Would you buy second hand undies?

by | Nov 4, 2022 | Bed Info

Making an expensive but necessary purchase like a new bed is not an easy decision, but buying cheap might be the mattress equivalent of buying second-hand underwear.

~ The pitfalls of buying a cheap mattress. ~

 

With budgets tightening with every passing week, making an expensive but necessary purchase like a new bed is not an easy decision. When budgeting for a bed, you will see a range of options, from cheap and nasty to high-end and everything in between. It is tempting to settle for a cheaper choice because you may not easily see the difference between variously priced beds. But look a little closer and ask questions, and the differences will become clear. There are bargains available; you may find a mattress which looks good and gives sufficient support to meet your required needs made by a lesser-known brand, or you may find a discontinued model from a higher-end company. However, this is rarely the case.

Manufacturers of cheap mattresses usually use lower quality materials which may break down and lead to the bed losing its shape faster. These mattresses will sag, leading to misalignment of your body during sleep, resulting in pain and aching. Respiratory issues and cancer are common side effects caused by chemicals and synthetic components in cheaper mattresses. Proper spring construction is a key factor in the quality of a mattress. Often overlooked in producing a cheap mattress, this can lead to the bed overheating because of blocked airflow – making an uncomfortable night’s sleep and an attractive home for micro-organisms. Black mould is a common occurrence in beds that contain second hand components or have been washed and sold as “new”.

It is a widespread practice in the budget mattress industry to refurbish used beds and resell them. They may look new, but under that new synthetic cover lies the mattress equivalent of second-hand underwear. The thought of sleeping on someone else’s used mattress should be unsettling, because there is no way to thoroughly clean and sanitise every part to get it back to factory-freshness. These unhygienic, refurbished mattresses are more likely to attract black mould and mildew, as well as bed bugs and dust mites. These can result in skin irritation and allergic reactions.



 

Another cost-cutting trick that budget bed makers use is to buy reject parts (often rusted and defective) from the higher-end manufacturers. While these components are cheaper, they will not be as durable, and can be dangerous. Imagine a rusty spring breaking and poking sharply through the foam … In a cheaply made mattress, the parts may even be held together by cello tape. You won’t be able to see this, of course, until things start to fall apart. While you may be quite okay with a cheaper and less supportive mattress during your twenties or thirties, this will change after you reach forty, when your body needs more support, and your natural immunity might be less accepting of foreign micro-organisms.

You will need to replace a cheaper mattress within 4 or 5 years, so it will end up costing the same if not more than the better-quality option. If possible, it really makes sense to buy the more expensive mattress, especially as you get older. You will make your money back when it lasts ten or more years instead of five. However, you don’t need to spend the kids’ inheritance on good quality sleep. If you know how and where to shop, you can find a fantastic mattress with good enough quality at a price that won’t give you sleepless nights! Consider a mattress made from natural materials. Bamboo, cotton, and natural latex are safe and long-lasting. Buy a bed made by a local manufacturer like Henwood Bedding. Choose a bed with the correct level of firmness for your sleep-style, proper edge support, and enough padding to keep the springs well out of the way.