Tips to Store a Latex Mattress Topper
Latex and memory foam mattress toppers are among the most popular mattress toppers on the market because of the superior support they offer and their ability to reduce the strain on sensitive pressure points during sleep. Read this article from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine titled, “Effects of Mattress Material on Body Pressure Profiles in Different Sleeping Positions” to find out how well latex performs to achieve a more even distribution of pressure. Now that you have a latex mattress topper, let’s discuss how to store a latex mattress topper when it’s not in use.
To store a latex mattress topper without damaging the materials, you can use a vacuum storage bag or any other protective storage bag to properly remove the air and protect the mattress topper when it is packed away.
Latex mattress toppers are excellent tools for providing full-body support during sleep. By putting a mattress topper on top of a mattress, you will be able to upgrade your mattress along with tons of other benefits that ensure a good night’s sleep. Read our article about latex vs. memory foam mattress toppers to learn more about the pros and cons of latex and memory foam mattress toppers. Properly caring for and storing a latex mattress topper will ensure that the topper lasts longer and is protected from dust and moisture. Additionally, you may be interested to learn what's the weight of a mattress topper to help store it properly.
Reasons to Properly Store a Latex Mattress Topper
A latex mattress topper should be stored properly like any other bedding—pillows, blankets, mattresses, mattress toppers—to ensure its longevity.
Reasons to properly store a latex mattress topper include: to protect the product from dust, dirt, moisture, molds and allergens, to maintain the fabric’s top condition, to extend the lifespan of the product, to avoid extra costs for its replacement, and to make transporting the mattress topper easier.
The most important reason to pay proper attention to the storage of any type of mattress topper is to prevent damage to the material so that the product lasts for as long as possible. Correctly rolling and vacuum-packing the topper will help with minimizing the size of the mattress topper, which will reduce shipping costs and make it less challenging to handle when moving it from one place to another. Additionally, natural latex mattress toppers are relatively expensive, so taking good care of them will help you protect this investment and save money in the long-run. Read our article about tips and tricks to roll and store a mattress topper to learn more about correctly handling and caring for a mattress topper.
Different Ways To Store a Latex Mattress Topper
You can store your mattress topper away when it’s not in use, or if you want to transport it to a different location. Packing the mattress topper well will protect it during transportation and make it easier to maneuver.
To properly store a mattress topper, use the original packaging, a vacuum storage bag, or a regular mattress storage bag where excess air can be removed.
1. Use the Original Packaging Of a Mattress Topper
The best way to store a mattress topper is to use the original packaging if it is still intact and available. This is because the original bag will have the same dimensions as the mattress topper, which will help prevent any damage when placing the topper back into the bag.
However, if there are any holes in the original packaging, it is better to consider some other options that we discuss below.
2. Use a Vacuum Storage Bag
Using a vacuum storage bag is another excellent way to store your latex mattress topper properly. By sucking the air out of the storage bag, you will not only minimize the size of your mattress topper but also prevent it from being damaged. We like this mattress vacuum storage bag from Amazon because it is suitable for use with latex mattress toppers.
Keep in mind that vacuum storage bags are ideal if you are willing to store your mattress topper for just a couple of months. On the contrary, keeping a mattress topper in a vacuum storage bag for more than 4–5 months might cause irreversible damage to the material, and this should be avoided.
If you are not familiar with vacuum storage bags, here is a short video clip with a step-by-step guide on how to pack things using a vacuum storage bag.
3. Use a Mattress Storage Bag
While original storage bags and vacuum storage bags are two great ways of storing mattress toppers, some people do not possess these products. In these instances, it is perfectly fine to store your mattress topper in a regular storage bag or a mattress bag with zipper closures like this one. You can also use polyethylene storage bags like this one from Amazon which is tear and puncture-resistant.
If you have sufficient space in your closet, you can wrap your mattress topper in a storage bag without worrying about minimizing its shape. These mattress storage bags are heavy duty and ideal for moving and storing mattress toppers that don’t need to be reduced in size.
You can still vacuum pack the mattress topper without using a vacuum storage bag. For detailed instructions on how to vacuum pack a latex mattress topper, check out this YouTube video clip.
What are Mattress Topper Vacuum Storage Bags?
Vacuum storage bags come in different sizes depending on specific needs. The majority of vacuum storage bags are suitable for storing clothes, pillows, and blankets. But if you have decided to vacuum pack your mattress or a mattress topper, you will need to go with larger options or improvise DIY tools to create your own.
Mattress topper vacuum storage bags are bags that are designed to compress the size of a mattress topper and store it away while saving space. This is done by sucking the air out of the bag using a regular vacuum cleaner.
Typically, vacuum storage bags for mattress toppers are called “Jumbo size bags.” If you cannot find the right-sized vacuum storage bag, below are a couple of options that you can purchase on Amazon.
| Vacuum Storage Product | Benefits of this Product | Price |
| Upit Jumbo Vacuum Storage Bags | This product is suitable for latex mattress toppers. The bags are reusable and ensure secure sealing. | ~$12 |
| Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Storage Bags with Hand Pump - Jumbo, 6-Pack | This product includes 6 storage bags, which can be reused. It offers 80% size reduction with excellent protection via a double seal zipper. | ~$25 |
| Aily Vacuum Storage Bags, Premium Storage Bags Jumbo with Hand Pump, 6 Pack,80x110cm | This product is made of heavy-duty plastic to hold bulky latex mattress toppers. The bags are reusable and seal firmly to protect the stored items from damage. | ~$70 |
How to Vacuum Pack a Latex Mattress Topper for Storage
Vacuum packing a latex mattress topper will help protect the topper from dust, moisture, mold, and pests, which will prolong the mattress toppers lifespan and ensure the topper is clean and ready for use when needed.
To vacuum pack a latex mattress topper for storage, first clean and dry the mattress topper, then roll up the mattress topper, and finally, put the mattress topper in the plastic bag and suck the air out.
Step 1. Clean Your Latex Mattress Topper
Before storing your latex mattress topper away, make sure you clean it thoroughly. Packing a dirty latex mattress topper will damage the material and promote mold growth. Thoroughly cleaning the latex mattress topper before storing it will keep it in pristine condition. To clean a latex mattress topper, you should carefully follow the instructions mentioned on the packaging. If you no longer have the original packaging, try to find a similar product online and check the recommendations.
As a general rule, remember that strong or corrosive solvents should never be used for cleaning a latex mattress topper. No matter how dirty your mattress topper is, avoid using bleach, as this can cause irreversible damage to the material. Read our other article on how to clean a mattress topper to ensure the materials aren’t damaged.
If you are using a new detergent, test it on a small area of your latex mattress topper before cleaning the entire material. This will help you determine whether that particular detergent is suitable for your mattress topper material. Read our article how to protect a mattress topper or mattress pad to learn more about how to care for your mattress topper.
Step 2. Make Sure the Latex Mattress Topper is Completely Dry
Before packing away the mattress topper, you should make sure it is 100% dry. After cleaning your latex mattress topper, allow it to dry naturally by placing it in a well-ventilated area for a couple of hours, otherwise, moisture will accumulate within the mattress topper and will promote the formation of mold and allergens. Never apply heat to dry a latex mattress topper as this will ruin the material and make it unusable. We have another article on taking care of magnetic mattress pads which also stipulates avoiding heat as an extra precaution when cleaning and maintaining mattress pads and toppers.
Step 3. Roll Up the Latex Mattress Topper
After cleaning and drying the latex mattress topper, you should roll it up. Avoid folding the topper as this may damage the delicate materials. Roll up the mattress topper carefully while exerting even pressure, this will help keep a uniform shape and make it easier to the topper into the bag or covering. Bear in mind that the thicker the topper is, the more difficult it is to roll it. For more information about the structure and properties of latex, read this article from ResearchGate titled “Novel Natural Rubber Latex memory Foam”.
Step 4. Use Pallet Wrap (Saran Wrap) To Hold the Mattress Topper In Place
To hold the latex mattress topper in place after rolling it, you can use pallet wrap (or saran wrap). This will help you proceed with the next steps without any difficulties. If you ignore this step, the latex mattress topper will return to its initial position within seconds and you will have to roll it again and again. We recommend using special heavy duty wrap meant for moving and packaging larger items like this one from Amazon.
Never use a duct tape to hold the mattress topper in place because any type of adhesive might damage the material.
Step 5. Put the Latex Mattress Topper In a Plastic Bag And Suck the Air Out
Next, you will need to place the rolled latex mattress topper into a plastic bag. If the mattress bag is larger than the mattress topper, then fold the excess plastic and seal it with tape securely. Some plastic mattress topper bags are designed to be resealable, like this one from Amazon, so the tape won't be necessary.
When using vacuum storage bags, insert the vacuum valve into the bag’s hole to suck the air out of the bag and to save storage space by compressing the topper. This vacuum has a quick-release cleaning want which makes it easy to use when removing air from a bag.
Finally, store the mattress topper in a dry and cool place environment, where dirt, mold, and mildew are less likely to accumulate.
Can You Roll Up A Latex Mattress Topper For Camping?
Mattress toppers are a great way to add more comfort to a mattress when camping. The topper would need to be easy to carry and stow away when packing for the trip. Read our other article about using a mattress topper on an air mattress to learn more about the convenience and comfort they offer.
A latex mattress topper can be rolled up when camping because rolling up a mattress topper protects the materials and makes it easier to carry from one place to another. Avoid folding the topper as this may damage the delicate latex material.
Once the mattress topper is rolled up completely, place it in a plastic storage bag for protection as a way to easily move it around whilst camping. Additionally, if you've ever wondered if you can use a mattress topper on a box spring instead of a mattress, make sure to check out this article too.
In a Nutshell
Correctly rolling and storing a latex mattress topper will help prolong its lifespan so that the topper isn’t subject to any damage and remains comfortable and ready to use. We’ve covered how to package a latex mattress topper so that it is easy to move around and store, but if you want to find out how to secure a mattress topper on a bed once it has arrived at its destination then read our other article where we discuss how to prevent a mattress topper from shifting around on a mattress, which will ensure a good night’s sleep. Also, make sure you take a look at our mattress topper density guide to make sure you find the right fit for you.