How to Roll Up or Compress a Memory Foam Mattress

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The best ways to move or return a memory foam mattress
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Whether you need to move your memory foam mattress or return it, you might be wondering if it’s possible to roll it up so it’s easier to carry and fit inside your car or its original packaging. Luckily, it’s safe and easy to compress and roll a memory foam mattress using a plastic mattress bag and a vacuum. If you don’t want to completely compress your mattress, we’ll also show you how to fold it to make it easier to transport. Keep reading to learn more!

Rolling Up a Memory Foam Mattress

Set the mattress in a mattress bag. Leave a hole for the vacuum hose and seal the bag with tape. Then, turn on the vacuum to compress the mattress. Press down on the end of the mattress and roll it up towards the vacuum. Secure the mattress in its rolled-up shape with tape, rope, or ratchet straps.

Section 1 of 3:

How to Compress and Roll a Memory Foam Mattress

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  1. Take off all the pillows, blankets, sheets, and any mattress pads or toppers that are on your mattress. Then, clean your mattress with an upholstery attachment to remove dirt, dust, and other debris. [1]
    • Wash all of your bedding and then pack it separately from your mattress.
  2. Slide your mattress into a heavy plastic mattress bag . If you have a large mattress, ask a friend or family member to help you. Line up the open end of the mattress bag with the top or bottom of your mattress. Then, slip the end of the mattress inside the bag and pull the bag along the length of the mattress until the mattress is completely inside the bag. [2]
    • If you’re able to stand the mattress up on one end, slide the mattress bag down onto the mattress from above.
    • Make sure you get a bag that fits your mattress. For example, if you have a queen-sized mattress, get a queen-sized bag.
    • If you’re unable to find a bag that’s the same size as your mattress, buy a bag that’s a larger size.
    • Heavy plastic mattress bags are available at moving supply stores, hardware stores, and online.
    • Tip: Get a vacuum seal mattress bag instead of a mattress bag. Vacuum bags are sealable and have a built-in valve to help make compressing the mattress easier.
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  3. Use packing tape or duct tape to seal the open end of the mattress bag so no air can escape. Just leave a hole at the end of the bag that’s large enough for your vacuum hose to fit through. [3]
    • If the mattress bag is larger than the mattress, fold the excess plastic so it’s flush with the mattress and tape it down.
    • Some plastic mattress bags are resealable, so you don’t have to use tape.
  4. Place the hose attachment on your vacuum and clean it with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. Then, slide the end of the hose into the hole you left in the mattress bag. [4]
    • If the hole in the bag is too large for the vacuum hose, use tape to seal the bag around the hose and create an airtight seal.
    • Use a heavy-duty household vacuum or a shop vacuum , if you have one.
    • Another option is to use a one-way vacuum valve . Simply get a vacuum storage bag and cut off the valve. Then, secure the valve to the mattress bag with tape. Either attach the valve to a hole you leave in the bag or cut a new hole specifically for the valve.
  5. It may take several minutes to remove all the air in the bag and compress your mattress, depending on its size and the strength of your vacuum. Help speed up the process by using your feet and hands to press down the mattress and remove excess air. [5]
    • If you notice any holes or tears in the bag, cover them with tape to ensure the bag is as airtight as possible.
  6. Use your hands to press down and compress the end of the mattress that’s opposite the vacuum. Then, start to tightly roll up the mattress. Go slowly and keep pushing down on the mattress as you roll; you want to remove as much air as possible. [6]
    • Get a friend or family member to help you roll your mattress, especially if it’s queen or king-sized.
    • Leave the vacuum on the whole time you’re rolling the mattress. The vacuum will continue to suck out any excess air from inside the bag.
    • Rolling the mattress is similar to rolling a sleeping bag or down blanket. Keep the mattress compressed downwards while you roll it forward.
    • Note : If you want to compress the mattress without a vacuum, get a few friends to compress the mattress with their hands as you roll it up.
  7. Ask your helper to hold the mattress in its rolled-up shape while you wrap tape around the roll from one end to the other. Just turn off the vacuum and take it out of the mattress bag once the mattress is secure. [7]
    • Cover the hole for the vacuum hose with tape to keep the mattress bag airtight.
    • Alternatively, secure your rolled mattress with ratchet straps or rope. Slip the middle of the strap under one end of the roll. Then, pull the strap tight from the top using the metal ratchet device attached to the strap. Repeat on the other end of the mattress roll. [8]
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Section 2 of 3:

Folding a Memory Foam Mattress

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  1. Remove all the pillows, blankets, sheets, mattress covers, and mattress toppers from your mattress. Then, use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to sweep up any dirt, dust, and debris on your mattress. [9]
    • This method doesn’t make your mattress as compact as rolling it, but it does make your mattress easier to carry and transport, especially if you’re moving it in a small vehicle.
  2. Place your mattress inside a plastic mattress bag . Ask a friend or family member to help you lay your mattress flat on the ground. Then, slip the open end of the mattress bag over one of the short ends of the mattress. Pull the bag over the mattress until the entire mattress is inside the bag. [10]
  3. Get your helper to hold one of the shorter ends in place while you stand at the opposite end. Then, lift up your end and fold it over to the opposite end where your helper is. [11]
    • Smooth down the crease in the center of the mattress to help make the fold more compact.
  4. Secure the mattress with rope or ratchet straps . Wrap a piece of rope or a ratchet strap under one end of the mattress. Bring the rope up to the top of the mattress and secure it with a knot , or connect the ratchet hooks together. Then, secure a second rope or strap around the other end of the mattress. [12]
    • Secure the knot or strap tightly to get the mattress as compact as possible.
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Section 3 of 3:

Returning a Memory Foam Mattress

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  1. Look through your order confirmation email or visit the company’s website to find their return policy. Most memory foam and mattress-in-a-box companies offer long return periods to allow you to try the mattress out and ensure it is right for you. [13]
    • For instance, many mattress companies offer trial periods between 30 to 100 days.
  2. The company’s return policy typically also states how to make a return. For instance, the company might ask you to reach out to their customer service team via email, chat, or phone. Or, there might be a return portal on their website. [14]
    • Most companies have a “Contact Us” page on their website with their customer service contact information. This information is also likely in your order confirmation email.
    • Gather your order information to help speed up the return process, such as your order number and receipt.
  3. Follow the mattress company’s process for returning your mattress. Some companies have a service to take back the mattress, so schedule a time for pick-up. Other companies may ask you to donate the mattress and provide you with information on where to take it. [15]
    • Most mattress companies do not ask you to pack the mattress back in the box or its original packaging.
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      Tips

      • Compressed memory foam mattresses return to their shape once you break the airtight seal. It can take several hours to days for the mattress to fluff back up. [16]
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      • When transporting your rolled memory foam mattress, keep it horizontal to prevent damage. [17]
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      • If your mattress is saggy, worn, uncomfortable, or doesn’t give you a good night’s sleep, it might be time to replace it. Most mattresses start to degrade after 7 to 10 years. [18]
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      Warnings

      • Do not roll spring mattresses, hybrid foam mattresses, or other mattresses that have internal components other than foam. Compressing the springs and other components can hurt the mattress.
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      • Compressing and rolling a memory foam mattress might invalidate some mattress warranties. Check the warranty on your mattress before rolling it up.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/how-to-clean-a-mattress/
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/how-to-store-a-mattress/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pb9VNI3qGVk?si=1Af88yqQoJ4KrD8-&t=48
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pb9VNI3qGVk?si=C_buHWApUaA8MQrn&t=59
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/tbb-NsCWd3s?si=bCsM_h5oMRlfFXjD&t=55
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pb9VNI3qGVk?si=ww1rbhzLl3eWF95D&t=69
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Pb9VNI3qGVk?si=OwiGZ2p8xd9ceCRk&t=73
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/tbb-NsCWd3s?si=Kg-_PJt6S2sKKPh8&t=92
      9. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/mattresses/how-to-clean-a-mattress/
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/7xdVH8-TjxM?si=ahn0qvEx92Iu0ZxS&t=211
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/7xdVH8-TjxM?si=rpNCsIhwLyOUCkHp&t=219
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/7xdVH8-TjxM?si=DAeJBkVA5R6NzMB_&t=227
      4. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/mattresses/is-a-mattress-in-a-box-right-for-you-a1085640509/
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/whDigB-bdTg?si=g4EZ-VObNO2d8nAA&t=80
      6. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/mattresses/is-a-mattress-in-a-box-right-for-you-a1085640509/
      7. ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/mattresses/is-a-mattress-in-a-box-right-for-you-a1085640509/
      8. ↑ https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-to-compress-a-memory-foam-mattress/
      9. ↑ https://www.homesandgardens.com/shopping/how-long-should-a-mattress-last

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