Mattress replacement minefield!

[Clarabucket]

We want to replace the mattress on our newly acquired Chausson‘s transverse bed. (I’m assuming the one that is there might be the same age as the van!) I suffer with arthritic knees and I’m often a “tummy sleeper” so memory foam is helpful for me. I’ve done some internet surfing and the price for a custom made “proper” mattress (it’s got an “offside“ slant at the bottom) is pricey. I‘ve looked at foam options - We’re pretty handy so don’t mind cutting it ourselves to fit.
I looked at “recommended“ foam options but when I looked at the Amazon reviews there’s a lot of complaints about them being very smelly, hot and uncomfortable. I don’t know who to believe!
Advice would be appreciated! I’m sure there must be other wobbly kneed funsters (!) out there who have tackled their mattress issues.

 

[Davb]

My wife has arthritic knees and sleeps with a thin pillow between them, we do also have a silent night foam mattress topper on our bed at home. The problem with foam is that it is a good insulator and can soak up sweat, if it hasn't got an antibacterial treatment that could lead to it smelling. Traditional sprung mattresses have a layer of sheep wool under the surface, which is naturally anti-bacterial and also better at temperature control

 

[Davb]

Forgot to mention what we actually have in our own motorhome It has the standard foam mattress on which we have a duvet on top (single size is perfect) held in place with a sheet, it may not be the ultimate answer for comfort but probably worth a try.

 

[Clarabucket]

Thanks for ideas! Anything to be comfy and avoid the early morning arthritic dance!

 

[Minxy]

We've used toppers a lot, various types/thicknesses, and they really do transform a mattress. We've only had the issues of 'smelling' when new (as with loads of fabric type things) but it soon goes - you could unroll a topper for a few days to let it breath and get rid of the smell then put it in place, or put it in the MH with the vents open for a week before you make the bed up. Use a poly cotton sheet (not nylon ) and you shouldn't have any issues with being too hot.

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[Minxy]

Forgot to say, you don't have to spend a fortune nor get a thick one, in fact if you get one that is too thick you can sink into it too much, we usually get 1.5 inch ones.

It can actually help with bed making if you use a fitted bottom sheet as instead of having to get the edges under the main mattress you can just put it under the topper itself.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Try Bodymould mattresses in Rusper, West Sussex. They made ours and the quality was brilliant, price was not bad either.

 

[Clarabucket]

Thanks everyone! I think a topper is the way to go for my budget. I've got one on my "house" bed, which is all sewn & zipped up and claims to have all sorts of techno layers (very comfy) but I assumed was not "cuttable" but I've just bravely dissected it and can see it would be easy to adjust for my motorhome. Ordered another one!
Love seeing the comments of so many resourceful motorhome people.