# Where (in the real world) can I sell a mattress? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 26, 2018, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546 "2018-01-26T21:38:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/1 "2018-01-26T21:38:04Z")
Are there any places (pawn shops, furniture consignment, etc.) that might buy a mattress? It’s nothing terribly fancy, just a queen-sized memory foam mattress \<1 year old, worth about $200 new. Hoping to get somewhere between $50 and $100 for it. I know I can put it on Craigslist or Facebook too, but just checking my options. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/2 "2018-01-26T22:21:24Z")
In my experience people generally, don’t like used mattresses. Even people who are happy to sleep on a hotel mattress that has been used by countless people for all kinds of things are not keen to buy a mattress that has only been slept on by a celibate nun. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/3 "2018-01-26T22:40:32Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > In my experience people generally, don’t like used mattresses. Even people who are happy to sleep on a hotel mattress that has been used by countless people for all kinds of things are not keen to buy a mattress that has only been slept on by a celibate nun. Maybe for money. We just put one on CL for free and got a request very quickly. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/4 "2018-01-26T23:00:12Z")
You need to check your state laws. I remember reading a few days ago that in Massachusetts used mattresses have to be sterilized before they can be sold. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/5 "2018-01-26T23:02:24Z")
The only thing I can think of is craigslist or other similar sites. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/6 "2018-01-26T23:38:00Z")
I see. I didn’t realize they were that difficult to get rid of… will probably just end up giving it away. Thanks, all. If anyone in Chicago wants a free mattress + frame, hit me up 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 26, 2018, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/7 "2018-01-26T23:48:29Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > Are there any places (pawn shops, furniture consignment, etc.) that might buy a mattress? > [@Reply](#): > > If anyone in Chicago wants a free mattress + frame, hit me up 🙂 > [@](#): > > **Before buying a mattress, there are certain things every consumer should know.** > > **New or Used?** > > In most parts of the country, including Illinois, used mattresses can be resold as long as they meet certain labeling and processing requirements. > Also, in the City of Chicago, the law requires that deteriorated, secondhand, reconditioned, or altered products cannot be advertised or sold as new. > **How to Know If You Are Buying a Used Mattress:** > > [ul] > [li]By law, there must be a conspicuously posted label describing the contents of the[/li]mattress and any bedding. > [li]The label must state whether the bedding is made from all new materials, or is made in whole or in part from secondhand material, otherwise called “refurbished.”[/li][/ul] > **Requirements for selling refurbished mattresses:** > > [ul] > [li]All used bedding must be taken apart by a refurbisher, and inspected for stains, pests, odors.[/li][li]No material or component of used bedding that is soiled, has odor, or is infested may be reused.[/li][/ul] [https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp\_info/consumer\_fact\_sheets.html](https://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/bacp/supp_info/consumer_fact_sheets.html) > **[410 ILCS 68/  Safe and Hygienic Bed Act.](https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1530&ChapterID=35)** > > Illinois Compiled Statutes Table of Contents Put it on the curb with a sign that says FREE. Good Luck! ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/8 "2018-01-27T00:06:05Z")
craigslist, and local facebook free and ‘garage sale’ groups. You’ll have even better luck if you can offer hauling. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/9 "2018-01-27T01:34:04Z")
A sign that says $50 might work better. ---
**Author:** ![DorkVader](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/73ab20/32.png) [@DorkVader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DorkVader)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/10 "2018-01-27T07:11:10Z")
oddly enough, **Kropotkin** makes a good point. I tried to find the article, maybe it was on livescience some years ago, sounds about right. Anyway, I remember reading that putting some small token price on things you want to get rid of helps move them a bit faster. ---
**Author:** ![albino\_manatee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/albino_manatee/32/2_2.png) [@albino\_manatee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/albino_manatee)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/11 "2018-01-27T12:54:19Z")
> [@Reply](#): > > _" If anyone in Chicago wants a free mattress + frame, hit me up "_ i was moving residence … so the 13-year old mattress, bought for $450, sold for $10 … just so i wouldn’t have to haul it myself. as for the frame … now that might be worth money. not many will trust a used mattress … however, metal frames are not quite so dispensable/perishable. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/12 "2018-01-27T12:57:31Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > Put it on the curb with a sign that says FREE. Unless rain is in the forecast. ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/13 "2018-01-27T13:52:55Z")
Around here none of the the thrift stores accept used mattresses. Some sell _new_, very cheaply made, mattresses to serve their clientèle. ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/14 "2018-01-27T14:02:14Z")
I’d never buy a used mattress and I’m sure I don’t know anyone who would. Bedbugs do not discriminate based on social or economic class and can be found anywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/15 "2018-01-27T16:17:18Z")
> [@MikeG](#): > > I’d never buy a used mattress and I’m sure I don’t know anyone who would. Bedbugs do not discriminate based on social or economic class and can be found anywhere. I did once, but from a friend of 30+ years who was moving abroad. I don’t think I’d do it otherwise. ---
**Author:** ![Penfeather](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penfeather/32/384_2.png) [@Penfeather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Penfeather)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/16 "2018-01-27T21:43:16Z")
Marketplace Forum. ---
**Author:** ![ZacharyMyers24](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/779978/32.png) [@ZacharyMyers24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZacharyMyers24)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/17 "2018-01-27T22:04:16Z")
Nobody buys mattresses. Too many health issues and lots or not in good shape. I couldn’t even find a charity that would take my old one for free in my city. I had to have it hauled away for trash. But really, I would never buy a used one myself. ---
**Author:** ![watchwolf49](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e9c0ed/32.png) [@watchwolf49](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/watchwolf49)\ **Post date:** [January 27, 2018, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-in-the-real-world-can-i-sell-a-mattress/807546/18 "2018-01-27T23:46:53Z")
Around here we have to pay for a thrift store to take a mattress, if they take it at all … otherwise off to the landfill and they charge extra there … this is a growing problem with our landfills filling up, too expense to recycle and as noted above not many people are willing to get a used mattress because, like, EWWWWWWWW … how many weeks was the corpse there until someone found it? Yeah, put a $50 sign on it and someone will steal it … same difference to us right? …