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How To Cut A Memory Foam Mattress? (3 Simple Steps)

Cutting is the only solution if you want to repurpose your mattress or resize it to fit in your bed frame. But can you cut a memory foam mattress? Many memory foam mattresses allow you to trim them for different purposes. However, memory foam may be another case.  This article will help you find the correct answer to this tricky question. Let’s read on to discover!

Can You Cut A Memory Foam Mattress?

Yes, you can. The fiber allows you to trim or sew your mattress into different parts for specific purposes.

Is the mattress easy to cut?

Cutting is the only solution if you want to repurpose your mattress or resize it to fit in your bed frame. But can you cut a memory foam mattress? Many memory foam mattresses allow you to trim them for different purposes. However, memory foam may be another case. This article will help you find the correct answer to this tricky question. Let’s read on to discover!

Can You Cut A Memory Foam Mattress?

Yes, it’s impossible to cut a memory foam mattress. It can be cut to a smaller size or to fit a specific space, but it’s important to do so carefully and with the proper tools.

The fiber allows you to trim or sew your mattress into different parts for specific purposes. You’ll need some tools and resources to reshape the foam to the desired mattress sizes so that they can fit properly in your space.

A sharp knife can help get a clean and smooth cut on the foam mattress. Yet, you may need to search for sawing alternatives because the edges are rough and ragged.

One of the most important things to check before cutting is whether the cushion contains fiberglass. If you trim a cushion with fiberglass in it, the particles will fly around the room, causing unhealthy situations.

How To Trim A Foam Mattress?

Before the process of trimming a foam mattress, you should also gather other tools, such as:

  • Pen or marker
  • Measurement tape
  • Ruler
  • Goggles
  • Drywall square

Now, let’s follow the three-step instructions below:

Step 1: Measure And Mark The Cutting Lines

You must first calculate the shape and dimensions of the cushion. For example, measure your bed first if you want to resize it to fit it.

Determine the proportions with the tape measure. After checking your estimated size with the measuring tape, add 1/8 inch to them and mark up the cushion, i.e., draw a line around where you will cut it off.

A detailed overview will make it much more straightforward to understand what you’re working on. Because cutting means removing a part of the material, the extra inch can act as a buffer.

If you’re working on a thick cushion, you might need to turn it over, so draw cutting lines on both surfaces and make sure they’re the same.

Step 2: Cut The Mattress

Start by making shallow cuts along the lines that have been marked, then gradually increase the depth until you have cut through all of the foam’s thickness. To prevent making excessive cuts, move slowly and carefully.

To get smooth straight edges while slicing foam, place it on a level surface, ideally a tabletop, with the part you’re chopping dangling over the edge.

To keep the cushion in place, you can put something heavy on it but stay far away from your cutting line. Hence, it won’t affect your cutting job.

Make a clean, straight incision using the line you drew with the cutting tool held parallel to the cushion.

Read more: Is It Illegal To Sell A Used Mattress

Step 3: Test The Mattress

After trimming the foam, check again the mattress cover or bed frame and try it out. Make sure that there are no lumps or bumps and that the fit is tight and comfortable.

Test The Mattress

Why You Should Cut The Cushion?

Some people may wonder about the reason and the advantages of cutting the cushion. This cutting project is helpful for three reasons:

Why You Should Cut The Cushion?

Change The Shape Or Size

You can trim a big-sized mattress in half to share with another person. People with kids use the same method to ensure that all children are the same size. Instead of buying something new, this tip can save you a lot of money.

You may also want to place the mattress on your futon or bed. Unfortunately, the mattress is too big for the foundation. In this case, you can resize the cushion until it fits the frame nicely.

Read more: Best Split Queen Mattresses

Repurpose The Cushion

You can trim the cushion to refurbish your sofa or daybed. Because furniture comes in different sizes and shapes, you might need to design a custom-sized cushion for it.

You may also create a bed for your dog by cutting up an old mattress. Spread it out on a sofa and let your little buddy stay in his bed all day.

Protect The Cushion

Instead of trashing the damaged cushion because of pets or children, split it up into smaller pieces and use them when needed. To turn into the seat cushions as an example.

What Is The Best Tool To Trim Memory Foam Mattresses?

This foam is a very soft material. Hence, you don’t need a heavy-duty tool for your project. A knife would suffice, but not your cooking knife.

Wear protective gloves to avoid having your skin entangled with the under-mattress. You should use an extremely sharp knife when cutting.

Here are some recommendations you can consider for your cutting task:

Knife

The electric knife is perhaps the most user-friendly. You’ll save time and labor by simply sliding the blade through the cushion. Furthermore, utilizing this knife provides the sharpest, cleanest edges.

You can also use a long carving knife. To slice through the foam with this blade, you must use quick back-and-forth moves.

The craft knife is another solution. These sharp knives can cut through the foam. They also have a sharp tip that makes passing through the fabric simpler.

However, do not try sawing motions with this knife. Alternatively, begin with a small, shallow slice on a tiny piece of foam and slowly expand the slice until you reach the base and finish the incision.

Saw

You can use a horizontal saw to cut the cushion horizontally.

However, if you’re cutting a memory foam mattress horizontally, the hot wire may be the best method. It will also work if you have a certain form in mind or are using high-density foam.

Remember to keep the cushion firmly while using this type of cut without placing any pressure on it. Otherwise, you risk distorting or compressing it.

Scissors

Big-sized scissors can cut a thin mattress or the memory foam mattress topper that is less than 3/4 inches thick but make sure that the jaws of your scissors can fit the material. When cutting, use short chops to avoid snipping your fingers.

While cutting with scissors, try to make small and straight cuts. If you make too many cuts in a line, your cuts will veer.

-Can you cut a memory foam mattress

Conclusion

You can trim your memory foam mattress to resize or repurpose it. Prepare a sharp knife, ruler, safety glasses, and caution to get your job done.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. We will get back to you soon. We hope you get the step-by-step guide to trimming a foam mattress properly!

Thank you for reading!

FAQs

Can I cut a memory foam mattress topper with normal scissors?

Cutting a memory foam mattress topper with normal scissors is not recommended. Because memory foam is a solid substance, cutting it with scissors risks tearing or creating an uneven surface. A bumpy or unpleasant sleeping surface may arise from this.

What’s the best tool for cutting a memory foam mattress?

The best tool to use for cutting a foam mattress is an electric carving knife or a foam-specific cutting tool. These tools are designed to cut through dense materials like memory foam cleanly and evenly, without causing damage or uneven cuts.

Is it possible to trim a memory foam mattress without damaging the foam?

Yes, it is possible to trim a memory foam mattress without damaging the foam, but it requires the use of the proper tools and techniques. Additionally, it is recommended to smooth the edges of the foam with sandpaper or a foam sanding block after cutting to ensure a clean and neat finish.

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David Elkie

David Elkie

David Elkie is the CEO at Banner Mattress. He has been in the writing and editing business for the mattress, bedding accessories and décor industries for over 20 years.