If you’re tossing and turning at night or waking up with back pain, your old mattress might just be to blame. Aside from having healthy sleep habits, your mattress is the next factor in determining how well you sleep at night. Sagging, lumpiness, and creakiness are all signs that your bed is past its prime.
By upgrading your mattress, you’re guaranteed to have better sleep. But, before you buy a new mattress, you need to first figure out what to do with your old one.
This post will walk you through your mattress disposal options and what’s the best upgrade so you can get restful sleep for years to come.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Mattress for Better Sleep
Mattresses can be pricey. And, tossing a perfectly fine mattress out isn’t going to be good for the environment or your wallet.
In general, most mattresses should be replaced every 7–10 years. Not sure if it’s time to change out your mattress? Here are some signs to watch out for:
- You wake up with back or neck pain
- There are visible dips and sagging spots in your mattress
- You can hear creaky springs
- You’re unable to sleep well on your bed, but sleeping elsewhere is no problem
- The mattress smells musty or looks stained
- You don’t feel comfortable sleeping on your bed
If any of this sounds familiar to you, it’s time for you to let go of your bed and find a better alternative that will send you off to dreamland in minutes.
Where Should Your Old Mattress Go: Recycling, Donation, Disposal
Mattresses are bulky, and it can be quite confusing to figure out what to do with an unwanted bed. And, just because your mattress isn’t the right fit for you doesn’t mean you have to create a lot of unnecessary waste.
It’s not as easy as simply dumping it into your trash can. This is also not the most eco-friendly next step. In fact, Americans end up sending more than 50,000 mattresses to landfills each day. Only a tiny 5% of mattresses are recycled. And, it’s not like these items aren’t recyclable.
Over 80% of a typical mattress can be recycled. Components like metal springs, foam layers, and mattress filling can all be either downcycled or reused in other products, as well.
That’s why your best option is to find a mattress recycling program near you. Check out organizations like the Mattress Recycling Council and one of its many initiatives called bye bye mattress. Some recycling facilities also allow you to schedule a mattress pick-up, so check out your local recycling centers to see if they accept mattresses.
Can’t recycle your mattress? You can always donate it, especially if it’s still clean and supportive. This means it’s free of stains, tears, or odors. To donate your mattress, contact local homeless shelters, women’s shelters, thrift stores, and college donation drives.
Your last resort is to dispose of your mattress according to your city’s guidelines. This is the best step if your mattress is falling apart and is just too far gone.
As much as possible, try to avoid simply dumping your old bed at a landfill, though.
Upgrading to a High-Quality Custom Mattress is Your Next Step
Once you’ve responsibly disposed of your old bed, it’s time to consider your options for mattress upgrades. Instead of settling for a generic mattress like last time, you should get a custom-made bed. There are numerous reasons to getting a bespoke mattress. And, they’re a good investment for your long-term health.
Here’s a list of what a custom mattress offers you that you won’t get with an off-the-shelf bed:
1) Custom size mattresses offer you a perfect fit, especially in unique layouts
If you’re looking for a mattress that’s meant for a 3/4 bed, boat, RV, van bed, or a tight space, going custom means you don’t have to worry about a mattress that doesn’t work.
2) You can choose the exact specifications of your custom bed
Depending on the custom mattress manufacturer, your bed can be built based on your preferred firmness and mattress material. This allows you to get a tailored sleep experience.
3) Your new custom fit mattress is likely to last longer
Mass-produced mattresses aren’t made to last years. Maybe that’s the issue you found with the old mattress you just got rid of. If you want a bed that you can use for years, your best bet is to choose a custom bed, since they’re crafted with premium materials and care.
No matter your priorities, a custom mattress is often the right choice, because you get the final say in how your bed feels. At Custom Mattress, we specialize in crafting custom size mattresses that fit your space and match your sleep style. Whether you need a short queen RV mattress or a made to measure foam mattress, explore our supportive mattress options and find a bed you can get a good night’s sleep on for the next several years.