If you are operating on a budget or you are just the DIY type of people, then this article will serve you right. One of the house items that you can easy make at your backyard is a mattress.
It would be really helpful to learn how to make a foam mattress by taking some easy steps. You might need a new mattress but you may not always have the funds to buy one. The DIY steps of making a foam mattress will come in handy especially during that time. And it’s fun too!
Making a foam mattress is easy. With just a few steps, you can make your mattress. A new expensive mattress often has only layers and layers of foam. Making your mattress is something you can easily do on your own.
You will end up with a nice comfortable mattress without spending too much money. And in case you need extra comfort then it is recommended you buy a mattress topper. Making this mattress will require a few tools and some easy steps to follow.
The materials you need include;
- Tape measure
- Sharp construction knife
- Solid plywood
- Several sheets of foam
- A mattress cover.
DIY homemade foam mattress
Below are the steps;
Step 1- Measure your bed frame
The first step in making the mattress is taking correct measurements of your bed frame. Using a tape measure, measure the length and width of the bed where the mattress will be placed.
You should also measure the height of the area where the mattress should be placed. Ensure you have accurate measurements.
The process can be a bit boring, but it is the most important step in the whole procedure. The measurements will determine the amount of materials you need to enhance your making the mattress.
Step 2- Buy the mattress foam
After doing the measurements, you are now ready to go and purchase the foam. Any craft and fabric store should have foam, so this step should be a walk in the park. Remember to carry the measurements with you when you go to the shop.
When purchasing the foam be keen on the tag to help see the materials used to make it. Some foams are made from toxic materials. If you have allergies such as skin and respiratory allergies, check the tag to be sure and purchase a foam that will not be harmful to your health.
It may be difficult to find a foam that is the exact measurements that you have. No need to worry, you can use a knife to cut it down to your exact measurements later. Some stores are kind enough to do this process for you.
Many people recommend buying two types of foam. A layer of the extra firm one and two layers of the solid memory foam. Doing this will enable you to have great support when sleeping and make you more comfortable.
Step 3- Let the mattress foam uncurl
After purchasing the foam, you should give it time to uncurl and relax. This can be for several hours before you place it in the bed. The foam should uncurl in a place where there is ventilation.
The reason behind this is to air out the smell of the foam. After this, you can measure it again to see if it is the right size, if not you can go ahead and cut the extra foam so that the remaining one can fit in the bed perfectly.
Step 4- Prepare the base of the bed.
Before placing the foam mattress on the bed, you need a plywood for the base of the bed frame. You can use a plywood that has a half-inch thickness. For a large bed a three-quarter-inch plywood base would be the best.
Step 5- put a mattress cover
If you have the mattress cover of your previous mattress you can use that. If not, you can purchase a new mattress cover. After-all you have saved a lot of money by making the mattress yourself.
Unzip the mattress cover and place it on the plywood base. Insert the firm foam first and then do the same for the memory foam. After inserting them well, zip the mattress cover.
If you do not have a mattress cover, you can cover the foam layers using a fitted sheet. This is a homemade mattress, so you can use the materials that are easy to find in your house.
How to care for your mattress
You want your homemade foam mattress to last you for a long while. Below are several ways to prevent your mattress from sagging and sinking. A sinking mattress is very uncomfortable and can cause you to have back pains and discomfort.
Turn your mattress regularly
Ensure you shift your mattress in three cycles. This should be done regularly. The first cycle is where you rotate the mattress to change the position of the head and the foot of the bed.
You do this without flipping the mattress over. In the second cycle you flip the mattress over, but you do not rotate it. In the third cycle you rotate the head to the foot but this time it will be on the opposite side of the mattress from the first cycle.
Do not get the foam mattress wet
Avoid spilling any liquids on the surface of the mattress. Fluids can make the foam deteriorate quickly. You can use a mattress protector to help avoid this.
Have a suitable base for the foam mattress
Have a firm bed base. The bed base should not have any major gaps. Large gaps make the mattress deteriorate faster due to uneven support.
Allow the foam mattress to breath
You should allow the foam mattress to breathe regularly. This will ensure the moisture evaporates. You can allow the mattress to breathe by not making the bed immediately when you wake up. Give it some hours to breathe then make the bed later. Also, do not cover the mattress with many sheets and throws.
Cleaning your foam mattress
When you wash your sheets regularly, there is no need of worrying about cleaning the mattress. Ensure you wash your bed sheets roughly once a week so that no dirt or grease makes its way to your mattress.
If your mattress gets any spills, use some soap and lukewarm water on the affected area and dab with a sponge lightly. It is also important to be washing your mattress cover regularly with non toxic detergents and drying it well. Air the foam mattress in a well-ventilated room for it to dry.
