How to Compress a Mattress at Home

Moving day approaches, and you’re staring at your bulky memory foam mattress wondering how it will fit through doorways and into your moving truck. Compressing your mattress can save space and make transportation much easier, but you need to do it correctly to avoid damage.

Many mattress companies use special machines to compress beds for shipping, but you can achieve similar results at home with the right tools and technique. If you’re moving, whether it’s across town or the country, knowing how to safely compress your mattress is a valuable skill.

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This guide will walk you through the entire process, from checking if your mattress can be compressed to properly decompressing it after your move. Learning this skill can save you money on moving costs and prevent the headache of wrestling with a bulky mattress on moving day.

Why You Might Need to Compress

Typically, mattress compression is used when you’re moving to a new home, saving you from the most costly item on a new bedroom checklist.

Moving a full-sized mattress through narrow doorways, up staircases, or into a packed moving truck challenges even the strongest people. When you compress your mattress, you shrink it to about one-third of its original size, making it much easier to carry and transport.

You won’t need to bend your mattress around tight corners or risk damaging it when squeezing through small spaces. Compression also protects your mattress from dirt, tears, and water damage during the moving process.

Professional movers often charge extra for bulky items like mattresses, so compressing it yourself can save you money on moving costs. Many people find that their compressed mattress fits easily in their personal vehicle, eliminating the need for a large moving truck altogether.

Can I Use It for Temporary Storage?

While you might be tempted to, we can’t recommend compressing a guest room mattress indefinitely to store a mattress and free up space in your home.

Long-term compression can have serious repercussions for mattress materials, such as leaving them flat and saggy when the mattress is freed. Even manufacturers who use industrial compression machines don’t recommend keeping a mail order mattress boxed up for long.

Instead, it’s better to rely on hide-a-bed solutions like a Murphy bed cabinet or make a guest bed a multipurpose piece like a daybed.

Before You Start

Before attempting to compress your mattress, you need to determine if compression is safe for your specific bed. Taking time to evaluate your mattress now can prevent damage and disappointment later.

Is Your Mattress Made of Memory Foam?

Memory foam mattresses compress more easily than other types because they contain no metal springs or rigid structures. These mattresses consist of flexible foam layers that can be vacuum-sealed without causing permanent damage to their structure.

Manufacturers design most memory foam and all-foam mattresses to handle compression, which explains why many arrive at your door in compact boxes. Pure latex mattresses also respond well to compression, though they may require more force to flatten completely.

Hybrid mattresses containing both foam and a small number of coils might compress safely, but you should check the manufacturer’s guidelines first. You risk breaking the inner structure of traditional innerspring mattresses if you try to compress them at home.

Look at your mattress tag or original purchase information to confirm its construction before proceeding with compression.

Look for Tears or Damage

Carefully inspect every inch of your mattress for existing tears, rips, or weak spots that might worsen during compression. Small tears will likely expand under the pressure of vacuum compression, potentially ruining your mattress completely.

Check the seams along the edges where the fabric connects, as these areas often tear first during compression. Remove the mattress cover if possible to check the inner foam layers for any signs of deterioration or damage.

Water stains indicate potential mold or mildew inside your mattress, which compression would spread throughout the foam layers. Press firmly on different sections of your mattress to check for weak spots that feel different from the rest of the bed.

If you discover any damage, consider repairing it properly before compression or exploring alternative moving methods. See our guide to fixing a ripped mattress.

Check How Old Your Mattress Is

Newer mattresses typically compress more safely than older ones that have already begun to break down internally. Most mattresses under three years old maintain enough structural integrity to withstand the compression process without permanent damage.

Mattresses over seven years old often contain degraded foam that may crack or crumble when compressed. Older memory foam loses its elasticity over time, making it less likely to return to its original shape after being compressed.

The age of your mattress directly affects how long you can safely keep it compressed without risking permanent damage. Older mattresses should remain compressed for shorter periods, ideally less than a week.

Consider your mattress’s age vs how long a mattress lasts carefully before deciding whether compression presents too much risk to your bed’s comfort and longevity.

Consider Your Warranty

Many mattress warranties specifically prohibit compression by anyone other than the manufacturer. Check your warranty documentation carefully before compressing your mattress to avoid accidentally voiding your coverage.

Some manufacturers allow limited compression for moving purposes but specify maximum compression times and methods. Take photos of your mattress before compression to document its condition in case warranty questions arise later.

Contact the manufacturer directly if your warranty information seems unclear about compression policies. If your mattress still has many years left on its warranty, you might decide the protection outweighs the convenience of compression.

Remember that a compressed mattress that fails to regain its shape properly won’t qualify for warranty replacement if you violated the terms.

Tools You Need

Compressing your mattress requires specific equipment to ensure the process goes smoothly and your mattress stays protected. Having all these tools ready before you start will save you time and prevent frustration during the compression process.

The right tools make all the difference when compressing your mattress for a move or storage. Investing in quality equipment now will protect your mattress from damage and make the entire process much more manageable.

Plastic Mattress Bag

This heavy-duty bag creates an airtight seal around your mattress during compression. Always choose the correct size for your mattress (queen, king, etc.) and look for bags at least 4 mil thick to prevent tears during the compression process.

Duct Tape or Packing Tape

Strong tape secures the plastic bag and reinforces weak points during compression. You’ll need at least one full roll to properly seal the bag and secure the vacuum valve, applying tape in overlapping strips for maximum strength.

Vacuum Cleaner

A powerful vacuum removes air from the sealed plastic bag, allowing your mattress to shrink in size. Home vacuums with hose attachments work for most mattresses, while shop vacuums provide stronger suction for thicker models.

Vacuum Bag Valve

This small plastic valve connects your vacuum cleaner to the sealed mattress bag. Choose a one-way valve that prevents air from flowing back into the bag after you remove the vacuum hose.

Ratchet Straps

These straps maintain compression and provide convenient handles for moving your mattress. Use at least two straps—one near the head and one near the foot—with a third in the middle for larger mattresses.

Step by Step Compression Process

Following these steps in order will help you safely compress your mattress without causing damage. Each step builds on the previous one, so don’t skip ahead or rush the process.

Remove All Bedding

Strip your mattress completely of all sheets, pads, and protectors before compression. Wash and pack these items separately as they shouldn’t be compressed with your mattress.

Keep your mattress protector on only if it’s made of thin, waterproof material that won’t create bumps during compression.

Place your bare mattress on a clean, flat surface like your floor to prepare for the next step.

Put Your Mattress in the Plastic Bag

Slide your mattress into the plastic bag carefully to avoid tearing the plastic. For larger mattresses, ask someone to help you lift and guide the mattress into the bag without forcing it.

Make sure the mattress lies flat inside the bag with no folds or bunches in either the mattress or the bag.

Position the mattress in the center of the bag, leaving enough plastic at the open end to seal properly.

Seal the Bag Tightly

Push out as much air as possible by hand before sealing the bag. Fold the open end of the bag several times, then tape it shut with overlapping strips of duct tape for an airtight seal.

Run your hand along the sealed edge to check for any gaps or loose sections that might leak. Add extra tape to reinforce the corners and edges where leaks commonly occur.

Attach the Vacuum Valve

Select a flat spot on the mattress bag away from edges and seams. Cut a small hole in the plastic bag exactly the size of your valve’s inner piece.

Insert the valve through the hole, securing the outer piece to create an airtight seal around the connection.

Tape around the valve’s base with multiple layers of duct tape to prevent air leaks during the vacuum process.

Remove the Air

Connect your vacuum hose securely to the valve attachment. Turn on your vacuum and watch as your mattress begins to flatten.

Continue vacuuming until no more air comes out and your mattress has compressed to about one-third of its original thickness.

This process typically takes 10-15 minutes for a standard mattress. Once fully compressed, quickly remove the vacuum hose and seal the valve to prevent air from re-entering.

Secure with Straps

Wrap ratchet straps around the compressed mattress while it remains flat on the floor. Position at least two straps—one near the head and one near the foot of the mattress.

Tighten the straps gradually, maintaining even pressure across the entire mattress. The straps both keep your mattress compressed and provide convenient handles for carrying during your move.

Important Safety Tips

Following these critical safety guidelines will protect both your mattress and your investment. These precautions help ensure your mattress returns to its proper shape and comfort level after compression.

Keep Your Mattress Flat While Compressing

Always compress your mattress while it lies completely flat on the floor. Compressing your mattress in any other position creates uneven pressure that can damage the foam structure.

Never stand your mattress against a wall during compression, as this can create permanent creases where the mattress bends. Even pressure across the entire surface helps your mattress maintain its internal structure during compression.

Some people place a large piece of plywood under their mattress during compression to ensure a perfectly flat surface. If compressing on carpet, make sure the surface is level and free of bumps or objects underneath.

Keeping your mattress flat during compression takes more floor space but significantly reduces the risk of permanent damage.

Don’t Compress for Too Long

Most memory foam mattresses should remain compressed for no longer than two weeks to avoid permanent damage. The longer your mattress stays compressed, the higher the risk it won’t fully expand when unpacked.

Newer mattresses generally tolerate compression better than older ones, but even new mattresses have limits. Plan your move carefully so your mattress remains compressed only for the time needed for transportation and immediate storage.

If your storage plans change and you need more time, consider unpacking your mattress and recompressing it later rather than leaving it compressed. Some manufacturers specify maximum compression times in their warranty information—always follow these guidelines.

Memory foam cells can permanently collapse if kept under compression pressure for excessive periods, especially in extreme temperatures or humidity.

Avoid Sharp Bends or Folds

Never fold your mattress in half before compression, as this creates a sharp crease that may become permanent. Roll your compressed mattress gently rather than folding it if you need to make it more compact.

Sharp bends damage the internal structure of memory foam, creating uncomfortable ridges that affect your sleep quality. Pay special attention to the corners of your mattress, which often develop permanent creases if bent sharply during compression.

If you must bend your compressed mattress to fit through doorways, create the gentlest curve possible rather than a sharp angle. Some people use pool noodles or rolled towels placed along fold lines to create wider, gentler curves when bending is unavoidable.

The damage from sharp folds often doesn’t appear immediately but becomes evident after decompression, when your mattress fails to regain its proper shape.

Decompressing Your Mattress

Once you’ve reached your destination, proper decompression ensures your mattress returns to its original comfort level. Following these steps in your new home helps your mattress recover from compression safely.

Remove Straps and Plastic

Cut the ratchet straps carefully with scissors, making sure not to damage the mattress underneath. Keep the straps intact if possible for future use rather than cutting through them.

Open the plastic bag by cutting along one edge, away from the mattress surface to avoid accidental cuts to the fabric. Remove the plastic completely rather than leaving it underneath, as trapped plastic prevents proper air circulation during expansion.

Some people find it helpful to position the compressed mattress on the bed frame before removing the packaging. Take photos of your mattress immediately after unwrapping to document its initial condition for warranty purposes.

Dispose of the plastic bag responsibly or save it for future moves if it remains in good condition.

Allow Time to Expand (24-72 Hours)

Place your unwrapped mattress on a flat surface like your bed frame or the floor and leave it undisturbed. Most memory foam mattresses need at least 24 hours to regain 90% of their original shape and firmness.

Thicker, denser mattresses often require the full 72 hours to completely decompress. Avoid sleeping on your mattress during this initial expansion period, as this can create permanent body impressions in the not-fully-expanded foam.

Keep your room at a comfortable temperature between 68-72°F to help the foam expand properly. Warmer rooms generally speed up the expansion process, while cold temperatures can significantly delay it.

You might notice a slight odor as your mattress expands—this normal “off-gassing” disappears faster with good ventilation. If your mattress doesn’t expand fully within 72 hours, contact the manufacturer for advice.

Check for Any Damage

Once your mattress has fully expanded, inspect it thoroughly for any signs of compression damage. Run your hands across the entire surface, feeling for lumps, depressions, or areas that feel different from the rest.

Check the corners and edges carefully, as these areas most commonly suffer permanent creasing during compression. Test your mattress by lying in your usual sleeping position to detect any uncomfortable spots that weren’t there before compression.

Look for tears in the mattress cover that might have developed during the compression or moving process. Take photos of any damage you discover for warranty claims or insurance purposes.

Minor irregularities often disappear within the first week as the foam continues to fully recover from compression. If you notice significant damage that affects your sleep quality, contact the manufacturer to discuss warranty coverage or replacement options.

When to Avoid DIY Compression

Some mattresses should never be compressed at home regardless of your moving needs. Recognizing these situations helps you avoid costly mistakes and preserve your mattress quality.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses contain metal coils that can permanently bend or break during DIY compression. These coils form the core support system of the mattress and cannot withstand the extreme pressure of vacuum compression.

When damaged, the bent coils create uncomfortable pressure points that make your mattress unusable. The metal components might even tear through the fabric during compression, creating a safety hazard.

Manufacturers build innerspring mattresses to maintain their shape, not to be compressed after production. Some hybrid mattresses with minimal coils might compress safely, but traditional innerspring models should always be moved flat.

Professional movers use special techniques to transport innerspring mattresses without compression.

Very Old Mattresses

Mattresses older than seven years have usually begun breaking down internally, making them poor candidates for compression. The foam in older mattresses loses elasticity over time, reducing its ability to bounce back after being compressed.

Older memory foam often develops microcracks that expand dramatically under compression pressure. The adhesives bonding the mattress layers together weaken with age, sometimes causing layer separation during the compression process.

Compressing an older mattress might speed up its deterioration, potentially cutting months or years off its useful life. Consider replacing and disposing of old mattresses rather than risking damage during a move.

If you must move an older mattress, traditional flat moving methods provide a safer option than compression.

Already Damaged Mattresses

Never compress a mattress that shows visible signs of previous damage or wear. Existing tears will almost certainly expand during compression, potentially destroying the mattress completely.

Mattresses with sagging areas or body impressions indicate internal structural breakdown that compression will worsen. Water damage creates weakened spots that may develop mold when compressed in airtight plastic.

Mattresses with previous repairs rarely withstand the compression process without reopening along the repaired areas. If your mattress already shows signs of damage but remains comfortable, moving it traditionally will give it the best chance of survival.

Sometimes the pressure of compression reveals hidden problems in seemingly undamaged mattresses, so inspect carefully before proceeding.

Alternatives to Compression

If compressing your mattress seems too risky or complicated, several alternatives can make moving or storing your mattress easier. These options might cost more but often provide greater peace of mind.

Professional Movers

Professional moving companies have specialized equipment and techniques for safely transporting mattresses without compression. Most movers use thick mattress bags and protective corrugated cardboard covers to shield your mattress from dirt and damage.

Their teams include multiple strong individuals trained in proper lifting techniques to move mattresses without straining. Professional movers carry insurance that covers damage to your mattress during transit, unlike DIY moves where you bear all the risk.

Many moving companies offer mattress-only moving services at lower rates than full-house moves. Some companies even specialize exclusively in mattress delivery and removal, bringing expertise specific to bed moving.

Though more expensive than DIY compression, professional movers often prove worth the cost for valuable or warranty-protected mattresses.

Mattress Carrying Bags

Specially designed mattress carrying bags include sturdy handles that make moving an uncompressed mattress much easier. These bags typically cost $20-40 and include reinforced corners to prevent tears during transport.

The handles position along both sides of the bag, allowing two people to grip and carry the mattress comfortably. Most carrying bags include a full zipper enclosure that protects your mattress from dirt, moisture, and pests during the move.

Some models feature waterproof exteriors that provide excellent protection during rainy moving days. These bags work particularly well for local moves where transportation time remains short.

Though they don’t reduce the size of your mattress, carrying bags significantly improve handling and protection compared to moving an unprotected mattress.

Consider a New Mattress

Sometimes replacing your mattress makes more sense than moving it, especially if it’s approaching the end of its useful life. Many online mattress companies deliver compressed new mattresses directly to your new home, eliminating moving concerns entirely.

The cost of professional movers plus potential damage risks sometimes approaches the price of a mattress replacement. New mattresses arrive with fresh warranties and many years of use ahead, unlike older mattresses with uncertain remaining lifespans.

Some mattress companies offer old mattress removal with new mattress delivery, solving two problems at once. The stress reduction of not worrying about mattress damage during your move sometimes justifies the replacement cost.

Modern compressed mattresses often provide better comfort and support than older models, making a move the perfect opportunity to upgrade your sleep quality.

FAQs

Can I compress any type of mattress at home?

Not all mattresses can be safely compressed at home. Memory foam and all-foam mattresses compress most successfully because they contain no rigid internal structures. Hybrid mattresses with minimal coils might compress safely, but always check the manufacturer’s guidelines first.

Traditional innerspring mattresses should never be compressed at home because their metal coils can permanently bend or break under compression pressure. Latex mattresses compress well but require more force than memory foam due to their denser structure.

How long can I keep my mattress compressed?

Most memory foam mattresses should remain compressed for no longer than two weeks to avoid permanent damage. Newer mattresses generally tolerate compression better than older ones, but even new mattresses have time limits.

The foam cells in your mattress can permanently collapse if kept under pressure for too long, especially in extreme temperatures or humidity. If your storage plans change and you need more time, consider unpacking your mattress and recompressing it later rather than risking long-term damage.

Will compressing my mattress void the warranty?

Many mattress warranties specifically prohibit compression by anyone other than the manufacturer. Before compressing your mattress, always check your warranty documentation carefully to avoid accidentally voiding your coverage.

Some manufacturers allow limited compression for moving purposes but specify maximum compression times and methods.

Take photos of your mattress before compression to document its condition in case warranty questions arise later, and consider contacting the manufacturer directly if your warranty information seems unclear about compression policies.

Naturally, this isn’t an issue if your mattress is outside of its original warranty period. But if your mattress is old enough to have an expired warranty, it might be better to just replace it.

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

Give your mattress the full recommended 24-72 hours in a warm room before concluding it won’t recover. Sometimes the expansion process happens unevenly, with the center taking longer than the edges to regain full thickness.

Try walking lightly across the surface of the mattress (in clean socks) to help stimulate the foam cells to expand in stubborn areas. If your mattress hasn’t recovered after three full days, contact the manufacturer for specific advice about your model.

Can I compress a mattress without a vacuum cleaner?

Vacuum compression provides the most effective and safest method for reducing your mattress size, but alternatives exist for those without access to a vacuum. Some people use heavy objects and body weight to press air out while rolling the mattress tightly in plastic, though this method won’t remove as much air as vacuum compression.

Mattress compression bags with built-in hand pumps offer another option, though they require significant physical effort to operate effectively. Without proper vacuum compression, you’ll need extra ratchet straps to maintain the reduced size, and your mattress won’t get as compact as with vacuum methods.

Is it safe to sleep on a mattress right after decompression?

Manufacturers generally recommend waiting 24-72 hours after decompression before sleeping on your mattress. Sleeping on a partially expanded mattress can create permanent body impressions in the not-fully-recovered foam.

The mattress needs time to properly ventilate and release any odors from the plastic packaging and compression process.

However, if you have no alternative sleeping arrangement, sleeping on the partially expanded mattress for one night won’t likely cause significant damage in most cases, especially if the mattress has already expanded to at least 90% of its original size.

How can I tell if compression damaged my mattress?

After your mattress fully expands, inspect it thoroughly by running your hands across the entire surface, feeling for lumps, depressions, or areas that feel different from the rest. Check the corners and edges carefully, as these areas most commonly suffer permanent creasing during compression.

Test your mattress by lying in your usual sleeping position to detect any uncomfortable spots that weren’t there before compression. Minor irregularities often disappear within the first week as the foam continues to fully recover, but significant unevenness, permanent creases, or uncomfortable spots that persist indicate compression damage.

Conclusion

Compressing your mattress at home requires careful planning, the right tools, and attention to safety guidelines, but it can make your move significantly easier. Following each step correctly protects your investment and ensures your mattress will continue providing comfortable sleep for years to come.

Check your mattress type and condition before attempting compression, as not all mattresses can safely handle this process. When done properly, your compressed mattress will take up less space in your moving vehicle and pass more easily through doorways and staircases. After you reach your destination, allow your mattress adequate time to expand fully before sleeping on it.

Whether you choose DIY compression or one of the alternatives, prioritizing your mattress’s safety during a move pays off in long-term comfort and durability. With the knowledge from this guide, you can now confidently make the best decision for your specific mattress and moving situation.