second hand cot - new mattress required?

[highlander]

I bought a second hand cot from my neighbour who was moving. I noticed on the cot base that it was made in 1995 - should I buy a new mattress? The covering is intact, but I'm worried about the foam inside starting to decay and give off fumes.

Highlander - yes you should always buy a new mattress as old ones can harbour germs

Agree with Grommit, we got a fantastic bargain of a big old style solid pine cot. I'm looking at mattresses at the moment and they seem to start at about £35 (Boots) for the foam ones.

Yes definately, even when passing a cot from one sibling to the next it is recommended to always buy a new mattress.

but only recommended by the makers of cot mattresses!!
tbh I'd probably buy one in your case as you don't know its 'history' but I'm using ds1's mattress for ds2 as it's in perfect condition and will be fine
apparently it's not linked to cot death any more - which someone on mumsnet told me about so thanks to whoever it was for saving me some cash

YES YES YES!

I would as 1995 is quite old.
I bought a new mattress for my 2nd hand cot. I got the mothercare one with the unzippable top so that you can take it off and wash it. I've used it for both my children and hope to pass it on to someone else. But it's only 3 years old.