7 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Used Mattress

used mattress

Buying a used mattress is a lot like shaving with a potato peeler. It’s not recommended. The debate over whether or not you should buy a used mattress is an interesting one. On the one hand, a used mattress can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a new mattress. On the other hand, a used mattress may have already had hundreds of hours of use in it. 

However, finding an affordable way to get your hands on a best cheap new mattress has never been easier, thanks to the multitude of online mattress retailers and financing options—not to mention the plethora of used mattresses in the wild. 

Consumers can reap the benefits of these kinds of financing services and use them to purchase their new mattress. In addition to the financing options that allow consumers to make easy payments for a long time, they also get to enjoy the benefits of a durable mattress. This means consumers can buy a new mattress while still using it for many years.

But if you’re sleeping (and staying) on someone else’s old mattress, you could be encountering some serious health problems.

Things to consider when buying a used mattress

Used Mattresses have gotten a bad wrap for some time now. Once upon a time secondhand mattresses were viewed as a relatively low-character play, something to buy only when you couldn’t afford a new mattress. However, there are a lot of factors to consider when looking for a used mattress and here’re the few things you should look for before buying a used mattress.

You May Find Bedbugs

buying a used mattress - bed bugs

Used mattresses are the perfect place for bedbugs to hide. They can use the mattress as their home base when they are searching for a meal. It will take you months before you discover bedbugs because they hide in tiny spaces, and by then they have already spread to your bedding, curtains, floor boards and furniture. 

But once you’ve found them, they can be incredibly hard to get rid of. That’s because they can live for up to one year and lay 50 eggs a day. So if you’ve bought a used mattress or bedding–and it is infested with bedbugs–then you need to fix the problem quickly before they start multiplying and spreading.”

And if you’re planning to buy a used mattress, I highly recommend not to.

You May Find Broken Springs Or Damaged Mattress

I’m telling you, buying a used mattress online can be risky business. The seller may say the mattress looks like new or that it has never been slept on. But how do you know for sure? The mattress may look good in the pictures but when you sleep on it, it’s not so comfy anymore, especially if there are broken springs and holes inside.

Many people don’t realize that their mattress is an investment that really pays off. Without a doubt, a good night’s sleep has a positive impact not only on your health, but also on your mental and social well-being. There are many reasons why buying a new mattress is an intelligent investment – especially if it’s a good quality one.

No Warranties On a Used Mattress

You compare these two and think to yourself, a new mattress is certainly better than a used one as it carries long term warranties and durability. All the major brands come with at least 10 years of warranties and 100 nights of sleep trials. But why are you comparing them? There are a lot of cheaper options available online. You can buy the best mattresses under $500, or maybe a mattress under $1000.

You May Find Uncomfortable

If you are thinking of purchasing a used mattress, think again. Used mattresses, like most things, wear out and break down over time. This creates a health risk in addition to the nuisance of not being able to sleep on it. Mattress manufacturers usually try to make these pieces of furniture as durable as possible, but they still degrade much like an old car breaks down after a million miles. Since used mattresses come with no warranty or guarantee, using one involves a certain degree of risk and may result in poor health due to the aches and pains associated with sleeping in an uncomfortable bed.

A used mattress can be very dirty and icky

Some people have the experience when they bought a used mattress and find it very icky afterward. Whether it comes out of a fleabag motel room or a relative’s house, it’s full of germs, bodily fluids and all kinds of other gross things. It’s important to know that you’re not alone if that has happened to you. In fact, an estimated one-third of Americans who contact serious illness such as meningitis get them from their bedding.

The lifespan of a Mattress

Mattress manufacturers used to have a saying “The life span of a mattress is 10 years”. The saying has been around for a long time, but it is not true. A mattress can last anywhere from 3-25 years depending on the quality of the mattress, how well it is maintained, and how often it is used.  Mattress manufacturers don’t want you to know this, because they want you to think that you need to replace your mattress every 10 years.

And just check yourself, a used mattress on ebay or craigslist come with at least 2-3 of usage. So, it is highly advisable to buy a new mattress instead of a used one.

Considering a used mattress?Check out these tips for buying.

Buying a used mattress is a great way to save money on a new mattress. However, there are things you should keep in mind to make sure you’re not buying a ticking time bomb. 

  • The first thing to look for in a used mattress is age. Most mattresses last about 10 years before they start to sags and lose their shape. You should avoid mattresses that are older than 10 years, particularly if they’re fairly worn out and have visible sagging. More expensive mattresses have better longevity, so if you find a mattress with at least a 10-year warranty, that’s a good sign that it will last. 
  • When you buy the mattress, take an extra ten minutes to inspect for bedbugs. Doing a quick inspection for bedbugs on the mattress, especially the seams, can save you from bringing home unwanted guests. Protect your family’s health by making sure your mattress is just as safe as your couch.
  • Before you use a used mattress, you must sanitize it. Do this by cleaning all the surfaces and shining it in the sun for a day. This will kill most germs and you can then sleep well on your mattress of choice.
  • Save time, money, and energy on your purchase by shopping at a retailer who specializes in used mattresses.

How To Clean a Used Mattress?

When you’re buying a bed for your home , there are a lot of options to consider. The first step in the process is making sure that the mattress you’re looking at has been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. A used bedding store should be able to give you the details of the process that they use to clean their products.

  • The first step in sanitizing a used mattress is to clean it. This will get rid of any dust and debris that has settled on the surface of the mattress. 
  • Remove the sheets and comforter and use a vacuum cleaner to clean the mattress. 
  • Next, cover the mattress with a germicidal detergent that can be sprayed on. The detergent should be allowed to remain on the mattress

Read our detailed blog on how to clean a mattress.

How much to expect to pay for a used mattress?

When it comes to shopping for a used mattress, the first thing to do is take stock of your budget.  Sure, you can find used mattresses for under $100, but will they last you long enough?  Or, will you be tossing them within a year?  The next thing to do is assess the quality of the mattress you want to buy, because you don’t want to buy a used mattress that’s too worn.  Finally, you’ll want to make sure the seller has a good reputation, because you don’t want to deal with scams.