What to do when you can't afford a new mattress?

Question

I've had the same mattress for about 15 years. It wasn't a good quality mattress to begin with. Now it is super lumpy and has springs sticking out of it. I have had major back problems because of it. Constant sharp pains. Can't bend over. Those foam things you put on top of the mattress do nothing. You can still feel the springs through it. 
I'm 19 and live with my parents and we can't afford to get me a even a used one. We have to borrow money just to keep the lights on. We have no TV or anything fancy to sell anymore. I sold my bed so we could eat (that was before we finally got food stamps). So I switched back to an old bed frame that we had because it hurt too much sleeping with the mattress on the floor.
I've been trying to make things to sell and using my talents for money, but it's not enough to keep up and put money back for a mattress. I can't get a job living 20 minutes out of town and my car breaks down. I had to quit my last job for that. My parents tried to sign my little sister up to get a disability check because she is autistic and can't talk and also just had a major surgery but she was denied because my dad owns a small piece of land that won't sell. His military disability won't go through because that entire system is screwed up. We have been screwed out of money.
Is there any way to get even a used mattress for free? Where can I get something to use in place of a mattress or anything. Should I just sleep on the floor? :( Please help, and don't be hateful.

Kaysibabes · Accepted Answer

If your dad was in the military there may be military based charities to help.

https://nvf.org/veteran-resources/

A cheap and comfortable way of sleeping is on an airbed cheaper than a mattress.

Your local church may be able to help.

Ex military cots can be bought very inexpensively

Other friends and families may have beds they would be willing to give away.

Look on ebay for people selling beds locally they go very cheap

Harrald · Answer

I kept an excellent mattress for 19 years when mattresses were made by top makers and proved to last. Buying a mattress today is a crap-shoot with prices varying a $1000. Go to www.overstock.com and search for 2-or 3-inch foam that covers a mattress type. Do not choose memory-foam unless you can afford the price. I purchased a 2-inch, Kingsize foam- topping for my mattress for less than $200. I turn the foam topping once or twice a year.

harrald

bob f · Answer

I use heavy cardboard between the mattress and spring frame. Layer it on.

Moazzem · Answer

Make money and buy a NEW one.

Maxi · Answer

You sell the car if it is not suitable for you to drive/use for a job or you go look for a job earn some money fix your car and buy yourself a new mattress.
At 19 yrs old you should be working and earning not looking at living off benefits and hand outs, so maybe you need to look for 'live in' jobs which would sort out your living conditions and earnings

Politically Correct · Answer

You need to get a job. What about getting work as a live-in carer? Either as a nanny or elder care. Neither are particularly well paid but that would solve the chicken and egg problem of not having the money to move out/no car.

If you are super careful and save every cent you make, you will find you have a lot more choices.

Murzy · Answer

put a wooden board under your mattress

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What to do when you can't afford a new mattress?

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