Do you want to learn how you can cut a memory foam mattress with ease? For those who are finding themselves in this position for the first time, you have a lot to learn from this article.
There are times wherein your bed seems bigger than how you want it. In those times, you can make some cuts to get your desired size. The steps that I will share with you are highly effective and easy to embark on.
For those unaware, memory foam has been in existence and even gained popularity decades ago. And, those with back pain, hips or even shoulder pain have confirmed that the memory foam offers them relief from all forms of pressure.
Nevertheless, some people are hesitant to purchase memory foam due to safety concerns. This is a result of the chemicals used in the production of memory foams.
Note that, as you search for a mattress that is comfortable, it will also make lots of sense if you research how the mattress can affect your health.
Before we delve into how to cut a memory foam mattress, you must have an understanding of what memory foam truly entails.
Table of Contents
What is a memory foam?
It must be noted that as polyurethane foam, it compresses when under pressure like all other foams. However, it stands out from other polyurethane foams because it has some extra chemicals added to its production.
These chemicals help to boost its elasticity and viscosity. For this reason, it is also known as viscoelastic foam. Whenever pressure is added, the memory foam is capable of stretching into diverse shapes.
It slowly returns to its initial form once you lift the pressure. With such capabilities, the memory foam can absorb energy to provide relief from pressure.
A little back history shows that NASA developed the memory foam mattress initially in the 1960s. It was done to offer cushioning against prospective crashes and vibrations.
Later on, its components were used in preventing bedsores in patients who could not move for a long while. By the 1990s, the first memory foam introduced to the globe was produced by TempurPedic.
Since it is activated using heat, it can mold easily to the user’s body shape and offers both support and relief to each user. The memory foam is a high-density mattress that excels in its power to prevent the transfer of motion from one partner to the next.
More so, the latest generations of memory foam mattresses have some elements which fight to decrease the retention of heat. And, it allows for easier movement when on the bed.
Furthermore, the ingredients used in making this foam varies from one company to the next as well as the different density. However, they all contain some basic ingredients like:
Polyols
They are the fundamental developmental blocks of all memory foams. Polyols are regarded as molecules comprising of some alcoholic chemical group categorized as the hydroxyl group.
Furthermore, Polyols are well-known organic compounds that are found in almost everything from plastic to sugar.
Diisocyanates(DII)
They are chemical compounds that react chemically with some polymers to generate polyurethane foam.
Blowing agents
Manufacturers use them in making the chemicals that react in order for this foam to be made. The majority of the current companies make use of water due to its reduced toxicity when compared to normal blowing agents that are chemical-based.
Bear in mind that most of the substances used in the making of memory foams are gotten from petroleum.
Tools for cutting memory foam
When people decide to embark on how to cut a memory foam mattress or mattress toppers, they have different reasons for it. Some of the reasons are:
- Want foam to fit onto a smaller bed
- Fit foam into an unusual area like a camper van or a boat
- Customize their mattress for an unusual bed frame
- Reuse the mattress for some applications like creating makeshift pillows, mats, headboard padding, or even seat cushions
When you want to cut memory foam or mattress toppers, you will need to make use of protective gear when handling some of the materials. The materials you will need are:
- Electric knife
- A very large scissors
- Utility knife
- A serrated bread knife
- Carving knife
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- Drywall Square or a piece of hardboard or plywood
- Sharpie
- Seam ripper
- Sewing kit
When it comes to the knives used in learning how to cut a memory foam mattress, the information you need about them are:
The Electric knife
It is the easiest that you can use. With it, there is not much effort to put into your work as you just need to slide it through the foam. When you use electric knives, it will give you sharp results with clean edges. It will also give you a straight cut.
The Carving knife
Carving knives will be a great option when you have to make use of short back and forth motions on how to cut a memory foam mattress. You can also use the electric carving knife to make your cuts.
A Utility knife
Like a sharp knife, it is good enough to deal with your foam. Also, they come with pointy tips that make it easy to go through the material. When you make use of this knife you are to avoid any form of sawing motions.
Rather, begin with a shallow cut on the small section of the foam and make the cut deeper gradually till you get to the end and cut a memory foam mattress.
An Extra-large scissors
For those who do not have the ideal knives for this job, or your knife is not sharp enough, you can make use of heavy-duty scissors. Simply cut smaller portions of the foam and try using just the tip of the scissors to have a cleaner finish.
Long-serrated bread knife
Once this knife is sharp enough, it can easily cut through your memory foam. However, you will need to use the sawing motion to cut through its material. Even though its edges may be a bit ragged, it will not be a problem if you will be encasing the mattress cover into a fabric.
When you use the serrated knife you will be left with a serrated edge after you are done. However, if you make use of a non-serrated sharp knife you will have to place your hand slowly through the material as you cut.
Ways to cut a memory foam mattress
When it comes to cutting the memory foam mattress, you can do it horizontally or you can embark on decreasing the width or length to fit your desires.
Since its design makes it swiftly conform to any external pressure, you are to make sure nothing compresses the foam while you measure, mark, or cut a memory foam mattress.
The steps you need to follow to cut a memory foam mattress and memory foam mattress topper are:
Step One
The first thing you have to do is to take out the cover of the memory foam mattress. It is important as the aim is to cut the foam and nothing else. When that is done, search for a zip that is usually hidden within the cover of the mattress.
Another option is to use a seam opener. If these alternatives are hard to come by, the next choice is to open the cover by cutting through it. When this is done, position the mattress on a firm yet flat surface.
To do this, you can place a layer of plywood under it to avoid any form of damage to your floor should the knife crush into it. If your mattress is thin and lightweight, you will need to secure it by placing something heavy on its corners.
However, it does not need to be extra heavy just adequate to stop the mattress from sliding off.
Step Two
In this step, you will be measuring out the exact dimensions that you want for the foam. Ensure that you add a minimum of 1/8 inches to these new dimensions. This is done in case of any errors.
Step Three
With the help of your marker pen and a tape measure, you are to highlight or mark all the dimensions you have in place. The measurement you take first will be carried out on the edge of your foam.
Proceed with extending your tape measure till the point when you get the height you want. And use the marker in marking the spot.
Furthermore, move about five or ten inches though this is dependent on the vastness of your mattress. However, move five or ten inches to the right or left and carry out the entire procedure again.
Ensure that your dimensions are always intact. This will be of great help to you when you build your own memory foam mattress foundation.
Step Four
Here, you will need to join all the marks you made earlier on the foam so that your cut lines will be visible. Avoid making thick lines to leave space for any form of errors. For those who will make curved lines, use things that will give you accurate curves.
Step Five
Position your mattress on a surface that will leave the areas you want to cut out protruding from the surface. If needed, position any object that has weight on the parts of the mattress on the surface you have positioned it on.
Ensure that it is a minimum of five inches from the area you will cut out so as to avoid compressing your foam.
Step Six
Since you have razors in place, make use of this sharp equipment or the razor knife in cutting the memory foam mattress. Ensure that the razor knife is used in perfectly tracing the cut line. Begin from one edge and proceed in cutting to the next side.
As you cut, it may tend to be hard on one side, however, it is possible to begin once more from another edge and meet at the middle. When it becomes hard to maintain a line that is straight, you can use hardwood or plywood to guide your cutting.
Then, guide the knife so it does not stray off the course. Make sure the area you are cutting on the memory foam mattress is not compressed. This will prevent having lines that are crooked.
Step Seven
Once you are done cutting the memory foam mattresses, the best bet is to search for the edges that may be rough in a bid to make them even. As you make the edges smooth, ensure that you are focused.
In order to horizontally cut the memory foam mattress to make it thin, the process is difficult. This is because it will sap your energy and time. It is best to make use of an electric saw or the horizontal saw to prevent work hazards.
As you start to cut a memory foam mattress please follow our steps closely and use our discussed tools:
- Take out memory foam mattress cover
- Measure the new dimensions that you want
- Mark out the new dimensions that you want
- Join all the marks you made previously
- Place the foam mattress on a platform
- Use your knives to cut the memory foam mattress
- Even out the rough edges from cut surfaces
Cutting the foam mattress horizontally
For those interested in how to cut a memory foam mattress and make it thinner, it is possible to cut it horizontally. However, I must warn you immediately that it is difficult. It will need precision and special tools.
There are a few options that I have used and one of such is the electric saw or long horizontal saw. Make sure you are holding the top section of the foam however, do not press it too much as you subtly move the saw through the material.
I will recommend that you place the mattress on a towel or sheet since some of the foam bits will be flying around as you cut. The fabric you place underneath will catch them and make the cleaning easy on you.
While using the electric saw may be dangerous, you need to be careful though it is best to stick to the regular one. You may hurt yourself when you use it, especially when you try holding the top section of your mattress to stop it from sliding off while cutting.
The regular saw is safer for this case. However, another option is the hot wire. I managed to find one that was wide enough for my mattress. Bear in mind that, this method will demand additional steady hands before you start cutting.
More so, it will be convenient for you to simply cut the mattress when you position it on a taller base.
When using an electric saw, the steps to follow are:
- Determine the dimensions, entire lenght, and size of the mattress you desire
- Remove the mattress cover
- Ensure you have a tape measure, ruler, and marker pen
- Measure the saw blade to get an idea of how deep it can cut
- Proceed to mark and measure the ace you want to cut
- Cut the memory foam mattress topper or memory foam mattress cautiously on flat ground without placing too much pressure on it
- Cut down the excess material and restore the mattress cover
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Which tool should I use to cut memory foam mattress?
One of the best tools we can recommend to you when learning how to cut a memory foam mattress is an electric knife. This tool is like a serrated bread knife that runs on electricity. This tool works great for cutting soft materials without damaging them.
How to avoid tearing a mattress when cutting it?
Learning how to cut a memory foam mattress is all well and good, but you have to make sure that you are cutting them without tearing or damaging them. One of the best tips we can give you is that you should cut the mattress without putting any pressure on it.
Conclusion
Once you have learned how to cut a memory foam mattress into a custom fit, a person can begin converting the memory foam mattress into any of your desired sizes.
Now, you do not need to throw your huge memory foam mattresses away as you can easily cut them with the steps we have successfully provided.
