If you are looking to cut your memory foam mattress or pillow to size, it may seem like a difficult task, but it actually isn’t. The main thing you should do is to find a good tool that will cut the memory foam easily.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to cut memory foam to the shape and size you want.
What can I use to cut foam?
The best way to cut memory foam is by using a serrated knife or an electric carving knife. An electric carving knife is the best tool to make the smoothest cuts.
You’ll also need the following:
- An electric carving knife
- A pair of scissors
- Tape measure
- Rigid ruler or straight edge
- A permanent marker
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How to cut memory foam
Start by measuring and marking the foam to the specifications and dimensions that you plan on cutting.
- Unzip the slipcover from your memory foam mattress if it has a zipper around the edges. If it doesn’t, use a pair of scissors to cut it off and remove it.
- Use the tape measure to check the width, depth, and height of the foam you need to cut. Add about 1/8 inch to each of the measurements to compensate for the material removed when cutting.
- Using the tape measure and a permanent marker, mark your memory foam the dimensions you plan on cutting. Avoid compressing the memory foam when taking your measurements as it could give false readings.
- Then, use the permanent marker to draw thin lines on top of the memory foam to cross the marks you made to know where to cut. For straight lines, you can set a straightedge, for curved lines use a round object like a bowl as a stencil.
Once you are done with the marking, you are ready to begin the next stage of making the cuts.
- Start by setting the foam on a flat table with the side you want to cut overhanging the edge, to avoid damaging the tabletop.
- If the foam is tipping over the edge, place a heavy object while giving it some distance from your cut line to avoid compressing the foam.
- Then, plug your electric knife and position it such that the blade is at a 90-degree angle to the edge you are cutting. This helps make smooth, straight cuts. Also, ensure you’re holding the knife with your dominant hand.
- Guide the knife along the cut line you had drawn on the foam. Make sure your fingers and the knife cord are safe from the blade when doing this.
- If the blade doesn’t go through the foam, cut along the line again and continue doing several passes over the cut until the blade goes completely through.
- Repeat the process for all the other dimensions you need to cut from the memory foam.
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Is it OK to cut a memory foam mattress?
You can cut your memory foam mattress to make it smaller and/or to a desirable shape.
Make sure you hold the knife down perpendicularly to the foam when making the cuts to ensure a smooth, straight cut.
Can you cut gel memory foam?
A gel-infused mattress is stiffer and has a bit more air circulation. While a serrated bread knife or electric carving knife can cut the mattress, the latter leaves you with a cleaner cut that looks less choppy. Hold the knife perpendicularly to the foam to keep the edges straight.
With an electric knife, you can easily cut foam mattress thinner or smaller. Just make sure you keep your hands out of the way of the knife to avoid injuries.