you can use in addition to upping the humidity. A trick I use is to touch your knee against the object and you ground it with out getting the poke on your hands. This works well on doors after walking on carpeting.

Answer 5

place a bowl of water in the bedroom, the next day the static will be gone. It is dry air and friction that is doing the shocking.