I have just been reading Helen Mead’s amusing column ‘Sleep Easy: You have to be joking’ (LT, June 6).

While I am delighted to hear that you have replaced a worn-out mattress, Helen, I felt I ought to point out the obvious concerns about encouraging this sort of trade.

Helen was clearly worried that her mattress might be stolen. But there are other potential issues. Helen’s article says that her mattress was properly packaged and bore a branded label. And it may be that her mattress was a known, reputable brand.

Unfortunately, more often than not, mattresses sold in this way are not. Many have no label at all. And all too often we know that even if they do bear a label, they are not always what they purport to be.

Moreover, sadly, mattres-ses traded out of the backs of vans (and also online) often do not comply with the UK’s flammability regulations.

We should be warning of the pitfalls illegal traders, who damage all those businesses who endeavour to keep within the law, sell quality products, pay their workforces living wages and provide good working conditions.

Jessica Alexander, The Sleep Council, Skipton.