New foam or self inflating mattresses?

DennisF

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Hi all,

My Westerly Berwick has had new covers put on the foam mattresses at some point in the past, but the foam itself seems rather soft and is uncomfortable to sleep on. It's been OKish for weekends, but as I have a 2 week trip planned for next Summer I need to look at alternatives. My initial thoughts are that I could either pay to get the foam replaced with denser foam, or look at some self expanding camping mats to put under them.

The self expanding mats aren't particularly cheap (around £60-£80 each for decent depth) and I'd need at least 4 of them tapered full length and another half length. I have no idea how much it would cost to get the mattresses redone with denser foam. Anyone got any idea, or indeed other thoughts?
 
I agree that most bunk cushions are far too soft - but then I like a firm mattress and when camping I sleep on the ground with nothing more than a mat for insulation rather than comfort. I seem to recall being told that the foam is selected to suit it's use as a seat rather than as a bed, but even there I have no problem with a near rock hard seat. I would suggest you go window shopping and try a variety of chairs and mattresses and ask what is available, then try to replicate it from a foam supplier. My own preference would always be the hardest foam I could get, but you can also add a memory foam topper to give a bit more moulding to back/bum when lying/sitting but still with firm support underneath. I believe there are suppliers who offer toppers which are simply rolled onto the bunk as part of the bedding.

Air beds of whatever design are the spawn of the devil I've never found one that doesn't let me hip touch the floor and then goes down overnight - waking stiff and bruised.

Rob.
 
Foam isn't cheap. I bought some 2 inch foam off cuts from an upholsterer to go under a double berth mattress that was getting a bit compressed and it cost me £80. You would want 4 or 5 inch if you were replacing it.
 
Slight thread drift, we tranformed an uncomfortable bed setee with a thin matress by adding an Ikea mattress topper.
 
Interesting Dennis F.
I shall await a report.
Seriously looking at Froli for my small double bunk.
I currently have the rather pathetic as built matress with a 2" memory foam topper , not bad but could be better.
One issue is that I only just have enough shoulder room at present and would probably have to ditch one of the two things I currently use.
The Froli stuff is 3cm thick.
 
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