There comes a time in everyone’s life when they need to invest in a new mattress.
Mattresses become worn out over time; nobody will get a good night’s sleep with a sharp coil spring poking into their back.
Most mattresses need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years.
However, there are times where you might consider replacing your mattress sooner; maybe you want a memory foam mattress over a spring mattress or maybe you want a king mattress instead of a full mattress.
Sometimes you can’t find a perfect mattress on the market, you may try to make your own mattress.
Before you toss that old (but not completely worn-out mattress) into the landfill, consider if there are ways to recycle it for a few more years.
Add another layer of comfort
If your mattress is uncomfortable but isn’t to the point where springs are visibly poking through the mattress, consider adding a mattress pad to your bed.
Mattress pads aren’t as expensive as replacing a mattress and they come in a variety of options.
Someone that moves around a lot in their sleep might want a memory foam or natural latex mattress pad.
These mattress pads will absorb movement.
Someone that doesn’t have a lot of money but that still wants additional comfort might opt for an inexpensive egg crate foam topper.
Choosing the right size pad or topper is important.
Put it in your kid’s bedroom
Even if a mattress is too stiff for your taste, it might be okay for your kid.
When a toddler is transitioning to a big kid bed, there is nothing wrong with a used mattress.
Children can sleep well on dense, firm mattresses.
They’re also hard on their mattress.
If your child is prone to bedwetting or jumping on the bed, hold off buying them a brand new mattress until they’re a little bit older.
If your child is a tween or a teen, you might want to consider a new mattress.
There is a chance an older child will find a stiff mattress just as uncomfortable as you do.
Use it in the guest bedroom
If a mattress is uncomfortable but is still in good shape, use it in your guest room.
You don’t want to sleep on a mattress that leaves you feeling achy and sore every night, but there is nothing wrong with having it as an option for guests.
Most houseguests only stay for several nights in a row, which isn’t enough time for them to start feeling sore from an uncomfortable mattress.
If you have the money, you can always add a topper to make it more comfortable for them.
While you want your guests to be comfortable, most houseguests aren’t expecting a luxury hotel and will be fine on an older mattress.
See if anyone needs it
If nobody in your immediate family needs the mattress, see if there is a family in need that could use it.
Many families cannot afford new mattresses and instead purchase used mattresses.
Before you give the mattress to another family, make sure that it is still in decent condition.
If the mattress has been left uncleaned for a long time, you can consider getting it professionally cleaned like those offered by Luce SG before passing it to another member of your family.
If springs are poking out or there are holes in the mattress, don’t give it to another family.
You’ll also want to ensure that there are no bed bugs in the mattress.
Let the other family know if there is anything wrong with the mattress, such as an unusual stain or smell.
If you’re selling, make sure it is for a fair price.
Donate it to an animal shelter
If a mattress is in really bad shape and not suitable for human use, consider donating it to an animal shelter instead of throwing it away.
Animal shelters put mattresses on the floors of kennels so that larger dogs can have a comfy bed.
Most animal shelters will use a mattress for an animal and then get rid of it after the mattress is soiled.
Already used mattresses that aren’t in the greatest condition are ideal for shelters.
Of course, you won’t want to donate a mattress that has bed bugs or that is already soiled.
Always call the shelter before donating.
Some animal shelters do not accept mattresses because of the possibility of bed bugs.
Final thoughts
Did you know that it can take up to 120 years for some mattresses to decompose?
Whether you choose to cozy it up by adding a mattress topper or donate it to a shelter, finding ways to use a mattress until it cannot be used anymore is beneficial to the environment.