Questions about using & modifying a memory foam mattress for your boat...

[magentawave]

I've been sleeping on a cheap 8" thick Spa Sensations memory foam mattress from Walmart and its the most comfortable bed I have ever had so I have questions about buying one and modifying it for use on a boat please...

1) Do you use an inexpensive memory foam mattress on your boat? How do you like it?

2) They generally come in 6", 8" and 12" thicknesses but for more head room I'm thinking of buying a 4" thick memory foam mattress meant for a sofa bed. Anyone sleeping on one that thin? Do you like it?

3) Did you buy a stock size (king, queen, full, twin) and then have it cut to fit the berth? Did you cut the foam yourself? How do you get sheets to fit it?

4) How do you prevent mold from forming under it?

Thanks

[Frank]

Great post. I've wondered the same as the Wally World memory foam 8in is cheaper than buying normal 4in. Look forward to replies from others that have tried it.

[Godot]

I had a thinnish memory foam topper on my old Seafarer. It made the bunks much more comfortable. Never had any mold problems; but that could just be luck.

[CharlieJ]

Only problem with that is - 8 inch of foam would destroy headroom in many smaller boats- Sure would be comfy though.

Aboard Tehani we used 4 inch med density (pink) foam- been quite comfortable for 5 years now

Some other answers- Cut the foam myself, using a band saw

Sewed upholstery material as covers- Remanent from a fabric shop, bought at remanent prices.

Sheets were sewn as fitted sheets, over the finished mattress. Worth every bit of effort it takes.

[Tim]

In my Cape Dory Typhoon where space above the Vberth is very limited I made cushions that were laminated with a bottom of 2" Med. density closed cell foam and an 1 1/2" memory foam on top of it.

I believe using all memory foam would have allowed my body to bottom out on the deck.  Memory foam makes a great topper because it will compress to fit your body, but like wise it will compress to the point of no comfort by itself.