A mattress topper can be a great way to add comfort and support to your bed. However, proper storage is essential to keep your mattress topper in good condition. Improper storage can lead to damage, mold and mildew growth, clumping, and reduced effectiveness.
Following proper techniques for storing your mattress topper will help it last longer so you can enjoy the benefits for years to come. In this detailed guide, we provide tips on how to store every type of mattress topper.
Things to Consider Before Storing a Mattress Topper
Before you store your mattress topper, keep these important factors in mind:
Allow Time to Expand
After being compressed for storage, mattress toppers need time to re-expand and decompress when you take them back out. Don’t expect a compressed mattress topper to be ready to use right away.
Give your mattress topper several hours to a few days to fully expand after removing from storage before putting it on your bed. The time needed depends on the material.
Choose the Right Storage Method
Different materials and types of mattress toppers require different storage methods. Review the tips below for storing your particular mattress topper type properly. Improper storage can damage the materials.
Clean Before Storing
Clean and air out your mattress topper before packing it away for storage to prevent mold or mildew growth. Use an upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove dust and allergens.
Store in a Breathable Container
To prevent moisture buildup, always use breathable storage containers and fabrics. Avoid storage bags or boxes that aren’t designed for bedding storage.
Avoid Compression
Unless specified below for particular mattress topper types, avoid folding, tightly rolling, or compressing mattress toppers when storing. This can damage the materials and reduce the comfort and effectiveness when you take them back out.
Check for Signs of Damage
Carefully inspect your mattress topper before and after long-term storage for any signs of damage, mold, or mildew. This can indicate improper storage conditions.
Keep these tips in mind as you review how to properly store different mattress topper types below.
How to Store Memory Foam Mattress Toppers
Memory foam mattress toppers should be stored flat or lightly rolled to avoid compression damage. Here are some tips for proper storage:
Invest in a Storage Bag
Look for a storage bag designed for memory foam bedding that has breathable fabric to allow airflow. Storage bags reduce dust and protect from moisture.
Vacuum storage bags can compact memory foam more than recommended. Opt for lightly packed storage instead.
Roll Lightly to Fit in the Bag
Carefully roll up the memory foam topper to fit it inside the storage bag without compressing tightly. Avoid folding the foam.
Roll in the direction that gives the longest, least compressed shape to limit damage to the foam cells from creasing.
Store Flat If Possible
For best results, store a memory foam topper flat on a shelf if you have spare closet or underbed space to avoid rolling.
If rolled in a bag, make sure to unroll and allow to fully expand before using again. Expect it to take 12-48 hours to decompress.
Protect From Moisture and Heat
Store in a dry closet or under the bed to prevent moisture exposure. Avoid attics, basements, and garages which can get humid.
High heat can break down memory foam. Keep it stored away from heat vents, radiators, and direct sunlight. Recommended storage temperature is below 90°F.
With proper storage, a memory foam mattress pad can last for years. Give it time to re-expand before use so it regains its full comfort and support.
How to Store Latex Mattress Toppers
Natural latex foam in mattress toppers is sensitive to moisture, heat, and compression. Follow these guidelines for storing a latex mattress topper:
Roll Up Lightly for Storage
Carefully roll up the latex topper to store rather than folding, which can damage the foam structure. Roll in the direction that avoids creases.
Do not roll too tightly or the foam cells can become compressed and lose resilience. Lightly roll up and place in a breathable storage bag.
Use a Breathable Storage Bag
Look for storage bags designed for bedding that have airflow to prevent moisture buildup. Avoid plastic bags.
Store Flat If Possible
For best results, store a latex topper flat on a shelf if space allows. This prevents any creasing from rolling.
If rolled in a bag, unroll fully and allow at least 24 hours to regain its shape before reusing. The foam needs time to decompress.
Keep Latex Stored Dry
Latex foam absorbs ambient moisture easily. Store in a dry closet or under the bed to prevent moisture damage.
Avoid humid basements, attics or garages. Consider placing moisture absorbing packs in the storage bag as added protection.
Avoid Excessive Heat
High temperatures can cause latex foam to soften and lose resilience. Keep stored away from heat sources over 90°F.
With proper dry, flat storage at moderate temperatures, a natural latex topper can last for many years without losing comfort.
How to Store Feather and Down Mattress Toppers
The materials in feather and down mattress toppers require some special care when storing long-term. Here are some tips:
Clean Before Storing
Clean the topper thoroughly before storage to remove any dust, allergens or odors. Use a vacuum with an upholstery brush attachment.
Allow Time to Fully Dry
If cleaned, make sure a down or feather topper is complely dry before storage. Any moisture left can lead to mildew growth in storage.
Use a Large Breathable Bag
Store the feather bed in a breathable jumbo storage bag, not plastic. Make sure the bag is big enough to hold the topper without compressing it.
Avoid Folding or Compressing
Do not tightly roll, fold, or compress a feather or down mattress pad for storage. This can damage the feathers and down inside.
Store Flat If Possible
The best option is to store a feather or down topper flat on a shelf if you have room. This prevents compression damage.
If using a bag, lightly place inside without folding or stuffing it in tightly. Down needs room to loft.
Protect From Moisture
Store in a dry closet or under the bed. Avoid humid spots prone to moisture like basements and attics which can cause mildew.
With loose storage in breathable, oversized bags, down toppers can maintain their loft for years. Fluff occasionally while stored to maintain even fill distribution.
How to Store Wool Mattress Toppers
Wool mattress toppers have different care requirements than other materials. Follow these tips when storing wool toppers:
Clean Gently Beforehand
Use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust and dirt from the wool before storage. Avoid aggressive cleaning that can damage wool fibers.
Allow to Fully Dry
If spot cleaned, let a wool mattress topper dry completely before storage to prevent mildew or mold growth.
Use an Oversized Breathable Bag
Store wool in a large, breathable storage bag. Do not use plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
Make sure the bag is big enough to loosely hold the topper without compressing it. Avoid folding wool tightly.
Store Flat If Possible
For best results, store a wool mattress topper flat on a shelf if space allows. Avoid folding or rolling tightly.
If using a bag, pack loosely without over-compressing or stuffing down.
Protect from Pests
Wool can be attractive to carpet beetles and moths. Use cedar blocks or sachets in the storage bag to help repel insects.
Monitor stored wool occasionally for any pest damage. Keep storage areas clean.
With loose storage in breathable bags, wool mattress toppers can maintain comfort and resilience for many years.
How to Store Egg Crate Mattress Toppers
Egg crate foam mattress toppers are usually made from flexible polyurethane foam. Follow these guidelines for storing them:
Clean Off Debris
Use a handheld vacuum with a brush to remove any dirt, skin cells, or dust from the egg crate foam before storage.
Roll Up Evenly
Roll up the egg crate pad evenly and smoothly to fit inside a storage bag. Avoid folding the foam which can cause creases.
Roll in the direction that avoids compression damage parallel to the contours of the foam.
Use a Breathable Storage Bag
Pack the rolled egg crate topper lightly into a storage bag designed for bedding. Make sure the fabric breathes to avoid condensation.
Store Flat If Possible
For best results, store an egg crate topper flat on a shelf without rolling or folding if space allows. This prevents creasing the foam.
Allow Time to Re-Expand
After unrolling from storage, an egg crate mattress topper needs a few hours to a day to fully expand back to its normal shape before using.
With proper storage, egg crate foam toppers can retain their resilience and comfort for years. Handle gently when rolling to avoid compression damage.
How to Store Fiberbed Mattress Toppers
Fiberbed mattress toppers contain layers of synthetic fiber fill. Follow these tips for storing them:
Clean Prior to Storage
Remove any dust, dirt, or debris with a handheld vacuum before storage. This prevents particulates from getting trapped in the fibers.
Air Out Before Bagging
If spot cleaning, allow a fiberbed mattress topper to fully air dry before storage to avoid mildew or mold.
Use a Large Breathable Bag
Pack the fiberbed topper loosely into a large, breathable storage bag. Do not compress tightly or use plastic.
Avoid Folding
Refrain from tightly folding a fiberbed mattress topper for storage, which can damage the fiber fill inside.
Store Flat If Possible
Store a fiberbed topper flat on a shelf without folding or rolling if space allows. This prevents compression damage.
If using a bag, pack lightly without stuffing down.
Protect From Moisture
Store in a dry area to prevent moisture exposure leading to mildew. Avoid humid spots like basements and attics.
With loose storage in oversized, breathable bags, fiberbed toppers maintain comfort and effectiveness for years.
Mattress Topper Storage Tips by Material Summary
To recap, here are the proper storage methods based on mattress topper material types:
Memory Foam:
- Roll lightly or store flat
- Breathable storage bag
- Dry, moderate temperature
Latex Foam:
- Roll lightly without creasing
- Breathable bag
- Store flat if possible
- Dry, moderate temperature
Feather/Down:
- Clean before storing
- Dry fully after cleaning
- Large breathable bag
- Avoid folding or compressing
- Store flat if possible
Wool:
- Clean gently before storing
- Allow to fully dry
- Use oversized breathable bag
- Avoid folding tightly
- Store flat if possible
- Protect from pests
Egg Crate Polyfoam:
- Vacuum gently before storing
- Roll evenly without folding
- Use breathable storage bag
- Allow time to re-expand
Fiberbed:
- Clean before storage
- Air dry if needed
- Use large breathable bag
- Avoid folding tightly
- Store flat if possible
- Protect from moisture
By following the proper storage methods for your mattress pad type, you can keep it in optimal condition when not in use so it retains its comfort and support for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Mattress Toppers
Here are answers to some common questions about storing mattress toppers:
How long can you store a mattress topper?
With proper storage methods, most high-quality mattress toppers can be stored for 1-2 years before use. Memory foam may become less resilient after this time.
Make sure to air out and allow decompression time after long-term storage before using again.
Where should I store my mattress topper?
The best places to store a mattress topper are in a closet, under the bed, or on a shelf in a clean, dry room with moderate temperature away from humidity, heat, and direct sunlight.
What’s the best way to store a foam mattress topper?
Lightly roll foam mattress toppers and place in a breathable storage bag designed for bedding. Avoid folding or tightly compressing the foam. Store in a clean, dry place at a moderate temperate away from heat sources.
Can you fold a latex mattress topper?
It’s best to avoid folding a latex mattress topper, which can damage the foam structure. Carefully roll up instead. Some creasing may be unavoidable but limit compression as much as possible.
How do you store a feather bed mattress topper?
Clean feather or down mattress toppers before storage, allow to fully dry, use a large breathable storage bag, avoid folding or tight compression, and store flat if possible in a dry place.
Should you flip a mattress topper while storing?
There’s no need to flip or rotate a mattress topper in storage. Just make sure it’s clean and allow time to re-expand after unrolling or unboxing from storage before using on your bed.
Ensure Proper Mattress Topper Storage
Improperly storing your mattress topper can lead to damage, mold, compression, and reduced performance. Use the tips above to store different types of mattress toppers properly.
Key things to remember are allowing time for expansion after storage, cleaning before storage, using breathable storage bags and containers, avoiding compression, and protecting from moisture and heat.
With the right storage methods, your mattress topper can maintain its comfort and support for years to come. Just make sure to correctly unpack, expand, and air out your mattress topper after long-term storage before using on your bed again.
Conclusion
Proper mattress topper storage is important for keeping these bedding accessories in optimal condition when not in use. The right techniques can help protect your investment in a quality mattress pad and maintain its performance.
Match your storage method to the specific material and type of mattress topper you own. Certain materials like memory foam, latex foam, feather, down, and wool require special care to avoid compression, moisture, and mildew damage.
With the storage tips provided above, you can keep your mattress topper like new for years so you continue enjoying the added comfort every night. Just remember to give it time to fully expand again before placing it back on your bed after long-term storage.