Do you have a bigger mattress than you need and wonder if you can reduce its size? Or perhaps you want to make it smaller for easy disposal. But note that you will pay for disposal charges in some states. If not, you may still want to put it to some other good use and still get your money’s worth.
Can you cut a mattress to make it smaller? Yes, you can by having the right tools for cutting, like an electric saw, scissors, sharp knife, or jig saw. You will also need a tape measure to help you figure out the size to cut. That’s not all; you also need information on how you will cut the mattress, as explained in this article.
Why Should You Cut a Mattress?
Multiple reasons may prompt you to cut a mattress. Maybe you want to dispose of the mattress, and cutting it into smaller pieces will make transportation easy. Alternatively, you may want to downsize your bed or allow free space in the bedroom without buying a new mattress.
You can also cut a mattress to reuse it for other purposes. The foam mattress can effectively make cushions or act as sleeping mats for your dog or cat. Also, the slabs from the foam can be placed on car seats for added comfort for kids, especially when traveling long distances.
Steps for Cutting a Mattress
You don’t cut up your mattress with just any tool; you need a sharp object that will cut through quickly but safeguard the edges. The various tools include a knife, a rotary cutter, or scissors. However, carry out the cutting procedure cautiously to prevent injuries from the sharp blades.
Tools needed
- A pair of scissors, jig saw, or sharp knife
- Tape measure
- Seam ripper
- Marker pen
1. Put the mattress on a flat surface
This step helps you determine the correct measurements for the particular mattress size you need. You must ensure the surface you are laying the mattress is free from sharp objects that might damage the mattress.
2. Remove the mattress cover
This can be done by cutting the mattress cover or using a seam reaper if you still want to preserve it. Once done, remove the mattress cover entirely, as cutting a naked mattress is more straightforward than cutting one with covers. However, you will be forced to cut through the cover if it’s sewn into the mattress.
3. Measure the mattress
Get the length, width, plus height of the mattress with a tape measure and mark the entire cutting area with a marker. Use the results to calculate the matching measurements in inches that suit your small mattress size. For instance, a mattress that is 72 inches long by 48 inches wide by 20 inches high can be reduced to a size of 36 by 24 by 10 inches, respectively.
Doing this helps you to come up with a piece that doesn’t have an awkward look. It’s even possible for you to get different designs from the mattress. Use a ruler to make a straight line or curve you want with the marker pen.
4. Start the cutting
Once you find the intended size, start cutting up the mattress to create a smaller piece than the original one for easy use. Take your time during this stage to get a straight but smooth edge, as doing so quickly can result in a mattress with bumpy sides.
Don’t apply pressure on the area you are cutting to avoid changing the shape. As you work through the sides of the mattress, the blade should be positioned at a 90-degree angle for easy cutting, even through denser pieces. Some foam mattresses have different densities; the soft foam part will be easy to cut through, while you will have to put more effort into cutting through the rigid foam.
5. Confirm the cutting areas
Verifying the measurements for the areas you have cut ensures that you don’t come up with a size that’s too big or smaller than the proposed. Any bumps or protrusions on the sides should be handled with care when cutting to prevent distortion of the mattress, which can make it wobbly.
6. Trim off extra mattress pieces
Use your scissors to come up with a flat surface. This ensures that the mattress fits appropriately into the mattress cover. You can buy a new cover for the small mattress or custom-make the current one by folding over the excess piece or cutting and restitching it for a snug fit.
Don’t through away the leftovers just yet! You can reuse the mattress pieces for many DIY items, like making pillows, mats, and even smaller pet mattresses.
7. Finish cutting the mattress
Work through the width of the mattress in the opposite direction to achieve a symmetrical but smooth surface. This can be done by following the natural seams or contours of the mattress but don’t cut through springs or stuffing.
Does cutting a mattress to make it smaller have risks?
While you may see the idea of cutting a mattress to make it smaller to be cost-saving or space-saving, you may still encounter some risks. The cutting process may damage the mattress completely and render it unusable, or the end product can be uncomfortable or unhealthy to sleep in. Lastly, reducing the size of the mattress can violate its warranty.
Is it possible to cut a spring mattress to make it smaller?
You can cut through the springs but make the edges blunt when done though you will need a sharp tool like an electric saw. Additionally, sew the springs inside the mattress to make it stable. Otherwise, cut through the foam padding on the mattress’s upper and lower sides. This reduces the initial size but doesn’t affect the comfort.
A mattress is a key investment you wouldn’t want to dispose of if you think it’s still worthy. Cutting a mattress to make it smaller is a DIY procedure. As detailed above, you will need the right tools, exercise proper safety precautions, and know how to cut up the mattress. This gives you a smaller mattress of your desired size but a similar thickness to the original one.