"Revamp Your Space with these Easy Tips to Compress Memory Foam Mattress at Home!"

Are you moving to a new location and cannot bear the thought of leaving your beloved memory foam mattress behind? Fear not, for it is possible to pack it up and bring it along with you! While mattresses may seem too cumbersome to pack up, there is a way to compress it for easier transport and protection from filth.

You may have heard of "bed in a box" mattresses, in which a company compresses and packages the mattress for simple delivery. The good news is that you can do something similar in the comforts of your home with your memory foam mattress. By compressing it, you can make it easier to transport and provide extra protection for your mattress as it moves to its new location.

But before we proceed, we need to warn you that compressing your mattress yourself may cause damage. Mattress companies use specialized machines that apply tons of pressure to the mattress, which minimizes any harm. The DIY compression method may compromise the support of your bed, leaving you with a lumpy or misshapen mattress during transportation.

Moreover, your warranty may become void if you try to DIY compress your mattress, so be sure to read through it before you decide to proceed.

Ask yourself this question before beginning the project: is your mattress worth packing up? If your memory foam bed is over 7 years old, uncomfortable, has cracks or tears, or is sagging and losing shape, it may be time to consider donating or recycling it and purchasing a new one.

Ready to take on the challenge? Here are the materials you need: a plastic mattress bag, ratchet straps, duct tape, a small vacuum bag, a vacuum cleaner, and a box. Grab a friend or two to assist, as it always helps to have an extra set of hands. Packing up your mattress may take some effort, but it's worth it to ensure that your beloved bed accompanies you to your new and exciting journey.

Mattress Bag: Get a High-Quality One

To pack your mattress for moving or storage, you'll need an airtight, heavy-duty, and sealable mattress bag, which you can buy online or from storage facilities. Make sure to choose the right size for your mattress. If you're unsure about the bag's dimensions, we have provided them 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

Ratchet Straps: Keep the Mattress Compressed

After compressing and rolling your mattress, use three or four ratchet straps to keep it compressed. Place two straps on the ends and at least one in the middle of the mattress. If you have a bigger mattress, you may need more straps. Use cloths as padding between the ratchet straps and the bag to prevent cutting if the bag is of inexpensive, thinner material.

Duct Tape: Reinforce the Seal

To reinforce the seal and attach the valve for compression, use duct tape. It will protect the seams of the mattress bag from tears and leaks. We recommend duct tape since it is heavy-duty, but you can also use packing tape.

Vacuum Seal Bag: Find the Perfect Fit

Vacuum seal bags come in various sizes and are perfect for compressing bedding and clothes. You only need a small vacuum bag since you're only using it for the valve. Ensure that the valve fits with the vacuum you are using.

Vacuum Cleaner: Suck the Air Out

To remove the air from the bag, use a regular vacuum cleaner or shop vac with enough suction power. It should be powerful enough to suck out the air from the bag.

Box: Protect Your Mattress (Optional)

You may opt to purchase a small box to keep your compressed mattress safe during the move. It's advisable to purchase the box after compressing and rolling your mattress to determine the right size.

How to Compress Your Mattress

1. Prepare the Mattress

Remove all bedding except for the mattress protector, such as pillows, sheets, blankets, comforters, and mattress toppers.

2. Bag the Mattress

With the help of another person or alone, place the mattress inside the plastic bag. Begin with one side of the mattress by raising one end a few inches high and slide the mattress slowly into the bag. Zip the bag closed and reinforce the seal with duct tape. Move the mattress to the floor for the next steps.

3. Attach the Valve

Cut out the valve from the vacuum bag, leaving a little plastic around it to secure it with tape. Cut a small hole in the mattress bag only for the valve. Insert the valve into the bag through the hole and make it airtight by taping the hole shut.

4. Use the Vacuum Cleaner

Let your mattress lie flat and evenly on the floor for proper compression to prevent damage to the foam. Attach the vacuum hose to the valve and seal them together using duct tape if necessary. Turn on the vacuum and observe as the mattress flattens. Apply some pressure to compress faster.

5. Roll the Mattress

When the mattress has flattened out, start rolling it up from one end to the other. You can use the vacuum cleaner to suck out any last bits of air pushed out as the mattress rolls. Roll up slowly for a tighter bundle.

6. Secure It with Straps

Once rolled up, secure the mattress with ratchet straps. Wrap the straps around the mattress and crank them until they are tight, using some padding between the straps and bag to prevent tearing.

To prevent damages, it's crucial to keep the mattress horizontal after rolling and securing it. A wise option is to slip it inside a box and seal it up for added protection.

What If Compression Isn't My Thing?

If compression is not your preferred option, there are alternative solutions to consider. One of these is a heavy-duty mattress bag that has handles for easy transportation. You can purchase these with an appropriate label like “perfect for moving” and transport your mattress with ease.

Can Other Types of Mattresses Be Compressed?

If you're wondering if your polyfoam or latex mattress can be compressed, the answer is yes. However, if your mattress is of the innerspring or hybrid variety, compression is not recommended as it could damage the coils.

Were Our Tips Helpful?

By following these six easy steps, you can save space in your moving truck and make transporting your mattress a lot less challenging. All you need are a few low-cost materials, and you'll be an expert in mattress compression in no time.