If you want to understand how to compress memory foam mattress at home, you need to tackle two steps. Perhaps you’re moving to another location, or you need to store your mattress, and you have to lessen its bulk. With memory foam mattresses, you need to compress or deflate them for easier portability.
This guide will also teach you some tips and tricks for compressing memory foam safely. This way, you won’t damage the material. You’ll also see that this process is relatively simple, and you can do it alone at home!
How Do You Compress A Memory Foam Mattress
Step #1. Preparation
Before the process of deflating your memory foam mattress, please make sure that it is entirely bare to avoid issues with the compression. Remove everything from the sheet to the protector, and then place the memory foam mattress in a bag. You can use any plastic mattress bag as long as it’s the proper size for the mattress.
Once you put the mattress in, seal it securely and reinforce the edges with duct tape if necessary. For the next step, tape the valve from the vacuum bag to the plastic and cut a hole through the latter for the valve. Then, tape the hole to keep everything airtight when you suck out all the air.
Step #2. Remove air and roll the mattress
Now that you prepared the valve attach the vacuum hose onto it and start removing the mattress air. It would help if you compressed your memory foam mattress smoothly at this point, ready for rolling. You can begin it as you are vacuuming to ensure that no air enters the bag.
Finally, secure your memory foam mattress with ratchet straps to keep it compressed and rolled until needed. A helpful tip to remember is to keep your compressed mattress horizontally to avoid damaging the material. You can also keep it in a box, and you’re prepared to move the compressed bed from point A to point B.
Tips to remember when compressing a memory foam mattress
Companies use special machines and vacuums to flatten memory foam mattresses. This makes them easier to transport, but homeowners have also found a way to compress and roll their mattresses down themselves. However, be mindful of the process as it might deform the bed or void your warranty.
You risk developing lumps on the mattress, or it might fail to expand back to its original shape if your compression method is not ideal. Therefore, a proper understanding of the label and materials are crucial to avoid issues. What will you need to compress a memory foam mattress at home?
As discussed in the two-step guide above, you’ll need a mattress bag, vacuum bag, duct tape, ratchet straps, a vacuum cleaner, and optional, a box. Prepare these materials beforehand to make the compressing process quicker. If you can, it will also be easier to have someone help you.
How Long Can A Memory Foam Mattress Stay Compressed?
The next question you may have is how long should you keep your memory foam mattress compressed. The ideal period is no more than two weeks to prevent any issues with the bed. You want to keep it compressed for a short time, and you can expect to start sleeping on it after it expanded.
Your waiting period for a memory foam mattress to expand can be anywhere from 8 to 72 hours. There are many variables for every bed, so there is no definite time for the expansion. In the meantime, please use other bedding materials until your mattress has finished expanding.
What if you have a new memory foam mattress that is still in its box? If you’re unable to open the mattress immediately, you must check with the manufacturer how long it can stay in the box. Depending on the brands and mattress types, you might need to unbox your memory foam mattress within one week to three months.
Can You Fold A Memory Foam Mattress?
Now that you know how to compress a memory foam mattress, you might think it’s possible to fold it. This isn’t a recommendable practice because you risk breaking down the material. It’s also best to check with your manufacturer regarding the rolling and folding of your memory foam.
Some might say it’s possible for a short amount of time during transportation. However, thicker mattresses shouldn’t be folded because they might ruin the product’s structural integrity; when done haphazardly, folding or rolling a memory foam mattress can cause creases lumps that are uncomfortable.
Furthermore, you must gauge if you need to bring your memory foam mattress. It might have been over seven years old with a deformed structure where it’s better to buy a new one. Compressing and rolling a damaged memory foam mattress, to begin with, will only be an added chore without benefits.
Conclusion
Moving a memory foam mattress can be tricky because of its size. Therefore, it’s always helpful to learn how to compress memory foam mattress at home to lessen the bulk and also keep it protected from damages. It only takes two steps using several materials, but you must be careful throughout the process.
Please check the product label if the manufacturer allows DIY compression. Once you’re sure, you can proceed with the two-step compression method and then roll your mattress for transport. Remember not to keep it compressed for over two weeks and let it finish expanding before use.