Sleeping on an old mattress can exacerbate allergies and lower immunity levels, increasing your likelihood of common illnesses like fevers, colds and even cancer.
Allergens and dust mites can also cause skin damage, leading to rashes and itchy eyes. A new mattress could provide an effective way out.
It is a breeding ground for allergens and dust mites
Mattresses can become breeding grounds for dust mites and mold if not regularly cleaned, which can trigger skin allergies and asthma attacks as well as contributing to health issues like sleep deprivation, low energy levels and depression. If these symptoms sound familiar then perhaps replacing your old mattress may be in order.
Most people don’t understand how to safely dispose of an old mattress. Cities typically have strict rules and regulations surrounding how mattresses should be disposed of – leaving it next to a dumpster can be considered littering; alternative methods include recycling.
Once disassembled, most materials in a mattress can be recycled after dismantlement. Metal springs may be melted down to be used elsewhere while wood can be mulched or burned as fuel; foams and padding may be shredded for carpet padding or moving pads, while fabric scraps may be turned into rags for recycling purposes. Many mattress companies provide old mattress removal services which make the disposal process easy for those without time or energy to deal with it themselves.
Sagging or lumpy mattresses can lead to back and neck pain, keeping you from sleeping soundly. Sleeping on an inappropriate type of mattress for your needs or one with dirt and stains only compound the issue further; medical professionals advise replacing mattresses every seven to ten years (or sooner if experiencing back or neck issues).
Samina Ahmed, sleep advisor at Pluto, notes that sleeping on an old mattress can significantly impact one’s mood and health. According to her research, such an older mattress increases your likelihood of mental health challenges such as anxiety and mood disorders while slowing cognitive processing – leading to tardiness at work, mistakes with recalling words or decisions being made incorrectly, as well as canceling social plans altogether.
It is a breeding ground for mold
Mold on old mattresses can be harmful to your health, particularly if you suffer from asthma or allergies. Mold may exacerbate these conditions and lead to symptoms like itching, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, sinus congestion headaches and fatigue; if this sounds familiar it could be time to replace your mattress!
Mold needs warmth, darkness and moisture to thrive; conditions which are present in most households’ bedrooms where people sweat while sleeping and often consume meals in bed which leave food debris or spills that feed mold growth. Luckily, however, mold can often be effectively eliminated if identified early enough and removed successfully.
if your mattress has visible mold growth, it is imperative that you take swift action. Mold can spread rapidly if left unchecked; as more time passes without treatment or removal efforts being taken by you or professionals, the more difficult and extensive damage this mold will do to the mattress itself.
Your mattress can be cleaned using hot water and dish soap, or using a solution of one part lemon juice to three parts warm water – its acidity will help kill mold spores! Rubbing alcohol may also work; just make sure that after use you rinse and dry off your mattress thoroughly afterwards.
One way to prevent mold growth on your mattress is to ensure it features a slatted base instead of a box spring, as this allows air flow freely and can help stop mold build-up. Furthermore, try keeping it away from windows – and if any are nearby make sure any leaking windows have been sealed properly with mold-resistant caulk.
Donating an old mattress to a local shelter or charity organization is also a good option, with some places even offering to come collect it if you live within certain radius. Furniture Bank Association of America can assist in finding charities in your area that will accept used mattresses as donations; you could also contact Catholic Charities which has programs offering shelter and housing solutions to the poor.
It is a breeding ground for bed bugs
Bed bugs are more than an inconvenience; they can actually create health complications. Their bites disturb sleep while their droppings produce allergens that aggravate asthma and other respiratory ailments. Although many mattresses become infested with bed bugs, using a mattress protector is one way to ward them off and maintain good hygiene in bedtime.
Before disposing of an old mattress, it’s important to carefully consider how it will be disposed. Many local landfills offer curbside pickup of bulk items like mattresses. When considering your disposal options, contact the appropriate landfill to learn its rules and fees – some services charge only a nominal pickup fee while others require payment for hauling and disposal fees. In some communities there may even be volunteer groups available that will collect and repurpose used mattresses.
Donating old mattresses is another great way to save money and contribute back to the community. Many charity organizations such as Furniture Bank Association of America accept them; churches also run shelters that may accept your mattress if in good condition.
Mattresses may also be donated to secondhand stores or charities as long as they have been cleaned and treated for pests, though most secondhand stores already do this prior to selling the mattresses they receive – they won’t sell anything that is infected with bed bugs! As always, it is wise to inspect other pieces such as sofas and recliners carefully for signs of bed bugs before purchasing them.
If your mattress has become infested with bed bugs or simply has seen better days, it may be time for an upgrade. Telltale signs include waking up aching and in pain after poor restful sleep as well as visible lumps or sags that make for poor support or difficulty turning on lights at night.
Although it can be tempting to simply dispose of your old mattress in the trash, recycling or donating is always preferable. Many state recycling plants accept them while some companies will even pick it up for free!
It is a breeding ground for bacteria
An old mattress is an incubator for bacteria, mold and dust mites – microbes which can lead to skin conditions like eczema and respiratory issues in addition to allergies and asthma. Furthermore, its fabric may trap heat and moisture, leading to mold growth as well as back and neck strain from an uncomfortable mattress that no longer offers support.
If your mattress is seven or more years old, it may no longer provide adequate spinal support and could even become home to harmful bacteria such as staphylococcus and E coli, while harboring fungi, yeast and dust mites which could trigger allergic reactions, asthma attacks or other health concerns. Furthermore, such an old mattress increases your risk for bed bugs.
A new mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality and energy throughout the day, as well as alleviate back and neck pain and stress. To determine if your mattress has become outdated, compare it with one from today and look out for signs of wear and tear.
Rather than throwing away an old mattress, consider recycling or donating it. There are numerous charities who welcome any good condition mattresses – for instance Catholic Charities runs shelters and housing programs which could benefit from your mattress donation; the Furniture Bank Association of America distributes donated furniture directly into impoverished communities through their search engine; both can help find local programs.
Reaching out to local businesses may also be an effective way of recycling and making some money with your mattress. Or consider selling it on an online marketplace such as Craigslist or eBay.
If your old mattress can’t be recycled, donated, or resold, don’t throw it out! Many cities have regulations about disposing of mattresses and you may face fines if this violates them. Instead, look into using parts from it in home projects; foam may be useful for carpet padding, insulation, seat cushions, pet bedding and other purposes.
