Mattresses

[Rodeo]

So...we're at the point in the build of our van that we need to sort out the bed size and type. In other vans we have used 6" thick foam ,which doubles as a seat and backrest for the 'bench' ,and also is used for the mattresses on the bed,which is formed by the bench pulling out into a 4 ft wide bed.The configuration of the foam when laid out as a bed isnt ideal,with gaps forming as you roll over whilst asleep (or whatever you may be doing ) As we have aged ,we want a comfortable sleep.We dont really like the idea of using the cushions as a seat ,then to form the bed,even though this is the most space conscious(sp?). Looked at prices of 2ft wide 'proper' mattresses,but I dont know how the prices (£85 each )will compare with the cost of foam.So maybe compromise? Im thinking 3" foam for the base and back of the seat,but this means the backrest will be way too high,almost covering a window. I think it will have to be 3" base with a 12" backrest,and store the other 12" strip .Put all pieces down to form the mattress,then a large piece of 2" foam over the whole lot. Of course the 2" will have to be also stored somewhere.Anyone use their sprung mattresses as a seat base? Do the springs sag on one edge?Am I thinking wrong here? Anyone help me to see an answer from your experiences?
Thanks

 

[wildman]

I need to go to specsavers, could have sworn the heading was Mistresses and came in to order one.

 

[Rodeo]

They could be thought of as the same thing!

 

[Aladdinsane]

Fixed bed, problem solved!

 

[Smaug]

We have been told by the salesman) not to sit on the edge of our bed at home as it aggravates the wear & tear. But it seems OK a few years down the line, altho we do not spend much time sat on the edge of the bed as you might in a van.

 

[Rodeo]

I measured up for a permanent bed a while back,and I would really like to have the bed permanently set up,but the Transit isnt wide enough to get a 6 ft bed acrossways,and it would take up too much space running longways,so Im back to sorting the problem.

 

[Duckrow]

I got a muji sofa-bed off ebay. It is one with a fixed back but the base is slats that slide forward into a 4'6" bed. Pretty comfy> I had to modify the frames legs with an angle grinder but it was quicker than building from scratch, cheaper and possibly more comfortable.
It was like this
MUJI 2/3 Seater Sofa Bed. MUJI Sofabed Charcoal Grey + 2 Original Cushions. | eBay

This one is expensive but I got one for about £100. They do go for alot sometimes, other times you get lucky.

 

[mark61]

Have you seen the Duvalays.

I haven't got one, I just have 3" dense foam and I find it very comfortable.

I have heard people speak highly of the Duvalay though, not that I'd buy one, but would copy the idea.

 

[oldish hippy]

do you have the length you need in the van for a single bed and do you need 6ft across the van if you only 5ft 8in
bed solution number 1
Deep Red - A self-build motorhome - home page

 

[Rod]

You might want to cosider a matress topper or a Duvalay.

 

[hextal]

If you go on the AceFoam website you can type in the sizes and it will tell you instantly what the costs are - very handy for rough/accurate pricing.

Got our foam delivered a few days ago, we went for a medium density foam (3" thick) with a 1" memory foam layer bonded to the top - very comfy when we tried it (though not tried properly sleeping on it yet)

 

[master]

If you go on the AceFoam website you can type in the sizes and it will tell you instantly what the costs are - very handy for rough/accurate pricing.

Got our foam delivered a few days ago, we went for a medium density foam (3" thick) with a 1" memory foam layer bonded to the top - very comfy when we tried it (though not tried properly sleeping on it yet)

We have a 2 inch memory foam which we put on top of the cushions which makes a great difference, we have it in a single duvet cover ( its a tight fit !) but that means you dont need ot mess around with a sheet. it stil folds into 3 for storage
Juliana

 

[Rodeo]

Lots of good ideas and useful comments everyone,thanks! Having had the seperate cushions slide away,or the gap between open up in the past,Im trying to avoid the cushions being across the bed. With the seating utilising all the foam for backrests /armrests etc this means that they all have to be made into a bed area by fitting them into a 'puzzle' of shapes.Not a prob as such ,but the gaps are crossways. Im trying to use 2 pieces of foam 24" wide x 72" long ,so that the join is from top to bottom of the bed,down the middle.This is proving difficult,as one of the cushions when used as a backrest will sit very high up the side of the van ,covering the window,and I cant see a place that it can be stored in the van.I know Im looking into this too deeply,and tying myself in knots! My brain hurts!

 

[mark61]

A good heavy duty velcro sowed onto covers may stop cushions parting.

 

[jennyp19]

have you tried some of that none slip stuff that you can buy quite cheaply on a roll

 

[Rodeo]

Yeah I thought of the Velcro.The Ace foam website is very informative,think I'll investigate their site further,they seem to know their stuff! My foam would be around ££110/120. Quite expensive I thought,but I havent bought any for many years!