Compressing a memory foam mattress for moving involves several steps: removing all bedding, wrapping the mattress in plastic, vacuuming out the air, sealing the plastic, and then rolling or folding the mattress. To do this, you will need a mattress bag, vacuum cleaner with a hose, ratchet straps or rope, and a couple of helping hands. Once compressed, it’s much easier to transport the mattress without risking damage to its structure.
Preparation: Gathering Materials and Necessary Precautions
Before you start the compression process, it is essential to have everything you need on hand. These materials include:
- A sturdy mattress bag, which can be purchased at moving or storage supply stores.
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. The vacuum is vital for sucking the air out of the mattress.
- Ratchet straps or rope to secure the mattress once it’s compressed.
- Scissors or a knife for opening the mattress bag once you’ve reached your destination.
Carefully inspect the mattress for any sharp objects or rough corners in the room that could potentially puncture the plastic bag or damage the foam. Remember, memory foam is relatively delicate and can be torn if not handled with care.
Steps to Compress Your Memory Foam Mattress
Compressing your mattress can be broken down into a sequence of steps, ensuring a safe and efficient process.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
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Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
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Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
Step 1: Remove Bedding and Clean the Mattress
Strip the mattress of all bedding, including sheets, mattress protectors, and pads. It’s also a great opportunity to clean your mattress. Use a handheld vacuum to remove any debris or dust. Spot-clean any stains using a mild detergent, ensuring the mattress is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 2: Place the Mattress in a Mattress Bag
Slide the mattress into the plastic mattress bag. Take your time with this step, and avoid rushing, as you don’t want to rip the bag. Once the mattress is within the bag, make sure it is centered and fits snugly.
Step 3: Vacuum the Air Out
Seal the mattress bag but leave a small opening for the vacuum hose. Make sure the hose is snugly fitted into the opening to prevent air from escaping. Turn on the vacuum and watch as the mattress begins to deflate. You will need to apply pressure evenly across the mattress to help push the air out.
Step 4: Seal the Bag Tightly
Once most of the air is vacuumed out, quickly remove the hose and seal the bag completely. This might take a few tries to get perfect as you don’t want any air slipping back in. Some people use a piece of duct tape to reinforce the seal.
Step 5: Roll or Fold the Mattress
With the mattress now flattened, begin to gently roll or fold it. If you’re rolling, start from one end and keep the roll as tight as possible. For a fold, aim for thirds or quarters depending on the mattress size and the final packed size you need. This is where an extra pair of hands can come in very useful to help maintain the roll or fold.
Step 6: Secure the Mattress
Once the mattress is tightly rolled or folded, use ratchet straps or rope to keep it compressed. Securing the mattress will prevent it from unrolling during transit and makes for easier handling.
Step 7: Transporting the Compressed Mattress
Finally, with the mattress compressed and secured, it’s ready to be moved. Ensure it’s lifted properly to avoid any damage and stored safely during transportation where it won’t be subject to sharp objects or excess weight.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when compressing your memory foam mattress:
- Recompression: A memory foam mattress should only be compressed when necessary, such as during a move. Repetitive compression and decompression may damage the foam integrity.
- Storage: Don’t store the mattress compressed for extended periods. It is designed for air to flow through it, and prolonged storage while compressed can damage it.
- Timeframe: Try to decompress the mattress as soon as possible after moving. This will help prevent any lasting damage and allow the memory foam to return to its original shape and size.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Remember that memory foam is affected by temperature. In colder climates, the foam can get quite firm, making it hard to compress or decompress. Allow it to adjust to room temperature if you’re having difficulties.
- Space: Ensure you have ample room to perform these steps safely and effectively. A large, open area works best, keeping clear of sharp corners and hazards.
Finishing Thoughts
Compressing a memory foam mattress need not be a daunting task if you approach it methodically with the right tools. Take your time, be patient, and ensure you have help especially when it comes to rolling and securing the mattress. Following these steps can protect your investment and make moving your mattress far less stressful. Once you’re in your new space, allow the mattress to decompress naturally and it will be ready to provide a good night’s sleep in no time. Remember, treat your mattress well during the move, and it will continue to treat you well with restful sleep.
