How to Compress a Memory Foam Mattress at Home?

One of the trickiest items to move from one place to another is the mattress. It usually requires the help of at least two people and takes up a lot of needed moving space in a truck. What if you don’t have a truck, van, or SUV, and instead have a car? How will you be able to fit your mattress into your car with your other valuables?

If you have a memory foam mattress, you’ll remember that when you received it, the mattress came compressed, sealed in airtight plastic, and rolled up in a box. While you may not be able to replicate that exact packing method, you can get close to it with this handy DIY technique.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Heavy People

Materials You’ll Need

1. Mattress Bag

Plastic mattress bags are available in most stores and storage facilities. Aim for a recyclable, heavy-duty plastic bag that’s sealable for better security and to make packing the mattress easier. Make sure to choose the right size mattress bag— the bag size should match the standard size of the memory foam mattress.

Look for a bag with a double-zipper or adhesive closure to keep out dust, moisture, and bugs during transport or storage. Some mattress bags also come with built-in handles for easier lifting and maneuvering. For long-term storage, choose a bag labeled “mildew-resistant” or “UV-protected” to safeguard against mold and sun damage. A clear bag also lets you easily inspect the mattress without unsealing it.

2. Ratchet Straps

Ratchet straps, or tie-down straps, are fasteners used to hold down large items like mattresses. Ratchet straps are commonly made out of nylon because of how flexible and durable the material is.

Once rolled up, ratchet straps can prevent the mattress from unraveling. Ratchet straps are pretty inexpensive— it costs less than $20 for a good-quality ratchet strap. Three ratchet straps are best for a mattress— one placed on each end of the rolled-up mattress and one down the middle.

If you’re transporting the mattress on a vehicle roof or in a truck bed, ratchet straps also keep it from shifting or sliding around. Just be sure not to overtighten, as this may damage the foam. When tightening, stop as soon as the mattress feels secure and compact—over-compression can permanently dent the memory foam. For added safety during vehicle transport, consider using corner protectors or soft padding under the straps to reduce strain on the mattress edges.

3. Tape

You can use either duct tape or packing tape to reinforce the edges of the plastic bag and help secure the rolled-up mattress. If you’re planning on saving the bag to use again, make sure the tape isn’t too sticky, otherwise you risk tearing the mattress bag during the packing and unpacking process.

Clear packing tape works well for sealing while keeping visibility, but if extra strength is needed, go for industrial-grade duct tape. Consider taping seams, corners, and zipper areas for added reinforcement. If using the mattress bag for long-distance moves or shipping, apply several layers of tape in a crisscross pattern over vulnerable areas to ensure the bag doesn’t come apart mid-journey. You can also use painter’s tape underneath to protect the bag surface from aggressive adhesives.

4. Vacuum Bag

Choose a smaller, cheaper vacuum bag— you won’t be using the bag itself, only the valve. Make sure before buying a vacuum bag that the valve fits your vacuum hose, otherwise the compression process won’t work.

This valve will be attached to the mattress bag to help compress the mattress and remove excess air, making it easier to roll and transport. A good seal around the valve area ensures maximum suction, so use tape if needed to prevent air leaks. You can create a secure connection by cutting a small opening in the mattress bag, inserting the valve through it, and sealing around the edges with duct tape or silicone adhesive. 

If you’re unable to find a vacuum valve separately, many people cut it from an old vacuum storage bag and repurpose it. Be patient during the suction process—it may take several minutes to fully deflate a thick memory foam mattress.

Steps to Deflate Your Memory Foam Mattress

1. Remove Bedding

Before placing the mattress inside the plastic mattress bag, remove all bedding except for the mattress cover that came with the initial purchase. Packing away bedding makes it easier to flatten your mattress and roll it up into a neat bundle.

Bedding you’ll want to remove and pack away separately includes:

• Blankets
• Comforters
• Mattress protectors
• Memory foam mattress toppers.

These items need to be packed separately from your memory foam mattress. Use vacuum-sealed bags or labeled storage bins for the bedding to keep everything organized and clean. This also helps maximize space during a move or storage. Be sure to wash and completely dry all bedding before packing to prevent musty odors or mildew buildup over time.

2. Slip Inside Bag

Slip the bare memory foam mattress inside the plastic mattress bag. Avoid purchasing a mattress bag bigger than your actual mattress, otherwise, you’ll find yourself having to deal with the extra plastic. Plus, the extra plastic could take up needed space for other valuables.

Lay the mattress flat on the floor and slowly slide the bag over it, starting from one end and working your way to the other. If needed, gently lift and adjust the mattress to avoid tearing the bag. For thicker mattresses, having a second person help guide the corners into place can prevent stretching or wrinkling of the plastic.

3. Seal It

Cut out the valve from the vacuum bag. Cut a hole in the mattress bag, about the same size as the valve. Push the valve through the hole so that the nozzle is pointed outward.

Seal the area around the valve with tape to make sure the bag is airtight. You can also use tape to reinforce the edges of the mattress bag before compressing it.

Use strong, airtight duct tape or silicone adhesive tape to create a leak-proof seal around the valve. Press firmly along the taped seams to eliminate small air gaps. For extra security, you can place an extra layer of plastic wrap or shrink wrap around the valve area before taping, especially if you plan on storing the mattress long-term.

4. Vacuum

Using a regular vacuum or shop vac, attach the vacuum hose to the valve. Turn on the vacuum and watch your mattress compress. Gently press on the surface of the mattress while the vacuum is on to help flatten the mattress.

Move your hands across the surface in slow, even motions to distribute the pressure evenly and speed up the air release. Be patient—thicker memory foam mattresses may take several minutes to fully compress. If your vacuum doesn’t have strong suction, pause and let it rest to prevent overheating, or try using a wet/dry vac for better power. Make sure the bag remains tightly sealed throughout this process.

5. Roll It

Keeping the mattress horizontal, begin to roll up the compressed mattress. Keep the vacuum on and firmly attached to the valve to prevent air from getting into the bag. You may need more than one person to roll up a memory foam mattress if it’s bigger than full-size.

Start rolling from the foot of the bed toward the head to maintain even compression. Roll tightly but carefully to avoid creasing or damaging the foam. It helps to kneel on the mattress as you roll, applying body weight to assist the process. If you’re storing the mattress upright, make sure the roll is uniform and doesn’t bulge at either end.

6. Secure It

Once rolled up, use the ratchet straps to secure the rolled-up mattress. The ratchet straps will keep the mattress together and prevent the mattress from unraveling.

You can further reinforce the straps with sturdy, high-quality duct tape. We recommend tape that is strong but not overly sticky.

Position one strap near each end and one in the middle for balanced support. Pull the straps snug but not overly tight to avoid indenting the foam. After strapping, give the mattress a gentle shake to ensure it holds its rolled shape. Label the package with a marker noting the mattress size and brand for easy identification during transport or storage.

Extra Tips

• After rolling up the mattress, keep the mattress horizontal during transportation to prevent possible damage.
• As an extra precaution, wrap duct tape around the rolled-up mattress to reinforce the roll. Use as much as necessary.
• The DIY method can be applied for a twin size, full size, queen size, king size, and California king size mattress.

SEE ALSO: Best Murphy Bed Mattress

Key Considerations Before Compressing

• Stick to Foam-Only Mattresses: This DIY method should only be applied to memory foam or latex foam mattresses—those without inner springs or coils. Compressing a hybrid or spring mattress can damage its internal structure, ruining the support system and overall comfort permanently.
• Review Your Warranty First: Mattress companies often offer long warranties, but many include clauses that limit coverage if the product is mishandled. Compressing your mattress using non-approved methods may void the warranty. Always check the specific terms either on the manufacturer’s website or by speaking with customer service.
• Don’t Do It Alone: Compressing and rolling a mattress is rarely a solo task. Larger sizes can weigh anywhere from 40 to over 100 pounds. Trying to maneuver that alone risks injury or damaging the mattress. Having a second person makes the process smoother and safer—especially when sealing, rolling, and lifting.
• Gather the Proper Supplies: You’ll need a durable plastic bag—preferably one designed for vacuum sealing mattresses. Heavy-duty storage bags can work as long as they’re thick enough and can be tightly sealed. You’ll also need sturdy straps, strong duct tape, and a high-powered vacuum cleaner (a shop vac is ideal) to ensure proper suction during compression.
• Choose the Right Work Area: Lay the mattress on a flat, clean surface—avoid carpeting or uneven floors, which make sealing and rolling more difficult. If working outdoors, place a tarp or thick blanket underneath to prevent dirt or abrasions.
• Watch the Temperature: If compressing outside, take weather into account. Cold weather can make memory foam stiff and brittle, making it harder to compress and more prone to damage. A warm, dry environment is ideal for both compressing and unrolling.
• Avoid Long-Term Compression: Keep the mattress compressed for as short a time as possible—no more than two to three weeks. Prolonged compression, especially in warm or humid conditions, can cause permanent deformation and reduce the foam’s resilience.
• Unroll With Caution: When unsealing the mattress, proceed slowly. Once the vacuum seal is broken, it may begin expanding quickly. Ensure the area is clear, and don’t use sharp tools that might puncture the foam or cut too deeply into the wrapping.

Why Compress a Memory Foam Mattress?

Memory foam mattresses are praised for their comfort and body-contouring support, but they can be unwieldy to handle due to their size and weight—especially in larger models like queen or king. When it’s time to move, store, or ship your mattress, its bulkiness can pose a real challenge. That’s where compression becomes a practical solution.

Reducing the mattress’s size through compression makes it far easier to navigate tight spots like staircases, elevators, or narrow entryways. This is particularly useful when moving in or out of apartments, small homes, or buildings with limited access.

Compactly rolled mattresses are also much simpler to store or transport. Whether you’re sending it across the country or tucking it away in a storage unit, a compressed mattress takes up considerably less space and is far easier to manage than its full-sized counterpart.

Compression also offers an extra layer of protection. A mattress that’s tightly sealed in a bag is better shielded from dirt, dampness, and physical wear—especially during transport, when it might get bumped or dragged.

However, mattress compression should be seen as a temporary solution. Leaving a mattress compressed for extended periods—or doing it repeatedly—can weaken the foam’s ability to bounce back. Use this method for occasional moving, temporary storage, or shipping, not for long-term storage or frequent reuse.

Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks of DIY Mattress Compression

Doing it yourself when compressing a memory foam mattress can seem like a smart, budget-friendly choice—especially compared to hiring professionals or relying on factory tools. However, it’s important to understand both the advantages and potential downsides before committing to the process.

Advantages of DIY Compression

• Cost-Effective: DIY compression eliminates the need for professional moving or delivery services. With a few basic tools and materials, you can achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.
• Convenient for Moving or Storage: Compressing your mattress makes it significantly easier to handle during a move or while placing it into storage. The compact size allows for easier loading into vehicles, fitting through tight hallways, or stashing in small spaces.
• Reduces Risk of Surface Damage: When properly sealed, a compressed mattress is less likely to collect dust, dirt, or moisture. This added layer of protection is especially useful during transport or in dusty storage conditions.
• No Special Equipment Required: Most of the tools needed—like a vacuum cleaner, heavy-duty plastic bag, tape, and straps—are household items or easily accessible at local hardware stores.
• Flexible Timing: You can perform the compression at your own pace without having to coordinate with delivery schedules or professional services.

Disadvantages of DIY Compression

• Risk of Damage to the Foam: Without the precision of factory machinery, DIY compression can put uneven pressure on the foam. Improper sealing, over-rolling, or extended compression may compromise the mattress’s internal structure and long-term performance.
• May Void Manufacturer Warranty: Many manufacturers explicitly state that improper handling or at-home compression can void the product warranty. Even visible creases or damage from rolling can disqualify you from future claims.
• Requires Physical Effort: Compressing and rolling a heavy mattress—especially alone—is no easy task. It can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous without proper assistance or technique.
• Limited Reusability: DIY compression is typically safe for one-time use. Attempting to compress and unroll the same mattress repeatedly can degrade the foam’s elasticity and responsiveness.
• Not Suitable for All Mattress Types: This method only works with all-foam mattresses. If your mattress contains coils, even if just in part (as in hybrids), compressing it can cause irreversible damage to the spring system.

Situations Where DIY Mattress Compression Should Be Avoided

• Avoid DIY Compression If Your Mattress Contains Coils: Mattresses with inner springs or hybrid construction are not suitable for DIY compression. Compressing these types can warp or permanently damage the coils inside, leading to poor support and structural failure. Manufacturers use specialized machines for this kind of compression—something that can’t be replicated at home.

• If You’re Concerned About Warranty Coverage: Before compressing, always check your warranty policy. If the manufacturer specifies that compression or mishandling voids the warranty—and you still proceed—you risk losing coverage on repairs or replacements down the line. If you’re unsure, contact their support directly to confirm.

• When You Lack the Proper Tools or Help: Don’t attempt to compress a mattress if you don’t have a strong vacuum, a suitable plastic bag, or help from a second person. Cutting corners or rushing the process can result in tears in the material, uneven compression, or even personal injury.

• Unfavorable Environmental Conditions: If the only place available for compression is cold, damp, or dusty (like a garage or driveway in winter), it’s best to wait. Cold temperatures make memory foam less flexible, which increases the risk of cracking or uneven compression. Moisture and debris can also damage the mattress surface or interfere with sealing.

• You Plan to Keep It Compressed Long-Term: DIY compression is a short-term solution. If your plan is to store the mattress for several months or longer, avoid compressing it. Extended compression, especially in non-climate-controlled environments, can cause permanent deformation or loss of firmness.
• You Don’t Have the Right Tools to Open It Safely Later: When unsealing the mattress, sharp tools can easily slice through the foam if not used carefully. If you don’t have the right type of scissors or controlled cutting tools, it’s safer not to compress it in the first place to avoid unintentional damage during unpacking.

Should You Replace Your Mattress?

If you’re compressing your bed to ship a mattress or otherwise move it to a new location, you might want to ask yourself if the mattress is worth the effort or if you would be better served by getting a new mattress entirely.

Usually, it’s time to replace a mattress when you notice significant sagging or indentations, experience discomfort or pain while sleeping, wake up feeling tired despite adequate rest, or if the mattress is over 7-10 years old, as this is typically the lifespan of most mattresses. Additionally, if you start experiencing allergies or notice an accumulation of dust mites despite regular cleaning, it might be a sign that your mattress needs replacing.

If you need to buy a new mattress, one of the best times to buy a mattress is during the year’s big mattress sales:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

How to Know If Your Mattress Is Safe to Compress?

• It’s Made Entirely of Foam: The most crucial factor is the mattress’s construction. If your mattress is made purely of memory foam, latex foam, or a combination of foam layers (without springs), it’s generally safe to compress. These materials are designed to flex and rebound, making them suitable for rolling and vacuum sealing—at least for short periods.

• It Doesn’t Contain Springs or a Coil System: If your mattress includes any type of spring system—whether it’s an innerspring core or individually wrapped coils—compression at home is not recommended. These components can bend, warp, or break under pressure, ruining the mattress’s support and making it uncomfortable (or even unusable).

• It’s Relatively New and Structurally Sound: Mattresses that are a few years old and still hold their shape are more likely to survive compression without damage. Older mattresses with sagging, visible lumps, or foam breakdown may not bounce back as expected after being compressed, and the process could worsen existing issues.

• It’s Not Too Thick or Too Heavy: While many foam mattresses can be compressed, very thick models (typically 14 inches or more) or those with high-density materials can be difficult to roll and seal effectively. Their added weight can also make the process more strenuous and increase the risk of cracking or tearing during compression.

• You Still Have the Original Packaging or a Compression Kit: Having access to the original compression bag or a vacuum-seal mattress kit significantly increases your chances of doing it safely. These kits are made to handle the pressure and seal tightly around the mattress. Trying to substitute thin plastic or trash bags can lead to punctures or failed seals.
• The Manufacturer Explicitly Warns Against It: Some mattress brands clearly advise against compressing the mattress after purchase. This is often due to concerns about foam damage or warranty violations. Check your warranty documents, user manual, or the company’s website before starting the process.

Other Things to Consider

Can you fold a memory foam mattress?

Yes. Solid memory foam beds can be safely compressed and rolled up for easy transportation.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress immediately after decompressing it?

It’s best to wait at least 24 hours before sleeping on a freshly unrolled memory foam mattress. While it may appear fully expanded within an hour, the internal foam layers need time to decompress and regain their proper shape. Using it too soon can lead to uneven support or long-term indentations.

When should I replace my memory foam mattress?

If you wake up sore most mornings and start to see a noticeable sag in the mattress, it’s time to get a new bed. Most beds will last 7-10 years, so if it’s been that long since you got a new mattress, it may be time to replace it.

What if my mattress doesn’t fully expand after unrolling?

If your mattress doesn’t return to its full shape within 48 hours, place it in a warm, well-ventilated room and give it more time. Cold or humid environments can slow the process. If it still doesn’t expand after several days, contact the manufacturer—it may be a warranty issue.

Can I recompress a memory foam mattress more than once?

Recompressing a memory foam mattress multiple times is not recommended. The foam is designed to withstand one-time compression, like during shipping or moving. Repeating the process can weaken its structure, reduce its lifespan, and compromise comfort and support.

Can an innerspring mattress be rolled up?

No. Attempting to compress and roll up innerspring beds or traditional mattresses can cause damage to the structure and materials. We only recommend compression for mattresses without springs.

How do you shrink a memory foam mattress?

If you’re moving and need to make your mattress “smaller” for easier transporting, you can put it in a mattress bag and vacuum seal it. Look for mattress bags with valves on them that you can use with the hose attachment of your vacuum.

Research Method

To write a high-quality and credible article, we read several dozen reviews and articles and spent over 17 hours researching, writing, and editing.

Conclusion

We hope this handy DIY guide makes moving a mattress into a new place an easier process. Note that this guide is for the compression and packing of a solid memory foam or latex mattress only.

Innersprings should never be compressed and rolled up. When it comes to folding up hybrid mattresses, contact the mattress company for recommendations— some brands might hold up well in this process, but others may not.

Follow proper handling instructions to prevent damage to your bed. Once your memory foam mattress is rolled up and packed in the vehicle, you’re ready to go.