How to Fold a Foam Mattress

Foam mattresses are very popular for a number of reasons. They are super plush and offer good support during sleep. Unfortunately a foam mattress is not the most fun thing to deal with if you are moving or need to get rid of it for some other reason. You might think that they are difficult to fold and store. Fear not: It doesn't require that many steps to gain this new skill.

Check Your Warranty

The best way to fold a memory foam mattress is carefully. Folding it runs the risk of squishing the foam out of wack. You don't want to get in trouble for accidentally damaging your mattress in the process of trying to put it away. Warranties obviously vary from company to company. In general, the warranty will cover a specific date range as well as the condition of the mattress itself. Sagging or sinking is more common in foil mattresses but even foam mattresses are not immune. Trying to fold your mattress without the following steps could exacerbate any existing sagging.

Prepare Your Materials

Mattresses are harder to store and transport with sheets on. Take off all the sheets and put them in separate containers. If your mattress came with a protector, you'll want to leave that in place. Now it is time to develop your plan of attack. All you need are a few simple materials: a plastic mattress bag, duct tape, a vacuum bag and vacuum cleaner, and ratchet straps. You can get the plastic mattress bag from your moving company or a mattress store. You might even have a mattress bag already depending on how your mattress was delivered to you originally. The other materials can be purchased online or at a hardware store. They are very inexpensive.

Get Folding

Make sure the mattress bag matches the size of your mattress exactly. A bag that is too loose is more difficult to vacuum shut. Most mattress bags come with a seal but the duct tape makes it extra secure. Keep your mattress flat on the floor before you proceed. Cut a hole in the plastic of the mattress bag. Put the valve from the vacuum bag through this hole. The valve should reach the surface of your mattress. Seal the hole with duct tape. Connect your vacuum to the valve and turn on the vacuum. Your mattress will start to flatten just like magic. Turn off the vacuum once the bag has fully shrunk to fit.

Move it Out

Your mattress is now compressed and much easier to manipulate. This is where the ratchet straps come in. Wrap these straps around the entire length of your mattress. Thread the buckle to keep it in place. Don't lug the mattress yourself. Avoid back pain by recruiting a loved one or mover to take care of the job with you. Lift from your knees instead of bending over. You should also consider how you are moving the mattress. Cars are risky because a mattress can get bounced around quite easily. It is easier to balance a mattress in a truck and keep it braced with other items. Once your mattress is sealed you can flip it onto its side so it doesn't take up as much space. If you are storing your mattress for a long time you should keep it in the bag. Pick a cool and dry place for storage otherwise you may get mold or bedbugs.

You deserve major congratulations after folding your mattress. Who knows what other so-called "impossible" household tasks you'll be able to conquer now?