Author Topic: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?  (Read 6824 times)

nereo

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anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« on: July 04, 2016, 12:32:42 PM »
I've been pondering the following solution to a reoccurring problem we have.

Problem:
We live in a 2bd apartment and frequently have guests stay with us, sometimes for several weeks, including elderly parents.  They sleep in the small 2nd bedroom that doubles as an office whenever we don't have guests.  We've been using air-mattresses but they inevitably fail and aren't a great substitute for a real bed for a number of reasons. The room won't take a sofa-sleeper.

Potential solution:
a fully foam mattress that we can vacuum-pack into a bag and store in the close when needed, like a Casper-type mattress (but I'm not brand particular).  Here's a video that seems pretty simple.  I already have a collapse-able metal stand to raise the mattress up off the ground and I could keep a store a piece of ply for a platform.

Questions:
Has anyone tried this?  Can a foam mattress be packed and repacked multiple times without damage? Any better options out for sleeping surfaces that will sleep two adults and can be packed up into a closet when not in use?

Sibley

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2016, 09:41:47 AM »
I just use an air mattress. I suspect that the foam would start to break down though.

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #2 on: July 05, 2016, 12:00:35 PM »
I just use an air mattress. I suspect that the foam would start to break down though.
breakdown/delamination of the foam is my one real worry.  I know you can repack them and I know they magically spring back to life even after weeks of being shrink-wrapped (i'm imagining the Ikea ones are stored for months before being opened).

My real problem with air mattresses is longevity; after 100-200 days of use every kind we've tried starts developing problems (air leaks at the seams and delamination).  Also... i have cats with pointy claws.

golden1

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #3 on: July 05, 2016, 12:01:51 PM »
We have had an aerobed for years - no leaks.  However, it isn't very comfortable to be honest. 

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #4 on: July 05, 2016, 12:04:31 PM »
We have had an aerobed for years - no leaks.  However, it isn't very comfortable to be honest.
We had an aerobed... same problems.  How often did you use it?

elaine amj

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #5 on: July 05, 2016, 12:27:47 PM »
I use a folding foam mattress for camping. Its only twin size - I love it.

I also have a thick eggshell foam topper that is also pretty comfy - used to take it camping. I would roll it up for transport. For now, it lives under my daughter's bed as a spare mattress. (the folding one is easier to transport)

Sibley

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2016, 01:59:28 PM »
Are you using it 100-200 days per year? If so, you're really getting into "should have an actual guest bed territory." Even if you just get a mattress and put it on the floor, then lean it up against the wall when not in use.

I'm a red panda

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #7 on: July 05, 2016, 02:09:16 PM »
Are you using it 100-200 days per year? If so, you're really getting into "should have an actual guest bed territory." Even if you just get a mattress and put it on the floor, then lean it up against the wall when not in use.

Or at least a futon that can be used as a couch.

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #8 on: July 05, 2016, 03:00:24 PM »
Are you using it 100-200 days per year? If so, you're really getting into "should have an actual guest bed territory." Even if you just get a mattress and put it on the floor, then lean it up against the wall when not in use.
Yes, 100-200 days a year, hence the desire to get an actual guest bed (vs an inflatable mattress). I have a collapsable bed frame, it's the mattress part I"m trying to work out.  We can't really lean the mattress up against the wall because there's no place to do so (windows, closet, door).

Quote
Or at least a futon that can be used as a couch.

Same problem.  That's why I said a sofa-sleeper won't work.

JoJo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #9 on: July 05, 2016, 04:33:32 PM »
Is there a wall in your main bedroom?  Maybe you could store it behind a dresser or something, assuming there's room.

With This Herring

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #10 on: July 05, 2016, 09:02:40 PM »
Do you have enough space for a mattress to go against the wall vertically?  Here's a recent thread by someone who build a lovely vertical Murphy bed.

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2016, 05:51:39 AM »
Do you have enough space for a mattress to go against the wall vertically?  Here's a recent thread by someone who build a lovely vertical Murphy bed.
not in the 2nd bedroom/office.  Possibly in our bedroom, but it would involve some rearranging and wouldn't be my first choice.

Still hoping someone can address my question re: packing and re-packing a foam mattress. Not much luck with internet searches either... several videos on how to pack to ship, but nothing on doing it multiple times.

I might just go ahead and try it and see how it goes; IKEA has some single foam mattresses for ~$200.

stashgrower

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #12 on: July 06, 2016, 05:58:27 AM »
Probably not what you're thinking, but loft bed??

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #13 on: July 06, 2016, 06:37:48 AM »
Probably not what you're thinking, but loft bed??
yeah... not sure my parents could navigate a loft bed.  Otherwise not a bad suggestion.

gardeningandgreen

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #14 on: July 06, 2016, 09:31:04 AM »
Have you thought about using camping mats. There are several that will "self-inflate"(they are memory foam). You could still put it on the frame but it would be easy to roll up and put in a closet. Bonus points if you use it while camping as well!

nereo

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Re: anyone re-packed a foam mattress (multiple times)?
« Reply #15 on: July 06, 2016, 09:45:20 AM »
Have you thought about using camping mats. There are several that will "self-inflate"(they are memory foam). You could still put it on the frame but it would be easy to roll up and put in a closet. Bonus points if you use it while camping as well!
we have our thermarest pads, and some of our more hearty friends have certainly taken this rout.  however, we're looking for something that can serve as an actual mattress for two adults.