Resizing a foam mattress--quick, simple, and easy!

[Stargazer]

You can easily cut down a foam mattress or pad yourself. I have done this several times with great success.

I purchased the foam mattress of my choice in a size that is bigger than I needed (twin for me). Measured and marked on the foam with a sharpie, then used an electric carving knife to cut it to size and shape. It worked great.

I have also, in a pinch, used a butcher knife. It was a little jagged on the cut edge but once the bedding is on, it doesn't matter. I'm sure almost any type of blade would work if it's long enough to cut through the thickness of the foam.

Takes only a few minutes, doesn't require much strength, and is free.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

I planned to do the electric carving knife after watching a youtube of some guy doing it, seemed to work pretty well.&nbsp; The size of my mattress should be ok but i want to segment it.&nbsp; If walmart would ever ship the dang thing <img src="/images/boards/smilies/frown.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;I use my large (and very sharp!) kitchen knife and, instead of sawing from one end to the other, make nice looooong strokes along the line; makes for a much neater 'cut'. ..Willy.

 

[Trekking]

What kind of foam, (Closed cell) are you folks using and how thick of foam are you using.

 

[Stargazer]

Any kind. I've cut regular closed cell foam, memory foam, styrofoam. Easy breezy!

Edited to add: everything from one inch to my current 9" thick closed cell/memory foam mattress.

 

[PhotoGypsy]

What mattress thickness works well? &nbsp;Where is a good place to purchase foam or a mattress? &nbsp;

 

[Stargazer]

Mattress thickness is a personal choice. Some choose the floor or ground, no mattress. Ugh! I Ended up chosing a 9" thick memory foam mattress after trying a 2" topper over the (now gone) rear bench seat, added two more toppers to that over time and still hit bottom (I weigh 135#). Some love futon mattresses, but that's not for me.

You can buy foam pads at WalMart, Target, JoAnn Crafts. I'm sure there are other places but that's where I've found them. Mattress stores! I found mine online at an RV mattress site. Not cheap but the mattress is the most expensive thing in my van.

You will have to remove the mattress cover (mine had a zipper on it) to cut the mattress, of course, and the cover won't fit right afterwards but I just tuck it under.

 

[ZOFCHAK]

&nbsp; I cut mine using a large piece of 2x8 lumber and a razor.&nbsp;&nbsp; I used the board as a straight edge and applied my body weight to the board to compress the foam. Worked great!

 

[PhotoGypsy]

I LOVE the practical information and problem solving techniques I have found on this forum

 

[Willy]

&nbsp;When it comes to foam mattresses a higher quality (denser) open cell foam allows you to have a thinner mattress and will resist 'collapsing' better. You might have noticed, with cheap open cell foam cushions, that they compress over time and stay that way. That's the price ya pay for not paying the price. ..Willy.&nbsp;

 

[Cambia]

I used a utility knife to cut down my temperpedic mattress. It worked pretty well, and with a mattress pad on, you can't even tell.