Any one tried using vacuum cleaner for packaging?

[PandaBear]

I got a bunch of foams (3" queen size latex foam pad) I need to ship. Came compressed / vacuum packed, but with only house hold technologies, I am wondering if I can use a vacuum cleaner to compress it inside a plastic bag to save space.

 

[expat]

Why not?
You have a big enough plastic bag, even a poor household vacuum can pull quite a bit negative pressure.

 

[Ursae_Majoris]

I have used "Space bags" and a vacuum before. It does work. Squeezed my pillows and comforters into 1/3 to 1/4 of the original size.

 

[sciphi]

It'll work, if it doesn't rip the bag first. Those foam mattresses can expand a LOT when they're in a confined space.

 

[Schmoe]

I made my own "space age" bags.....put pillow, comforters, etc. etc. in a large trash bag, use the vaccum nozzel at the opening, let it shrink it and then seal with duct tape. Works well.

 

[The_Jeff]

HF has cheap bags for doing this FWIW.

 

[PandaBear]

Works great, thanks guys. I just did it over lunch time. Have to seal a couple leak and then use almost a roll of plastic wrap to reinforce the compression.