Good uses for an old memory foam mattress topper?

August 18, 2008 12:54 PM

I have an old 3" memory foam full size mattress topper laying out in my garage. Looking for some DIY projects or ideas as to what I can do with this foam, as opposed to tossing it out or trying to sell on craigslist.

The only idea I have so far is to chop it up and convert it into a pet bed. I am not sure what material I could use though, as my dog has, in the past, chosen to pee on new pet beds, and I dont think pee and memory foam would mix well. Any ideas?

Is it even safe to throw away the stuff, or should it be recycled?

posted by ShootTheMoon to grab bag (8 comments total)

Maybe make memory foam pillows? Or memory foam car seat pads?
posted by o0dano0o at 12:58 PM on August 18, 2008

Shred/chop the foam and use as stuffing for toys or pillows?

Could you find some used vinyl to encase and "pee-proof" the memory foam? Then sew/buy a removable and washable fabric or fleece cover for the dog bed.
posted by weebil at 1:17 PM on August 18, 2008

Using a knife and duct tape you could make a water heater blanket, increasing the efficiency of your house's hot water tank and slightly lower your electricity (or gas?) bill... Same idea as the wrap-around things you see sold at Home Depot.
posted by thewalrus at 1:22 PM on August 18, 2008

Cut it to size, make some washable covers for the size you created and offer it to a wheelchair bound person to reduce pressure points. I wouldn't think to wrap it on a water heater, too much chance of slow heat build up and a fire. IMHO of course.
posted by Freedomboy at 2:18 PM on August 18, 2008

Have you considered freecycling it? Depending on what your reason for not wanting to put it on Craigslist is, you might find just giving it away on Freecycle less annoying.
posted by jacquilynne at 3:10 PM on August 18, 2008

Foam is often an essential ingredient of a successful Halloween costume, so start your planning now. Ninja turtle, weightlifter with dislocated wrist, giant walking cowboy hat (get two friends to go as a giant pair of go-go boots), giant walking air freshener, walking mattress....there's a lot of possibilities.

An electric carving knife works great on foam, by the way.
posted by hydrophonic at 3:17 PM on August 18, 2008

A homeless shelter might be grateful if you donated it to them.
posted by exphysicist345 at 7:24 PM on August 18, 2008

Shred it and use to fill a bean bag in half and half proportion with the original polysytrene beans . . . comfiest thing to lounge on imaginable . . .
posted by protorp at 2:32 AM on August 19, 2008