Are you thinking of buying a used mattress as the old one is past its shelf life? Mattresses are a considerable investment, and people are often tempted to buy a used one to ease their wallets. However, these used mattresses are given away because they are worn out or have some issues.
Before we tell you all about the side effects of used mattress, let us quickly show you how amazing you would feel after resting on a Wakefit mattress because it’s approved by none other than Kumbhkaran himself:
Health Effects of Old And Used Mattresses
Even if you are buying a good quality mattress that is gently used, it may be unsanitary. Additionally, it lacks returns and warranty. Most importantly, it can lead to many side effects. Read below to learn more about the health hazards of a used mattress.
Aggravates aches and pains
- Back pain
As sleep experts, we say that you can expect it to wear out and sag as the mattress ages, especially in the middle. So when you sleep on a used mattress instead of buying a new one, you are sleeping on an uncomfortable surface. The sags and sinks on the surface make for an awkward bed. It is akin to sleeping in a trench and is an excellent recipe for back pain. Additionally, when you are sleeping on an uncomfortable surface, you toss and turn to find a comfortable spot resulting in aches. So a bad mattress can lead to back pain and body pain.
If this back pain is not addressed immediately, it is harder to sleep at night and stay awake in the morning. That becomes a vicious cycle of morning sleepiness and night wakefulness. Fortunately, it can all be reversed by using the right mattress. Proper support and comfort from the mattress is the permanent solution.
- Neck pain
When you buy a used mattress, it is like placing your head on a trunk!. A used mattress will have many unseen lumps and saggy parts, affecting the neck and the head. You might think that using a new pillow may solve the problem, but it cannot. That is because when the surface on which the pillow is placed is unstable, you can expect your neck to tip back or forward.
- Increased joint pain
A used mattress can cause neck pain and spine pain. It can also cause joint pains too. There are not many options that you get to choose when buying a refurbished mattress. So you end up buying something that does not suit your body. When you sleep on a mattress, the entire body weight is on the surface, and it should provide adequate give. If the mattress is too soft or too firm, there is excess pressure on the joints. So you end up having pain in the hips, knees, shoulders, back, or neck.
Sleep Issues On Used Mattress
Interrupts sleep
Do you often wake up at night in a pool of your sweat? One of the reasons for these nightly sweats is your decision to buy a used mattress. Some mattresses use materials that can make the sleeper feel hot. When you buy a new mattress, you can check the specifications and learn whether it makes the sleeper hot or not. On the other hand, buying a used mattress means you know nothing about the specifications and end up buying something that makes you sleep hot and leads to sleep issues on used mattress.
Causes Troubled Sleep
An uncomfortable mattress leads to interrupted sleep, which can lead to sleep deprivation and insomnia. When you are deprived of sleep, you are tired all the time and cause mood swings and low concentration levels. It also affects the appetite, immunity, and overall health of a person. Moreover, lack of quality sleep can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues, and more. To avoid all these sleep issues on used old mattress, stay away from investing in a used one.
Aggravates Allergies
Every year, the allergy season can be challenging. The worst part is where the symptoms of a person suffering from allergies aggravate. This is the time of the year where allergy is in the air, and all you want to do is sleep comfortably in your bed. But when you sleep on a used mattress, you may observe your symptoms flare up. So to prevent aggravation of allergies, apart from cleaning and washing bedding regularly, invest in a hypoallergenic mattress or at the least use a waterproof mattress protector that prevents the sweat from entering the surface.
Results In Unintended Weight Gain
Sleeping on an old and used mattress which is not comfortable can lead to sleeplessness. When you are unable to sleep, you tend to overeat. That is because there is a hormonal imbalance in the body due to lack of sleep, resulting in overeating. Hormones Leptin and Ghrelin are impacted by the amount of sleep one gets. Ghrelin tells the body your fuel tank is empty and needs energy. Leptin tells the brain that the body is full. If you don’t get enough sleep, this goes haywire, and you end up binge eating. So replace your old mattress immediately if you are not getting enough sleep.
Causes snoring
An used and old mattress is usually unsupportive and this put the airways under pressure or sink the tissues causing snoring. The dangers of snoring is that it can block airways and lead to sleep apnea which can be dangerous.
Other Used Mattress Disadvantages
The dangers of used mattress are many. Apart from health hazards, it can impact overall hygiene as well.
In addition to health risk old mattress, you’ll face these issues too:
Mould development
Humans shed dead skin, sweat, hair, and drool when asleep knowingly or unknowingly. For the accumulation of mould on a surface, even a small amount of moisture is enough. For mould to get accumulated in the bed, human sweat is just enough. Also, since the underside of the bed is never shown any light, it is the perfect combination for mould to breed. When you buy a used mattress, it might be in good condition, but the fact that someone has slept and shed skin and dead cells is grave enough!. Not to mention the skin irritation and respiratory problems associated with sleeping on mouldy surfaces.
Dust mites
As per a survey, mattresses used by others can typically have up to 10 million microscopic bugs. The dead skin of a human on the mattress is the right meal for these dust mites. On top of the presence of dust mites, the poop on the mattress too. So it is a double-yucky situation. Additionally, these also cause a runny nose, sniffles, and other harmful effects.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs issues are another common problem found in used mattresses. Though they may look clean to the naked eye, there may still be microscopic bugs present. These, when they enter the house, are hard to exterminate, and hence careful precautions need to be taken.
Suggested read: Ultimate mattress cleaning guide
Would You Still Buy Used Mattresses?
Now that you know the health issues caused by old mattresses, you would rather not. It is apparent that the best thing to do with an old or used mattress is to send it to recycling. Many mattress recycling facilities dispose of old mattresses in the right way. Even though you may be tempted to buy a used mattress as it is cheap. It is still a great idea to buy a new one as it will pay in the long run. Also, it can ensure a better and healthier sleep and life. So ditch the idea of buying a used mattress and investing in a comfortable new mattress. Have a look at Wakefit’s mattress range today.
Frequently Asked Questions On Used Mattresses Health Hazard
Can you get sick from an old mattress?
Yes. Typically a mattress that is older is a breeding ground for various allergens which include a variety of bacteria like the enterococcus and staphylococcus and norovirus. Mold can also cause health issues especially if the weather is humid and also make you wonder if your clothes are dirtier than you feel. Additionally, if you have a traditional spring or coir mattress it won’t support the body properly and cause body aches and disrupts sleep.
How does an old mattress affect your health?
Allergens and dust mites buildup on an old mattress can cause many health issues. People with allergies suffer the most as it causes watery eyes, sinus pressure, sneezing, runny nose, and other allergies. Additionally sleeping on a used mattress leads to discomfort and makes it difficult to sleep through the night. Poor quality sleep can not only affect physical health but also mental and emotional health affecting the overall well-being.
How long should you keep your mattress?
Mattress experts recommend replacing a mattress every 7 to 10 years. But this is just an average as the lifespan of a mattress depends on various parameters like the quality of construction, the material used, the sleeping position, the weight of the sleeper, and the maintenance of the mattress. So the calendar should not dictate the lifespan but the comfort and support it provides should. High-quality mattresses tend to last long if taken good care of than those which low-quality material and construction.
Can old mattress cause skin problems?
Yes. An old mattress will have many allergens and dust mites along with the mold. When your skin touches such a mold and allergen-infested surface it can lead to rashes and skin irritation or even hives.
What is the best way to clean a mattress?
The foremost thing to do before you start to clean the mattress is to check the care instructions for dos and don’ts. Different mattresses require different cleaning techniques and hence you should check the instructions before proceeding. After reading the care instructions gather the cleaning supplies. Remove all the bed linen and air out the mattress. Vacuum it to remove all the dust and allergens. If there are stains use a gentle detergent mixed with lukewarm water and scrub it. Once the stains are removed, deodorize the mattress by using baking soda and vacuum it again. Flip on the other side and repeat.
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