Date:         Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:21:50 -0700
Reply-To:     Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Larry Chase <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM>
Subject:      Westy Sleep Solutions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes

Volks,

Over the years, like many, I have been experimenting with the best
ways to enhance the comfort of the OE
Westy lower bed.

Here's a couple of approachs I have or will try.

Note: Lower West Bed Size ... Width 46" x  73" length

Option 1

High Density foam cut to size

2" x 46" x 73" at 5.3/5.5 density

http://www.foambymail.com/
- also sell on ebay under foambymail

Had them make a mattress cover for a few $$

  Current set up and works pretty well. Would like a bit more
thickness but don't like the bulk of a thicker pad.

Pros:
- Reasonable cost
- Easy to fold the bed away with the pad attached

Cons:
- Worked well 2 yrs ago but back needs a bit more cush now.
- A thicker pad would help but don't like the bulk of packing away a
thicker pad.


Option Two

Conventional Air Mattress made for pickup truck beds

http://www.tentsontrucks.com/air%20beds.htm

Truck Mattress: 75" X 47" X 5"

Pros:
- Reasonable cost
- At 5" thick provides nice cushion for sleeping

Cons:
-  Very marginal quality, thin vinyl construction prone to easy puncture
-  Fuzzy velvet surface on sleep side is very susceptible to picking
up lint and such.
-  Looses some amt of air overnight, as many inexpressive air
mattresses do
-  Have to carry an air pump ... we used one of the Coleman
rechargeables.
-  Fit is a little tight on width
- Has to be deflated every day and re-inflated every night.


Option Three

* Haven't tried this yet but considering a purchase.

Custom "Therma Rest" type mattress

http://www.solacejh.com/

They will custom make to any size length x width and up to a 3"
thickness

This is a very high quality "Therma Rest" type of self inflating
mattress.

Pros:
- Very high quality construction and materials.
- easy inflate and deflate
- No air pump needed
- Packs down very small .. will fold up in bed

Cons:
- Cost, most expensive of the three options.


larry
roadhaus.com

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