You’re moving to a new house and want to bring your memory foam mattress with you, but a mattress isn’t exactly something you can simply throw in a box… or is it?
You’ve undoubtedly heard of bed in a box mattresses, which are compressed mattresses that are delivered in a box.
You may be surprised to learn that you can do something similar with your memory foam mattress at home.
Compressing your mattress will make it simpler to carry and will keep it clean while you relocate it to your new house.
Before we get started, please be aware that compressing your memory foam mattress yourself may cause harm.
To prevent inflicting injury, mattress firms utilize specific machines that exert tons of pressure to the mattress.
Using a DIY compression technique might weaken the bed’s stability, leaving you with a lumpy mattress or one that won’t inflate back into its original form during transportation.
If you DIY compress your mattress, your warranty may be voided, so read your guarantee before deciding on home compression.
Is It Time to Get Rid of Your Mattress?
Before you begin, consider whether or not your mattress is worth packing.
If your memory foam mattress matches the following conditions, you may want to consider donating or recycling it instead:
- Your mattress is seven years old or older.
- Your mattress is either unpleasant or causes you discomfort when you sleep on it.
- There are cracks or rips in your mattress.
- Your mattress has started to slump or lose its contour.
All of these symptoms indicate that it’s time to get a new mattress.
Get Your Materials Ready.
You’ll need the following items to bundle your mattress:
- Mattress bag in plastic
- Straps with ratchets
- Tape for ducts
- Vacuum bag, small
- Cleaner (vacuum)
- A box
You may wish to bring along a buddy or two.
If you have another pair of hands to assist you, this work will be lot simpler.
Related: Best RV Short Queen Mattresses of 2024
Mattress Bag in Plastic
A high-quality mattress bag may be purchased online or via storage facilities.
A heavy-duty, airtight, and sealable mattress bag is required.
Make certain you get the correct size.
If you’re not sure what size bag to purchase, we’ve listed the sizes below.
| Size | Dimensions in Inches |
| 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 |
Related: How To Make A Firm Mattress Softer & More Comfortable?
Straps With Ratchets
Once the mattress has been compacted and rolled, ratchet straps assist it remain compressed.
You’ll need three or four ratchet straps—two on each end and at least one in the center.
The more you require, the larger the mattress.
Between the ratchet straps and the mattress bag, you could wish to place cloths as cushioning.
If the bag is constructed of thin, cheap material, ratchet straps might tear into it as you tighten them.
Tape For Ducts
Duct tape will be used to strengthen the seal and connect the compression valve.
The tape may be used to strengthen the seams of the mattress bag to avoid rips and leaks.
While we suggest duct tape due of its durability, packing tape may also be used.
Related: How To Clean Mattress With Baking Soda?
Bag with Vacuum Seal
Vacuum seal bags come in a variety of sizes for compressing clothing, bedding, and other items.
Because you’re just using it for the valve, a little vacuum bag will suffice.
Make sure the valve is compatible with the vacuum you’re using.
Cleaner Vacuum
The air may be sucked out of the bag using a normal vacuum cleaner or a shop vac.
Box (Optional)
During the relocation, a little box may safeguard your mattress.
After the mattress has been compressed and wrapped up, you may wish to buy a box to see what size would work best.
Related: How To Get Sweat Smell Out Of Mattress?
Compressing Your Mattress
1. Arrange the Mattress
Remove all bedding except the mattress cover to prepare your mattress for compression.
Pillows, sheets, blankets, comforters, mattress pads, and mattress toppers all fall under this category.
2. Make a Mattress Bag
Place the mattress in the plastic bag and seal it.
This is easier with two people, but it can still be done by one person.
Begin by sliding the mattress into the bag carefully from one side, lifting one end a few inches.
Close the bag and strengthen the closure with duct tape strips.
For the following stages, move your mattress to the floor.
3. Secure the Valve
Remove the valve from a vacuum bag, leaving enough plastic surrounding it to tape it in place.
Then cut a hole in the mattress bag just big enough for the valve to fit through.
Insert the valve into the bag and pull it through this hole, then tape it shut to keep the air out.
4. Make the Air Vacuum
For this stage, your mattress should rest level on the floor since it is better for compressing your mattress uniformly and preventing foam damage.
To the valve, connect your vacuum hose.
Use a piece of duct tape to bind the two together if desired.
When the vacuum cleaner is turned on, the mattress and bag will flatten out.
Moving about on top of the mattress might help it collapse more quickly.
5. Turn The Mattress Over
Begin rolling the mattress up from one end to the other after it has been flattened.
It’s better to leave the vacuum cleaner running since it will absorb any remaining air pushed out by rolling up the mattress.
Slowly roll for a more compact package.
6. Tie It Up
Wrap the straps around the mattress and tighten them tight after it’s rolled up.
To avoid ripping, place some cushioning between the straps and the start, as previously stated.
To avoid damage, keep the mattress horizontal after rolling it up and fastening it.
If you have a box, place the mattress inside it and close it.
What Happens If Compression Isn’t Right For Me?
So you’ve made the decision not to compress your mattress.
Other options, such as a heavy-duty mattress bag with handles, make transporting more practical.
Many are labeled “ideal for moving” and may assist you in loading the mattress onto a moving truck with ease.
What About Other Mattress Types?
You may be wondering whether different kinds of mattresses can be compressed.
You may compress an all-foam mattress like a polyfoam or latex mattress; however, compression of an innerspring or hybrid mattress is not recommended since it may harm the coils within.
When it comes to memory foam mattresses, how long does it take for them to expand?
Between 8 and 72 hours, memory foam mattresses may fully expand.
You may usually begin sleeping on it straight immediately.
How long does memory foam keep its shape?
If your mattress is squeezed for more than two weeks, it may suffer material damage.
Did We Assist?
Knowing how to compress a mattress may help a transfer go more smoothly and save space on the truck.
All you need are a few cheap supplies and six simple actions to compress your mattress.
This material is provided for educational purposes only and should not be used to substitute medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider.
