The decision to get a mattress is a very important one. Mattresses should last you for many years, and provide you with a good night’s sleep every night. If you need to buy a mattress, you may be wondering if a used mattress would suit you fine, because it would certainly save you some money. New, high-quality mattresses are often priced at around $1,000 at the lowest end. Because of this, many people may be interested in buying a used mattress, and saving money.
However, even buying a used mattress can be a big purchase, and you probably don’t want to opt for discomfort and poor sleep to save a few hundred dollars. But, if you can be happy with a used mattress, you may be thinking it’s not worth it to buy a new one if it will just cost you money. And, as it turns out, there are many things to take into consideration when getting a mattress, used or new. In this blog post, we’ll go over all of the pros and cons of buying a used mattress to help inform your decision.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Mattress?
Pros
● Cheap
The best and biggest reason for buying a used mattress is that they are cheaper than buying a new mattress. Depending on the type and quality of the mattress, new mattresses range from hundreds of dollars to the low thousands. Therefore, buying a used mattress can save hundreds of dollars.
● Environmentally-Friendly
Buying a used mattress is environmentally-friendly in the same way that anything secondhand is more eco-friendly than buying something used. It diverts products from going to the landfill. Furthermore, many older and lower-quality mattresses are made of harsh chemicals that are difficult to break down, and don’t biodegrade. Buying a used mattress is a good way to get more use out of a mattress before it inevitably ends up at the landfill.
Cons
● Damage, Wear, and Lifespan
Regardless of how well the previous owner took care of and protected their mattress, mattresses experience wear and tear over time. Furthermore, memory foam mattresses in particular may degrade faster, and can begin to sag even a few years after they’re purchased.
Used mattresses may have damage like rips, stains, divots, and sags. Because it has already experienced wear and tear by the time you purchase the used mattress, its lifespan is much shorter than buying a new mattress.
● Hygiene
Buying an old mattress is not the most hygienic purchase. While some old mattresses are going to be clean and fine to use secondhand, others may have certain sanitation risks. Furthermore, you may not be able to tell the difference at a glance.
People on average spend about one-third of their lives in bed. As a result, mattresses can harbor mold, bacteria, sweat, dead skin cells, stains, and allergens. These can cause a range of health issues, including irritation and allergic reactions. Because you’ll end up using your mattress every night, you want to be sure it is clean, so you don’t get sick, or have any reactions that disturb your sleep.
● Pests
In addition, old mattresses may be infested with a range of pests, including bed bugs, dust mites, scabies, and more. If you do purchase an old mattress that is infested with bed bugs and/or dust mites, then you will likely have to dispose of it. Bed bugs can bite you while you sleep. Bed bug bites are a pain, and can make peaceful sleep very difficult and uncomfortable. Mites can burrow into the upper layer of the skin, and cause itchiness and rashes.
● No Trial Period or Returns
When you purchase a new mattress, many mattress companies will give you a trial period for the mattress to make sure you are satisfied with the purchase. Trial periods can range from 30 days, even up to 120 days for some mattress companies, like Latex For Less. If you buy a used mattress, and are unhappy with it, then you are stuck with your purchase.
● No Delivery
If you’re purchasing a mattress secondhand from someone, chances are you will have to pick it up yourself. If you don’t have a car, or one large enough to fit a mattress, this can be a serious problem. Most mattress stores and online mattress purchases will offer delivery for your mattress, so you don’t have to worry about the logistics of picking up and transporting it.
Weighing the Pros vs. Cons of Buying a Used Mattress
Comfort and Quality
When you buy a used mattress, because of the wear and tear on the mattress already, it will not be able to provide you with the same comfort that a new mattress would. Used mattresses can be lumpy, have unsubstantial support, and memory foam mattresses, in particular, can be degraded. Secondhand mattresses can also be more or less firm than they were originally, making it more difficult to find the support and softness that best suits your mattress needs.
However, if you go to a mattress store, or purchase a new mattress online, you can be guaranteed its condition. Furthermore, you’ll have more selection buying a new mattress, and can purchase one that supports your body, is comfortable, and is the desired firmness or softness you require.
Cleanliness
There is no guarantee that a used bed will be clean. Even if it looks relatively stain-free, bodily fluids like sweat have likely soaked into the mattress, and hidden molds, bacteria, and other pests can be hidden in the mattress, posing health risks, causing allergic reactions, and more.
Buying a new mattress will always be completely clean, so you don’t have to worry about infestations and uncleanliness. Plus, cleaning an already dirty or infested mattress can be very difficult, so it is much easier to buy a clean one instead.
Price
When it comes to buying a used mattress versus a new mattress, the only two benefits of buying used are that it is cheaper, and potentially more eco-friendly. However, if you buy one that you don’t like, or it is unclean and/or infested, then you may have to throw out the mattress anyways, and look for a different one. If that does happen to you, you may be spared wasting money and time on a mattress you’re just going to have to dispose of.
Although new mattresses, especially high-quality mattresses, can be pricey, you get what you pay for. When you buy a new mattress, you’re paying for a brand-new, clean, durable, and comfortable mattress that makes falling and staying asleep easy. Furthermore, a new mattress will last much longer than a used mattress. Also, you can’t put a price on quality sleep.
Age
Older mattresses aren’t just a problem because of potentially poor sanitation and wear. Older mattresses, depending on how old they are, may be made with outdated technology. Current mattress companies are often updating their models as they find ways to make more comfortable and durable models. Therefore, a mattress made 10 years ago or more may be significantly less comfortable than the mattresses made today.
For example, innerspring mattresses used to be common, but today they are rare, because they can break easily and make lots of noise. Memory foam has also come a long way, and now lasts longer, stays cooler, and is more comfortable. Hybrid mattresses that combine the bounce of innerspring and the comfort of memory foam are a great contemporary alternative.
Conclusion
Everything considered you’re better off buying a new mattress. You can’t guarantee the quality or cleanliness of a used mattress. Although you may save money on used, considering the risks and the short lifespan of the used bed, you may be better off buying a new, high quality one.
Once you do spend a little extra money on a new, quality mattress, you will be very happy you did. When you use a new mattress that is clean and comfortable, it makes it easier to get a good night’s rest, which can make both your time spent in bed and out of it during the day that much better.
The Benefits of a New, High-Quality Mattress
If you’ve read this far, it’s probably become clear to you that you’re always better off buying a new mattress, rather than saving some money and getting one secondhand. If you buy a mattress from a high-quality, reputable vendor, then you will have your mattress for many years, and get quality sleep from it every night.
There is a significant difference between a decent mattress and a high quality mattress. High quality mattresses are made from safe, non-toxic, natural materials, and they are built to last. A high-quality mattress will make it easier for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, and should keep you cool. A high-quality mattress is a comfortable and supportive mattress. It will support your body and neutral alignment while still being soft enough for comfort. A good night’s sleep is guaranteed with a good mattress that is the right firmness for your body and spine.
Latex For Less
If you’ve decided it’s in your best interest to buy a new mattress rather than an old one, which it almost certainly is, then check out Latex For Less mattresses. A Latex For Less mattresses is made with 100% natural and high-quality latex. It includes a soft organic cotton cover, and a breathable organic wool fire barrier to keep you cool at night.
Two Firmness Options in One
Furthermore, Latex For Less understands that some people need a slightly softer mattress while others require a slightly firmer mattress for optimal support. Latex For Less mattresses are two-sided: one side is a medium softness level, and the other is more firm. Between these two options, you will be ensured satisfaction with the mattress.
Trial Period
When thinking about getting any mattress, you want to be sure you will be comfortable in it for years. It’s hard to truly test out a mattress until you’ve slept in it for a few nights or even a few months. Latex For Less offers a 120-night trial period. This gives you enough time to try out both sides of the mattress to see which one you are most comfortable on, and if you’re still not satisfied, you can return it at no cost to you, including free return pick up.
Built to Last
Used mattresses won’t last as long as new mattresses, and few mattresses will last as long as a Latex For Less mattress. We are so confident in the durability of our mattresses that we offer a 20-year warranty for all of our mattresses. So, although they might be more expensive than a used bed, in the long run, you may actually end up saving money.
FAQs About Used Mattresses?
Is there a difference between a used mattress and a refurbished mattress?
Refurbished mattresses are used mattresses that have been cleaned, and in some cases repaired. In other words, it’s just a cleaner used bed.
Are there exceptions to buying a used mattress?
The only case where you should consider buying a used mattress is if you either need a temporary mattress that you’re going to replace soon anyway, or if you can’t afford a new mattress. However, if you can’t afford anything other than a used bed, it may be worth it to look at payment plans for mattresses, so you don’t have to pay for them all at once.
If you’re going to buy a used mattress, how do you make sure it’s in decent condition?
First, learn how to spot bed bugs. Red stains on the mattress, and small black dots are signs that it is infested with bed bugs. Never buy a mattress that has any signs of bed bugs. And, if you are buying a mattress, always check underneath the mattress cover and mattress protector.
Bed bugs are difficult to get rid of, and make sleeping comfortable impossible. Unfortunately, scabies cannot be seen with the naked eye, so it may be impossible to ensure that your used bed is free from scabies. Both pests can bite you, and cause itchiness, irritation, and discomfort.
Look for stains, and check how it smells. Any mattress with large stains or noticeable smells should be avoided.
In addition, lie down on it how you normally would in bed. If you feel your muscles relax, and you get that melting feeling, it may be suited to you, if only for the short term.
Finally, if you do get a used mattress, consider using a mattress protector or mattress topper. Mattress protectors will protect it from additional wear and tear, while a mattress topper will make the mattress feel more comfortable.
What should you do if you have a used mattress you want to get rid of?
Hopefully, you’re not trying to get rid of a secondhand mattress you just bought, but whether that’s the case, or you’re upgrading from your old and used mattress, consider the steps below. If you have a mattress that is gently used, for example, a mattress you bought temporarily or used that you can’t return, but want to upgrade, you may be able to donate it to charity. Local recycling centers may take your mattress to recycle it if it is too damaged to donate. If that’s not an option, you may have to find a local dump to bring your mattress.
Are expensive mattresses better?
Although when it comes to buying a mattress, you often get what you pay for, that doesn’t mean expensive mattresses are always better. The mattress cost usually depends on the size, meaning bigger beds are more expensive. However, a good full to king-size mattress can be as expensive as $2,000, although you’ll often find them in the low to mid $1,000 range.
What about floor model mattresses?
If you’re browsing mattress sellers, then you may be considering purchasing a floor model mattress after laying down on one, and finding it’s very comfortable. However, you should take into account that floor model mattresses are used mattresses. Many people have come into the mattress store, and lay down on the floor models to check them out, so while they may not have been slept in, a lot of people have been in it, meaning that it isn’t as clean as a new mattress is.
Also, floor models are often sold as-is, and don’t come with returns like other mattresses offered by mattress sellers. Therefore, it’s usually best to stay away from floor model mattresses.
What’s a Latex Mattress?
Latex is a common material found in mattresses. It is a supportive and soft material that can make for a very comfortable mattress. However, if you’re going to buy a latex mattress, you should make sure it is made from natural latex. Natural latex is harvested from the Para rubber tree, and is completely safe and healthy to use; synthetic latex, on the other hand, is made from petroleum, is unsafe, and should not be used in any mattresses. Check out LatexForLess.com to learn more about 100% natural latex mattresses.
