Transporting your mattress when moving: How to get it there undamaged

When moving, most people think of boxes, furniture, and the piano – the mattress is often an afterthought, transported somehow at the last minute. Yet it's one of the most delicate items in the entire household: kinks, moisture, and dirt can permanently damage the sleeping surface. With the right preparation, your mattress will arrive at its new home in perfect condition.

The short answer: Ideally, transport the mattress flat or upright on its long side, always in a protective cover made of foil or a mattress bag. Modern foam mattresses can be temporarily rolled for transport, but never folded. Secure it in the vehicle to prevent shifting, don't stack anything heavy on it – and at your destination, unpack the mattress immediately and let it air out.

Before the move: Preparing the mattress correctly

The transport begins with preparation. Remove bedding and protectors and check the mattress for stains – moving is the perfect occasion for a thorough cleaning, as everything should start fresh in the new bedroom. Afterwards, let the mattress dry completely and air it out for a few hours. Only then should you use the protective cover: special mattress bags made of tear-resistant foil are available in all common sizes; alternatively, sturdy tarpaulin carefully sealed with tape will work. Important: The mattress must be absolutely dry when packed – otherwise, a greenhouse climate will form under the foil, promoting mildew and mold.

Rolling, folding, or flat? What your mattress can handle

Not every transport method is suitable for every mattress – here’s an overview:

Transport method	Suitable for	Things to note
Lying flat	All mattress types	Ideal option; don't stack anything heavy on it
Upright on its long side	All mattress types, short distances	Secure against tipping and shifting
Rolled	Foam mattresses (short-term)	Roll loosely, secure with straps, unroll immediately upon arrival
Kinked or folded	None	Forbidden – foam core and edges can break permanently

Modern foam mattresses like the Ora Ultra are delivered rolled and vacuum-packed from the factory – so short-term rolling for a move is uncritical, as long as the mattress is rolled loosely, not compressed, and unrolled immediately upon arrival. What the foam does not tolerate, however, are sharp kinks: These can break the cell structures in the core, which later manifests as a noticeable hollow or crease.

Carrying and loading: How to protect your back

A standard-sized mattress can quickly weigh 15 to 30 kilograms and is above all: unwieldy. Therefore, carry it with two people, upright on its long side, each holding the handle loops or with hands underneath. Lift with your legs, not your back – this applies to moving as well as to rotating the mattress quarterly. In narrow stairwells, it helps to bend the mattress slightly (without kinking it!) and to "slide" it around corners instead of carrying it. In the vehicle, the mattress ideally lies flat on a clean surface; if standing upright, it must be secured with tension straps. Do not stack boxes or furniture on the mattress – localized pressure for hours can leave permanent indentations.

After the move: Unpack and acclimatize

At the destination: remove the protective cover immediately so that the mattress can breathe. Lay it flat on the slatted frame and let it air out for a few hours before putting on new bedding. A rolled foam mattress needs some time to regain its full shape – usually a few hours. The move is also a good moment for an honest inventory: If the mattress is sagging, stained, or older than eight to ten years, transporting it is often no longer worth it. Our guide How often should you change your mattress? helps with the decision – and the old mattress can be easily disposed of in Switzerland.

Frequent Questions about Mattress Transport

Can you roll a mattress for transport?

Foam mattresses tolerate temporary, loose rolling without problems – they are often delivered rolled from the factory. Important: do not compress, secure with straps, and unroll immediately upon arrival. Spring mattresses, however, should not be rolled.

Can I transport the mattress on the car roof?

We advise against it. Driving wind exerts enormous force on the large surface, securing it is difficult, and in the rain, the mattress will soak up water. A station wagon, van, or trailer is safer – many mattresses even fit rolled into a normal car trunk.

How long can the mattress stay in the foil?

As short as possible – ideally only for the transport itself. In the airtight cover, residual moisture cannot escape, which promotes odors and mildew stains. Therefore, remove the cover immediately upon arrival and let the mattress air out.

What does a mattress bag cost – and is it worth it?

Mattress bags are available for just a few francs, depending on size and quality. Measured against the value of a good mattress, this is a small investment that protects against dirt, tears, and moisture – we recommend it for every move.