Why You Should Never Buy A Used Mattress
Mattresses aren’t cheap, especially good quality ones. So it’s no wonder that people try to save money by buying used mattresses. A used mattress can save you a lot of money upfront, which is why people are tempted to buy them.
However, although a used mattress may be cheaper in the short term, there are a number of reasons why you should never buy one. In this article, we’ll explore the most pertinent ones.
6 reasons why you shouldn’t buy a used mattress
1. Used mattresses can be full of bedbugs
One of the main reasons why you should never buy a used mattress is because it can be full of bedbugs. Bedbugs are tiny parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They’re usually found in beds and mattresses, which is why used ones are particularly risky.
If you buy a used mattress that’s infested with bedbugs, you’ll not only have to deal with the annoyance of these creatures biting you at night, but you’ll also have to pay for an exterminator to get rid of them. This can be a very costly exercise, both in terms of money and time.
And those bedbugs won’t stay confined to your bed. If you have a bedbug infestation, they’ll quickly spread to other areas of your home, which will be very difficult and costly to get rid of.
2. Used mattresses can have mold or mildew
Another reason why you should avoid buying a used mattress is that it can often harbor mold or mildew. These are both types of fungi that can grow in damp, humid conditions. And a used mattress is the perfect environment for them to thrive.
Not only are mold and mildew unsightly, but they can also be very dangerous for your health. Inhaling mold spores can cause several respiratory problems, such as asthma, bronchitis, and even lung cancer. So it’s not something you want in your home.
3. Used mattresses may not be as clean as you think
When you buy a used mattress, you don’t really know who has slept on it before you. And that’s not a very reassuring thought. The previous owner could have had all sorts of health problems that they may have left behind on the mattress, such as lice, scabies, or even MRSA.
Of course, you could give the mattress a good clean before you use it. But there’s no guarantee that you’ll get rid of all the nasties that could be lurking in there.
4. Used mattresses may not be comfortable
If you’re going to spend a third of your life on something, you want it to be comfortable. But that’s not always the case with used mattresses. The previous owner may have found it uncomfortable for a reason, and you could end up inheriting their problem.
A used mattress may also be sagging in the middle, which is a surefire recipe for a bad night’s sleep. So it’s probably not worth the risk.
There’s also usually no real way to test them out until you’ve already made the purchase, which is a bit of a gamble.
5. Used mattresses may not be safe
Some used mattresses may not meet current safety standards. For example, they may not have the required fire retardant properties. So if there was a fire in your home, you and your family could be at risk.
It’s also worth noting that mattresses have a limited lifespan. After a certain number of years, they may start to break down and become dangerous. So if you’re buying a used mattress, you don’t really know how long it’s going to last.
6. You could end up paying more in the long run
Although a used mattress may be cheaper upfront, you could end up paying more in the long run. For example, if you have to pay for an exterminator to get rid of bedbugs, or if you need to replace the mattress sooner than you would have if you’d bought a new one.
Conclusion
Saving money is always tempting. But when it comes to mattresses, it’s probably not worth the risk. Used mattresses can be full of bedbugs, mold, mildew, and other horrible things. They may also be uncomfortable, unsafe, and short-lived. So it’s probably best to stick with a new one.
