[08-Oct-2025 05:03:00 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [08-Oct-2025 08:35:20 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [04-Nov-2025 17:03:28 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [04-Nov-2025 23:55:13 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [04-Nov-2025 23:57:18 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [04-Nov-2025 23:59:39 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [14-Dec-2025 22:29:05 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [15-Dec-2025 03:47:29 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [08-Feb-2026 21:22:33 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 [09-Apr-2026 09:11:03 UTC] PHP Fatal error: Uncaught Error: Undefined constant "ABSPATH" in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php:2 Stack trace: #0 {main} thrown in /home/sleechil/public_html/wp-content/plugins/thrive-visual-editor/thrive-dashboard/inc/app-notification/classes/DbMigration.php on line 2 Mattress Hacks Archives - Sleep Chillout How To Get Better Sleep Quality Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:53:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.5 https://sleepchillout.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/cropped-logo-sleep-32x32.png Mattress Hacks Archives - Sleep Chillout 32 32 How to Disinfect a Used Mattress https://sleepchillout.com/how-to-disinfect-a-used-mattress/ Mon, 28 Nov 2022 03:58:08 +0000 https://sleepchillout.com/?p=3287 Table of Contents How to Sanitize a Used MattressUsing an Antibacterial SpraySteam CleaningUsing Vinegar and Baking SodaDisinfect Using Enzyme CleanerDeodorizing Your MattressClosing Thoughts Your mattress may seem clean to the naked eye, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. Usually, a used mattress is loaded with dead skin cells, dust mites, sweat stains, ... Read more

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Table of Contents
How to Sanitize a Used Mattress
Using an Antibacterial Spray
Steam Cleaning
Using Vinegar and Baking Soda
Disinfect Using Enzyme Cleaner
Deodorizing Your Mattress
Closing Thoughts

Your mattress may seem clean to the naked eye, but that doesn't necessarily mean you're in the clear. Usually, a used mattress is loaded with dead skin cells, dust mites, sweat stains, and many other residues. Since you spend about ⅓ of your life on your bed, you should disinfect and clean your entire mattress more often if you want a good night's sleep and quality sleep health overall. 

Though gearing up for such a task may sound daunting, it's surprisingly a walk in the park, and it's cost-effective. For instance, you'll need supplies you can get from your local store, such as baking soda and laundry detergent. Also, the good news is we've constructed a comprehensive mattress cleaning guide that'll help you sanitize a used mattress excellently. So, without further ado, let's dive right into it.

Related Content: How to fluff a pillow

How to Sanitize a Used Mattress

As mentioned above, sanitizing a used mattress doesn't have to be a hassle. Below are the supplies you need to gather to disinfect your mattress properly;

  • Spray bottle
  • Cold water
  • Baking soda
  • Essential oils
  • A clean cloth
  • Paper towels
  • Vacuum Cleaner with an upholstery attachment

After gathering the above supplies, below are the steps you'll go through to disinfect your mattress. You can pick whichever method is convenient for you, depending on the ease of the task and the readily available cleaning equipment.

Using an Antibacterial Spray

An antibacterial spray is quite good at eliminating germs and harmful bacteria from a dirty mattress. However, you must lightly spray it across the mattress surface for maximum effectiveness. Aside from killing microscopic critters, the spray also helps clean sweat stains by breaking down the stain particles. 

This spray is the best alternative for bleach since bleach products can damage mattress fibers. Wring a damp cloth dipped in warm water and wipe the parts you've sprayed. Let the mattress dry completely before dressing it up with clean bed sheets.

Steam Cleaning

Using a steam cleaner is an excellent way of naturally disinfecting a used mattress. In addition, it is excellent routine maintenance for eliminating sweat stains and some stubborn stains. As you steam clean, you won't need any secondary chemicals.

1. Vacuum Cleaning the Mattress

Using the vacuum cleaner's upholstery attachment, vacuum the entire mattress surface. Vacuuming helps suction dust mites, bed bugs, pet dander, dust, and dead skin. Remember, pests such as dust mites, carpet beetles, and bed bugs are some of the main causes of holes in mattress. So, it’s always wise to vacuum clean your mattress regularly to keep it in good shape. Spot treat any visible stains, like sweat and blood stains, before the steam cleaning process. You can use a commercial laundry stain remover to remove the stains.

2. Work the Stubborn Mattress Stains

Using a wet cloth dipped in the stain remover, blot the affected area for about 15 minutes. Remember not to put the excess liquid on the mattress, especially if it's a memory foam model. Unlike most mattresses, a memory foam mattress will soak up the liquid in its soft foam layers faster, which may encourage mold and mildew to thrive. If you’re dealing with stubborn stains, such as vomit and you can still feel the foul smell lingering in the air after the cleaning process, our definitive guide on how to get vomit smell out of a mattress can help you get rid of the vomit stains and the reeking smell.

3. Vacuum Clean the Mattress AGAIN

In the next step, turn on and hold the steam cleaner above the mattress about 3 inches away. Slowly move the cleaner across the mattress's entire surface. Remember to void steam blasts. During the steam cleaning exercise, ensure the mattress doesn't get wet but remains damp.

Leave the mattress to air dry for at least 4 hours in a well-ventilated room. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process.

Using Vinegar and Baking Soda

Another cleaning solution for disinfecting a used mattress is baking soda and vinegar. Pour the vinegar into the spray bottle, then mist the mattress surface lightly. After approximately 10 minutes, use paper towels or a dry cloth to blot the surface.

Sprinkle baking soda on the mattress and let it sit for a few hours. The baking soda lifts the vinegar and bad smells to allow you to breathe better when sleeping on the mattress. Let the mattress dry completely in a well-ventilated room with fresh air. Finally, vacuum the mattress to remove baking powder before dressing it with fresh sheets.

Related Content: How much should you spend on mattress?

Disinfect Using Enzyme Cleaner

Notably, this is an ideal disinfecting method for handling stubborn stains. So, if your mattress is a victim of such stains, a homemade enzyme cleaner made of 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 8oz hydrogen peroxide should do the trick.

You can also purchase an enzyme cleaner for the job if you don't want to go the DIY route.

Apply this solution to affected areas of the stained mattress and let it sit for about 4-6 hours. Damp a clean cloth in cold water and blot the mattress stains gently. Only vacuum the mattress after its surface is entirely air dry.

Deodorizing Your Mattress

As you sleep, your body can expel as much as a liter of sweat. If you don't clean your mattress regularly, then the gunk building up on it may make it stink. All you'll need to deodorize your mattress is an essential oil with a fresh scent and baking soda.

Before sprinkling baking powder on the mattress, add a few drops of essential oil to the container holding the baking powder, then sprinkle it on the mattress. Let the baking soda sit overnight or for 24 hours (the longer the time, the better), then vacuum the mattress to suction the baking powder. 

Afterward, you'll have a clean mattress with a fresh scent making it look as good as new. Remember that this process doesn't lift off stains from a dirty mattress. In such a scenario, the mattress should undergo deep cleaning first. Lucky for you, our comprehensive guide on how to clean a mattress got you covered. Feel free to check it out for more information on how you can improve your sleep quality by keeping your mattress clean.

Click here to learn about extending the lifespan of your mattress. 

Related Content: 

Closing Thoughts

The solutions outlined above are sure ways of keeping your mattress clean and fresh for a healthier sleep environment. The frequency of disinfecting your mattress depends on how you use the mattress—for instance, curdling with your pet leaving pet dander and potential allergens on the mattress. 

According to bedding experts, you should clean and disinfect your mattress at least twice per year. And to keep your sleep environment generally hygienic, you need to clean it at least twice per year to extend its longevity. It's advisable to consider using a mattress protector to fend off allergens and germs, and other microscopic bacteria.

Not only do mattress protectors help shield the mattress against microscopic critters, but they also make it easy to clean urine stains, spills, and other stubborn stains. A good mattress protector is anti-microbial, waterproof, durable, hypoallergenic, and breathable. If you think your mattress might be causing back pain, take a look at our guide on https://sleepchillout.com/signs-bed-is-cause-of-back-pain/ for more information on how you can handle the situation.

The post How to Disinfect a Used Mattress appeared first on Sleep Chillout.

]]> How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress https://sleepchillout.com/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-mattress/ Wed, 24 Aug 2022 14:45:28 +0000 https://sleepchillout.com/?p=2138 Table of Contents Avoid jumping on your mattressDon't eat in bedWash your sheets regularlyVacuum your mattress regularlySpot clean spills immediatelyInvest in a mattress protectorMove your mattress with cautionHabitually Aerate Your MattressPurchase a mattress according to your body weightBuy a solid foundation for your bedIs It Time to Replace your Mattress?Conclusion With mattresses costing over $1000 ... Read more

The post How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress appeared first on Sleep Chillout.

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Table of Contents
Avoid jumping on your mattress
Don't eat in bed
Wash your sheets regularly
Vacuum your mattress regularly
Spot clean spills immediately
Invest in a mattress protector
Move your mattress with caution
Habitually Aerate Your Mattress
Purchase a mattress according to your body weight
Buy a solid foundation for your bed
Is It Time to Replace your Mattress?
Conclusion

With mattresses costing over $1000 without even counting other accessories, you can't afford to ruin that prized possession before its lifespan is all spent. Most expensive mattresses have a lifespan of up to a decade, but manufacturers average it to eight years. Can you extend the life of a mattress? Sure you can! However, it depends on several factors like your age, weight, and more.

Keeping all factors constant, you can extend the lifespan of a mattress by taking good care of it every day. By being conscious whenever you interact with it to ensure you're not causing any potential harm. Don't just focus on its lifespan, keep in mind your health too. The condition of your mattress will directly affect your health and safety. Let's see how, as we discuss a few tips for extending your mattress lifespan by a few more years.

Avoid jumping on your mattress

Kids love this. Heck, even adults enjoy this at times and it's fun. However, jumping on your mattress will damage its internal structure, materials, and springs. This will cause mattress sagging and affect the comfort and support it offers you while you sleep. Over time, it will also lead to permanent indentations which are difficult to fix. The firmness of the mattress will deteriorate and end up soft.

A different firmness level doesn't only mean fast wear and tear, it also means that you'll have higher chances of experiencing back pain, neck pain, and sleepless nights due to the uncomfortable nature of the mattress.

Jumping on your mattress also pauses a threat to your bed frame. If your bed is made of wood they can break piercing through the mattress potentially hurting you. If its a box spring - or even if your mattress is an innerspring mattress - then the springs might get damaged leaving your good mattress vulnerable to wear and tear and affecting your sleep quality.

So if you want your mattress to last long, keep the jumping to a minimum or avoid it altogether.

Related Content: Signs your bed is causing back pain

Don't eat in bed

Speaking of activities in bed, eating should also fall under the no-zone list. We get it, you're exhausted after a long day and just want to relax in bed with some food. But resist the temptation! Eating in bed will attract crumbs, spills, and stains which are difficult to clean and will damage the fabric of your mattress. Not to mention the unhygienic environment it creates for you to sleep in.

If you absolutely must eat in bed, make sure to do so carefully and always clean up any mess immediately. You can also use a tray to place your plate and glass while eating. This way, all the droppings, and spills fall on the tray and not on the bed. But accidents happen, so it's better to have your meals on the dining table.

Aside from spills staining and ruining your fabric, they can also attract rodents, bed bugs, cockroaches, and carpet beetles, which can cause holes in your mattress. It's hard to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites once they perforate into your mattress. This is very unhygienic and disturbs a good night's sleep. Read more about what causes holes in a mattress and how you can protect your bed against rodents and pests.

Wash your sheets regularly

This one's a no-brainer but we'll say it anyway because it's that important. Always keep your sheets clean, and on, to protect your mattress from sweat, urine, vomit smell, spills, and other dirt. Fabrics like cotton are highly absorbent and need to be washed frequently. Depending on how often you sleep on them, once or twice a week should do the trick. If you have kids or pets that sleep on the bed with you, then increase the frequency. It's also a good idea to have more than one set of sheets so you can rotate them and use the others while the first set is being washed. To learn more about how you can wash your sheets and keep them clean, you can go through our quick guide on how to disinfect a used mattress.

Vacuum your mattress regularly

This helps extend the life of your mattress by getting rid of any dirt, dust, or hair that may be stuck in it. Use the vacuum's hose attachment to reach all the nooks and crannies of your mattress. Do this about twice a month, or more if you have pets that sleep on the bed with you.

In addition to vacuuming your mattress, you can also use baking soda to deodorize. Spill a handful around the whole mattress to kill off any strong odor caused by food spills or body oils. Baking soda also helps remove stains.

Spot clean spills immediately

If there are any spills, no matter how small, it's important to spot clean them immediately. This will prevent the spill from seeping into the mattress and staining or damaging it. Use a clean, damp cloth to dab at the spill until it's completely gone. Then, use a dry towel to soak up any remaining moisture. Check out our post on how to clean a mattress for further guidance on how you can keep your sleep surface clean and well-maintained.

Invest in a mattress protector

This is one of the most effective ways to extend the lifespan of a mattress. A mattress protector is a thin layer of fabric that acts as a barrier between you and the mattress, protecting it from any damaging external factors. It's easy to remove, wash and replace, and it's a lot cheaper than buying a new mattress. Make sure to get one that's comfortable and breathable so you don't end up sweating at night.

When buying a mattress protector, go for a waterproof one. If you have your sheets spread above the protector and spill a glass of water, the water will be soaked by the sheets and the protector will prevent it from going through to the mattress. If you get a white protector, you'll be able to easily bleach stains away.

However, please note that each mattress protector might come with specific cleaning instructions, so follow through to keep it serving you for longer.

Move your mattress with caution

When you need to move your mattress around, be extra careful. Bending or folding it can damage the internal springs and foam. Try to carry it horizontally as much as possible. If you need to go up or down the stairs, ask for help from a friend or family member. Let's say you're shifting apartments and are moving with your mattress, wrap it up and ensure you've completely covered it.

You can use a PVC plastic wrapper or insert it in a mattress bag. The former is a better option because it'll prevent your mattress from liquid spills during the move. The wrapper will also prevent the mattress from getting dirty or dusty while carrying it. Just make sure to carefully cut it out so that you don't tear through your mattress cover.

Additionally, don't place the mattress near any sharp objects that can pierce through the PVC or bag. It's also a good way to store your mattress when you need to.

To carry the mattress on your van or car, use ratchet straps. They will keep it safe from sliding throughout your journey.

It goes without saying, that a moving company is a better option for safely moving your mattress. However, they can be quite costly. Therefore, in case you're looking to save some cash, or are not moving so far away, or you just prefer to do it yourself, then the mentioned tools and tips will suffice.

Habitually Aerate Your Mattress

This will help extend the life of your mattress by preventing the build-up of moisture and mold. Moisture encourages the growth of mold, which can damage your mattress beyond repair. When aerating, open up all the windows in the room to get rid of any musty smells. If possible, place your mattress outside in the sun for a few hours. This will help get rid of any mold or mildew that may be growing on it. Do this at least once a month, or more if you live in a humid climate.

That sort of dampness can also encourage infestation by the silverfish. These particular pests are a nuisance. Unlike bed bugs that may only feed on your blood, silverfish will make holes in your mattress. They like to damage even bedsheets and books, and they enjoy a damp place. Because you may sweat in your sleep, or spill fluids on your mattress, aeration is a necessity.

Take note that even opening your windows wide every day and letting the sun in will make a huge difference. You can sometimes set aside all your beddings, leave your mattress bare and open your windows for fresh air and dryness.

Purchase a mattress according to your body weight

This is arguably the most important factor of them all. A mattress that's too soft will sag over time, while a mattress that's too firm will become uncomfortable. If you're on the heavier side, go for a firmer mattress. This will prevent any permanent indentations from forming. If you're on the lighter side, a softer mattress will be more comfortable and won't sag as easily. If heavier sleepers use soft memory foam mattresses or even soft hybrid mattresses, these mattresses begin to wear and sag faster than it should. It'll also be very uncomfortable for the plus-size sleeper because of the little support it'll offer their body.

To make it easier to carry the mattress on your van or car, use some ratchet straps. They will keep the mattress in place throughout your journey.

Side note: your sleeping position will also affect how your mattress wears. If you're a side sleeper, chances are that your mattress will wear on the shoulders and hips where more pressure is exuded. This is why you should get a zoned mattress that offers pressure relief in those areas. They work by being firmer where more pressure is experienced, as mentioned.

Buy a solid foundation for your bed

Your mattress lifespan depends also on the foundation you get for the mattress. A solid foundation will provide adequate support for your mattress so that it doesn't sag in the middle. There are a few different types of foundations you can choose from, such as a box spring, platform beds, and adjustable bases. Each has its pros and cons, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase.

Box springs are the most popular type of foundation. They're made up of coils that provide support and absorb shock. Platform beds, on the other hand, have a solid base with slats or boards that provide support. Adjustable bases are similar to platform beds but have an adjustable frame that allows you to raise or lower the head and foot of the bed.

No matter which type of foundation you choose, make sure it's made from high-quality materials to ensure your mattress lasts. In case you buy a mattress that's slightly bigger than your foundation, you can resize the mattress instead of buying a new one.

Is It Time to Replace your Mattress?

There are a few signs that hint it's time to get a new bed and replace your old mattress. Without frequent mattress maintenance, you'll need replacement faster than usual. Some of the signs may include:

  • You have an old mattress that you've used for more than 8 years
  • Your mattress feels saggy, lumpy and way too soft
  • You wake up with aches and pains
  • You can feel the springs of your hybrid mattress through the fabric
  • Adding a mattress topper doesn't seem to help much with firmness restoration
  • There's a lot of noise coming from your mattress
  • Your once-cool mattress is heating up hard
  • You're suddenly getting frequent allergies
  • Anyone else's mattress sleeps better than yours

If you identify with any of these signs, then it's probably time to get a new mattress. Don't wait too long to replace a bad mattress as it can be hazardous.

Related Content: How much should you spend on mattress

Conclusion

By following these mattress maintenance tips, you can extend your mattress lifespan and enjoy a good night's sleep for many years to come. Taking care of your mattress is important not only for financial reasons but also for health reasons; both psychological and physical. Keep in mind that the materials used to make the mattress also play a big role in its durability. Natural latex foam is the most durable material but others like memory foam and any high density foam do well too.

The post How To Extend The Life Of Your Mattress appeared first on Sleep Chillout.

]]> How To Resize A Mattress https://sleepchillout.com/how-to-resize-a-mattress/ https://sleepchillout.com/how-to-resize-a-mattress/#respond Fri, 25 Jan 2019 07:52:25 +0000 http://sleepchillout.com/?p=886 Table of Contents What You NeedHow to Cut a Mattress: A Step-by-Step GuideStep 1: Determine the Dimensions and Size of the Mattress that You Want Step 2: Take off the Cover Step 3: Measure and Mark the Section You Want to CutStep 4: Cut the Mattress Carefully on a Flat SurfaceStep 5: Trim Off the Excess ... Read more

The post How To Resize A Mattress appeared first on Sleep Chillout.

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Table of Contents
What You Need
How to Cut a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine the Dimensions and Size of the Mattress that You Want
Step 2: Take off the Cover 
Step 3: Measure and Mark the Section You Want to Cut
Step 4: Cut the Mattress Carefully on a Flat Surface
Step 5: Trim Off the Excess Foam Layer and (Re) Fit Your Mattress Cover
Is it Possible to Cut Your Latex Mattress to Adjust Sizing?
How to Make Your Mattress Bigger
The Cut-and-Buy Method
The Rotation Method
Importance of Resizing a Mattress
To Preserve the Same Feeling of Comfort
You Don't Have to Change Your Mattress every time You Change Your Bed
Investing in a New Mattress Is Expensive
Closing Thoughts

Investing in the right mattress plays a pivotal role in helping you get restorative sleep, which is one of the best ways of maintaining and improving your health. But what happens when you want to change your bed or shift to a new home? Should you change your existing mattress, too, or is there a practical way to customize it to suit your new space?

While investing in a new mattress can help unlock your ability to sleep better, you don't need to get rid of your old mattress every time you get a new bed. By learning how to resize your mattress, you can always upsize or downsize it whenever you want to purchase a new bed. 

To help sleepers get a handle on how to resize a used mattress, we break down the vital details piece by piece. With this guide, you can rest assured of having the knowledge to resize your existing mattress to suit your unique needs and deliver a good night's sleep night after night.

What You Need

First things first, get your tools ready. Normally, you should have an easy time finding these tools at your local hardware stores, as they're pretty common. They include:

  • A sewing machine (or needle)
  • A pair of scissors or a sharp knife
  • Tape measure
  • Wax
  • Thread
  • Pliers for better grip

Ensure you get all these tools to avoid making multiple trips back to the store.

How to Cut a Mattress: A Step-by-Step Guide

It will help if you always cut your mattress with caution, as whichever tool you use will have sharp edges. Below are some of the steps that can help you resize your mattress.

Step 1: Determine the Dimensions and Size of the Mattress that You Want

It's always wise to consider the mattress thickness you want to have. For instance, if you're fitting a memory foam mattress into a small space, such as a van or boat, it shouldn't be too tall. 

And since memory foam can be easily flattened, it might be good to have a medium-density layer on top of a high-density one. This will ensure comfort and also help prevent your mattress from flattening. Some memory foam mattress brands are usually constructed with this in mind and feature several layers with different types of foam. 

Before you start cutting, you should also consider the dimensions you need. How much foot and head space do you want? Do you want to turn your king-size mattress into a queen mattress? These considerations are especially crucial when custom-cutting memory foam mattresses for a smaller bed, a van, or a boat. 

Here's a list of different mattress types and their measurements. 

Mattress type

Size

California King 

72" × 84" 

King 

76" × 80" 

Queen 

60" × 80"

Full 

53" × 75"

Twin XL 

38" × 80"

Twin 

38" × 75"


Step 2: Take off the Cover 

If your memory foam bed has a cover, remove it and put it somewhere clean. You may need to cut open some mattress covers. If this is the case, make an initial cut with scissors to get into the cloth. Once this is done, make a vertical cut along the edge of your mattress by pressing the scissors against the fabric. Only cut as much as needed to take out the foam mattress. Remember to check for zippers before you cut any material, as most manufacturers add zippers. If your mattress had stains or it was reeking of vomit smell, you may want to take this opportunity to clean the cover and get rid of the unpleasant smell.

Step 3: Measure and Mark the Section You Want to Cut

Using a ruler, measure and draw the line of the cuts you want to make. Make notches every 18" to 24". Drywall squares can help you cut long pieces of foam straight. You can also measure your desired dimensions onto cardboard and use this as a template for your cutting job. 

Step 4: Cut the Mattress Carefully on a Flat Surface

Make sure you place your foam mattress on a flat, stable surface. And before cutting, it's also wise to make yourself aware of your blade's angle. Generally, your knife should be parallel to your mattress' height, unless you want to create an unusual shape or cut your mattress in half horizontally. 

As you cut your mattress, don't put pressure on it as its shape will change. If your knife or pair of scissors is too short to cut through the layers, start with a shallow cut and then a deeper cut. Remember, the bottom section of your mattress may have a different density, and this can significantly affect your cutting action. For instance, harder foam is harder to cut, while the soft foam is more likely to warp out of place. So, if you're cutting soft foam, consider placing something like cardboard or drywall squares on either of its sides to avoid warping your mattress.

Check the line to confirm whether you've cut through the entire length. Bear in mind that your mattress may be thick, so feel free to make two cuts if necessary. Don't flip over your bed unless you're certain the line on both sides of the mattress will be the same.

Step 5: Trim Off the Excess Foam Layer and (Re) Fit Your Mattress Cover

Trim off the excess foam but don't stress too much about presentation. After all, you'll be putting the mattress cover back on. Because your mattress is now smaller, it's time to decide whether you'll be folding over the excess cloth, buying a new mattress cover, or re-stitching the old one. 

Also, think about what you'll do with the excess foam material before cutting it into smaller pieces, as you could use it to make a mat, a pillow, or even another mattress. The smaller the leftover pieces are, the minimum your options will be. Once you’re done with the refitting process, you may want to consider washing your mattress. Remember, cleaning a mattress not only extends its useful lifespan but also helps improve your sleep quality.

Is it Possible to Cut Your Latex Mattress to Adjust Sizing?

One thing that makes all-latex mattresses a dynamic investment is the ability to make them bigger or smaller as the need arises. Instead of buying a new mattress, you can adjust your latex mattress to meet your unique specifications.  
Even with the same mattress brand, the different times of production may mean facing variability in the quality of your mattress. Plus, you may encounter the challenge of not knowing the ILD ratings or the original manufacturer of your mattress, thus risking getting stuck with a much poorer-quality .

Have you ever owned a latex mattress? If so, you understand how comfortable and pressure-relieving it is, and perhaps you don't want to purchase a new latex mattress should you need to downsize. And even if you know your bed's original ILD ratings, getting an exact match for your existing mattress is virtually impossible. 

While you can customize a bad mattress by stacking latex foam layers on top of each other, resizing is much easier than dealing with a professional product.

Consider using an electric carving knife to make your mattress smaller. When held perpendicularly, these knives can help cut a straight edge through the several foam layers that comprise your mattress. If you have a Talalay latex foam mattress, cutting right through the holes will create the straightest edge possible.

How to Make Your Mattress Bigger

Resizing your mattress to fit a smaller space is relatively straightforward, as described above. But what happens if you want a bigger mattress? For instance, is it possible to turn your existing Queen mattress into a King size mattress with considerable ingenuity on your part? 

Here's how you can make your old mattress bigger. 

The Cut-and-Buy Method

One effective way of creating a King size mattress is by first cutting down your Queen size mattress to make a Twin XL. Once you've cut your existing mattress, buy another Twin XL bed and place them side-by-side. 

By doing this, you'll be creating a split Eastern King mattress that's best suited for couples. However, this is probably the most expensive solution since a 9-inch Twin bed from the Talalay mattress brand costs about $1200. 

Lucky for you, there's yet another viable fix - extending your mattress on each side. Here, you'll need to add a 16" by 80" foam to each side of the Queen mattress, which essentially creates an Eastern King. The only real drawback with this fix is that you'll need to use an exact match to your old bed to make the same firmness. Plus, if your bed features several layers with different ILD ratings, you might have to spend more to buy the additional foam.

The Rotation Method

Another alternative solution is to rotate your bed 180°. That way, you'll only need to adjust your mattress' foot portion. A Queen size mattress basically measures 80" by 60", so you can trim a small piece of foam off its edge to extend your mattress with a 20" by 78" piece. 

This will essentially turn your mattress into an Eastern King size model, and while the firmness level won't match all your bed's layers, your feet will enjoy that extra cushioned surface. With this procedure, you'll only be extending the foot of your bed, so you won't need an exact match for quality, thickness, and firmness with your existing mattress. 

Here, you can use any latex foam, including the potential for opting for scraps. A small piece of foam will only cost about half the price of a new mattress. 

Generally, there are two ways of ensuring your newly added scrap piece of foam remains intact with your mattress:

  • Using a spray adhesive to glue different foam layers together for stability and firmness
  • Purchasing a new mattress cover and ensuring that all pieces of foam firmly fit inside your cover without any movement

Importance of Resizing a Mattress

Now you know how to resize your mattress, but why is it crucial for sleepers to resize their mattresses? Of what importance will it be to them? 

Here are some of the benefits of resizing your mattress. 

To Preserve the Same Feeling of Comfort

After sleeping on your mattress for some time, you may get attached to it and develop a connection. For instance, patients with hypermobility syndrome may need specific mattress types to sleep on. Once the bed you have becomes your only comfort zone, changing it doesn't guarantee the same. 

Aside from that, many sleepers enjoy the luxurious comfort offered by their mattresses, and they want to experience the same feeling of comfort even with a different size. If you fall into this category, you may wish to keep your old mattress when you change your bed. Fortunately, you can continue enjoying the comfort you're used to even on a different bed by resizing your mattress.

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You Don't Have to Change Your Mattress every time You Change Your Bed

Sometimes it becomes crucial to get rid of your old bed and buy a new one. Over time, you may want to downgrade or upgrade the bed. 

If you're going for a King size bed, you'll need a King size mattress. And if you have a smaller bed, a smaller mattress will do just fine. So, does this mean every time you purchase a new base, you should also buy a new mattress? 

Not at all. 

As mentioned earlier, if you learn to resize a mattress, you can always change it anytime you wish to buy a new base. Rather than having many mattresses in your home, why not have one that fits all bases and serves all purposes? Besides, changing a luxurious mattress may feel like losing something of great importance in your life.

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Investing in a New Mattress Is Expensive

There are specific types of mattresses that are quite pricey. And once you've purchased one with all the specifications you need, you might not want to let go even after changing your bed. 

If you're willing to spend money on a new mattress, you can quickly get another one with the same preference and ILD ratings. However, if you're not ready to invest in expensive mattresses, resizing your mattress is one possibility you may want to consider.

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Closing Thoughts

There you have it! As you can see, resizing your mattress isn't as challenging as you'd thought. With the right tools and skills, you'll have your ideal mattress in no time. However, keep in mind that altering your bed in any way will automatically void the warranty your manufacturer provides.

But if you see no other alternative to customizing your mattress and are okay with voiding your warranty, feel free to proceed with your DIY project. Don't forget to deep clean or renew your mattress outer cover to make it look brand new again.

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