For many people, searching for a new bed can mean sobering sticker shock that can quickly turn them from researching retailers and Web stores to looking at yard sales or other outlets for a previously owned bed. The expense of a new bed may seem high to some people at first, but in the long term, buying a new mattress is the smartest option.

Here are three reasons why you should avoid buying a used mattress at all costs.

1. Bodily fluids are absorbed into the mattress – When you buy a mattress from somebody you do not know, you are not only buying the bed they used to sleep on, but also all of the bodily fluids that have been absorbed into the mattress over time. At night, people tend to sweat – some people more than others. This sweat is absorbed into the fibers of the mattress, leaving the bed saturated with moisture, which can cause bacteria to form. To avoid sleeping in the sweat of a stranger, purchase a new mattress instead.

2. The risk of bed bugs is higher – If you are buying a bed from somebody, there is no guarantee that their home has not been infested with bed bugs. Bed bugs are tiny insects that make their home in mattresses. They feed off the blood of humans and can be dangerous to your health. When you buy a used mattress, you run the risk that the mattress, whether they know it or not, has been tainted by these tiny insects and that they will be brought into your home.

3. You shorten the lifespan of the purchase – A mattress, while extremely durable, does not have a permanent lifespan. Even some of the most luxurious brands, such as Tempurpedic, are limited in how long they can remain supportive, delivering the best surface for you to sleep on. When you buy a used mattress, you limit the lifespan of this important piece of furniture and can actually end up paying more in the long run because you will have to purchase another mattress sooner than if you had originally purchased a new one. Instead, save yourself money over time by making the investment up front.

A mattress is a very personal item. By purchasing a brand new mattress, you can be confident that you know where the mattress has been, allowing you to make a smarter investment for the long term.