How To Cut A Purple Mattress In Half? (Easiest Steps To Use!)
Split king and split queen mattresses have become popular options for couples with different comfort needs. By dividing a mattress into two halves, each sleeper can customize their side’s feel and firmness.
This customization can also aid couples in small bedrooms who want to maximize their usable sleep space with separate bed frames.
So, How To Cut A Purple Mattress In Half? Cutting a mattress in half to create a split design does require some special considerations. In this guide, we’ll cover the complete process for cutting a Purple mattress in half safely and accurately.
Can You Cut a Purple Mattress?
Answer is Yes, it is possible to cut most Purple mattresses to create a split king or split queen. The ideal tools to use are an electric carving knife and painter’s tape.
- Cutting a Purple mattress will void the warranty, so only do this if you are okay with relinquishing the original warranty coverage.
- The proprietary Purple Grid comfort layer can be cleanly cut through with repeated passes of a sharp electric knife. The base support foam will also split with some effort.
- For a true split, you’ll want to cut at least 50-75% through the total mattress thickness. This allows the halves to fold apart while retaining structural integrity.
- Adding side foam rails around the open edges helps provide edge support and prevent long-term sagging of the cut halves.
- Take precautions like eye protection and vacuuming to safely manage the foam dust created during cutting. Work slowly and follow marked guidelines.
- A split Purple mattress will require a split mattress protector and may need compatible bed frames designed for split configurations.
- Cutting a Purple mattress will void the warranty, so only cut if you are okay with losing the original coverage. Otherwise, request a factory split version directly.
While it takes some effort and skill, cutting a Purple mattress can be done DIY-style to create the customized split surface many couples desire. Just use caution and the proper tools to achieve a professional-looking cut.
Why Cut A Purple Mattress?
There are a few key reasons you may want to convert a standard Purple mattress into a split king or queen:
- Different firmness levels – Purple offers mattresses in soft, medium, and firm feels. Cutting the mattress allows you to have a firm and soft half, for example.
- Adjustable bases – Split designs allow integrating two adjustable frames that can raise the head and feet separately on each side.
- Small room layout – Split mattresses allow using two twin XL frames to fit better in narrow bedrooms.
- Increased motion isolation – Separating the mattress halves minimizes cross-mattress movement disturbance between sleepers.
- Improved edge support – Foam encasement on the split sides provides a more solid sitting edge than a single mattress.
- Shared bed for back pain – One sleeper can have a firmer side to accommodate back pain while their partner enjoys a softer feel.
What You’ll Need To Split A Purple Mattress?
Cutting through a mattress precisely takes the right set of tools. You’ll want to have these supplies on hand before starting:
- Electric carving knife – Long serrated electric knife to cut through foam cleanly. A cordless knife could work but may lack power.
- Painter’s tape – To mark straight lines guiding the knife slit. Blue tape avoids residue.
- Ruler or straightedge – For measuring and making cut lines on the tape. Extend past 1/2 mattress width.
- Scissors – To cut through tape at beginning and end points.
- Eye protection – Like safety goggles to keep foam dust out of your eyes.
Optional:
- Clamps – To secure ruler when drawing long straight lines.
- Shop vacuum – To suck up foam dust during cutting.
- Flat work surface – Such as a table to lay the mattress on for optimal access.
How To Measure And Mark Cut Lines?
Before starting any cuts, you’ll want to carefully measure and mark a guide line on the mattress. Follow these steps:
- Lay the mattress flat on the work surface. For a mattress still in a bed frame, fully clear off the surface first.
- Determine which half will be Side A vs Side B. If unsure, choose the side you sleep on to be Side A.
- Using a ruler and tape measure, measure the full width of the mattress at the head, center, and foot to ensure it’s consistent width. Note the full measurements.
- Calculate exactly half the width measurements for reference.
- Take the painter’s tape and determine the mid-point width at head, center, and foot locations. Mark these points with small pieces of tape.
- Use a long ruler or straightedge to run blue tape lines connecting the mid-point marks from head to foot. Press the tape down firmly.
- Visually inspect that the tape bisects the mattress into two even halves down the length. Adjust if needed.
- Once aligned properly, use scissors to cut the tape at the head and foot so the tape line extends just an inch or two past the mattress edges.
The taped line marks the exact cutting path to follow with the electric knife. Take your time with the measurements for the most accurate cut results.
How To Cut A Purple Mattress In Half With Electric Knife?
With your cut line marked, it’s time to start splitting the mattress by making repeated cuts along the tape path:
- Put on your eye protection and any other safety gear. Optional: Place a shop vacuum nearby to capture foam dust.
- Plug in the electric carving knife and insert the long serrated blade. Extend it to full length.
- Beginning at the head end, position the knife blade tip at the tape line. Angle the blade at around 45 degrees, pointed into the mattress.
- Run the knife down the mattress length in 12-15 inch passes, keeping the blade edge inside the tape line. Apply firm, even pressure as you go.
- Lift the knife up at the end of each pass before starting the next. This prevents skipping or surface gouges.
- Work incrementally down the taped line until reaching the opposite end. Repeat passes until reaching desired depth into the mattress layers.
- For a full split, make repeated passes approximately 50-75% through the mattress thickness. The final25-50% will split when you fold open the mattress.
- Work slowly and methodically for the cleanest cut. Rushing may lead to stray cut marks. Clear foam dust between passes.
- When finished cutting, open the mattress at the slit to separate the halves fully. Remove any remaining debris.
- Place the finished split mattress halves on your bed frames. Zip together a split mattress protector pad before adding sheets.
With careful cuts, you can achieve a clean split surface that looks like it was factory produced. Smooth any uneven foam edges with a knife or sandpaper.
You can also watch this video for more understanding:
How Deep To Cut The Mattress?
For a complete split, you’ll need to cut at least 50% through the mattress thickness, but 75% is better. Going just 25-50% leaves a thin bottom layer intact:
- 25% depth – Allows folding but mattress won’t fully separate. Bottom foam layer keeps halves joined.
- 50% depth – Cleanly splits the mattress but may lack edge support on the open sidewalls.
- 75% depth – Slices through all but the bottom inch or two of foam. Keeps more integrity when splitting halves apart.
- 100% depth – Severing the foam base can compromise mattress structure and durability long term.
Cut incrementally deeper until the mattress begins to fold open while retaining enough bottom foam to prevent sagging. Leaving at least an inch of base foam should suffice.
What About Side Foam Encasement?
For the most robust split mattress design, you’ll want to add side foam rails around the open inner edges so they don’t sag over time. This also lets you place the mattress halves right next to each other if desired.
To create side encasement:
- Cut 4-5 inch tall foam blocks the same length as the mattress halves. Density should match the mattress foam (2.5-3 lb polyfoam or 6-7 lb memory foam typically).
- Glue strips around the open sides using adhesives compatible with the mattress foam type.
- Let the glue cure fully before placing the mattress halves on bed frames.
The foam side rails reinforce the split edges. It allows positioning the halves together like a single mattress or separating them if preferred. Sturdy edges prevent dipping or unevenness over years of use.
Caring For Your Split Purple Mattress
Follow these tips to keep your split Purple mattress in top condition:
- Use a mattress protector to prevent stains and damage, especially on the open split sides.
- Rotate the halves 180 degrees every 3-6 months to evenly distribute wear and imprints. Flip top to bottom if single-sided.
- Vacuum occasionally with a brush attachment to revive the Purple Grid’s airflow and remove dust.
- Spot clean stains immediately using diluted dish soap and cold water. Air dry fully.
- Avoid over-compressing the foam for long periods to prevent permanent indentations.
- Ensure compatible bed frames with center legs for stability and reduce sagging risks.
- Expect some natural softening of the comfort foams over the first 1-2 years as they break-in.
Main Takeaways on Splitting a Purple Mattress
- Use an electric carving knife and blue painter’s tape to mark straight cut lines.
- Make multiple passes with the knife 50-75% through mattress thickness for a complete split.
- Cut incrementally to keep the knife blade under control for clean sliced edges.
- Adding side foam rails provides edge support and lets you position halves together or apart.
- Expect at least 50% through depth for folding and 75% for a full separation into halves.
- A split mattress protector and occasional vacuuming keeps your cut Purple mattress in excellent condition.
By following these steps, you can successfully split most Purple mattress models to create customized halves tailored to you and your partner’s individual comfort.