How To Compress A Memory Foam Mattress? Easy Step-by-step Guide Update 04/2024

If you’re relocating and absolutely adore your memory foam mattress, but you don’t want to leave it behind, you’ll need to find a way to transport it. or is that the case?

Compressed mattresses are a common way for mattress companies to deliver their products. You might be surprised to learn that you can perform a similar procedure on your memory foam mattress directly in the comfort of your own home. Compressing your mattress will make it easier to carry and protect it from dirt when you relocate it to your new house.

Please be aware that compressing your memory foam mattress yourself can cause damage. Machines that exert a lot of pressure to the mattress are employed by mattress manufacturers in order to avoid causing any injury. In the event that you compress the mattress yourself, you run the risk of having a bumpy bed or a mattress that won’t expand back to its original shape after transportation.

If you DIY compress your mattress, your guarantee may also be voided, so be sure to read your warranty before making this decision.

Should You Take Your Mattress?

Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of moving your mattress before you begin. Donating or recycling your memory foam mattress may be an option if the following conditions are met:

  • There are at least seven years on your mattress.
  • You wake up in agony after sleeping on your mattress because it’s either firm or too soft.
  • Cracks or tears have appeared in your mattress.
  • Your mattress has lost its firmness and is beginning to droop.

It’s time to get a new mattress if you notice any of these symptoms.

How To Compress a Memory Foam Mattress at Home I Sleep Advisor

Ready Your Materials

You’ll need a few things to pack up your mattress:

  • Mattress bag made of plastic.
  • Belts with ratchets.
  • Duct tape is a common household item.
  • Vacuum bag of a small size.
  • Vacuum cleaners are required.
  • A container.

You might also want to bring along a few friends. Having a second pair of hands to assist you will make this task much simpler.

Plastic Mattress Bag

Online or at storage facilities, you may get a high-quality mattress bag. You’ll need a sturdy, airtight mattress bag that you can close. Take your measurements before making a purchase. To help you figure out what size bag you need, we’ve included the measurements below.

  • Twin size: 38 x 75
  • Full size: 54 x 75
  • Queen size: 60 x 80
  • King size: 76 x 80
  • California king size: 72 x 84

Ratchet Straps

Once the mattress has been compacted and rolled, ratchet straps help keep it compressed. Two on each end and at least one in the middle should be enough ratchet straps. More may be required if your mattress is particularly large.

Use cloths to cushion the ratchet straps from the mattress bag if desired. If the bag is constructed of thin, cheap material, the ratchet straps may cut into the bag when you tighten them.

Duct Tape

Duct tape will be used to reinforce the seal and to attach the compression valve. The mattress bag’s seams can be protected against tears and leaks by using the tape.

Despite our preference for duct tape, packing tape can be used in its place.
How to Compress a Memory Foam Mattress at Home | Foam mattress, Best mattress, Memory foam mattress

Vacuum Seal Bag

Various sizes of vacuum seal bags are available to compress various items of clothing, bedding, and more. If you’re simply utilizing the valve, a little vacuum bag would suffice. If you’re utilizing a vacuum, ensure sure the valve is compatible.

Vacuum Cleaner

You may remove the air from a bag using a vacuum cleaner or a shop vac, which are both powerful.

Box (Optional)

Mattresses can be protected during a relocation by putting them in a small box first. After you’ve compressed and rolled up your mattress, you’ll have a better idea of what size box you need.

How to Compress Your Mattress

1. Set up the Mattress

Remove all but the mattress protector from your mattress before compressing it. Everything from linens to comforters to mattress pads and toppers are included.

2. Bag the Mattress

Place the mattress in the bag. Even if you have a partner, it’s still possible to do this task on your own. Slide the mattress slowly into the bag, starting from one side and raising one end a few inches.

Seal the bag with duct tape and then zip it up again. For the remaining stages, place your mattress on the floor.

3. Attach the Valve

Vacuum bag valves can be cut out and taped together if you leave enough plastic around the valve to allow for this. A small hole should be cut in the mattress bag to allow the valve to fit through. Pull the valve through this hole in the bag and tape it shut to prevent leaks.

4. Vacuum Up the Air

In order to avoid damaging the foam in your mattress, your mattress should be flat on the floor for this procedure.

Vacuum hoses can be attached to the valve. Duct tape can be used to seal the two together if desired. As soon as the vacuum cleaner is turned on, the mattress and bag will collapse. It’s possible that simply moving around on top of the mattress will hasten its compression.

5. Roll Up the Mattress

Start rolling the mattress up from one end to the other as soon as it’s smoothed out completely. It’s better to keep the vacuum running since it will catch any remaining air that was pushed out when the mattress was rolled up. Slowly roll to create a more compact package.

6. Tie It Up

Once the mattress is rolled up, secure it with the straps and crank them until they are snug. To avoid tearing, place extra cushioning between the straps and the beg, as previously advised.

Keep the mattress horizontal after rolling and fastening it. If you have a box, place the mattress inside and secure it with a rubber band or zip tie.

Can I Compress an Innerspring Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses can be compressed using the methods described in this article. Coils of any kind should be avoided throughout the rolling process since they could be damaged. Before compressing an innerspring mattress, be sure to verify with your warranty to see if the contract is voided.

Other Things to Consider

Can you fold a memory foam mattress?

Yes. Compressing and rolling up a solid memory foam bed is safe and convenient.

When should I replace my memory foam mattress?

Getting a new bed may be necessary if you’re experiencing frequent morning pain and see a visible droop in your current mattress. You may want to consider purchasing a new mattress if it has been more than seven to ten years since you purchased one.

Can an innerspring mattress be rolled up?

Internal spring beds or traditional mattresses can be damaged if they are compressed and rolled up, so this is not recommended.

How do you shrink a memory foam mattress?

Vacuum-seal your mattress in a mattress bag if you’re relocating and need to reduce its size for simpler transportation. The hose attachment of your vacuum can be used to suction mattress bags with valves attached.

What If Compression Isn’t For Me?

So, you’ve opted against compressing your mattress. Another option to make transporting easier is to use a heavy-duty mattress bag that has handles attached to it. To make relocation a breeze, many mattresses are sold with a label like “move-in ready” or “move-in-ready.”

What About Other Types of Mattresses?

You might question if compressing different kinds of mattresses is conceivable.
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It’s fine to compress a polyfoam or latex mattress if you’re looking to save money, but if you have an innerspring or hybrid mattress, we don’t recommend doing so.

Is Your Mattress Worth Compressing?

Your mattress may not be in good enough condition to justify the effort of compressing it at home. If your mattress is dirty, saggy, or otherwise damaged, it may be time for a new one.

FAQs

How long does it take for a memory foam mattress to expand?

Between 8 and 72 hours, a memory foam mattress can expand to its full capacity. You can usually begin sleeping on it immediately.

How long can memory foam stay compressed?

If your mattress is squeezed for more than two weeks, it may cause material damage.

Can you compress other mattress types?

Because they come in the same form, memory foam and latex mattresses are the easiest to compress. Compressing a regular mattress or anything with innersprings is not recommended because it could cause damage.

Will compressing a memory foam bed ruin it?

You won’t hurt the mattress by compressing it; in fact, you may recall that it arrived compacted when you first got it. If your mattress is quite old and has numerous cracks, you may be able to get away with not replacing it. If the foam has a lot of cracks, you may want to think again about compressing or folding the material.

Is it safe to travel with a mattress on top of your car?

When moving your mattress in a car, you should take particular precaution to ensure that it is firmly secured in place. The mattress may become a serious issue if it flies off, depending on how far you’ve traveled with it restrained. If you’re carrying the mattress in a car, you’ll want to pay special care to the compression procedure.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on relocating, having the ability to compress and pack a memory foam mattress at home is an invaluable asset. It will be much easier to transport the mattress from your house to your automobile and then to your final destination if you do this step.

We wish you a safe journey wherever your path takes you, and we hope our DIY guide helped!

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