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Mattress Recycling

April 21, 2011 by mattress1982

CC Flickr photo of dumped mattress courtesy of editor.

Wondering about your mattress recycling options?

Sooner or later your old mattress will start to show signs it is finally ready to give up the ghost. A permanent sag in the middle, lumps, bumps and springs that don’t bounce back are all indicators that the time has come for a new mattress. While waiting for that fabulous mattress you’ve ordered, the question becomes what to do with the old one. Dumping the mattress is not an option. Fortunately, there are several recycling options available.

Mattress Recycling at Furniture Stores

Most furniture stores and mattress outlets offer to take away the old bed when they deliver the new mattress. But not all stores take them to recycling centers. More often, the old mattress ends up in a landfill. Ask the store what is their policy on mattress recycling before you take them up on their offer to remove the old furniture.

Recycling Centers: Will They Take A Mattress

The most resourceful recycling centers reuse up to 90 percent of an old mattress. The mattress is thoroughly broken down to make the most of all materials. The cloth is used to make clothes, the wood is shredded into chips and the springs and foam are recycled for various projects. One company in California that specializes in recycling has an entire facility dedicated to dismantling mattresses down to the bare essence. The company charges $48 to $88, depending on the size of the old mattress, to pick up an old mattress.

A rebuilt mattress is made of recycled materials on the inside. Rebuilt could also refer to a rebuilt frame added to an old mattress. Laws in most states require that stores clearly disclose if a mattress is rebuilt, since they are usually made of a mixture of both new and used materials.

Donate A Mattress

Donation is another mattress recycling option. In many communities Health Department ordinances are very strict so it is best to check to see if your donation will be accepted. Even in areas where donations are allowed, some charities will only accept a new mattress because of health concerns. Used mattresses are a habitat for dust mites, mold and mildew as well as other bugs. The surface of the mattress can contain matter that is unhealthy to inhale such as urine, saliva and perspiration. Older mattresses can also contain odors which can cause problems for people with allergies or other respiratory problems.

Used mattresses can be properly sanitized using a strict procedure requiring either heat or chemicals. Mattress recycling centers that use these cleaning techniques must disclose to customers details of the cleaning process. A furniture bank in Atlanta, GA accepts used mattresses that are free from bugs, tears or heavy stains. The mattresses are sterilized in their warehouse and donated to needy families. People who do choose to buy a used mattress rather than a new one cover it in plastic to stop soil or parasites from making contact with the body.

Mattress recycling prevents the waste of useful materials and decreases consumption of raw materials. It has saves on energy usage and the resulting gas emissions. For these reasons and many more people are planning recycling option for their old mattress even before they begin shopping for a new one.

Other Resources About Mattress Recycling

Ohio Mattress Recovery recycles mattresses, but not nationally.

Earth911 can give you local options for recycling or donating your mattress. Go to the main page, and search for mattresses.

Earth Talk at The Good Human covers the subject in a question and answer column.

Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know, so that we can continue to update this page.

How to Vacuum a Mattress to Fight Dust Mites

April 19, 2011 by mattress1982

mattress and box springs from simmons — CC Flickr photo courtesy of castawayvintage.

Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live by eating human dead skin cells. They live all over the home in pillows, furniture, carpet and especially mattresses; since human body creates millions of dead skin cells during sleep to provide plenty of food. It is important to know how to clean a mattress since dust mites can cause health issues for people with allergies or respiratory conditions such as asthma. Proper mattress cleaning can effectively fight dust mite infestation.

Using a Vacuum Cleaner on Your Mattress

Any homeowner can get a good mattress cleaning using a high quality vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Since dust mites multiply quickly, a thorough vacuuming should be done on a regular basis. Between the mattresses should be vacuumed as well as box springs, under the bed and anywhere the mattress makes contact with the wall. Homeowners whose bedrooms are carpeted most likely need more help with cleaning a mattress since dust mites hide in carpeting.

Using a Steam Cleaner on a Mattress

Steam cleaners, when used with specially designed cleansers, disinfect and deodorize a mattress in addition to killing dust mites. Vapor steam cleaners come in a variety of styles and price ranges and can be a big help with mattress cleaning to help control dust mite infestation. A good cleaner will heat the water to 298 degrees; which is the temperature that also kills any mold and mildew in the mattress. For households with allergy or asthma sufferers, it is especially important to learn how to clean a mattress in a thorough manner.

Hiring a Professional

Hiring professional cleaning services is the best way to get effective mattress cleaning. Employees of professional companies are knowledgeable about health issues that can arise from dust mites and other pollutants found in mattresses. They are trained to use the correct tools to thoroughly clean mattresses and other dust mite hiding places. The vacuums that are used by professionals are more powerful than the average homeowner has at home. Most have filtration systems two times the size of vacuums sold in department stores.

Professional steam cleaning is another way to solve the dilemma of how to clean a mattress well enough to kill dust mites. Most companies use non toxic and natural cleaning solutions that don’t leave a residue that could aggravate allergy symptoms. A professional steam cleaning provides a deep cleaning to your mattress. Professional cleaners also apply an antibacterial and fungicidal spray on the mattress for protection between cleanings.

Mattress Maintenance

Maintaining a mattress that has been cleaned is just as important as knowing how to properly clean a mattress. Bedding should be washed at once a week with water that is at least 130 degrees. Specially designed fitted sheets, called dust mite encasings are effective for dust mite control. Most department stores sell tannic acid which can be sprayed on the mattress to deactivate dust mite feces that can aggravate people with allergies. Since dust mites thrive in conditions where there is a 50 percent or more humidity level, running a dehumidifier is helpful to fight dust mites in between a mattress cleaning to keep the level under 30 percent.

Other Resources for Getting Rid of Dust Mites in a Mattress

How to get rid of things has a good page with solid tips on getting rid of dust mites in a mattress.

The Dust Mite Protection site has a list of tips on getting rid of dust mites in your mattress.

Net Wellness is a university based site with a lot of good advice on fighting dust mites in general.

Did we miss anything? Is there anything wrong with this page? Was it helpful? Leave a comment and let us know, so that we can continue to improve it.

Mattress Quality Ratings

April 19, 2011 by mattress1982

Wondering about mattress quality ratings? Is there such a thing?

Back pain, fatigue and a sagging mattress all indicate it is time for a new mattress. Many people dread making this purchase because of the time, expense and confusion that can be involved. There is plenty of information available about how to buy a mattress that can cut through the uncertainty. If you’ve decided it’s time to replace your mattress the first step is to take a mattress review to find out what’s available.

Innerspring Mattress

Innersprings are popular because they cost less and offer a variety of options. For some, the answer to how to buy a mattress is simply to find the one that is least expensive. For others, improvements like pocket coils and no flip models are an enticement. But according to one mattress review the drawbacks of innersprings not being able to comparison shop and the rapid rate at which they sag and wear out.

Memory Foam Mattress

Memory foam mattresses are made with layers of foam glued to a polyurethane base. Most consumers are not sure how to buy a mattress that is foam filled. In many mattress reviews, the pros were reported as better support, the ability to isolate motion and durability. Cons included heat retention, too much firmness and discomfort for larger people.

Airbed Mattress

Air mattresses adjust to give individual support for each sleeper. They also tend to have a longer life span than other mattresses. Disadvantages include expense, comfort level and the sides of the bed being too soft to sit on.

Mattress Cost

Here are a few ideas how to obtain a mattress without spending more than necessary. Consider buying at discount stores, such as Costco or other reasonably priced retailers. Exercise patience and wait for a sale but beware of so called “blowout sales” that are not truly a bargain. Learn to negotiate to get the best price possible. Don’t be pressured into upgrading to a mattress that has features that you don’t really need.

Mattress Scams

Learn how to buy a mattress without being taken advantage of. Manufacturers make identical mattress with a few cosmetic changes on the outside. Retailers give the mattresses different names to give the impression they are selling several unique lines that cannot be found in other stores. This tactic does not allow the customer to comparison shop. Avoid this scam by buying a mattress based on what’s inside rather than the name.

Do as much research as possible about mattress grades, coils, materials and levels. At the store, ask what components are inside of the mattress. The level of the mattress is found on the tag; even over the phone you can ask for the level before going into the store. Many times cushiony padding is placed on top of the mattress when it is on display. Test drive the mattress for a few weeks from the comfort of your bedroom and don’t hesitate to use the “money back guarantee” if the mattress doesn’t live up to its claims.

Mattress Trends

There are many changes in the mattress industry in recent years. Specialty mattresses, such as foam and air, are becoming more popular. Eco friendly, adjustable and homeopathic mattresses are in vogue all around the globe; including mattresses infused with essential oils. And the old standby, the futon, is making a comeback with plusher fabrics and more variety of styles than in years past.

Is There An Official Rating of Quality for Mattresses?

Not that we could find. Consumer Reports has some solid advice on choosing a mattress and a big section with video too, but they don’t rate individual mattresses.

Yelp has a category for many cities called Mattresses, where you can read reviews of various local mattress stores. Be careful to see that there are enough reviews that you are getting a good idea about the store, and not just reviews from a couple of very happy or very unhappy people.

Did we miss anything? Leave a comment and let us know, so that we can continue to improve this page.

Mattress Joiner

April 18, 2011 by mattress1982

Need a mattress joiner, or wonder what one is?

There is no need to panic when trying to arrange for extra sleeping space for friends and family members that come to visit. Choosing a mattress for overnight company to sleep on is as simple as pushing two twin beds together. This is a quick, inexpensive way to make a comfortable king size bed from mattresses that you already own. A mattress joiner converts twin beds without having to purchase or rent a larger bed. It takes the guesswork out of answering the dilemma of what is the best mattress for your guests when they visit.

Foam Bridge Mattress Joiner

If you are having trouble choosing a mattress joiner that is inexpensive and easy to install, look for a foam bridge connector. The bridge is a lightweight strip that comfortably converts twin beds into a king bed. It is made from hypo-allergenic foam that is placed over the seam where the two mattresses meet. The underside of the strip has a lip, or wedge, which fills in the gap between the mattresses.

What is the best mattress style that works with a bed bridge? All styles will work with the bridge but it is recommended that each twin bed be the same thickness in order to avoid lumps or ridges in the area where the mattresses meet. A separate strap can be purchased separately to prevent the strip from slipping out of place.

Connector Belt Mattress Joiner

The connector belt mattress joiner is a flexible strip that slips over the space between the mattresses and along their sides. The belt is made of a washable material similar to sheepskin. Installation takes just a few minutes; which is an important consideration when choosing a mattress joiner. Once the joiner is in place the beds are secured with a buckle that securely snaps the belt shut. The belt is 8 inches wide to seamlessly fill in the gap so the beds do not separate during the night.

Connector belts are also available in 12 inch wide strips to allow you to decide on what is the best mattress joiner for your pillow top or plush mattress. The strap adjusts all the way up to the length of twin extra long mattresses (80”) size. Once the belt is in place a mattress pad can be placed over the top of both mattresses. Some people use this type of mattress joiner to provide a permanent king size bed in their home when twin beds are no longer needed. This saves the time and expense of choosing a mattress from scratch.

Combination Mattress Joiner and Pad

If you want to make sure you are getting a mattress joiner that is easy to install, this is the connector to buy. It comes complete with the bridge, the wedge and the padding in one piece. The two inch thick pillow top quilted pad covers the surface of both beds. It is made from urethane foam. The wedge is laminated to the pad and fits between the void between the mattresses. The combination mattress joiner fits beneath fitted sheets. Once it is fitted on the beds, all that is needed are the linens since the mattress pad is included. There is no assembly is required and it is easily removed for cleaning.

Mattress joiners come in a variety of prices and materials. By planning ahead of time you will have an idea of what is the most suitable mattress joiner to meet your needs before you set out to make your purchase.

Negotiate your Next Mattress Purchase Price

April 18, 2011 by mattress1982

Ever wonder if you can negotiate the purchase of a new mattress at a mattress store? Well guess what! You can.

Buying a new mattress for your bed can be very expensive, especially if you are looking to buy a pillow top mattress. People often wait until stores reduce the prices of their mattresses or have a clearance sale. Many people do not know that the price of a mattress is not fixed in stone and that sales people are open to negotiations regarding the price of the mattress. Knowing how to buy a mattress at a great price is something that many people do not know but there are some things that you can do to reduce the price and get a great mattress.

The best mattresses usually cost you more than a thousand dollars if you are looking to buy the box spring as well. However, there are a large number of stores that sell mattresses and they are trying to outsell their competition. Shopping around is always advised as each store would rather have a sale at a lesser price than no sale at all. Do not try to negotiate a price before you have visited several stores to see what the average price is and who has the best mattresses and prices.

Knowing how to buy a mattress means that you must already have a price in your head of what you are willing to spend. When you enter a store knowing what you are willing to pay and what you are not, there is no way that you will end up overpaying for your mattress. Sales people can also tell when a person is firm and when they know it they are willing to negotiate the price because they know you will not buy otherwise.

In some cases, the best mattresses will not be sold at a lower price but knowing how to a buy a mattress like a pro means that you know of other things that they can reduce the price on to make the sale what you want it to be. For example, most mattresses stores will charge you to deliver the mattress if you are unable to transport it yourself. This delivery charge can be anywhere from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars depending on where you live. If the sales person will not reduce the price of the mattress then you could try reducing or eliminating the delivery charge. You may also be able to get a discount on a box spring to go with the mattress. Some stores will throw in other things such as high quality mattress pads and so on. In fact there are some mattress stores that offer deals where if you pay the full price for the mattress you may get a free bed frame or in some cases a free television.

There are so many brands of mattresses on the market today that you can visit a number of different stores and find the same quality mattresses in but with a different name and in some cases with a different price. The key to finding the best price on your mattress is to shop around, know what you are willing to spend and show the sales person that you are not willing to go any higher. If you do this then negotiating the price of your mattress will be simple.

Want to learn more?

Get Rich Slowly has a good article about buying mattresses.

Lifehacker also covers the subject of getting a better deal on a mattress.

USA Today covered the subject of buying mattresses and getting a better price.

ABC News also covered how to buy the best mattress and get a low cost.

Have any tips, or want to share your experiences negotiating? Leave a comment!