Tempur‑Pedic® mattresses are famous for their comfort and support. Some people ask if they can cut one to make it fit a smaller frame or a tight space. This guide explains what these mattresses are made of, why folks consider cutting them, the risks involved and safer alternatives.

What is a Tempur‑Pedic mattress?

Tempur‑Pedic mattresses are made from memory foam. Memory foam is a unique synthetic material developed by NASA in the 1970ssitnsleep.com. It was first used as seating padding in space vehicles and later adapted for bedssitnsleep.com.
Today, Tempur‑Pedic uses a patented foam formula that responds to your body’s temperature, weight and shapesitnsleep.com. This helps reduce pressure points and motion transfersitnsleep.com.
Because the foam is designed to conform closely, cutting it could change how it supports you and may make the bed unevenpuffy.com.

Why people consider cutting one

People sometimes want to resize a memory‑foam mattress to fit a smaller bed frame or unusual space like a van or boatsleepline.com. Others cut a larger mattress into two smaller ones or use extra foam for cushionssleepline.com.
Some DIYers trim a mattress to make seat cushions or pet bedssleepline.com.
According to Puffy’s step‑by‑step guide, cutting memory foam is possible, but you need patience and the right toolspuffy.com.

If you need a smaller mattress but don’t want to DIY, you can always order a custom‑sized bed or cut up a different foam mattress following our foam disposal guide.

Warranty and quality risks

Altering a mattress voids most warranties. Puffy notes that cutting or modifying a mattress or topper can void the manufacturer’s guaranteepuffy.com. Sleepline also warns that cutting memory foam will definitely void its warrantysleepline.com.
Cutting may create uneven surfaces or lumps, which could affect comfortpuffy.com and may not provide the support you expect from Tempur‑Pedic.
Gel‑infused foam or cooling beads inside some Tempur‑Pedic models can be disrupted when cut, making the cooling less effectivepuffy.com.

How to cut if you must

If you decide to proceed, follow these steps carefully and remember that you will lose warranty coverage:

Remove the cover. Unzip or carefully slice the cover along seams so you can reach the foamsleepline.com.
Measure and mark. Use a tape measure and marker to outline the section you needsleepline.com. Measure twice to avoid mistakessleepline.com.
Choose the right tool. A sharp serrated bread knife or electric carving knife works best for memory foampuffy.com sleepline.com. Heavy‑duty scissors can work for thin sectionssleepline.com.
Secure the mattress. Place it on a flat, stable surface and have someone hold it steadypuffy.com so it doesn’t shiftsleepline.com.
Cut slowly. Let the knife do the work. Use gentle back‑and‑forth motions and keep your hands away from the bladepuffy.com puffy.com.
Smooth the edges. After cutting, use sandpaper or scissors to smooth any rough spotspuffy.com.

Always practise on a spare piece of foam firstpuffy.com. For a full how‑to on cutting foam, see our ultimate guide and best way to cut memory foam posts.

Alternatives to cutting

Buy the right size. If your mattress is too big, purchase a smaller model or a custom size rather than cutting an expensive Tempur‑Pedicsleepline.com.
Donate or sell the old bed. If it’s still in good shape, let someone else enjoy it.
Use a topper instead. For minor adjustments, add a memory‑foam topper that’s easy to trim (see our topper guide).

Cutting a Tempur‑Pedic horizontally to make it thinner is especially risky. Sleepline states that horizontal cuts can damage the foam and reduce comfort, and recommends buying a new mattress insteadsleepline.com.

Tools & safety box

Sharp serrated knife or electric carving knifepuffy.com.
Measuring tape and markersleepline.com.
Protective gear: wear gloves and goggles to prevent cuts and foam dustwasteremovalusa.com.
Work on a flat surface and keep children and pets awaysleepline.com.
Practise on scrap foam before cutting your mattresspuffy.com.

FAQs (people also ask)

Will cutting a Tempur‑Pedic mattress void the warranty?
Yes. Both Puffy and Sleepline note that altering the foam will void the warrantypuffy.com sleepline.com.

Can you cut a gel Tempur‑Pedic mattress?
It’s possible to cut gel‑infused memory foam, but cutting may disrupt the gel’s even distributionpuffy.com. Use a serrated or electric knife and cut slowlypuffy.com.

Is cutting a mattress or buying a new one better?
Buying a new or smaller mattress is safer. Sleepline warns that cutting a mattress horizontally can damage it and reduce comfortsleepline.com. If DIY cutting feels risky, consider a different mattress and donate your old one.

Cutting a Tempur‑Pedic mattress is doable but risky. You’ll lose warranty coverage and may compromise comfort. If you decide not to cut, you can still reuse or recycle your old mattress through Ex‑Mattress’s recycling directory or book a pickup and let our haulers handle it.