The price of foam

[snowleopard]

I found out today that my local hardware shop does foam in thicknesses from 1" to 5". I want to replace my latex mattresses which are horrendously heavy and too hard for comfort. My question is - how competitive is £4.99 / sq ft for 4" foam?

I have a 1" memory foam topper to use with it.

 

[l'escargot]

It all depends on the density of the foam. If it is too light it will just compress, even if it is 4" thick - might be alright for sitting on but how will it stand up to sleeping on.

These people go into explanations of different types

http://www.foamforhome.co.uk/Foam_products/foam.html

 

[ctva]

I looked at this amany years ago and it was looking at around £80 for an 8'x4' sheet of 4" foam. I may have been taken in by the sales pitch but the cheap stuff is useless for boat cushions. I've use Hawkhouse Marine which has good info on it all I think.

 

[Seajet]

It all depends on the density of the foam. If it is too light it will just compress, even if it is 4" thick - might be alright for sitting on but how will it stand up to sleeping on.

These people go into explanations of different types

http://www.foamforhome.co.uk/Foam_products/foam.html

Actually, sitting on a mattress is a much more demanding test, as most of one's weight is in a hopefully relatively small concentrated area via one's buttocks !

All modern foam should be flame retardant too, but it's worth asking to be sure...

 

[Csail]

Have you thought of this idea-
http://www.trusleep.com/build-your-own-mattress.html?gclid=CK7slfOS26sCFQ0OfAodMmM0QA

 

[snowleopard]

Actually, sitting on a mattress is a much more demanding test, as most of one's weight is in a hopefully relatively small concentrated area via one's buttocks !

Agreed. I have 4" standard foam for the saloon seating and the forward cabin mattresses. The mattresses are fine (amd more comfortable than the expensive latex/coir ones in the main cabins) but the seat cushions are quite hard.

A lot also depends on the fabric used to cover the foam. A non-stretchy fabric that is a close fit will give more support than stretchy or loose fabric as it spreads the load further.

 

[l'escargot]

Actually, sitting on a mattress is a much more demanding test, as most of one's weight is in a hopefully relatively small concentrated area via one's buttocks...

But most people don't sit down in one place for 8 out of 24 hours - you generally need far better foam for sleeping on than sitting on. Boat upholsters recommend 4 inch foam for seating and occasional berths, at least 5 inch for berths that are regularly used.

 

[Csail]

How about custom made water beds that double as reserve water tanks?

 

[Poignard]

Foaming

As a matter of interest (well it is to me anyway) just why is foam so expensive? Is it the ingedients or the high capital cost of the machines that make it or what? I can't see there being any skilled labour involved.

Or is it another case of 'what the market will bear'.

It seems stange to me that something that is just spewed out of a machine should cost so much. You could probably buy an 8'x4' sheet of plywood for the price of a similar size piece of foam

 

[Bobobolinsky]

You can buy high density foam with medium density bonded to the top, more expensive at £12 a metre, but well worth it.

 

[VicMallows]

How about custom made water beds that double as reserve water tanks?

Your comment may have been frivolous?....but I do seriously think waterbeds could work well on a boat. Fascinated to hear if anyone has tried it. Not sure about the emergency drinking water supply though!

 

[bigwow]

How about this and cut it to size.


https://www.mattressnextday.co.uk/mattress/514/Therapy-Lux-Mattress/

 

[PetiteFleur]

try efoam on the internet for a price comparison - they seem quite reasonable and knowledgeable. Just got a quote from them for a pair of settee cushions to replace feather cushions. Others are available if you google.

 

[Hoolie]

How about custom made water beds that double as reserve water tanks?

Good idea! But would be quite heavy - double bed size at 15cms deep would be ca. 410 litres = kg. OK when full but could be quite interesting when part used and heeling!

 

[Poignard]

I had been wondering where I might fit a sewage holding tank if/when the eco-busybodies decree that all boats must have them. This gives me an idea.

 

[Blueboatman]

Ah, the free surface effect.

Might be interesting to those susceptible to quesyness.

Did the earth move for you darling?

 

[oldgit]

Good idea! But would be quite heavy - double bed size at 15cms deep would be ca. 410 litres = kg. OK when full but could be quite interesting when part used and heeling!

at 10lb per gallon thats just under ton up front ..............h.mm