How to Make Your Own DIY Mattress in 6 Steps

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James Miller
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James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
James Miller
Updated: April 15, 2024

Are you struggling to find the perfect mattress to suit your needs? Or perhaps you're put off by the price?

If so, have you ever considered building your own?

Making your own DIY mattress may seem daunting at first, but in reality, it is something that most intermediate DIYers should be able to handle.

Once you understand the basics of mattress construction, the rest is easier than you think.

Read on as I use my years of sleep testing experience (and passion for amateur DIY) to put together a detailed guide to home mattress construction...and reveal some neat mattress alternatives!

Mattress Construction & Design Basics

Cover

The mattress cover serves as a protective shield encompassing the entirety of the mattress. Its role is to safeguard the internal components from dirt, stains, and the effects of everyday use.

When selecting a cover, it's advisable to prioritize characteristics such as durability, breathability, and ease of cleaning.

Also, as this is the layer closest to your skin, it's a good idea to opt for non-toxic and sustainable fabrics (such as organic cotton).

Comfort Layer

The comfort layer, also known as the top layer, is crucial in providing exceptional cushioning and relieving pressure points for a comfortable sleep experience.

Depending on individual preferences, you have the flexibility to choose various materials, such as foam, latex, or even a combination of both.

This allows you to personalize their sleeping surface to achieve the optimum level of comfort and support based on your sleep needs (more on this later).

Transition Layer

Situated between the comfort and support layers, the transition layer is pivotal in enriching the mattress experience.

By evenly distributing weight, this layer provides optimum support and prevents discomfort or excessive sinking.

Support Layer

The support layer plays a vital role in delivering both optimal firmness and support.

This critical layer is often designed with either high-quality coil springs for enhanced bounce and responsiveness or dense foam for exceptional contouring and pressure relief.

How to Choose the Perfect Firmness

When creating your ideal DIY mattress, achieving the perfect level of firmness is crucial.

However, determining the right firmness for your needs can be a challenge.

Here are a few considerations to help you get it just right.

Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position impacts not only your comfort through the night but also influences the type of support your body needs from a mattress:

  • Stomach Sleepers: This position can put a significant amount of stress on your back. A firmer mattress helps to keep your body afloat, preventing your spine from arching and causing discomfort.
  • Side Sleepers: When sleeping on your side, your spine needs to stay aligned from neck to hips. A soft to medium-firm mattress can contour your body's curves, providing relief at pressure points like your shoulders and hips.
  • Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you have the most natural alignment of all sleep positions. To maintain this alignment, a medium to firm mattress is ideal. It offers good support for your lower back while being soft enough to contour your body's natural curve.
  • Combination Sleepers: If you toss and turn in bed (regularly changing positions throughout the night), you need a versatile mattress responsive to your movements. A medium-firm mattress often works well for combination sleepers, providing an excellent balance of support and comfort.

Body Type and Weight

Your body type and weight also play a pivotal role in determining the perfect mattress firmness.

It's not just about comfort; it's about supporting your body in all the right places to ensure you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Here's what you need to know:

  • Light Bodyweight: If you're lighter than average (less than 130 lbs, for example), a softer mattress will be your best friend. Why? Because your body doesn't sink as much into the mattress, a softer mattress can provide the contouring support you need without feeling too hard.
  • Average Bodyweight: If you fall into an average bodyweight range (130 lbs - 230 lbs), a medium-firm mattress will be the sweet spot. This firmness level offers a balanced blend of support and comfort, contouring your body while providing enough resistance to keep your spine in its natural alignment.
  • Heavy Bodyweight: If, like me, you come in at over 230 lbs, a firm mattress is needed to offer the necessary support. These mattresses resist deep sinking, which helps maintain proper spinal alignment and distributes weight evenly.

Latex Foam Firmness Ratings

Latex foams are evaluated using the ILD measurement.

ILD, or impression load deflection, quantifies the pressure needed to indent the mattress by 25%.

Latex foam ranges from very soft to very firm, with the following ILD ratings:

  • Very Soft (16 and less)
  • Soft (19-21)
  • Medium (24-26)
  • Medium-Firm (29-31)
  • Firm (34-36)
  • Very Firm (39 and more)

Memory Foam Firmness Ratings

When it comes to foam mattresses, there are two ratings to take into consideration: density and ILD.

Density is a crucial measurement for support foams as it gauges the mattress's ability to bear your body weight effectively. It's measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF) and the typical ranges are as follows:

  • Low Grade (2.5-3.9 lbs/ft3): Swiftly regains its original shape, providing good motion isolation and contouring capabilities.
  • Medium Grade (4.0-5.9 lbs/ft3): Gradually regains its original shape, providing very good motion isolation and contouring
  • High Grade (6+ lbs/ft3): While this grade does not regain its shape as quickly as the other two, it provides excellent motion isolation and contouring, ensuring a comfortable and undisturbed sleep experience

In terms of ILD rating, memory foam is generally softer than latex:

  • Extremely Soft (8-10)
  • Very Soft (11-15)
  • Soft (16-21)

Your DIY Mattress Guide

Now you know how to select the appropriate foam or latex for your DIY mattress, let's cover the basic process for making a DIY innerspring mattress.

Mattress Components and Tools Needed

  • Pre-made mattress cover (or material and a sewing machine to make your own)
  • Non-toxic memory foam or natural latex
  • Innerspring coil unit
  • Large scissors or sharp craft knife
  • Wire cutters

Building Process

  1. Unzip the mattress cover and carefully lay it out on the floor.
  2. Place a firm bottom layer of foam or latex on the mattress cover.
  3. Place the innerspring coil unit on top of the bottom layer to serve as the main support structure for your mattress. Ideally, this layer should be around 6" - 8" tall. If you prefer a firmer mattress, you should opt for thicker coils or a higher coil count. This will help create a more even surface and extend the lifespan of your mattress but will come at a higher cost.
  4. Add a 2" latex or foam comfort layer on top. If your coil layer is firm, consider selecting a softer comfort layer to provide balance.
  5. Wrap the mattress in the cover and zip it closed (or stitch it together if you've made your own).
  6. (ADVANCED STEP, can be skipped if desired) You may want to use mattress tufting as a way to securely hold all the layers in place and prevent any shifting (without the use of adhesive). This effective technique can help ensure the longevity and stability of your mattress.

Other DIY Mattress Types

I've shared step-by-step instructions on creating a DIY innerspring mattress, as I believe it provides an ideal balance of simplicity and support, suitable for most individuals.

However, if you prefer a different mattress type, you can easily customize the layers by altering their type, number, and arrangement to fit your needs.

The beauty of a DIY mattress lies in the complete control it offers, allowing you to craft a sleeping surface tailored to your preferences.

More Help

If you need specific advice on your DIY mattress project, please don't hesitate to email me and ask.

YouTube is also an excellent resource for DIY mattress inspiration and tips.

When to Replace Your Mattress

The joy of getting enough sleep is a universal experience, and the mattress you choose plays a significant role in that.

But like all good things, even the best mattresses have an expiration date, and it's essential to know when it's time to bid goodbye to your old mattress and welcome a new one into your home.

Over time, mattresses can lose their shape and support due to factors like wear and tear, age, and improper maintenance.

Latex

Natural latex mattresses are known for their durability and longevity.

These eco-friendly sleep surfaces can last up to 10-12 years, thanks to the resilience of natural latex.

However, if you notice any significant indentations or your mattress no longer offers the support it once did, it might be time to consider a replacement.

You can read more about latex sag in my natural latex longevity article.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses offer a beautiful fusion of innerspring support with foam or latex comfort layers.

Typically, these mattresses have a lifespan of around 6-8 years. But, the durability of a hybrid mattress can vary depending on the quality of its components.

If you start to feel the coils through the top layer or if the mattress starts sagging, it's probably time for a new one.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are loved for their contouring abilities and pressure relief.

They generally have a lifespan of 7-10 years. However, over time, memory foam can lose its ability to bounce back, leading to permanent indentations.

If you're not getting the same comfort level or the foam feels lumpy, it's likely time for a replacement.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are traditional and widely used. They usually need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

The springs can lose their supportive qualities over time, leading to a less comfortable sleep.

If you're starting to feel the springs, or if there's noticeable sagging, it's a clear sign you need a new mattress.

How to Prolong the Life of Your Mattress

Rotate It

Rotating (or flipping if appropriate) your mattress every few months helps distribute wear and tear evenly across its surface.

It's a simple step that can significantly extend your mattress's life, delaying the need for a replacement and conserving resources.

Protect It

A mattress protector can keep your mattress clean, protect against dust mites, and prevent spills from penetrating the mattress.

This not only helps maintain your mattress in optimal condition but also reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning, saving water and energy.

Keep Pets Off

As adorable as it might be to snuggle with your four-legged friends, their claws can potentially tear and puncture the mattress over time.

By providing them with their own comfy, sustainable pet beds, you can enhance your mattress's longevity and your pet's comfort.

Vacuum Regularly

Regular vacuuming with an upholstery attachment can help remove dirt, dust mites, and other debris from your mattress.

This simple cleaning routine can extend your mattress's lifespan and improve the indoor air quality in your bedroom.

Spot Clean

Spot cleaning any spills or stains as soon as they happen using mild detergent and water will prevent them from setting in and damaging the mattress materials.

Make Do And Mend

If your mattress still offers a good level of support and is just getting uncomfortable due to minor indentations, you might be able to prolong its life for an extra couple of years with a good-quality mattress topper.

 Storage

If you're not using your mattress for a while, store it in a dry, cool place that's well-ventilated.

This will prevent mold or mildew from forming, which could compromise the mattress's integrity and your health.

Responsible Mattress Disposal

When it comes time to get rid of your mattress, responsible disposal is vital.

Arabella has some excellent advice on this subject in her mattress recycling article.

Things You Can Repurpose as A Mattress

Before I wrap this article up, I'd like to dive into some creative solutions for when a traditional mattress may not be an option.

Remember, these are temporary solutions. For regular use, it's essential to invest in a good quality non-toxic mattress that provides proper support and alignment for your body.

Natural Pillows

If you have an abundance of natural fill pillows, you can arrange them on the floor to create a comfortable sleeping spot.

Use larger pillows for the base and smaller ones for added comfort and support.

Mattress Toppers

The main idea of an organic mattress topper is that it is designed to add extra cushioning to a mattress, but in a pinch, it can serve as a makeshift bed.

Just place it on a clean, flat surface, and you're good to go!

Folded Blankets or Comforters

Stack several folded blankets or cotton comforters to create a soft, makeshift bed.

Opt for thicker, quilted blankets (or heavy-duty comforters) for more support and comfort.

Air Mattress

If you have an air mattress for camping or guests, this can be an excellent temporary bed.

It's easy to inflate and deflate, and you can adjust its firmness to your liking.

Futons

A futon mattress is traditional Japanese bedding you can roll out on the floor.

It's compact, portable, and provides decent support and comfort.

Yoga Mats

While not as thick as a traditional mattress, thick non-slip yoga mats can provide a good level of cushioning.

Layer a few mats for extra comfort, and top with a soft blanket.

Hammocks

If you have sturdy supports available, a hammock can make for a fun and comfortable sleeping spot.

Plus, it's great for keeping cool and relaxed outside in warmer weather!

Sleeping Bags

Ideal for camping, sleeping bags can also serve as a makeshift mattress.

Many are padded and insulated for comfort, and you can unzip one fully to use it as a large, flat sleeping surface.

Bean Bags

Larger bean bags can provide a soft and moldable sleeping surface.

They're not ideal for long-term use, but in a pinch, they can certainly provide a comfortable night's sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make your own custom mattress size?

Your DIY mattress should be big enough for you (and a partner, if applicable) to sleep and move around comfortably. Check out my mattress size guide for more details.

How much does making a mattress cost?

The cost of making a mattress depends on the quality of materials you use. The innerspring mattress example in this article can be made for around $200 for a twin.

What is the least toxic mattress material?

Organic latex is one of the least toxic mattress materials. It's derived from natural rubber, and no harsh chemicals are used in its production. Additionally, organic wool has many benefits for a healthy sleep environment.

Is polyurethane foam safe to sleep on?

Polyurethane foam is not always safe to sleep on. I cover why in more detail in my memory foam toxicity article.

What is the profit margin on a mattress?

Mattress manufacturers typically enjoy a healthy profit margin of 40% to 50%.

What can I put under my mattress to make it higher?

You can put a mattress topper, egg crate foam pad, or even an old box spring under your mattress to make it higher. You can also add plywood boards between the mattress and box spring for extra height. Additionally, adjustable bed frames are available that allow you to raise the head and feet of your mattress.

Can a mattress make you sweat?

Yes, a mattress can make you sweat. Memory foam mattresses are especially well-known for trapping heat and making sleepers overheat, but this is not exclusive to memory foam. Any mattress that doesn't have good airflow will trap your body heat and cause you to sweat.

What is Dunlop latex?

Dunlop latex is a type of natural latex foam that is made from the sap of rubber trees. It is firmer and more durable than some other types of natural latex, making it perfect for use in mattresses.

The Final Word

Building your own mattress allows you to create a personalized sleeping experience.

Whether you opt for a hybrid, foam, or latex mattress, understanding the basics of mattress construction and choosing the proper firmness level for your needs is essential.

By following a step-by-step process and using the appropriate materials and tools, you can enjoy a comfortable and supportive mattress tailored to your exact needs.

Get In Touch

Have you successfully made your own DIY mattress? How many inches thick did you make it? Did you go super soft? Or did you use high-density foam for a firmer feel? How did you encase it? Drop me a line and let me know.

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James Miller
James Miller
James is an environmentalist, sustainability expert and senior editor at TheRoundup, specializing in testing non-toxic, organic and eco-friendly products. James, his wife and two daughters believe in chemical-free and zero-waste living. They aim to leave the planet in a better state than we found it, for future generations to enjoy.
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