If you have a foam mattress, I’m sure you can remember it came compressed and sealed in an airtight plastic bag. But your mattress is bulky and you’re probably wracking your brain how to fold it. Although you may not have a machine to exert pressure on a mattress, you can follow the same packing method. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roll a mattress.
What You’ll Need
01. Ratchet straps
Ratchet straps (tie-down straps) will secure the mattress once it’s rolled up. They are made of nylon and can cost as low as $20.
02.Mattress plastic bag
Plastic bags are specifically made for mattresses and are inexpensive. If you want to make the process a lot smoother, you should aim for bags made of heavy-duty recyclable plastic. It gets better if you find one with a seal. Another key thing to keep in mind is size. If you have a queen-size mattress, you should get a big bag. You can buy a quality plastic bag from bedding retailers.
03.Tape
The tape will come in when you want to reinforce the sides of the plastic bag. If you plan to use the bag again, you should ensure the tape is not too sticky. Avoid tearing the plastic bag when unpacking. If you can’t get duct tape, packing tape can be a decent substitute.
04.Vacuum bag
You don’t have to invest in an industrial vacuum bag to do the work. Whichever size you choose, you should make sure it fits your vacuum hose. If you ignore this advice, the compression process may not work. You can use your regular vacuum cleaner to compress the mattress.
Steps of Rolling
01.Remove the beddings
You should remove all the beddings including sheets, comforters, toppers, and mattress protectors. These items should be packed separately. The only thing that should remain intact is the cover that came with the mattress – it gives an extra layer of protection.
02.Place the mattress in the plastic bag
When you have the right size, your mattress will slide smoothly. If the bag is bigger, you’ll have a rough time dealing with the extra plastic. It’s worth mentioning that a big plastic bag may take the much-needed space for other valuables. Start by slipping the end and then pull the bag along the length.
Alternatively, you can stand the mattress and slide from top to bottom. Of course, you may need extra help if you have a larger mattress.
03. Seal it up
You should seal the mattress bag such that it’s airtight. Start by sealing the open end to ensure the air doesn’t escape. You can also use the tape to cover other holes in the bag. This process will be easier if you opted for a sealable bag. Still, you can use the tape to reinforce the edges.
Next, leave a hole that is large enough to vacuum the hose in it. You should tape it securely so that when you vacuum, it sucks out all the air. Remember, the diameter of the hole should match the width of the hose.
When you vacuum your mattress, you allow for compression without damaging the foam. If possible, you should avoid vacuuming the air out when the mattress is standing.
04. Rolling and securing your mattress
Put the vacuum on the open hole to create an airtight seal. When all the air is sucked out, the mattress will compress to half its original size. This will take several minutes depending on the size of the mattress.
Next, hold the mattress on one size and roll it. If you have a king or queen-size mattress, you may need extra help to roll. Just position yourselves at the edges and use the hands to press the ends. This is the same process as rolling a sleeping bag or blanket.
Continue rolling the mattress from one side to the other until you get to the point where the vacuum hole is. As you do this, you should ensure the vacuum is on.
05.Strap it
Use the ratchet strap to hold the mattress in place. And because it will naturally want to unroll and flatten, you should ask for help from your friends. Just slip the middle of the ratchet strap at the bottom and pull with the device attached to it. Repeat on the other end until the mattress is well-secured. Ratchet straps also double as compression reinforcement and should seal the mattress if the plastic bag breaks.
Another advantage when using ratchet straps is that they give a handle and makes the cumbersome job of moving a mattress simple.
Mattress Rolling Faq
01.Will Damage Occur If I Roll My Mattress
If you try to fold an innerspring mattress, you may cause irreparable damage. Sometimes, the mattress may never lay flat again. Think of it as a piece of paper. When you fold it, a permanent mark is left behind. When the coils and any other steel part get dented, there’s no possible way of undoing that. Such kind of damage will affect the sleeping surface.
But there are exceptions. Any mattress made of foam or rubber can be rolled with ease. Also, a mattress made of polyurethane offers great flexibility.
On the other hand, manufacturers offer a warranty after you buy a mattress and the last thing you want to do is jeopardize that. Because it covers material defects, any damage from folding may not be honored.
02.Can You Sleep In A Rolled-Up mattress Straightaway ?
After moving into your new apartment, you can’t just wait to crawl into your mattress and enjoy a restful sleep. Most manufacturers recommend that you wait for at least 24 hours before you sleep in the mattress. This will ensure it has enough time to inflate and you can now enjoy a good night’s sleep.
If you don’t follow this advice, you’ll face some defects even before the expansion process is complete. Certain aspects such as size and filings will determine how long the mattress will take to expand.
Final thoughts
Rolling a mattress makes transporting much easier and saves space when moving it in the van. It’s also less difficult to carry. You may want to follow the above step-by-step instructions on how to roll a mattress to make the process a breeze. Before you roll your mattress, you should read the manual for instructions. Needless to say, you must check the warranty of the mattress or it will become void.