Rotating bedding seasonally? Moving house? Renting out your mattress? Whatever the reason, you’ll want to store your mattress topper properly. Mattress toppers aren’t cheap like an old duvet – they’re an investment in your sleeping happiness. Store yours incorrectly and you could ruin its supportive structure, introduce mould and mildew, or cause creases that won’t iron out.
In the UK, humidity and temperature variations mean there are extra precautions you should take when storing your mattress topper. Read on to discover exactly how to store any type of mattress topper for short and long-term storage, so it comes out of storage smelling as fresh and wrinkle-free as when you first bought it.
Golden Rules of Mattress Topper Storage
Before we break down storage methods by material type, let’s establish your three foundation storage rules:
Clean: Never store a mattress topper that isn’t 100% clean. Don’t store it if it’s damp, sweaty, or dirty. This is the fastest way to introduce mould, mildew and lingering smells.
Dry: This goes without saying when you’ve read point #1. But make doubly sure there is no moisture in any form left in the mattress topper.
Flat/rolled: Folding is the mortal enemy of mattress toppers. Memory foam, latex and sprung mattress toppers should never be folded, as this will create permanent creases or damage internal structures.
Guide to Storing Mattress Toppers
Step 1 – Deep Clean (If Required)
Refer to our detailed guide on how to clean a mattress topper for your particular type of mattress topper. At the very least you should:
Vacuum well. Use an upholstery brush to suck up dust mites and dust from the surface and crevices.
Spot clean any stains.
If you have a feather/down mattress topper, consider getting it professionally cleaned before storing it long-term.
Step 2 – Make Sure It’s 100% DRY
If you washed your topper then let it air dry for at least 24-48 hours in a room that’s kept dry. Don’t pack away until you’re absolutely certain there is no moisture within the mattress topper whatsoever.
In the UK climate we recommend avoiding drying it in a cold, damp garage or garden shed. If you have one, use a dehumidifier in the room you’re storing it in.
Step 3 – Pick Your Storage Location Carefully
Ideally, store mattress toppers in a clean, dark, dry, cool cupboard or under-bed storage container somewhere in the room that’s temperature controlled (i.e. not a loft). Spare bedrooms are great for this.
DON’T just chuck your mattress topper in the loft, garage, garden shed or basement. These are the worst places because they’re prone to:
Damp & Condensation: Autumn and spring bring mould risks as outdoor temperature changes cause condensation.
Humidity: Too much humidity is bad (mould), but heat will also breakdown foam cells and ruin adhesive. Cold can make materials brittle.
Pests: Ants, insects and rodents love to burrow into bedding.
Memory Foam Toppers
Memory foam’s biggest weakness is being kept on its side or rolled for long periods.
How to Store: Lay it flat on top of a mattress, and cover with your bedspread/sheets etc. This is ideal.
If short on space, you can roll memory foam toppers up lightly (do not fold). Roll with the foam on the outside (not tight like a yoga mat). This will minimise compression stress on the topper.
TOP TIP: Store it in a large cotton storage bag that will allow the mattress topper to breathe (NOT plastic). Don’t trap memory foam toppers in their original vacuum storage bag for long periods of time.
Latex Mattress Toppers
Latex’s biggest enemy is sunlight and light deterioration from exposure to air (think about how rubber bands become brittle over time).
How to Store: Like memory foam – flat is best, rolled is second best. Latex is tougher but heavier.
TOP TIP: Store latex toppers away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Feather & Down Mattress Toppers
Feather and down’s worst enemy is moisture, dust mites and compression.
How to Store: These are usually fine to fold up gently, or roll up.
TOP TIP: Store in a large cotton storage bag you’d normally use for a duvet. Give it a good shake and fluff every now and again if storing for long periods. You can also add natural moth repellents like cedar balls to the storage bag.
Wool Mattress Toppers
Wool's worst enemy is….moths!
How to Store: Wool is quite tough and durable. Keep it flat if possible, or roll up loosely.
TOP TIP: Prevent moth infestations by using cedar blocks or lavender moth proofing sachets. Never use mothballs directly on wool – the chemical smell is never going to wash out.
Fibre / Polyester Mattress Toppers
Synthetic fibres biggest issue is…compression.
How to Store: Roll into a bundle, or store flat if possible. Polyester & fibre toppers are the least expensive – and by far the most forgiving.
TOP TIP: Give it a good bang on the floor before using it again to fluff it back up.
Pick a Breathy Cotton Storage Bag
DO USE a large cotton or canvas storage bag. These allow air to flow through and prevent dust from gathering.
DON’T USE: Bin liners or plastic rubbish bags. These trap moisture and create the perfect condensation/mould paradise.
Vacuum Storage Bags. These are terrible for long-term storage. The compression is great for saving space but causes constant pressure on foam cells and feathers that will slowly destroy your mattress or mattress topper.
Long Term vs Short Term Storage
How long are you storing your mattress topper for?
Short term (few days/weeks): Just clean it, make sure its dry, and pop it flat on your spare bed. If rolling up for under-bed storage, keep it in a breathable storage bag and put it in a suitable room in your house.
Long Term (months/years): Follow all of the steps above. Every few months take the mattress out of storage to air it out and check for dampness or mould. Shake it down and fluff it up before putting it away again.
Mattress Topper Storage FAQS
Q: Can I store my mattress topper in the loft?
A: Never in the UK climate if possible. Unless you have great insulation and your loft stays at a constant temperature year-round you’ll have problems. Temperature fluctuations cause condensation. Moisture equals mold. If push comes to shove make sure your mattress topper is placed in a sealed, airtight plastic container with desiccant silica gel packets to absorb moisture. And sit it on a pallet so it isn’t touching the cold surface of your roof.
Q: How long can you keep a memory foam mattress topper?
A: Forever if stored correctly (ideally flat, dry, in a room with no extreme temperatures). Stored compressed in a hot attic for one summer and you could destroy it.
Q: My mattress topper smells mouldy..now what?
A: If it’s foam..you might be screwed. If it’s a material you can wash consider spot treating with an enzymatic smell eliminator then airing/sun drying it thoroughly. Remember: prevention is always better than cure!
Q: Can I put my mattress topper on its side?
A: For short term storage, sure! If leaving it for long periods of time regularly…the weight of your mattress topper will cause it to slump over and deform with time. Flat is always best.
Mattress Topper Storage Checklist
✅ Cleaned (according to its material type)
✅ Completely bone dry
✅ Placed in a breathable cotton storage bag.
✅ Stored either FLAT (preferred) or loosely ROLLED
✅ Stored in a dry, cool, dark room/location
✅ Labelled with what’s inside and the date.
✅ Put on a calendar reminder to come back and check every few months.
Conclusion
Mattress toppers are an investment in your sleep quality. Sleep on a cheap mattress with a high-quality mattress topper and you’ll notice the difference. Don’t trash yours by storing incorrectly.
Ready to store your mattress topper away? First things first, protect your mattress topper from spills and stains with a washable mattress protector from MyHomeLiving.co.uk. Then when you take it back out of storage why not treat yourself to some fresh new bedding to go with it. We sell everything from pillows to bedding sets.