Bedding

[Capt Ratty]

What is the best type of bedding for the bunks? Foam or mattress? What I took out was a piece of 3" foam and a piece of 1" foam on the top and bottom of that. Another bunk had a 5" piece of foam (one piece) but wasn't nearly as comfortable. What was the original? Do you need something under the foam so that it can breath?
Thanks

 

[SKYCHENEY]

OEM was one piece of foam, but a mattress is much more comfortable IMO. There are a couple of companies that custom make mattresses to any size bunk. You usually find them in the classified sections of the boating mags.

 

[Liquid Asset]

If you want to replace your mattresses cheap, you can order Generic Memory foam matteresses from Wal-Mart. These can be cut with a foam knife or electric foam knife. I made a pattern with some cardboard and then cut it into shape. I think I have $200 invested in a new bedding for my master stateroom and it is much more comfortable than the origional.

 

[Starman]

I have heard the same thing about this memeory foam. And any seamstress type person can make the size sheets you need.

This is what we plan to do on Boss Lady for the v-birth. I redesigned that area and it will be one large bed now, but not square by any means.

 

[luckydave215]

You guys have probably all heard the ads for "Swedish Tempeurpedic" memory foam mattresses.
The guy that owns that company was the P.O. of my boat, and he had custom "Tempeurpedic" mattresses made for all the berths just before he sold her to me.
They're unbelievably comfortable.
If you can get close to the same material at Wally World and cut it to size, that sounds like a great idea.

 

[Capt Ratty]

Thanks guys, I'll try that Walmart thing.

 

[REBrueckner]

Traditional innerspring mattress material will eventually absorb some dampness and over time acquire a bit of boat odor. Airing outside, especially in sun on a low humidity day, diminishes any dampness and freshens temporarily.

Closed cell foam is suitable for bedding, likely four or more. The more dense the more expensive, in general, and the memory foams are the most costly. Open cell foam deterioriates, collapses, in a few short years and is a poor choice.
Enclosing any foam matteress in a synthetic zipper type cover keeps it white color, clean and dry. Most foams gradually yellow from oxidation unless enclosed in an impermeable cover available available at any bedding store.

In cold weather, body heat and dampness can still permeate to the underside of a foam matteress. So its a good idea to set the foam on a spacer, like dri deck, to allow some air space between the foam bedding bottom and supporting bunk surface underneath.