What to know before buying a used mattress (and why you shouldn’t)
When money is tight, a used mattress may seem like a good deal. But the health risks, lack of comfort, and safety concerns make secondhand sleep surfaces a bad idea. This blog explains why financing a new mattress may be a smarter move for you.
Key takeaways:
Used mattresses carry hidden health risks, including bed bugs, mold, and allergens.
Comfort and durability are usually compromised with secondhand mattresses.
Snap Finance makes it possible to get a safe, new mattress with convenient lease-to-own financing.
When budgets are tight, a $50 secondhand mattress can look like a steal. For young renters, college students, or anyone starting out, the savings are tempting. After all, why spend hundreds when a friend, relative, or online marketplace seller is offering a mattress for cheap?
However, is it safe to buy a used mattress? The reality is that the risks of a used mattress far outweigh the savings. From health hazards to comfort issues, a used bed may end up costing you more in the long run. Here’s what to know before deciding if it is safe to buy a used mattress – and why financing a new one may be the better option for you.
Used mattress health risks
One of the biggest downsides to secondhand mattresses is what you can’t see. Mattresses absorb years of use, and that means potential health hazards.
Bed bugs and dust mites. Once they infest a mattress, these pests are hard to eliminate. Bed bug treatments can cost more than the price of a new mattress.
Mold and mildew. Mattresses can trap moisture from spills, sweat, or humidity, creating a breeding ground for mold. Breathing this in can affect your health.
Bacteria and allergens. You never know what a used mattress has been exposed to – from pets to smoke to food. These allergens linger long after the mattress looks clean.
Even if a used mattress looks fine on the outside, what’s inside can be a different story.
Comfort and durability issues
Mattresses are built to last around 7 to 10 years, but once they’re worn down, comfort and support decline fast. With a used mattress, you risk:
Sagging or lumps. Springs and foam lose their shape, leading to uneven support.
Poor sleep quality. A mattress that doesn’t support your body can cause back pain, sore muscles, and restless nights.
No warranty coverage. Used mattresses rarely come with a guarantee, leaving you stuck if problems arise.
What feels like a short-term win can quickly become a long-term problem for your health and comfort.
Legal and safety considerations
Many shoppers don’t realize that used mattresses are regulated in some states. Depending on where you live:
Sales may be restricted. Some states ban used mattress sales altogether or require sanitization and labeling.
Older models may lack fire safety compliance. New mattresses must meet strict fire-safety standards. Used ones may not.
No manufacturer support. If anything goes wrong, you can’t rely on the original brand for help.
Cutting corners here can put you at risk legally and physically.
Why people buy used mattresses
Despite the risks, people still turn to used mattresses. Common reasons include:
Lower upfront cost. A cheap mattress seems easier than spending hundreds on a new one.
Quick fixes. For students or renters in temporary housing, a used mattress feels like an easy solution.
Lack of awareness. Many people don’t know about financing options that make new mattresses possible without upfront payment.
But once you factor in the risks and short lifespan of secondhand mattresses, the “savings” disappear quickly.
Affordable alternatives to buying used
If you’re trying to save money but still need a mattress, you have better options than secondhand.
Shop holiday and clearance sales. Events like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday bring deep discounts on mattresses.
Choose budget-friendly new models. Many brands offer entry-level mattresses that are still supportive and hygienic.
Consider lease-to-own financing. This option lets you bring home a brand-new mattress without paying the full cost upfront.
These alternatives keep you safe while still respecting your budget.
How Snap Finance makes new mattresses accessible
Snap Finance helps shoppers avoid risky secondhand choices by offering convenient lease-to-own financing on new mattresses. You can apply online now to start using these benefits of Snap:
Lease-to-own financing. Bring home your mattress now and make payments over time.
All credit types are welcome to apply. You don’t need perfect credit to get approved.1
Thousands of partner retailers. From local stores to national brands, Snap works with partner retailers across the country.
Early ownership options. Complete your lease early to save on overall lease costs while still enjoying your mattress today.2
For example, instead of settling for a questionable used mattress, a young family could use Snap Finance to get a new hypoallergenic mattress from a local partner store. They’d avoid bed bug risks, improve sleep, and still keep their budget on track.
Tips for budget-friendly mattress shopping
If you’re ready to shop for a mattress, here are ways to stretch your budget:
Compare firmness levels and materials so you get what you actually need.
Look for bundle deals that include the mattress, frame, and bedding.
Time your purchase around major sales holidays to maximize savings.
Check if your retailer offers delivery or setup discounts when you finance.
These strategies make your money go further while ensuring you get a mattress that lasts.
Sleep safe, not secondhand
So is it safe to buy a used mattress? While a used mattress may seem like the cheapest choice, the risks of pests, allergens, and poor support make it a bad deal. A good night’s sleep is worth more than temporary savings.
With Snap Finance, you don’t have to compromise. Lease-to-own financing make it possible to enjoy the safety and comfort of a brand-new mattress right now.
Explore Snap Finance partner mattress retailers and upgrade to a safe, comfortable mattress today.
The advertised service is a lease-to-own agreement provided by Snap RTO LLC. Lease-to-own financing is not available to residents of Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wisconsin.
1 Not all applicants are approved. While no credit history is required, Snap obtains information from consumer reporting agencies in connection with applications, and your score with those agencies may be affected.
2 The default payment plan is the Maximum-Term Plan, which includes 12- to 18-month renewable terms and is your highest cost option. To exercise an early ownership option, including any early buyout promotions, you must make all regular payments on time and ensure the required amount is paid within the applicable timeframe through the customer portal or by contacting Customer Care at 1-877-557-3769. Early buyout promotions may include a cost of lease above the merchandise price. For details and limitations, including relating to applicable early ownership options, refer to your lease agreement.