How long can you sleep on a moldy mattress?

Author: Dr. Lafayette Little DVM  |  Last update: Friday, October 17, 2025

Can You Sleep on a Mattress with Mold? You shouldn't sleep on a mattress if it's infected with mold. This can cause both short- and long-term health issues, so it's important to remove the mold or replace your mattress as soon as you notice an issue.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress with mold?

It is best to avoid sleeping on a moldy bed and address the mold problem as soon as possible to prevent potential health issues. If you have concerns about mold exposure, it's best to consult a doctor or an allergist.

Do you have to throw away a moldy mattress?

Comments Section For safety purposes, you should toss out that mattress. Even if you clean the surface, you don't know how deep into the mattress the mold has penetrated. Edit: Until the conditions that allowed the mold to grow are remediated, this will continue. Check out your state renter rights.

How long does it take to get sick from mold exposure?

According to the CDC, people usually experience their first symptoms within 2 to 9 hours of their first exposure. On the other hand, some people could go for weeks or months before feeling sick if their exposure is limited enough. This is why it is also important to check damp, dark areas of your home for mold.

Do mold spores stay on bedding?

Mold spores can also thrive in dirty bedding. Dust, dead skin cells, and other particles that accumulate on your bed covers and pillow covers can provide a food source for mold. Combined with moisture, this dirt can foster mold growth over time.

What Does Mold On A Mattress Look Like? - Sleep Wellness Workshop

What are signs of mold sickness?

Although symptoms can vary, the most common symptoms seen in people exposed to mold indoors include:
  • Nasal and sinus congestion.
  • Eye irritation, such as itchy, red, watery eyes.
  • Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  • Cough.
  • Throat irritation.
  • Skin irritation, such as a rash.
  • Headache.

Can you clean mold off of a mattress?

Scrub and spot-treat all areas affected by mold

“The mattress must not be oversaturated,” he says. “Excessive moisture can aggravate the problem.” You can either use a rubbing alcohol solution or hydrogen peroxide cleaning solution – whichever is more readily available to you. Or, says Stanislav, you can use both.

How long does it take to get mold out of your system?

Recovery from long-term mold exposure varies based on individual health and the severity of exposure. Some may see improvement within a few days of removing the mold source, while others may take weeks or months. In severe cases, professional medical intervention may be required.

What should you do immediately after mold exposure?

The best way to feel better if you have black mold allergy symptoms is to get out of the moldy environment and avoid any continued exposure. You can also take prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help relieve your symptoms.

How common is mattress mold?

Probably not often! We always recommend you turn your mattress monthly, which should help keep any potential mould problems at bay. Remember, it's only in rare cases of high humidity and lack of ventilation that mould takes hold.

Do you have to get rid of everything if your house has mold?

Scrub mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent or porous materials, such as ceiling tiles and carpet, may have to be thrown away if they become moldy.

How fast does mold grow on mattress?

Mold growths, or colonies, can start to grow on a damp surface within 24 to 48 hours. They reproduce by spores - tiny, lightweight “seeds”- that travel through the air. Molds digest organic material, eventually destroying the material they grow on, and then spread to destroy adjacent organic material.

How long can you smell mold before you get sick?

In some cases, people may experience symptoms of mold sickness immediately after exposure, while others may not notice any effects for weeks or even months.

What's the difference between mold and mildew on a mattress?

Mildew refers to certain kinds of mold or fungus. The term mildew is often used generically to refer to mold growth, usually with a flat growth habit. Molds include all species of microscopic fungi that grow in the form of multicellular filaments, called hyphae.

How long can you sleep in a house with mold?

Generally, a person can stay in a moldy home for years, though some people could feel extremely uncomfortable.

What kills 100% of mold?

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used to disinfect wounds, is active against a wide variety of micro-organisms including mold. It acts by releasing oxygen at a rapid rate, which kills mold by oxidizing the surface and breaking down proteins and DNA.

How do I detox my body from mold?

To detox your body, focus on:
  1. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins.
  2. Nutrient-Rich Foods: Eat antioxidant-packed fruits and vegetables.
  3. Exercise: Boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage.
  4. Supplements: Use glutathione or activated charcoal under supervision.

What are the symptoms of early stage mold in mattresses?

The common, early signs of mattress mold are: A pungent, musty smell. New, unexplained stains. Multi-colored stains.

What are the signs of mold sickness?

Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis caused by a mold allergy can include:
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose.
  • Cough and postnasal drip.
  • Itchy eyes, nose and throat.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Dry, scaly skin.

How to tell if mold is behind walls?

How to Detect Mold in Walls
  1. Water stains.
  2. Dark rings.
  3. Discoloration.
  4. Deterioration like peeling, bubbling, or cracking of the paint or wallpaper.

Can your lungs recover from mold exposure?

Exposure to mould can have an impact on your lungs, particularly for people with a lung condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or asthma. And whether you have a pre-existing condition or not, prolonged exposure to mould can cause irreversible damage.

What does sleeping on a moldy mattress do?

A moldy mattress can cause physical symptoms like wheezing, skin rashes, congestion, itchy or watery eyes, a cold or cough that doesn't go away, worsened allergies, or a persistent headache.

How often should you replace your mattress?

Quality sleep is essential for our overall health, and a good mattress plays a crucial role in ensuring a good night's sleep. Experts recommend replacing your mattress every 6 to 8 years, but there are factors can influence this timeframe.

How to get rid of mold in bedroom?

If you don't have a specific mould spray, bleach can be used instead. Mix a solution of one part bleach and four parts water. Take a cloth and wipe this solution across the wall, scrubbing gently until all the mould has been removed. You can then wipe the bleach away and dry the area using a separate cloth.

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