How To Make A Diy Mattress? Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

Do you seek for the privacy of your own bed? Creating your own mattress is easier than you think, and only requires three simple actions.

In a nutshell, here’s all you need to know:

  • With the initial layer in place,
  • Adding a new layer, and
  • Putting on the finishing touches

There is no need for special training or expensive machinery while using this technique. All you need is the willpower to get it done.

To that end, restrain your enthusiasm and brace yourselves for the oncoming storm! Please scroll down to continue reading.

Steps To Make Mattress

If you haven’t discovered the right mattress yet and prefer to pick out your own furniture, this is the way to go.

I will show you how to create your own mattress in just three simple steps.

You’ll need the following items:

  • Placement on a flat surface such as a table or the floor,
  • A broom or a vacuum cleaner,
  • Cloth Tape,
  • Epoxy rubber,
  • The primary layer is made of polyurethane foam (6 inches thick),
  • The second layer should be either high-density or very firm memory foam (2-3 inches thick),
  • The third layer, which is two inches thick, might be made of memory foam, gel foam, or natural latex foam.
  • Bedspread or mattress protector?

All the foam options above must be the same size, so keep that in mind.

HOW TO MAKE A NATURAL DIY MATTRESS for Van or Home | Healthy Vanlife and Natural Living - YouTube

Step #1. Starting the first layer

You can get by with a 6-inch-thick layer of inexpensive polyurethane foam as the base.

This is the firmest part of your mattress and it needs to be at the very bottom. When you’re done here, softer layers can be added on top.

A dense polyurethane foam, rated at 33 ILD, is what you should use. Your local furniture retailers should carry it.

You can also have them tailor the cuts to your specifications.

Step #2. Making the second layer

The term “transition layer” is commonly used to describe this layer. Two to three inches of high-density latex or memory foam will provide the necessary firmness.

Before you can attach the second layer to the base, you’ll need to turn it upside down.

Then, generously coat its edges with rubber cement.

Cement should be spread to a thickness of 1 inch, beginning about 2 to 3 inches in from the edge of the foam.

When laying down the second layer, start at one end and carefully align it with the first layer as you go.

Don’t apply too much force when adjusting the base and the second layer.

You should ensure that the edges are nearly stacked without overlapping.

Step #3. Finishing the top layer

The topmost layer is the comfort layer. Foams composed of memory technology, gel, or all-natural latex are ideal.

Spread rubber cement around the outside of the second-to-last layer and line it up with the first layer.

Make sure it’s dry and doesn’t mix in with the older layers.

Another layer may be added if desired.

It’s possible, nevertheless, for the mattress to absorb additional heat. Some people who like to keep warm when they sleep will have an issue with this.

Slipcover the entire mattress if the foam has settled. Here you can discover a guide to cover selection and purchase.

Great! The completion of your mattress is the addition of a nice fabric cover, at which point it is ready for use!

What Is Inside A Mattress?

Curious as to what lies beneath your mattress?

Your bed’s finishing touches can be made from a wide variety of materials.

Polyurethane foam

Egg crate mattress toppers are popular in the United States. The quality is average, but it does the job of softening and supporting the structure.

However, its environmental friendliness means that it may not be the best option for those who need solace.

Foams like this one are created using the same petroleum used to create plastics.

Among the many problems associated with using this material is its extreme combustibility.

Make sure your bed is not close to any electrical outlets or open flames.

Memory foam

It’s comparable in construction to polyurethane foam.

Some of the components in it cause it to move more slowly and hence absorb more force.

Thankfully, the density and longevity of this foam greatly exceed those of the original.

It would be beneficial to use caution when selecting foams of this nature.

Because foam, glues, and fire barriers are all potential dangers in a mattress.

Natural latex

Natural rubber tree latex is used to make this foam.

Ammonia and antioxidants are then added to extend its shelf life.

DIY Mattress Substitute - Out-Of-The-Box, Portable, Lightweight, Inexpensive, Machine-Washable : 3 Steps - Instructables

Synthetic latex

Polyurethane foam is more dangerous than a foam manufactured in a lab with petroleum-based chemicals.

Blend latex

This material can help reduce pressure in specific areas of your body.

It has the same heat-retaining properties as other, denser foams.

Cotton

This foam’s durability and breathability have earned it widespread domestic application.

Primarily, it serves as a natural deterrent to dust mites.

Wool

There are sheep involved in the production of this fabric. Insulates because it keeps air trapped between its strands.

5 Benefits of A Good Mattress

1. Achieve Adequate, Quality Nighttime Sleep

The major benefit of a good mattress over a bad one is that you always get a decent night’s sleep or nap. Mattresses can make you feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud, depending on the kind you choose out. This comfort could come from alleviation from pressure points in the body or from the support of your back.

A quality mattress will facilitate a restful night’s rest rather than disrupt it. Insomnia, restlessness, and sore muscles in the morning could all be indicators that it’s time to upgrade to a more comfortable mattress. If you suffer from persistent back pain, go here now to read about the mattresses doctors suggest most.

2. Promote Good Form and Posture

People tend to sleep in a variety of postures, some of which they may not even be aware of. Maintaining or enhancing your shape and posture is possible with the help of the correct mattress. When it comes to your mattress, it’s important to find one that supports your body in the position you sleep in most often.

One common cause of back pain is the fetal position adopted by many side sleepers. Since it will be forced against the mattress, it may also impede blood flow to the arms and shoulders. If you favor sleeping on your right side, you should know that this puts extra strain on your internal organs.

Thank goodness side sleepers aren’t left out in the cold with memory foam mattresses! The sensitive nature of the material helps to keep the spine in its natural position and cushions any pressure areas. However, your joints and spine may be harmed if you choose a mattress that isn’t designed for side sleepers. If you want to get the right mattress, you need think about how you sleep.

3. Keep Your Mental and Emotional Health in Check

Inadequate sleep quality is real and can be caused by a poorly made mattress. Sleeping on a terrible mattress every night can lead to sleep deprivation, therefore it’s best to avoid doing that if possible. The mental and emotional health of an individual can take a significant hit from chronic sleep deprivation, which has been related to a variety of negative outcomes both immediately and over time.

Some frequent mental and emotional side effects of not getting enough sleep are as follows:

  • Idleness and lack of focus and awareness.
  • Brings on sleepiness and yawning during the day.
  • Stimulates a state of emotional instability and agitation.
  • Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADD/ADHD are just few of the mental illnesses that are made worse by this (ADHD).
  • brings about subpar mental performance and functioning.

A comfortable mattress increases your odds of getting a restful night’s sleep, which in turn reduces your risk of the aforementioned negative health effects. However, keep in mind that even with the most comfortable bed, you probably won’t get the finest sleep.

4. Develop an Inclination to Your Sleeping

Mattresses are one of the numerous factors that can contribute to an individual’s hatred of sleep. Some people are so busy with their hectic schedules of work, school, and extracurricular activities that they neglect to get enough sleep. If you invest in a high-quality mattress, you may find that your sleep problems disappear.

If you’re the type of person who still feels unsatisfied after getting eight hours of sleep, the problem might be your bed. As an added bonus, creating a relaxing bedroom atmosphere can help you sleep in.

Ensure that you give yourself the luxury of a good night’s sleep. Here are some suggestions for making your bedroom more conducive to sleep:

  • Keep your bed set aside for rest and romance.
  • Minimize background noise and other potential interruptions.
  • Lower the temperature to a comfortable level, preferably around 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18.3 degrees Celsius.
  • Don’t let your kids play with any electrical devices.
  • Reduce the amount of visual noise.
  • Warmer, gentler tones are best for a bedroom.

5. Get the Most Out of Your Purchase

Modern mattress pricing are no laughing matter. It’s not easy to put away money for a mattress, even the cheapest of the cheap ones, especially if you’re already responsible for a lot of other bills and obligations.

A good mattress, therefore, is an investment that will last a lifetime. Investing in a high-quality mattress is money well spent because it will last for several years with proper care.

See how long different mattresses tend to last on the average:

  • 5–6.5 years for an innerspring
  • 6–7 years for foam
  • 5–8.5 years for latex
  • 5–7.5 years for hybrids

How to Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape Longer

Here are seven tried-and-true methods for extending the life of your mattress and warding off potential disasters.

1. Make sure your mattress is properly supported.

It’s important to make sure your mattress has the correct amount of support, and while you might not necessarily need to buy the matching box spring or foundation with a new mattress, it’s still a good idea. This helps keep things from breaking down too quickly and prolongs their useful life.

For suggestions, you can either contact the maker or read the guarantee. Memory foam mattresses and other speciality mattresses typically demand strong, substantial support, and hence box springs are typically exclusively utilized with spring mattresses.

Queen and king size beds particularly require center support bars to ensure they can hold the weight of their occupants and the mattress. Depending on the type and weight of the mattress, a platform bed with wide slats may require additional slat support.

Every year or so, you should inspect the slats and springs supporting your bed to make sure there are no breaks that could compromise the integrity of your mattress.

2. Use a mattress protector from the beginning.

We have previously discussed how using a mattress protector can help extend the life of your bed.

A high-quality mattress protector not only keeps your bed clean and free of dust, debris, and filth, but it also provides waterproof protection in case of accidents.

This prevents allergens like mildew and dust mites from accumulating on your bed, protects skin oils and sweat from damaging the bed’s components, and keeps the bed fresh and clean. Many modern protectors are as comfortable as a fitted sheet, and they all make cleanup a breeze if an accident does occur.

3. Wash bed linens regularly.

Sweat, oils, hair, and dead skin cells are all shed during sleep. Crumbs from breakfast in bed and cat fur are just two examples of the mess that can be tracked into the bedroom. All of it, in addition to being gross, may permeate a mattress, providing a fertile environment for bacteria and dust mites.

Most housekeeping guides recommend washing bedding once every week to twice every two weeks. There is still the need to regularly wash bed sheets and pillow cases, even when using a mattress protector. The mattress cover should be washed as directed by the manufacturer on a regular basis.

4. Get pets separate beds to snuggle in.

If we’re talking about things that should not be allowed to sleep in bed with us, dogs should have their own beds.

Even the cleanest pets go outdoors, drool, and shed hair and cells just like people do, and all of stuff ends up on your bed. Accidents involving pets are another common source of mattress destruction.

5. Rotate the mattress regularly.

Mattresses of any size or material type benefit from routine rotation. Although not all brands recommend it, rotating can help ensure your gears wear evenly and prevent depressions or softness that can occur if you don’t.

Turn it from head to foot 180 degrees every 2-4 months. During the first couple of years, when you are “breaking in” the mattress, this is very crucial.

6. No jumping on the bed!

Your mom was right when she cautioned you not to jump on the bed. The spring, water, and air mattresses may be the most fragile, but the foundation, frame, and foam will all deteriorate at a faster rate if you are tough on the mattress.

7. Take care when moving your mattress.

Mattresses are easily damaged during relocation, thus it is recommended that you encase them in plastic and refrain from bending or folding them. Heavier duty mattress bags that may be sealed with tape are available at many moving and box stores to protect your bed from dust, water, and scratches.

It is recommended that mattresses be moved while standing on their sides to avoid creasing or sagging. Manufacturers of mattress covers with handles often advise against utilizing the handles for the purpose of dragging or transporting the mattress.

8. Don’t bring home unwanted hitchhikers.

The presence of bedbugs is a leading cause of premature mattress degeneration because of the difficulty in eliminating them after they have invaded.

You should check for bed bugs before sleeping somewhere other than your own bed, and you should attempt to avoid having your luggage on the floor. Texas A&M University offers advice on how to avoid carrying bedbugs home in the event that you find signs of infestation.

A mattress encasement designed to keep out bedbugs is a good idea for those who live in apartments or parts of the country where these pests are popular. In contrast to standard mattress covers, these include full-length zippers and completely encase the mattress to keep bedbugs from setting up shop.

How to Sew a DIY Mattress Cover | SewingMachinesPlus.com Blog

9. Let the light in occasionally.

If there is a sunny, dry day once every two weeks, you should take your mattress out of bed and let it air for a few hours (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on).

According to a study conducted at Kingston University, this helps prevent moisture from both sleepers and humidity, which in turn helps keep dust mite populations in check.

10. Follow manufacturer cleaning directions.

Regular cleaning of any mattress is recommended for both the health of the sleeper and the mattress itself.

Most beds may be cleaned by vacuuming with a hose attachment to get rid of surface dust, but many manufacturers also give cleaning and stain removal instructions.

Mild water and soap can be used to spot treat stains, but you should wait until they are dry before changing the bed. Foams should not be cleaned with harsh chemical cleansers because doing so can compromise the integrity of the foam.

Depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal preference, vacuuming should be done every 1 to 3 months and stains spot-treated as necessary.

Finishing Things Up!

Vacuuming once every few months or once every few weeks is recommended, and stains should be addressed individually as needed.

The first layer must be prepared, followed by the second, and finally the third.

It is also important to have all the necessary components on hand before beginning the procedures.

Just so you know, mattresses can be crafted from a wide variety of materials.

Don’t be bashful about forwarding this article to people who have expressed an interest in learning how to make their bed if you find it useful.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.