Memory foam mattress toppers are made from viscoelastic foam that is essential in providing pressure relief thereby ensuring a comfortable sleep. From time to time, you may need to store your foam mattress topper and having the knowledge on how to store the mattress topper is crucial to avoid damaging the mattress topper.
When foam mattress topper is not stored properly, it is likely to lose its shape leading to damage, deformation or have mold growth in it.
Preparing Memory Foam Mattress Topper for Storage
As you prepare to store your memory foam mattress topper, its crucial to adequately prepare for the exercise to avoid damaging the mattress topper. The two important steps you need to take is to ensure the mattress topper is clean and to decompress the foam mattress topper.
Here we have a look at the two activities.
Cleaning Memory Foam Mattress Topper Before Storage
In order to assure a quality mattress topper that you can sleep on when you want to use it, it’s important to clean your memory foam mattress topper thoroughly. This exercise will ensure that you remove dust, dead skin cells, hair, odors and stains.
Here are the steps to clean your memory foam mattress topper:
- Use a vacuum cleaner that has a soft brush at the end to remove dust, dead skin cells and other loose debris. Lay the mattress topper on a flat surface that is clean and vacuum all sides. Make circular motions of the vacuum cleaner and pay attention to crevices like those in egg-crate mattress topper.
- If the mattress topper has stains, prepare a cleaning solution using soap and water and use a cloth to clean the stained area. Clean the stain from out going in so that you doing spread the stain to other areas. Rinse the stain area with clean water and ensure you do not use excess water as it can damage the foam.
- If there is smell or odor on the mattress topper, apply an even layer of baking soda and allow the foam mattress topper to stay 8 hours at least for the baking soda to eliminate the odor. You can allow the mattress topper to stay overnight while covered in baking soda.
- Vacuum clean the mattress topper to remove the baking soda. The topper should have no smell at this point.
Decompression of Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If the foam mattress topper that you want to store had been rolled up or compressed, you need to let it expand fully before you store it.
Expanding the foam mattress topper enables it to regain its original shape and retain its structure. The expansion process may take anywhere between 24hrs-72hrs depending on the density and thickness of the foam mattress topper
Ensure the foam mattress topper is on a flat clean surface for it to expand evenly. A bed is a good place but do not put anything on top of the mattress topper before it expands fully.
Rolling the Memory Foam Mattress Topper
After cleaning the mattress topper, its now the stage where you need to roll the topper. Why roll the foam mattress topper instead of folding? There are several reasons why its prudential to roll up the memory foam mattress topper instead of folding it. Some of them are:
- Rolling prevents creases and sharp ends that may damage the foam mattress topper.
- Rolling ensures that the pressure distribution is even and thus helps maintain the original shape and structure once unrolled.
- A memory foam mattress topper that has been rolled up expands faster when it comes to the time to use it as compared to a folded mattress topper.
How to Properly Roll Foam Mattress Topper
To ensure no damage occurs to the structure of the memory foam mattress topper, its crucial to do the rolling up properly. Here are the steps to follow when rolling up foam mattress topper.
- Ensure you have a clean place that is flat and large enough to accommodate the whole mattress topper.
- Start the rolling process from the shorter end of the memory foam mattress topper. This is the end that will go towards the headboard.
- Remove air from the mattress topper. This is done by gently applying pressure using your hands on the mattress topper. Ensure the pressure you apply is light and evenly distributed.
- Ensure the rolling is straight. Alight the edges straight as you roll the topper. This will prevent creation of wrinkles and uneven surface.
- Roll the memory foam mattress topper tightly but not excessively tight. This tight roll ensures you have a compact roll without compressing the foam too much.
- If the mattress roller is huge, like queen or king size and you cannot roll it alone, ask for help.
The rolling process aims to protect the foam structure inside and make it easier to store and transport the topper.
Packaging the Rolled Memory Foam Mattress Topper
After rolling up the mattress topper and securing it, its time now to package it for storage. Here you have several options. These are:
- Original packaging: If you still have the packaging that the memory form mattress topper came with, this is the most ideal for storage
- Use vacuum-sealed bag: The advantage with this bags us that they can compress the topper further, saving space. Be cautious however as further compression may damage the foam structure.
- Large plastic bag: A garbage bag that is large enough to fit in the rolled topper can be used. Ensure the garbage bag is clean and has not been used previously.
- Breathable dust bag: A dust bag that is made of fabric allows free air circulation, and this can be beneficial for long-term storage.
After choosing the storage method that is appropriate to you, now is the time to secure the rolled-up memory foam mattress topper. Here is what you need to do
- Since you had rolled up and secured the topper, place it in the chosen storage bag.
- If you will be using the plastic garbage bag, remove as much air as in possible once the rolled mattress topper is inside.
- If using a vacuum-sealed bag, be pn the lookout and ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to remove the air.
- If need be and for added protection, you may place the bagged memory foam mattress topper into a second, larger bag or container.
What Are the Optimal Storage Conditions for Memory Foam Mattress Topper?
After rolling up and packaging you foam mattress topper, its time now to think of where and how to store it. The conditions under which the foam mattress topper is stored have great bearing on the quality of the topper when you want to use it.
Therefore, ensure the storage conditions are ideal to main the shape and structure of the foam mattress topper. Here is what to consider:
Temperature and Humidity
Environment plays a crucial role n ensuring the stored memory foam mattress topper retains its quality. In this case consider the following.
- Temperature: Ensure you store the memory foam mattress topper in a cool place. Avoid excessive heat as it can damage the foam structure.
- Humidity: A dry storage area is ideal as high humidity levels will lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays from the sun are known to damage and degrade the foam quality over time.
- Ventilation: Make sure the storage area is well-ventilated and there is free movement of air. This helps prevent moisture buildup.
Storage Position
The storage position is important as it can lead to damage over time. Ensure that the foam mattress topper is stored horizontally where it is possible. The horizontal position will ensure that there is no uneven compression of the foam mattress topper.
Where horizontal storage is not possible, store the mattress topper in an upright position. Do not put weights on top of the standing mattress topper as this can damage the foam structure.
Storage Duration
The duration for which the memory foam mattress topper will be stored is important to consider. A short-term storage is any period that is shorter than 3 months.
Where the memory foam mattress topper will be stored for more than 3 months, you need to unpack and unroll the mattress topper to allow it to breath and regain its shape, this can take 24-72hrs and then follow the instructions above to store it again. Do not store the mattress topper for excessively long periods.
What To Avoid When Storing a Memory Foam Mattress Topper
When storing the memory foam mattress topper, there are things you can do that can result in damage to the mattress topper. Here are some common things you need to avoid and prevent damage from occurring:
- Avoid folding the mattress the topper but always roll it up to prevent causing permanent damage.
- Do not store heavy items on top this excess weight can cause uneven compression and damage the foam.
- Avoid storing the mattress topper in a plastic bag for long as the bag can trap moisture and lead to mold growth.
- Always avoid storing the mattress topper in a damp or humid place. Basements or attics especially may not be the ideal storage areas.
- Don’t compress vacuum-sealed toppers for too long as this can affect the foam’s ability to regain its original shape.
Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide, we have learnt that proper storage of your memory foam mattress topper is crucial for maintaining its quality, shape, and performance.
Careful storage will ensure that your mattress topper remains in excellent condition, ready to provide comfort and support when you need it again.
Proper storage of memory foam mattress topper can significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its effectiveness, making it a worthwhile investment in your sleep quality.