Sleeping comfortably June 19, 2009, 12:50:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103431I'm still comparing floor plans, etc. trying to decide on the motor home I want for full-timing. A major part of my decision has to be based on the sleeping comfort afforded by the beds in my floor plan choice. I will be traveling alone for the most part so my needs are for only one second bed to accommodate a guest on occasion. Does anyone here feel the overhead or sofa bed is really comfortable for full-time sleeping without the addition of a memory pad? It appears in my searches regarding this subject that most all use those pads. Has anyone considered replacing the mattress in the overhead cab so the additional memory pad would not be necessary? I'd even be willing to forgo the ability to fold the mattress over and just stoop under the bed to gain entry to and egress from the cab seats. I suppose it is less likely that anyone has changed the sofa cushions to make for a more comfortable bed? Maybe some of you seasoned owners have inside information as to why the factory doesn't make these changes to their motor homes so we wouldn't have to.Glenn
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #1 – June 19, 2009, 02:07:30 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103432Quote... Maybe some of you seasoned owners have inside information as to why the factory doesn't make these changes to their motor homes so we wouldn't have to. The firmer mattresses are more durable, and are much more comfortable as sofa seating. Not *everyone* needs the memory foam, and it's much more feasible to make a hard bed softer to suit a personal preference, than to make a too-soft mattress firmer.Joanne in Boston 1994 TK
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #2 – June 19, 2009, 03:45:09 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103433QuoteI'm still comparing floor plans, etc. trying to decide on the motor home I want for full-timing. Glenn, Mattress comfort is very subjective. I've been full circle on the mattress issue in our mid-bath. After three years of sleeping and sitting on the original sofa, the foam began to develop major body impressions. We added two inch memory toppers which helped for a while. Still not satisfied we ordered custom cut foam mattresses and removable covers with specific weight and density tailored to our weight and comfort preference. We used the memory toppers and have had no regrets. For me the cabover mattress is comfortable, but since it has received limited use I cannot comment on it's durability.Malcolm 02BlueMB
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #3 – June 19, 2009, 03:46:31 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103434Joanne, I wasn't aware it was the firmness of the mattresses that people were trying to rectify. From the comments posted I got the impression it was more a problem of sleeping on seams and patched surfaces that the memory foam served to correct. Perhaps it is a combination of both. Anyone else have an opinion?Glenn
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #4 – June 19, 2009, 03:52:40 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103435"Does anyone here feel the overhead or sofa bed is really comfortable for full-time sleeping without the addition of a memory [foam] pad?" Joanne put it well: it really depends on the individual (and to some extent on the individual's weight), and you can always add a foam pad if you find the cushions/mattresses too firm. I use memory foam in the overcab bed of my 1985 22' LD, but found that I was comfortable without it in the overcab bed of my 2003 27' midbath. On the other hand, I find the couch cushions in my 2003 rig a bit too firm for comfortable sitting or sleeping, so I do use a 2" memory foam pad there. Bottom line: only you can decide. Try it "as is"... then if necessary, you can add a memory foam pad or pads where needed. Very few LD owners have found it necessary to *replace* mattresses or cushions for reasons of comfort.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #5 – June 19, 2009, 04:00:15 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103437QuoteI wasn't aware it was the firmness of the mattresses that people were trying to rectify. From the comments posted I got the impression it was more a problem of sleeping on seams and patched surfaces that the memory foam served to correct. Perhaps it is a combination of both. Anyone else have an opinion?Glenn, I failed to mention that the seams on the sofa cushion is a weak point. Again, the memory topper served to mask the seam issue but did not correct the body impressions.Malcolm 02BlueMB
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #6 – June 19, 2009, 05:18:41 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103438Glenn: We started with a '99 26RB with opposing sofas. We spent up to six months out on the road at a time using the sofas as twin beds with the travel sac. We had no problems. Our grands used the overhead bed and the dinette for their sleeping quarters and again no problems. I tried the overhead a couple of times and found I preferred the sofa. The only problem with the sofa's that we found was that they were uncomfortable for sitting for long periods. In your case a single sofa with the barrel chairs may be preferred. We loved the openess of the RB. We have since moved to a 30IB and are really enjoying it; however, there are times when I miss the RB floor plan.Bob in Florida SE5__
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #7 – June 19, 2009, 07:04:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103439Glenn, My husband and I find the sofas very comfortable, and we don't do a lot of getting the beds ready. Usually, a blanket underneath and a blanket on top of us. There have been times, if it's been a long day, that I just grab a blanket, lay down, and fall asleep.Kathy
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #8 – June 19, 2009, 07:30:43 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103440Thanks to all for taking the time to comment on my question of bed comfort. Has anyone gone so far as to replace the overhead bed with a Sleep Number Bed? I'm guessing the thickness of that mattress may preclude its use making the available space between the ceiling and the mattress too limited. The TK floor plan would allow for such a choice, but it wouldn't be very practical in my opinion since there would be no other seating available short of the cab of the truck. That option would also eliminate my need for a second separate bed for a guest.Glenn
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #9 – June 19, 2009, 09:52:04 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103442"Has anyone gone so far as to replace the overhead bed with a Sleep Number Bed?" Not in my motorhomes, but I had a Select Comfort ("Sleep Number") bed in my apartment. Despite the advertising, I never was able to find a comfortable setting. It always felt like sleeping on a cheap air mattress: either a saggy one, or a too-stiff one, depending on the setting. There seemed to be no happy medium. Finally I replaced it with $100 worth of cheap memory foam, which I found *much* more comfortable. As far as I was concerned, the $900+ I spent on the Select Comfort mattress was a waste. Just one man's experience, of course. I know some people like them. :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #10 – June 20, 2009, 12:12:09 am Yahoo Message Number: 103443Another thing to consider is that the factory will install the overhead bed pad so that it is removable if you ask them. I think there's a minimal charge for this. That would allow one to try the original pad, then replace it with a 2" memory "topper" if they wished. We did the memory topper on ours and it was comfy enough. However, adding two more inches to the mattress takes that amount away from the already limited headroom. Like many with the MB, we put two twin 2" toppers on the super king in the rear. It's just as comfortable as our expensive mattress at home (which also has a built memory foam layer). My take on the foam used in the LD couches is that it is good quality, firm, but much better than the very soft, no support, stuff used by some RV mfg's. I've slept on the couches without memory foam, to catch a few winks etc. comfort is good, no issue with the pleats or cracks, but I like the toppers for sleeping. I've had no problem with the couch foam deforming or taking a set. Not sure if that problem is weight or loading related - - I'm 6'1" and 180lb. However, we do not full time or even go on frequent lengthy trips with "Yonder", so it doesn't get the frequency of use that many LD's get.bumper Yonder Minden, NV[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: Select Comfort - Sleep Number Bed - My Opinion not worth the mo Reply #11 – June 20, 2009, 01:48:36 am Yahoo Message Number: 103445Quote "Has anyone gone so far as to replace the overhead bed with a Sleep Number Bed?" Not in my motorhomes, but I had a Select Comfort ("Sleep Number") bed in my apartment. Despite the advertising, I never was able to find a comfortable setting. It always felt like sleeping on a cheap air mattress: either a saggy one, or a too-stiff one, depending on the setting. There seemed to be no happy medium. Finally I replaced it with $100 worth of cheap memory foam, which I found *much* more comfortable. As far as I was concerned, the $900+ I spent on the Select Comfort mattress was a waste. Just one man's experience, of course. I know some people like them. :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/ I agree with Andy. My wife and I bought a select comfort queen size bed for our house. In the long run we were quite disappointed with it. The air sack portions of it were OK, but each air sack has about a 4" perimeter of foam around it. We found it uncomfortable to sleep near the edge or in the center on the foam. My opinion is that it is not worth the money. They claim that it helps people that have back pain. I have no idea if back pain sufferer do find that it helps.Ken in San Diego
Re: Select Comfort - Sleep Number Bed - My Opinion not worth the mo Reply #12 – June 20, 2009, 09:38:35 am Yahoo Message Number: 103451My reason for considering a Sleep Number bed was because I used to have one in my apartment before I went full-time in my first motor home and I loved it so much that I used it to replace the full size bed in that RV. When it came time to sell that RV the Select Comfort bed went with it since I had no other mattress to replace it and I had disposed of the framework for the Sleep Number bed. I guess Andy's original statement about individual preferences was right on target. We all have different ideas about what is comfortable in a bed.Glenn
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #13 – June 20, 2009, 10:49:00 am Yahoo Message Number: 103453I think a comfortable and economical solution may be to purchase a 3" mattress topper from Sam's Club for $100 that is made out of memory foam and extremely comfortable... This way you can still keep the area for sitting during the day for visitors and/or leave it on for the next night's sleep if you would like. There is enough memory foam in the topper to give you a great comfortable surface to sleep on and enough thickness to make it feel really comfortable...Ed Klaus
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #14 – June 20, 2009, 12:45:29 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103456Hello Glenn, My wife and I also use the rear couch in our 1998 MB LD. We pull out the left rear couch which nearly makes into a double bed, place a foam mat on the inside nearest window for my wife as she likes a softer surface, and I just use the remainder of the couch. ( I like the firm cushions in the Lazy Daze and for me, they make a great bed.) Then we put sheets over (queen size fitted and top sheets) and place a comforter on top or blanket depending on the weather. It only takes a few minutes to get the bed ready. My wife prepares it in the evening, and I return it to couches for day use, equal division of chores. We store the bedding stuff in the center cabinet above. When I worked in Japan, I was always amazed that most Japanese lived in such a small space. Of course, one way they do that is to store their bedding in the closet during the day and pull it out for the evening. From living room to bedroom in a few minutes. Easy! I've had to rethink my whole concept of housing since getting the LD and now realize we could easily live in a 1000 sq. foot craftsman style house instead of the 3000 foot behemoth we once had.Best, David
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #15 – June 20, 2009, 12:47:35 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103457QuoteI suppose it is less likely that anyone has changed the sofa cushions to make for a more comfortable bed? Glenn, We sleep very comfortably on the sofa beds. We have no use for memory foam. We like the firm bed just as delivered from the factory.360 nights, and counting, of sleeping great in our Lazy DazeQuoteAnother thing to consider is that the factory will install the overhead bed pad so that it is removable if you ask them. I think there's a minimal charge for this. Another of the "secret" customs available. If one only knows to ask. The couch will deform with extended use. So far, this has not affected our comfort. Rather than replacing the whole foam pad, I think we will try cutting foam to fit into the deformation. A large band saw makes such things rather easy.Cheers, Don & Dorothy
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #16 – June 20, 2009, 01:51:14 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103461"I think a comfortable and economical solution may be to purchase a 3" mattress topper... This way you can still keep the [couch] area for sitting during the day for visitors and/or leave it on for the next night's sleep if you would like." Here's a slight modification of that idea. I bought a 2" full-bed-sized memory foam mattress topper for the rear couch/bed. Since the couch is exactly half the size of the bed, I fold the foam double for normal seating use (a microsuede throw covers it and the ugly LD upholstery), but open it up to one thickness when using the bed. This way I get a softer couch *and* a softer rear bed, and the foam never has to be stored anywhere. :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Re: Select Comfort - Sleep Number Bed - My Opinion not worth the mo Reply #17 – June 20, 2009, 02:13:37 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103462Quote My reason for considering a Sleep Number bed was because I used to have one in my apartment before I went full-time in my first motor home and I loved it so much that I used it to replace the full size bed in that RV. When it came time to sell that RV the Select Comfort bed went with it since I had no other mattress to replace it and I had disposed of the framework for the Sleep Number bed. I guess Andy's original statement about individual preferences was right on target. We all have different ideas about what is comfortable in a bed.GlennNot in my motorhomes, but I had a Select Comfort ("Sleep Number") bed in my apartment. Despite the advertising, I never was able to find a comfortable setting. It always felt like sleeping on a cheap air mattress: either a saggy one, or a too-stiff one, depending on the setting. There seemed to be no happy medium. Finally I replaced it with $100 worth of cheap memory foam, which I found *much* more comfortable. As far as I was concerned, the $900+ I spent on the Select Comfort mattress was a waste. Just one man's experience, of course. I know some people like them. :-)Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/I agree with Andy. My wife and I bought a select comfort queen size bed for our house. In the long run we were quite disappointed with it. The air sack portions of it were OK, but each air sack has about a 4" perimeter of foam around it. We found it uncomfortable to sleep near the edge or in the center on the foam. My opinion is that it is not worth the money. They claim that it helps people that have back pain. I have no idea if back pain sufferer do find that it helps.Ken in San Diego And from the other side; we have a king Select Comfort at home and a queen in the 30' IB. Both have SC's top-of-the-line mattress covers which make a HUGE difference. We like them; I understand they are not for everyone.Chris HorstArvada CO (currently at Eleven Mile SPk, 50 miles W of CO Spgs)
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #18 – June 21, 2009, 10:52:01 am Yahoo Message Number: 103469You may be aware of this but some members of our group may not be, Lazy Daze designed the couch cushions to be flipped over if you prefer a firmer sleeping surface, or use the cushion as it is normally positioned for a softer sleeping experience. It is impressive that LD has thought out most everything with these great Class C RV's... Their attention to detail is amazing... Using a mattress topper as I had suggested in a previous posting would allow you two comfort levels, depending on which side of the couch cushion you use. And it is easily stored allowing you the full use of the couch for guests or ...Ed Klaus
Re: Sleeping comfortably Reply #19 – June 21, 2009, 10:23:01 pm Yahoo Message Number: 103482Hi David, Check out this very small RV. There are some good ideas in this short video: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/When I worked in Japan, I was always amazed that most Japanese lived in such a small space. Of course, one way they do that is to store their bedding in the closet during the day and pull it out for the evening. From living room to bedroom in a few minutes. Easy! I've had to rethink my whole concept of housing since getting the LD and now realize we could easily live in a 1000 sq. foot craftsman style house instead of the 3000 foot behemoth we once had.Best, David
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