What Happens to Old Mattresses? A Look at Recycling, Donation and Disposal

Sleep is a vital part of childhood growth, development, mood and academic performance. While it may seem convenient or cost-effective to pass down a used mattress from an older sibling or relative, the truth is that hand-me-down mattresses may do more harm than good for your child’s health and sleep quality. At Twilight Bedding, we know families are always looking for smart ways to save money, but cutting corners on your child’s sleep setup can lead to long-term consequences. Mattresses Break Down Over Time  Even high-quality mattresses are not built to last forever. Over years of use, materials like foam, coils and padding begin to break down, losing their ability to provide proper support and alignment. An old mattress that has already conformed to someone else’s body is unlikely to offer the spinal support growing kids and teens need. Children and teenagers are constantly developing. Their spines, muscles and joints need a mattress that promotes healthy alignment and adapts to their growing bodies. A sagging or worn-out mattress can contribute to poor posture, disrupted sleep and even back pain in younger sleepers. Hygiene and Allergens Are a Real Concern Another key reason to skip the hand-me-down mattress? Hygiene. Older mattresses can harbor years of built-up dust, allergens, dead skin cells, sweat, bacteria and even mold, especially if they’ve been stored improperly. Young sleepers are more vulnerable to allergens and respiratory issues, which can be made worse by sleeping on a used mattress. If your child suffers from allergies or asthma, a secondhand bed could quietly be making things worse night after night. And while it may not be pleasant to think about, bed bugs or dust mites are also a risk with used mattresses, especially if they’ve changed hands or locations multiple times. Buying new helps you avoid all these potential health hazards. Lack of Support Affects More Than Just Sleep Sleep quality is just as important as the number of hours spent in bed. If a mattress doesn’t support your child properly, it can lead to tossing and turning, body aches and even a lack of deep, restorative sleep. This has a direct impact on: Mood and emotional regulation School performance and focus Physical development and immune function Behavior and energy levels Teens, in particular, are going through rapid physical and hormonal changes that require consistent, quality rest. Giving them a mattress that’s past its prime can hinder both their physical and emotional well-being. One Size Does Not Fit All Just because a mattress worked for one person doesn’t mean it will work for someone else. Factors like weight, sleep position and sensitivity vary significantly between individuals. Your growing child or teen may need something firmer, softer or cooler than the person who used the mattress before them. When you buy new, you can choose the right size (Twin XL, Full, etc.), firmness and materials that best support your child’s current stage of development and continues to serve them well for years to come. A New Mattress is an Investment in Their Future Think of a mattress like you would a pair of shoes. You wouldn’t hand down worn-out shoes and expect them to support someone through miles of running or walking. A mattress is no different. I's a foundation for healthy rest, which affects every part of your child’s life. At Twilight Bedding, we carry a full range of affordable, high-quality mattresses perfect for kids, teens and college-bound young adults. Whether you’re shopping for a first “big kid” bed, upgrading for a growth spurt or preparing for a dorm room, we’re here to help. We Make It Easy for Families to Shop Smart We understand that raising kids comes with lots of expenses, which is why we offer: A variety of mattresses at different price points Long-lasting, child- and teen-friendly options that won’t wear out quickly In-store guidance from sleep specialists who understand what growing bodies need Financing options to make it even easier to invest in better sleep Stop by One of Our Spokane Showrooms and Find the Right Mattress for Your Child Your child deserves more than someone else’s leftovers when it comes to sleep. Let us help you find a mattress that promotes better health, better sleep and a better future. You can learn more by calling our North Spokane location at (509) 413-2431 for or our Spokane Valley showroom at (509) 926-2333.