Can you cut a foam matress topper so it can fit on a queen size bed?

October 28, 2023 9:09 AM

Hi all, I accidentally purchased a foam mattress topper thinking it could fit on a Queen size bed, but in reality, it was made for a King size bed: https://www.wayfair.ca/bed-bath/pdp/lucid-california-king-medium-memory-foam-mattress-c100413925.html

Is it possible to cut a foam mattress topper to fit on a queen size, or would that ruin it? It is a Lucid mattress brand

posted by RearWindow to Shopping (13 answers total)

You absolutely can cut that with a box cutter or electric knife.
posted by DarlingBri at 9:14 AM on October 28, 2023 [7 favorites]

are you 100% sure that you definitely want to keep the topper? because I bought one recently (correct size) with a 30 day trial and it DID NOT work for me, so I was able to get a refund. so be sure you definitely want it before you mutilate it!
posted by supermedusa at 9:24 AM on October 28, 2023 [5 favorites]

Electric knife is best. Peel back the fabric cover before cutting the latex so that you have a covering for the "new" edge.
posted by tipsyBumblebee at 9:31 AM on October 28, 2023 [3 favorites]

Yes, I’ve done this. I didn’t check your link but if your topper has a fabric cover, you’ll get best results by removing the fabric cover first. However I agree that it’s probably easier just to return it.
posted by samthemander at 9:50 AM on October 28, 2023 [3 favorites]

supermedusa's warning is worth taking; I too don't like sleeping on foam toppers. But if you do want to cut it, be careful because bending the foam when it's not in the fabric wrapper can split it as it's somewhat fragile.
posted by anadem at 9:50 AM on October 28, 2023

At your link: "Premium memory foam is infused with lavender scent." I also vote exchange for the right size.

If you do trim it, please wear eye protection and a mask in a well-ventilated area (n'thing the electric carving knife), put the mattress in a protective cover (have at least one spare cover for quick changes on laundry day), and vacuum thoroughly afterward.
posted by Iris Gambol at 10:28 AM on October 28, 2023 [2 favorites]

Honestly, it's just better to arrange a return/exchange for the correct topper. That way, at least, you retain whatever warranty they offer on the toppers. Once you stick a knife into it, it's yours forever.
posted by Thorzdad at 11:28 AM on October 28, 2023

I agree with returning it being the best option. Plus, that's a very expensive foam topper. There's no point in spending time cutting it to fit when you could get one that does fit for less money.
posted by jonathanhughes at 12:32 PM on October 28, 2023

Be honest: how experienced and talented are you at cutting thick heavy springy substances into exact straight lines with no jagged edges and no veering off the exact straight track? Because if you’re anything like me there’s a like a 55% chance you’ll screw it up and be out a TON of money with a crooked topper that will bug you forever.
posted by kapers at 1:00 PM on October 28, 2023 [5 favorites]

Also, I don’t know a lot about foam or how this was constructed, but I know it can get pretty crumbly and I think there’s a decent chance the factory edge is smoothed and treated somehow to prevent the crumble. You wouldn’t be able to do that at home and you wouldn’t know if it’s crumbly until after you hacked into it.
posted by kapers at 1:05 PM on October 28, 2023 [4 favorites]

An edge that smooth is probably more likely from a hot wire-type cutting tool more than mechanical jiggle-knife-saw. For $400 and if you don't have to shrink it back down to the tennis ball can-sized package it may have been delivered in, return it.
posted by rhizome at 2:21 PM on October 28, 2023

If you can't return it, sell it locally to fund the purchase of the smaller one.
posted by kschang at 6:28 PM on October 28, 2023

That’s a California king, which I think would mean you need to cut it on two sides. They offer a free exchange, so I’d recommend doing that.
posted by bananana at 7:41 PM on October 28, 2023 [1 favorite]