Mattress is on an adjustable bed. I have MS; it makes getting on bed difficult because of the height. How/is there any way that I can safely cut the foam shorter myself?

Also, is memoryfoam what I am wanting on an adjustable bed?

Thanks.

By: Abby

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5 Responses to “My 12″ thick memoryfoam mattress is too tall for whlchr access. Any way I can DIY cut it to an easier size?”

1. mike1942f on October 2nd, 2009 5:53 am

   Having slept on urethane foam most of my life and built a number of beds, I would say the answer is no. Cutting the foam horizontally is going to very hard to do without being very ragged. I suspect you paid a small fortune for the thing, but memory foam mattress toppers up to 4″ are available for under $100 so you could build up from a thinner mattress if you want the comfort. You may find that building a ramp and platform or a lift platform beside the bed is an easier solution. Or getting the legs of the bed shortened.

2. Paul in San Diego on October 2nd, 2009 8:06 pm

   I might think that it would be better for you to put a ramp next to the bed that allows you to raise the height of your wheelchair, rather than try something like cutting a memory foam mattress.

   Otherwise, you’re probably better off selling the mattress at a loss and getting a shorter one.

   I don’t see why the memory foam mattress wouldn’t work on an adjustable bed. They’re pretty flexible.

3. ed on October 3rd, 2009 5:25 am

   Not DIY. There is special machinery to accomplish this but I would think only at the manufacturer.

   Sorry, no suggestions.

4. moskie257 on October 5th, 2009 1:08 pm

   Your best bet is to have a handyman build a platform with a ramp to the platform, unless you can have him cut the bed down a couple of inches. Good luck and sorry for your situation

   Regards
   Moskie257.

5. thewrangler_sw on October 7th, 2009 8:00 am

   I would check to see if the bed can be adjusted for height before doing anything, hehe. Many adjustables can be hand cranked even if they don’t have a motor for the height.

   If that’s not an option, then I would recommend a ramp and platform, as the simplest solution. I’d even put a lip on them to prevent running off by accident. The platform would be at the comfortable height you need, but level… not angled like you would have with only a ramp. I’d also think about other items that might help, like a safety grab bar, or even a transfer device.

   Good Luck