How To Compress A Memory Foam Mattress At Home
Mattress-in-a-box companies have made buying a new bed a breeze. After a search online, you can order a new memory foam mattress and get it delivered right to your doorstep. These beds are simple to move and setup. However, they’re not as equally easy to compress and re-roll later, should you have to move your mattress.
Mattress companies use factory-grade machinery and vacuum hose to push your bed flat while maintaining its structural integrity. While people in the past have successfully managed to roll their memory foam mattresses down to its original packaging size at home, it’s not recommended and can void your warranty.
The biggest risk of re-rolling your memory foam mattress is the potential damage to the foam. Rolling a memory foam mattress can create uncomfortable lumps or creases in the bed, compromising support. Plus, there’s a chance your mattress won’t pop back up to its proper shape, and you’ll be out a bed.
Though it’s not recommended you have a rolled mattress or fold your mattress, there are still ways to conveniently DIY compress and transport your bed if you need to.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know for how to compress a memory foam mattress.
Is Your Mattress Ready for Compression? Here’s How to Tell
Before you start compressing, it’s essential to determine whether your mattress is even suitable for the task. Here’s what to look for:
a. How Old is Your Mattress?
The age of your mattress plays a significant role in deciding whether it’s worth compressing. If it’s more than 8-10 years old, it’s probably time for a replacement rather than compression. Older mattresses may not withstand the pressure, potentially compromising their structure.
b. Look for Holes or Tears
Visible holes or tears are red flags. Compression can worsen these, causing damage that could ruin your mattress beyond repair. Be sure to examine the surface carefully; even minor punctures could lead to bigger issues.
c. Check for Sagging
Sagging spots can be an indication that the mattress is already losing its support. Compression can cause these weak areas to collapse, so if your mattress has noticeable dips or uneven surfaces, it may be best to consider a new one.
d. Be Cautious of Warranty Conditions
If your mattress is still under warranty, take note—self-compression may void that coverage. Manufacturers use specialized compression equipment to apply even pressure, minimizing harm. Attempting this at home may yield unpredictable results, so proceed carefully.
How To Compress Your Mattress Successfully?
Now let’s get into how to compress your memory foam mattress
1. Gather your materials
a. Plastic Mattress Bag
Plastic memory foam bags cost only a couple of dollars and can be bought at bedding retailers or storage facilities such as U-Haul.
You put your memory foam mattress in these durable bags to protect them from damage. Additionally, if your bed has a mattress protector, we recommend keeping it on while you move for extra protection.
Make sure you buy a mattress sealable bag compatible with your bed’s size. If you have a Queen size mattress, choose a Queen bag— a King size bag will have too much extra material while a Full size will be too small.
b. Duct Tape
Whoever coined the phrase “Duct tape can fix anything” wasn’t wrong. This heavy-duty tape is extremely versatile, and it can help with your bed-moving situation, too.
Use duct tape to secure your memory foam mattress bag shut. It helps to buy a sealable plastic mattress bag, too. Duct tape reinforces the seal and allows for better compression. If you don’t have duct tape, packing tape is a decent substitute.
c. Vacuum Bag
You won’t be using the actual vacuum bag for this process; you just need the valve attached to it. It doesn’t matter what size bag you choose, but make sure the size of the valve fits your vacuum’s hose.
These can be found at Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
d. Vacuum Cleaner
You can use a shop vac or a regular old vacuum cleaner to compress your memory foam mattress. As we said above, double-check to ensure the valve you want to use is compatible with your vacuum.
e. Ratchet Straps
Ratchet straps, sometimes called tie-down straps make moving the mattress as easy as it can be. These give you something sturdy to hold onto when it comes time to lift and carry your bed.
You can find ratchet straps at Target or Walmart, and they usually only cost a few dollars.
2. Remove Your Bedding
Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to remove your bedding.
For the sake of convenience, you’ll want to move the mattress by itself without any bedding on it. You can store your sheets, comforters, and pillows in a sealed storage container or another vacuum-sealed bag for safe transport.
Remember, if you have a memory foam mattress protector on your bed, don’t remove it. Keeping it on your mattress acts as an extra layer of protection from damage. However, the same cannot be said of a mattress pad or topper.
3. Place your bed in the plastic mattress bag
If you bought the right size mattress bag, your bed should fit like a glove. Once you’ve got your bed securely inside, seal up the bag.
If you bought a sealable mattress bag, you should be able to seal it shut like you would any plastic bag. After you successfully seal it, use a few strips of duct tape to reinforce the seal.
Should the seal of the bag break while you’re moving your bed, the duct tape acts as a back-up to keep things from going south.
If the plastic mattress bag you bought doesn’t have a seal, that’s okay, just make sure to use quite a bit of duct tape to make sure the plastic bag is securely shut.
4. Attach the Valve
After your mattress is sealed inside the plastic bag, you can attach the valve from the vacuum bag.
Start by removing the valve from the vacuum bag you bought. Then, place it on your plastic bag and draw an outline. Next, cut a hole in your plastic bag around the outline, so it’s the exact size of your vacuum bag valve.
After you’ve cut a hole in your mattress bag, place the valve through the hole until it reaches the surface of your bed. Then, tape the hole shut, making the bag as airtight as possible. You don’t have to worry about using too much duct tape for this step— the more secure, the better.
5. Vacuum the air out
Once the valve is securely attached to your plastic mattress bag, connect your vacuum hose and turn it on. Then, you can sit back and watch your mattress flatten before your eyes!
Not only is it more convenient to keep your mattress flat on the floor while you follow this step, but it’s also the best way to compress your bed. A flat mattress allows for more even compression and decreases your risk of damaging the foam. If you can, avoid vacuuming the air out while your bed is standing on its side.
6. Attach the ratchet straps
While compressing a mattress does reduce its size, it doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to pick up and maneuver. Attaching ratchet straps or mattress moving straps to your bed gives you a handle to hold onto and makes an otherwise cumbersome job rather simple.
You attach ratchet straps by wrapping them tightly around the entire width of your mattress and threading the buckle. These also double as compression reinforcement, keeping your bed secured should the seal of your mattress bag break.
Can You Compress Other Mattress Types?
Compressing a mattress makes transporting it much more convenient because it saves quite a bit of space in the moving van, and it’s significantly less difficult to pick up and carry. However, not all mattresses can be vacuumed flat.
The easiest beds to compress are foam, such as memory foam or latex mattresses. These are usually the most common mattress-in-a-box types because many bedding brands believe foam is the safest to flatten.
Many online mattress brands hesitate to compress hybrid or innerspring beds due to the damage it can do the coil system inside. While these beds indeed can be flattened out, it’s risky— so many brands choose to deliver White Glove instead. White Glove carriers not only bring your mattress to your doorstep but also set it up in the room of your choice. They also dispose of the packaging your new bed comes with, making setup completely hassle-free.
While offering free White Glove delivery to customers can be pricey, it’s more cost-effective than having to pay for the return shipping of a defective mattress and fulfill warranty claims.
When it comes to bedding accessories such as memory foam mattress toppers or box springs, these same rules apply. Products with springs inside should not be compressed, while foam accessories are safe to flatten along with your mattress if needed.
Will compressing a Memory Foam Bed ruin it?
Compressing a memory foam bed for short periods, such as for moving or storage, generally won’t ruin it if done carefully. Most memory foam mattresses are initially compressed by manufacturers for shipping. However, frequent or extended compression can damage the foam structure, reducing its lifespan and support.
To avoid issues, don’t keep it compressed for longer than a couple of weeks, and ensure it fully expands after unpacking. Long-term compression can lead to uneven wear and loss of firmness, so only compress if absolutely necessary and follow any specific guidelines from the manufacturer.
If you do need to compress a memory foam bed, it’s best to use a vacuum bag designed for mattresses and a protective cover to minimize stress on the foam. Avoid rolling or bending it too tightly, as this can cause creases or cracks in the foam layers, especially if it’s a high-density mattress.
After uncompressing, allow the mattress 24-72 hours to fully expand and regain its original shape. Keep in mind that any warranty may be voided if the mattress is compressed for too long or stored incorrectly, as this isn’t the intended way to store or transport memory foam.
What if Compression of a Memory Form isn’t for me?
If compressing a memory foam mattress feels like too much hassle or you’re worried about potential damage, there are alternatives. You might consider using a mattress topper, which is easier to store or move, or choosing a foldable mattress that’s designed for portability.
For moving a full mattress without compression, hiring professionals or using a mattress carrier bag with sturdy handles can make transport easier. Additionally, memory foam mattresses are often available in roll-up or bed-in-a-box models that arrive compressed but don’t require you to compress them again, ensuring they last longer without the risk of damage.
Pros and Cons of DIY Memory Foam Mattress Compression
Pros:
- Cost Savings: DIY compression can save on moving or storage costs, as compressed mattresses take up less space.
- Convenience: Compressing at home lets you move the mattress more easily through narrow spaces.
- Control: You can compress it to your preferred size for transport or storage.
Cons:
- Potential Damage: Compressing without professional tools can damage the foam layers, causing lumps, tears, or loss of support.
- Loss of Warranty: DIY compression may void the mattress warranty, as most manufacturers discourage it.
- Time and Effort: Compressing a memory foam mattress can be labor-intensive and tricky without the right tools, like a vacuum or plastic wrap.
FAQs
Can I roll up a memory foam mattress?
Yes, you can roll up a memory foam mattress, but it needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the foam. Use a plastic cover and a vacuum to compress it first.
What’s the best way to compress a mattress without damaging it?
Place the mattress inside a plastic bag, seal it well, and use a vacuum cleaner to remove air gradually. Start rolling from one end as the air is removed, which can prevent creases or tears in the foam.
How long can a memory foam mattress stay compressed?
It’s recommended to keep it compressed for no longer than 1-2 weeks. Extended compression can permanently damage the foam’s structure and affect comfort.
Can you roll a memory foam mattress like a traditional spring mattress?
Yes, memory foam can be rolled once compressed. However, do so carefully and avoid tight folds, as memory foam is more fragile than spring or hybrid mattresses.
Will compressing my mattress void its warranty?
In some cases, yes. Check your warranty terms before compressing, as some warranties are void if the mattress is mishandled or damaged due to compression.
Can I use this method for any type of mattress?
No, this method works best for memory foam and some hybrid mattresses. Avoid compressing innerspring mattresses, as this can damage their internal coils.
What should I do if I don’t have a vacuum bag?
You can use a heavy-duty plastic mattress bag and seal it as tightly as possible. Use a vacuum cleaner nozzle inside the bag opening to create a vacuum seal.
How long will it take for the mattress to decompress once unrolled?
Most memory foam mattresses take 24–72 hours to fully decompress. Keep it in a well-ventilated area, and avoid sleeping on it immediately if possible.
Are You Ready to Compress and Move Your Mattress?
When the day comes to move your mattress, follow our six simple steps to make matters a little less complicated. Just keep in mind, while compressing your foam bed is okay, attempting to re-roll or fold it up is a risky move. While a rolled-up mattress may save more space, or make the process a bit easier, you risk ruining your bed in the process of doing so.
You may also need to follow the same rule of waiting 24 hours before sleeping on a memory foam mattress once you set up your memory foam mattress in your new home. It takes time for a mattress to uncompress and it won’t be fully comfortable until it finishes expanding.
