Cutting Memory Foam Mattress To Fit RV (Helpful Guide-Tips)
One of the drawbacks to RV and travel trailer life is that those vehicles do not match normal sizes. The beds in these camping vehicles come in all sorts of sizes and you won’t find mattresses to fit, (in most cases), unless you are extremely lucky.
This can be done if you use the right cutting tool. A serrated bread knife is probably the best cutting tool to use. Also, you will need a seam ripper and straight edge to make the cut perfect without ruining the mattress.
To learn more about cutting a memory foam mattress to size, just continue to read our article. it has this information and more. Take a few minutes to see how this information can solve a delicate sleeping issue for you.
Cutting Memory Foam Mattress 101
Can You Cut a Memory Foam Mattress to Fit?
Yes, it is possible to cut a memory foam mattress to size. The key to the project is remembering that the mattress is not totally made from memory foam. You have other materials involved which can make cutting the mattress a little more difficult.
What will make this task easier is for you to find a mattress as close to the size you need as possible. That way you have less cutting to do and less waste material. it is also a good idea to not spend a lot of money on the mattress if your intent is to cut it up.
The good news is that you should not lose the support that memory foam is designed to bring to your sleeping time. Cutting it should not harm the integrity of the foam. You should still get the same improved sleeping conditions after cutting as you would before cutting it up.
The key will be to go slowly, make good measurements, and not to use a dull blade that has no serrated edge. That kind of cutting tool will only make a mess of your project.
The Reasons for Cutting a Memory Foam Mattress
There are a lot of good reasons why you would do this project. It is cheaper to cut than to buy one mattress that fits. It is also cheaper to cut to size than to have one custom-made to fit your bed.
Plus, you get the exact dimensions you need when you need them. Custom fitting can take some time to get done. Another reason would be that you can fit odd bed sizes found in many RVs and travel trailers.
Because of the limited space allowed for beds and other features, RVs, etc., just do not come with standard-sized beds where a mattress will fit properly. The cutting options are almost limitless:
- You want to turn two beds into one
- You need new full or twin mattresses and cutting a king or queen-size mattress saves you money
- Create the perfect mattress for the dimensions you have available
And on it goes. Then once you have the mattress cut to the right shape, you can use the leftover material for other applications including packing material or padding for fragile equipment and so on.
Or you can recycle it instead of tossing the material in the trash. But keep the material away from small children as it is not a toy.
How do You Cut a Memory Foam Mattress to Fit An RV?
The most important aspect of this project will be the cutting tool you use. You want to stay away from non-serrated and dull blades no matter the cutting tool you decide to use. There are a few good ones to select to help you.
The cutting tool you use will depend a lot on the thickness of the mattress. There are some very good options that will make the job a lot easier to do and go a lot smoother:
- 1. Carving knife - Make sure they are sharp and have a very good serrated blade to them. The serrated edge makes a cleaner cut and the trick is to use short back and forth strokes. Do not apply a lot of pressure while cutting.
- 2. Bread knife - like the carving knife it needs a serrated edge for the same reasons given above. Bread knives are nice and long so they can tackle a variety of mattress thicknesses.
- 3. Electric knives - everything is the same for this option as it is for #1 & #2. The only difference is that you have a nice motor doing most of the work for you.
- 4. Utility knife - most of these options have very sharp blades that will cut foam very easily. You do not need a serrated edge using this option. The sharpness of the blade is enough. You may have to make several passes using this blade but you should still get a clean edge once you are done.
- 5. Heavy-duty scissors - This option is best for thinner mattresses. The double blades will make short work of the project and make sure you get a nice clean edge. Mattresses do not cut like regular fabric so you will have actually cut and not slide the scissors to the end point.
Cutting Memory Foam Mattress to Fit RV
This task is going to take accurate and precise measurements to get it done just right. Every angle and corner must be measured correctly if you are going to cut to size. Once you do the measuring make sure to record those measurements next to a little drawing.
That drawing will help guide your work on marking the mattress and cutting it so be as accurate as possible and as close to the shape of the mattress so you can get clean cuts the way you need them to be.
Use a sharpie or permanent marker to draw your cut lines. You want to see those lines as you cut. Also, where you draw those lines is important. You do not want them exactly on the measurement but a little to the long side. That way your cut will not take off more than it should.
Your cutting tool should go on the inside of the line. That way you get the right size and have no marker presence left over. Don’t forget to work with caution. This is another project that takes time and careful work. Plus, don’t forget to take the mattress cover off first before you make your marks and cuts.
A Mattress That Can Be Cut To Size
There are two types of memory foam mattresses that you can cut to size. The first is the standard or regular memory foam. This material is usually the easiest to cut and will be easier to handle. It is less stiff making it easier to get the cutting tool into position.
The second style of memory foam is the gel-infused model. This is a little stiffer to handle and it is also a little harder to cut. Also, the thickness of the mattress will play a little role in how easy or difficult your cut will be.
The best tip that can be given when you are using one of the knife options mentioned earlier, is the longer the blade the better the cut. You do have a choice in mattress thickness which also plays a small role in the ease or difficulty of the cutting process.
You are not going to get away with cutting a traditional mattress for your RV. Those are not built to be cut and you could ruin them if you make the attempt. If you are not into cutting mattresses, there are plenty of mattress shops that will make a custom size for you.
You just need to contact them and give them your dimensions and see what price they will quote you.
Memory Foam Mattress Topper Cut to Size
Some memory foam mattresses come with a layer of fiberglass. This material is included as a fire retardant and after you cut the fibers may get all over you or all over the place. You would need to enclose this type of mattress in a cover that completely surrounds the mattress.
The topper is probably the easiest mattress to cut. It is not that thick and you can use a strong pair of scissors to do the job quite quickly. As for measurements, you can lay the topper on the floor and put the mattress it will go on over top. Then trace the outline to get the exact shape you need.
After doing that, you just make your cut and your project is done. Or if you do not want to cut the mattress, you can always do an internet search for a foam cutting service near you.
Most likely these services may be one part of a business dealing with mattresses so you would have to read the ads carefully to see who does or doesn’t offer this service. But as long as you have a sharp cutting tool, you should not need this option. It is not hard to cut a topper.
Costco RV Mattress Topper
A topper is a nice way to lengthen the lifespan of a mattress. They are not as expensive as a full mattress and can be used on almost any bed you own. When it comes to Costco, you will find that there is no shortage of choices for you to select from.
Their toppers come in different dimensions fitting twin, full, queen and king-size beds. Costco also offers their toppers in different thicknesses. the ones we saw were between 2 and 4 inches thick.
Their price range is reasonable as the toppers Costco was selling on their website ranged between $100 and $200 depending on thickness and construction quality. If they do not offer the smaller bed sizes, you can always follow the instructions above and cut one down to size.
It is worth checking this store out as they should have top-quality mattresses made from the best materials for a very low cost. You may be able to find cheaper outlets but the quality of the mattress and the return policy may not be as good as Costco’s.
Cutting a Mattress Topper
Like cutting a memory foam mattress, this task takes careful work. It is possible to make a mistake, get distracted, etc., and make a wrong cut. When that happens you ruin the topper and waste some money.
The keys to cutting a topper are:
- Taking precise and accurate measurements. You can always trace the mattress going underneath to make sure you get the right shape.
- Using the right cutting tool. An electric, carving, or bread knife may be overkill in this situation.
- Go carefully as you cut. Do it when there is no one else around. This will minimize distractions and allow you to concentrate on what you are doing.
Also, you want to take your time and select the right topper for your RV or trailer. Who it is for will play a role in which one you will select. Don’t forget to get a nice mattress cover to protect the topper from any night time accidents.
Keeping the topper in top shape is essential if you are going to get your money’s worth out of the product. The right cover will see to that task.
Some Final Words
It is okay to cut a memory foam mattress. In fact, it is probably the only option other than custom making a mattress to fit your RV’s bed. This is not a hard task to do as long as you measure correctly and cut carefully.
Take your time to get the job done right. That way you can relax better at night knowing the mattress fits like a glove and you did not ruin it.
