Here are the instructions for packing your memory foam mattress in a VacuFlat Mattress Storage Bag. We suggest the following items before you get started:
- A VacuFlat mattress bag
- A household or wet/dry vacuum with vacuum hose
- Silica desiccant packets – between 50-200 grams (in one or more packets) depending on mattress size
- Plastic sheeting (or a traditional mattress bag)
- Packing Tape
- A friend – having a second person makes the job a lot easier
Step 1: Prepare your work area. Clear it of any objects that can potentially damage the VacuFlat bag.
Step 2: Encase the mattress with the VacuFlat mattress bag. Be sure that the check valve is on the upward-facing side of the bag. Take note that the zipper seal may be either on the long side or short side of the bag.
Step 2a: Add desiccant to the bag before sealing. This is optional, but if the mattress will be stored in a VacuFlat bag for longer than 24 hours, we highly recommend using desiccant for best results.
Note: We like color indicating silica gel packets because they show moisture saturation and are easy to refresh and reuse. We recommend using between 50-200 grams depending on the size of your mattress.
Step 3: Seal the bag using the provided seal clip. For best results, completely open the zipper seal, pull the zipper seal taut from end-to-end, and seal the bag, keeping the open portion completely taut while sealing the bag. Once sealed, compress and slide the seal clip along the length of the seal once more while applying heavy pressure to the clip to ensure the seal is fully locked.
Note: Due to the long length of the zipper seal, it is common for one side of the seal to bunch when the seal is not kept completely taut while sealing, especially on bags with the zipper on the long side. This is NOT a defect of the bag. To fix, completely reopen the zipper seal and ensure the seal is taught from end-to-end before resealing the bag.
Step 4: Vacuum the air out of the bag. Before starting, ensure that the check valve is resting on top of the mattress. Move the bagged mattress underneath the check valve if necessary.
Step 4a: Vacuum first from an opening in the seal. Reopen a small portion of the seal. Place the open end of vacuum hose inside the opened portion of the seal. Place the hose end against the mattress. Seal the bag as tightly as possible around the vacuum hose. Turn on the vacuum. If the suction from the vacuum draws the plastic into the hose, gently pull the plastic away from the hose end to ensure that air is drawn from the bag. With the vacuum on and a proper seal around the vacuum hose, the bag will begin to shrink. If it does not, please check the seal around the vacuum hose and try again.
Note: We suggest this method because it ensures maximum airflow for the initial vacuuming process. Check valves on vacuum storage bags can restrict airflow, which is needed to cool the vacuum motor. Lack of airflow during vacuuming can cause a vacuum to overheat.
Step 4b: Vacuum from the check valve. Once the shrinking slows, remove the vacuum hose from the seal opening with the vacuum still on and quickly seal the bag using the seal clip. Open the plastic cap on the check valve and place the open end of the vacuum hose on the valve. While vacuuming, have a friend walk on the entire surface of the mattress (preferably in stocking feet) to further compress it. When the mattress no longer shows signs of shrinking, turn off the vacuum, remove the hose from the valve, and replace the plastic cap on the valve.
Note: Keep a close eye on your vacuum during this process, and give the vacuum hose frequent periods away from the valve if necessary to prevent the vacuum from overheating.
Step 5: Roll the mattress. We recommend rolling it inside plastic sheeting (or a traditional mattress bag). This helps to ensure that the bag isn’t damaged and doesn’t re-inflate during shipping or transit.
Note: This will also help to ensure that the bag can be reused when finished.
Step 6: Bind the rolled mattress with heavy-duty packing tape. If plastic sheeting is not used, completely wrap the packing tape around the roll in several places to restrict expansion of the mattress in case the bag is damaged and the air-tight seal is broken.
Note: Our customers also report success using ropes or ratchet straps instead of tape to bind the mattress.
Additional Notes:
– If the bag does not compress during the vacuuming process or re-inflates shortly after compression, the most common cause is an incompletely locked zipper seal. This can be corrected by resealing the bag and applying additional pressure to the seal clip during the sealing process.
– Do not stand the packed mattress on end. This can cause damage to your mattress and possibly void your mattress warranty.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully vacuum packed your mattress with a VacuFlat mattress bag. If you have any questions or issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us.