Build is about done...now I need a mattress!

[tscarbroughdc]

I've been reading through the threads on mattresses and am confused! Haha

I built on a 4x8 HBF trailer and will be totally through in about 2 weeks and need a mattress!

I've read several positive reviews about ikea mattresses. But I also need or buy roughly a 4'x4' mattress for the bunk for my kids.

Anyways could y'all give me some websites to find the best prices on mattresses. I don't mind having to cut it myself and really don't want to spend more than $100! A mattress cover would be nice as well!

I like a firm mattress by the way!

Anyways please leave me some links and choices for a mattress...If I have to, I'll make the kids just sleep on some blankets and their sleeping bag but I don't really want to go that far!

[Shadow Catcher]

A number of us have used http://www.thefoamfactory.com/mattress/mattress.html One warning they come compressed and shrink wrapped, Open it up inside the tear!
We are entirely happy with ours and they will make them what ever size you need.

[les45]

I got mine from Overstock.com a couple of years ago for about $100 with free shipping. They had the best deal at the time because they included two really nice memory foam pillows with the deal. Just check out all the usual online sources for best price and don't forget to check Walmart. I ended up buying a 4" memory foam topper that was 1 1/2" of memory foam bonded to 2 1/2" of regular firm foam. I couldn't get used to the memory foam because I roll over a lot when I sleep and I found it hard to get out of the depressions that form when you lay in the memory foam for a while. Also, the memory foam gets very hard when it gets cold. I have since flipped the mattress over and use the regular firm side to sleep on and it works quite well.

[danlott]

You might checkout local mattress manufactures. The price is usually fairly reasonable, they do all the work and the fit is perfect. Plus you can choose what type of foam/mattress that you want from samples that they have.

Dan

[KennethW]

If you really want to cut cost. If you have a twin mattress lying around It will work just fine if you use a pillow on the sides to keep it centered. You can't fall out so you can use the whole mattress. For the kids will a crib mattress work? I have a twin innerspring in mine and I like it.

[rowerwet]

my mattress is three mattress toppers, two egg crate foam and one memory foam, wrapped in a pillow top mattress pad/cover, with a layer of those lock together foam squares (like they sell for kids floors) on the bottom. All bought at discount stores, so together they add up to about $100 for a queen. This wasn't how I intended to do it, but it kind of happened and my wife loves it, so it stays. I like it as it makes it easy to fold up out of the way, leaving plenty of room to haul bikes, and gear inside the tear.

[halfdome, Danny]

You're basically building a bed on wheels and you need to "spend the money" on the mattress or all your efforts will be wasted.
I usually spend a little under $500 for a custom cut foam mattress with zippered covers.
A very comfortable mattress and a good nights rest (including children) is paramount in my opinion.
You get what you pay for, foam is oil based and is not cheap. Danny

[Verna]

Overstock.com for a 6" memory foam with a zippered cover. I sleep as well in the Silver Shadow as I do on my Sleep Number at home. It was just under $200. The first one arrived soiled through a tear in the packing, I emailed pictures and I had a replacement mattress within 3 days. Great service. They never did pick up the old mattress, so a family member is using the first mattress at home.

[JOMO]

I'm new to teardrops and haven't been camping in it yet. I have a queen size air mattress that I used in my old tent and it slept fine. I've noticed no one mentions an air mattress, is there a problem with them. I thought it would be perfect, that way you can haul stuff in the teardrop. Am I looking at this wrong.

[deleted]

I second Shadow Catcher's recommendation of the Foam Factory. I ordered a latex mattress from them for The Glampette. After doing a lot of research I learned that memory foam gets softer in high temps (plenty of that in CA) and will freeze solid in cold temperatures. Which means because I didn't go too thick (3") I could bottom out if the temps were over 90º F or be laying on a brick if they're below 30º F (while traveling). Since I experienced a 28º F night in October with no snow I was glad I opted for the latex. It made for a perfectly comfortable cold weather mattress.

[Mojave Bob]

I just purchased a new custom mattress from Williamsburg Furniture in Nappanee, IN (www.wiliamsburgfurnitureinc.com). I got a six-inch firm foam with a micro-fibre encasement for $175. It is a custom fit for my 4-wide Little-Guy. I am very pleased with the workmanship of it. It is replacing the standard tri-fold mattress that came with the trailer, and had almost no support.

[Verna]

JOMO, if you want to try your air mattress, go ahead. I had an Aero Bed as a spare bed and it hurt my back, so I don't use air mattresses, even expensive ones. I also don't sleep well on the air mattresses, but your bed is a personal decision. See if it works for you. As you can see, we all have beds from different sources.

[Kharn]

I'm new to teardrops and haven't been camping in it yet. I have a queen size air mattress that I used in my old tent and it slept fine. I've noticed no one mentions an air mattress, is there a problem with them. I thought it would be perfect, that way you can haul stuff in the teardrop. Am I looking at this wrong.

From what I have heard, most camping air mattresses are actually smaller than their advertised size. I think a queen air mattress may be up to 3" narrower than a conventional one. Plus, being able to park and climb in for a nap is one of the attractions of having a tear, having to unpack everything and make the bed isn't much fun. Or, on the return trip, packing muddy stuff into your teardrop's sleeping compartment and having to clean it out when you get home.

[91kuhndog]

Mt tear is 52" wide inside. I've bought an aerobed to use and it holds up good. I tried a memory foam mattress and was very disappointed. I inflate the aerobed as hard as it'll go and it's very firm. I'm 210# and find foam to be uncomfortable. The downside to sleeping on an air mattress, it can be very cold in the winter. I put a mattress pad on my aerobed, flannel sheets and use an electric blanket on those real cold nights. Considering moving to a futon mattress.

[Rhino Ray]

Just be careful that you don't inflate it full at sea level and then go to altitude. I have, or had, an inflatable boat and had to be very careful when I went to the ocean. I had to let air out before I left and then check it several times as I went over the pass to make sure it was OK. A filled air mattress will have the same problem, full at altitude, flat at sea level.