Air mattress alternative

[Xtremespeed]

Again:

I have heard good things about this:

http://tinyurl.com/c6bbsjm

Too narrow for a queen and too wide to use 2 of them. Also too wide for my twin.

Edit: I just noticed they have the same one in a 30" listed separately. I might have tried that one had I noticed it before. It is a little short though. Oh well. I'll try the ones I ordered and go from there.

[Xtremespeed]

Thanks for the update Xtremespeed.

No problem. I figure, there's enough info here, it will help someone, even if they don't use my solution.

[Xtremespeed]

My reluctance to take a chance on ordering something was proven to be valid today. I received the self inflating pads from Sportsmansguide yesterday. On initial examination, I thought they were going to be perfect. They are the perfect size, and the suede cover is really nice. They have two really large caps with orings on the end for inflating and deflating. The only thing I didn't like was, they don't have a valve, just a bung with a plug, so if you need to add air by mouth, it isn't going to be easy. I rolled the pads out and removed the caps to allow the pads to expand. They expanded quite quickly, and fully, to the point of removing most of the wrinkles in the covers. I didn't have to add any air to get them to their full height, and with 3 1/2", these should be perfect. I wish. It didn't take me 5 seconds of laying on one to realize my ribs were touching the floor. The foam has almost zero support, and it feels like it doesn't absorb enough air to hold any weight. I tried to add some air, but it's pretty difficult with the lack of valves. I decided that maybe the pads needed more time to expand, so I left them flat with the valves open for 24 hours and no change. Tried to add air again, but still unable to add enough to make a difference. I could try a small air pump, but that defeats the purpose of having a self inflating pad and is not recommended. I'm pretty bummed. The 2" Thermarest pad I had worked better than this 3 1/2". If only the thermarest was a little wider and thicker. I know the Thermarest Dreamtime is, but it would cost almost double what I spent on these 2 for just 1 of the dreamtime pads. Needless to say, I am sending these back. The search for a suitable base for my memory foam topper continues.

[roadinspector]

IMHO, sounds like your options are getting pretty thin. http://www.thefoamfactory.com/ sells various thickness and density foam mattresses or cushions. Suspend the mattress from the ceiling when not in use. Other option is redesign, that would really suck. I have been in conversation by email with them on what product they offered that would serve my purpose. Excellent customer service dealing with a potential customer. I will be buying a mattress after the first of the year and cutting my own cushions. Their cushion prices are high but the mattress of the same material is very reasonable if your not afraid to cut your own cushions.

Earnest

[Xtremespeed]

I can't suspend the mattress because my Rzr is too tall. I need most of the available vertical space. Cant really redesign unless I buy a larger trailer. Almost all of my space is utilized like it is. I actually feel like I'm getting close. I just need to find something foldable or rollable that has enough density to keep the topper off the bottom. I found some mats that fold up online. They kind of look like square chair cushions connected by material and they fold up on top of each other. I think I may give them a try.

[woytovich]

Why don't you try the 30" wide Cabelas pads?

[Xtremespeed]

I thought about it. I'm just afraid it'll be exactly like the ones I just tried. It is definitely still an option though.

I guess it's not a self inflating type pad? I thought it was. There were a couple reviews that said it wasn't the dimensions that Cabelas states also. Maybe worth a look if I drive to Dallas. I hate to order something again only to send it back.

[woytovich]

Seeing one in person first is certainly a better plan.

[emjohn4]

So, I kinda forgot to update this on my solution for everyone - busy with life, I guess.

Anyhow...

I ordered some foam from (http://www.foambymail.com) to make my own mattress.

4" of LUX-R Foam and 2" of 4LB ViscoPLUSH Memory Foam Topper. I'm going to use 3M Super 77 spray adhesive to glue the two of them together, and slip into a mattress cover. This will be 6" of mattress, which should be very nice, and far better than an air mattress.

Total was under $200.

Now, I guess if you can't spare the space...this won't work, but otherwise, this is the best setup for the money - much higher quality foam than the Walmart/Sams Club 8" Memory foam mattresses.

It came out pretty nice! If I had to do it again, I'd get one step softer than the 4" LUX-R, the memory foam is great, but the LUX-R is just a bit stiff. However, I'm a bony lightweight at 145 lb, so take the stiffness with just a bit of context.

I never got around to making a mattress cover - but I've got it wrapped in a few sheets for the time being.

Here's a few pics (not the greatest - but you get the idea). In the background, you can part one of the rails (2x4) that is bolted to the wall - the mattress and frame lifts up (just manpower) and slides up. I put two carriage bolts through for travel, so the mattress doesn't slide while traveling. I just finger tighten the nut, that's all. It's about a three minute from up-storage to down-sleep ready ordeal.

You'll have to excuse the trailer - it's still a work in progress!

[Xtremespeed]

Great info. Thanks for the update.

[roadinspector]

So, I kinda forgot to update this on my solution for everyone - busy with life, I guess.

Anyhow...

I ordered some foam from (http://www.foambymail.com) to make my own mattress.

4" of LUX-R Foam and 2" of 4LB ViscoPLUSH Memory Foam Topper. I'm going to use 3M Super 77 spray adhesive to glue the two of them together, and slip into a mattress cover. This will be 6" of mattress, which should be very nice, and far better than an air mattress.

Total was under $200.

Now, I guess if you can't spare the space...this won't work, but otherwise, this is the best setup for the money - much higher quality foam than the Walmart/Sams Club 8" Memory foam mattresses.

It came out pretty nice! If I had to do it again, I'd get one step softer than the 4" LUX-R, the memory foam is great, but the LUX-R is just a bit stiff. However, I'm a bony lightweight at 145 lb, so take the stiffness with just a bit of context.

I never got around to making a mattress cover - but I've got it wrapped in a few sheets for the time being.

Here's a few pics (not the greatest - but you get the idea). In the background, you can part one of the rails (2x4) that is bolted to the wall - the mattress and frame lifts up (just manpower) and slides up. I put two carriage bolts through for travel, so the mattress doesn't slide while traveling. I just finger tighten the nut, that's all. It's about a three minute from up-storage to down-sleep ready ordeal.

I will be ordering in the 4" Lux-HQ. 4 cushions would cost $250. I can order in a full sheet and cut my own for $170. They suggested this since my concern is my wife's back problems. Free shipping for orders over $75.

Earnest

[Xtremespeed]

I think I'm going to go this way as well. Hopefully I can find a place to store it when the bed frames are up. Nothing else seems to work out. The deluxe camp beds at Cabelas might work, but they are a little short, and they don't have one that will fit my twin bed. I can get 2 of the 30" for my queen, but the only other choice is 48". My twin is 39". Other than storing them, I think the foam will do great. I'm just back and forth between the Lux and the HD36. I'm leaning toward the HD36. Almost every reference of ILD ratings that I have found list anything over 45ILD as ultra firm. I do like a firm bed, but I dont want it to feel like I'm on the plywood again. The Lux is 50-55ILD.

[roadinspector]

I think I'm going to go this way as well. Hopefully I can find a place to store it when the bed frames are up. Nothing else seems to work out. The deluxe camp beds at Cabelas might work, but they are a little short, and they don't have one that will fit my twin bed. I can get 2 of the 30" for my queen, but the only other choice is 48". My twin is 39". Other than storing them, I think the foam will do great. I'm just back and forth between the Lux and the HD36. I'm leaning toward the HD36. Almost every reference of ILD ratings that I have found list anything over 45ILD as ultra firm. I do like a firm bed, but I dont want it to feel like I'm on the plywood again. The Lux is 50-55ILD.

They have excellent customer support. I emailed the company with some questions and they got back to me quickly. I was impressed with that.
Earnest

[mskobier]

Xtremespeed,
I have been watching this thread as I have a similar situation. Here's an idea that hasn't been presented yet. Instead of the normal air mattress, how about a waterbed mattress. Waterbed mattresses are way heavier duty that a regular air mattress, and it can be easiy filled with air. Once the fill cap is back on, you shouldn't have an issue with it springing a leak. The prices are in line with the various mattress alternative discussed on this list. Anyway, just a thought.

Mitch

[Xtremespeed]

That's an interesting idea. A waterbed mattress is definitely more durable. I think there are a few inherent problems with it though. Being designed to hold water, it won't retain the proper shape when filled with air. It's going to attempt to blow up like a balloon unless you don't fill it completely, which would make it too soft. A water bed mattress is also quite heavy, and you would have to find some way to adapt the inlet valve so you could air it up and get it capped without loosing a lot of air. Waterbed mattresses are usually real slick too. I can imagine sliding off on to the floor in the middle of the night. Lol! If you got beyond all these issues somehow, you would still have the normal issues of an air mattress, like the heavier person creating a sunken spot that the other person tends to roll into. I don't think it will work but constructive thinking none the less.