Cutting a foam mattress to fit, is it madness?

[mervynmouse]

Have had Ds loft bed shortened to fit his room and now have problem of getting a mattress to fit. I need 4.6 by 6ft. I know you can get special size mattresses made but they seem horrendously expensive.

Am considering getting an Ikea foam mattress and just lopping the end off it. Google says this is best done with an electric carving knife. Has anyone done this? It seems perfectly viable but is there anything I should bear in mind? I've had a few raised eyebrows when I've mentioned it and not sure why!

I had to cut a foam mattress for my living van (think old wooden caravan) we ordered foam from a company who would cut it to any size you wanted, but as you say rather expensive. I imagine the Ikea ones are the same and I wish I had known they sold them Grrrr! I started using scissors but it was hard work so I think I resorted to a saw or a bread knife or something.Anyway whichever it was it was very easy then, so I'd say go for it!

Thanks that's useful, so you don't think I would necessarily need an electric carving knife? Because that would mean finding someone to borrow from and I am keen to get this done today. Can't stand any more nights with him in my bed!

Electric bread knife would be quickest, but I'm guessing any good sharp serrated, bread knife would work.

I'd unpick the cover, fold it back, measure twice and mark the line I want to cut. Then saw.

Quick tidy up with very sharp dress making scissors and alter the cover to fit.

Yeah as star said really, its not difficult to cut though (basically the same as cutting up a kitchen sponge) It's just the thickness makes it to tricky for scissors.

Thanks all, I am going to give it a go!