Foam replacement December 01, 2017, 02:54:36 pm My Midbath is now 9 years old. I have been fulltiming in it since November, 2008. Every meal, I sit in the same spot at the dinette. When at my computer, I sit in one spot at the edge of the bed. After so many hears of compression by this not diminutive man, the foam was beaten into submission. It was soft enough that my bottom would hit bottom. It was time to do something about it.I did some searching on line and found a foam supplier that would cut foam to any specified size, and they had varying grades of foam. I ordered a block of foam for the dinette seat from Welcome to Buyfoam, and It arrived today.I took out the seat cushion and unzipped the back. I trimmed away a lot of loose threads so I would not pull any seams, then pulled the rear foam part of the cushion out. Behind it was another zipper. I opened it and pulled out the front part of the cushion, marking each. The two were 1" different in width. Using a large quite sharp chef's knife, in three passes I had cut the new cushion to match, marking each piece so I could orient and install them easily. (I note that the foam place recommends ordering foam in a size 1/2" larger in all dimensions than the original stuffed cushion measures. I had done so, and when I split the piece I ordered, the two halves were each still wider than the measured originals.)Getting the foam blocks into the pockets was hard, but became much easier when I remembered something I had heard years ago. I removed the foam I had partially in place and sprayed the surface with a light shot of dry silicone lube. It then went in fairly easily. Closing the zipper was a case of pulling the material together and pressing down the foam as I advanced the zipper a few inches, then re-position my hands and repeat. With the experience of the first piece, the second, rear, piece went in easier. Another set of hands would have helped a lot.From the time I unzipped the cushion until the replacements were in and the cushion zipped up took perhaps 45 minutes, so I would rate this an easy project. It sure feels a lot different, almost like new.Some details - foam comes in different degrees of firmness. I ordered the second firmest of five levels, type XL-38. My order was for a block of foam, 18" x 40" x 5.5" thick. I split it into two pieces, one 8.5" and the other 9.5". The foam cost $48 and the shipping was $16 for a total cost of $64.I am eager to place my order for foam for the bed.Ken F in NM 4 Likes
Re: Foam replacement Reply #1 – December 01, 2017, 03:06:47 pm So there's a zipper in that middle section! That's such good news. We have two (2) cushions that need our attention and your guidance and solution is just terrific. Well done.
Re: Foam replacement Reply #2 – December 01, 2017, 03:33:30 pm Uh oh. In an abundance of caution, before ordering foam for the bed, I unzipped the couch back and stuck my hand in. The dinette seat is assembled with a solid wall of fabric between the front and back pieces. The couch back is assembled with a button tuck technique. I will not be attempting foam replacement on the couch.Ken F in NM
Re: Foam replacement Reply #3 – December 01, 2017, 05:34:43 pm Quote from: Kenneth Fears - December 01, 2017, 02:54:36 pmMy Midbath is now 9 years old. I have been fulltiming in it since November, 2008. Every meal, I sit in the same spot at the dinette. When at my computer, I sit in one spot at the edge of the bed. After so many hears of compression by this not diminutive man, the foam was beaten into submission. It was soft enough that my bottom would hit bottom. It was time to do something about it.I did some searching on line and found a foam supplier that would cut foam to any specified size, and they had varying grades of foam. I ordered a block of foam for the dinette seat from Welcome to Buyfoam, and It arrived today.I took out the seat cushion and unzipped the back. I trimmed away a lot of loose threads so I would not pull any seams, then pulled the rear foam part of the cushion out. Behind it was another zipper. I opened it and pulled out the front part of the cushion, marking each. The two were 1" different in width. Using a large quite sharp chef's knife, in three passes I had cut the new cushion to match, marking each piece so I could orient and install them easily. (I note that the foam place recommends ordering foam in a size 1/2" larger in all dimensions than the original stuffed cushion measures. I had done so, and when I split the piece I ordered, the two halves were each still wider than the measured originals.)Getting the foam blocks into the pockets was hard, but became much easier when I remembered something I had heard years ago. I removed the foam I had partially in place and sprayed the surface with a light shot of dry silicone lube. It then went in fairly easily. Closing the zipper was a case of pulling the material together and pressing down the foam as I advanced the zipper a few inches, then re-position my hands and repeat. With the experience of the first piece, the second, rear, piece went in easier. Another set of hands would have helped a lot.From the time I unzipped the cushion until the replacements were in and the cushion zipped up took perhaps 45 minutes, so I would rate this an easy project. It sure feels a lot different, almost like new.Some details - foam comes in different degrees of firmness. I ordered the second firmest of five levels, type XL-38. My order was for a block of foam, 18" x 40" x 5.5" thick. I split it into two pieces, one 8.5" and the other 9.5". The foam cost $48 and the shipping was $16 for a total cost of $64.I am eager to place my order for foam for the bed.Ken F in NMI found that switching the seat cushions helped extend their lives. I put a Post-it under them to remind me when I last did it. However, after 13 yrs of use, I had the foam replaced here in Denver by a company that specialized in such work.Chris 1 Likes
Re: Foam replacement Reply #4 – December 01, 2017, 08:17:05 pm Speaking of foam, sleeponlatex.com is a good source for toppers if you don't like memory foam. I bought the 3" for my MB and a 1" for my bed at home. Frank 1 Likes
Re: Foam replacement Reply #5 – December 01, 2017, 10:54:56 pm So Frank I’m guessing you got the 3” king size topper for the rear of your midbath? I was wondering where you put it when not sleeping, in the overcab bunk rolled up? How much room does it take rolled or folded up? If you ordered again would you get the 2”or 3”? Thanks in advance
Re: Foam replacement Reply #6 – December 01, 2017, 11:31:27 pm Started off with an old feather bed we brought from home. Finally got tired of wrestling the bear and moved to a memory foam. It’s either 1 1/2 or 2 inches. That fits nicely in the overcab with the king travasack and a whole lot of other things. That overcab is like Snoopy’s doghouse!!Getting tired of wrestling with this bear too. A 3 inch would fit but enjoy that adventure.
Re: Foam replacement Reply #7 – December 02, 2017, 12:28:51 am TigerRE - I would go with the 3" latex again since that height largely keeps me off the cushions which I prefer. Bought a 2" locally first and took it back. Also tried memory foam and took it back - don't like the resistance you feel when moving.I bought two singles and not a king. This gives me the option of setting up the couches as twin beds or putting them together for a king. The two singles fit together well when setting up the king lay out.I roll the twin size toppers up and secure each with a strap. They then go in the cab over against the front of that area end to end.This leaves enough room in the cab over for one person to sleep without removing the toppers - should that need ever occur.On the rare occasion when I'm alone that works out. I keep the cab over bed made up with a topper at all times. Frank
Re: Foam replacement Reply #8 – December 09, 2017, 09:08:19 pm So Ken Fear's work on his cushions to include the interior construction of his dinette seat cushions gave Margee and I an idea. One of our dinette seat cushions that I often use was a bit soft. So I would just pull it out and place the zipper side out, which was firmer. Margee was not wild about seeing the zipper side out. So tonight we removed both pieces of foam and rotated the front section upside down and put the rear section as it was. And this has worked just fine. Now that seat cushion is firmer according to my "bottom-side" test. It probably took us 10 minutes with four (4) hands helping. 4 Likes
Re: Foam replacement Reply #9 – December 10, 2017, 05:14:53 pm About 3 summers ago we replaced the seat cushions and fabric on the 2 sofa seats and the 2 dinette seats...not the backs on either.I went to the interior decorator I've used in the past and found the fabric I wanted (very heavy duty, as in the quality you'd find in waiting rooms) in a solid color that (we think) goes with the tan/brown interior. She found a business nearby that makes upholstery for boats (the guy learned the trade in the Navy) and he had all kinds of foam and we tried out (stretched out on them) many and selected one that is quite firm. Note that we sleep in oversize king the 2 sofas will make up in a MB, so those get a lot of wear.It was more expensive than do it yourself, but I don't have the skills to do the job.I will remind folks of a trick I read about in the LD group, and that is to slide dry cleaner bags over the foam before sliding it into the slipcover and then just pull the bag out when the foam is situated. I think Don Malpas was the one who posted that good idea.TinaP2006 MB "Wild Thing"LD 2967 NE 59
Re: Foam replacement Reply #10 – January 04, 2018, 09:11:33 pm As a follow-up to my original post, the foam that I bought is not holding well. I would not recommend it.Ken F in NM
Re: Foam replacement Reply #11 – January 04, 2018, 10:53:04 pm We have a 2015 MB which has had some use but we aren't even close to using it 1/2 time. The foam on the front corner of one of the dinette seats has gotten flattened at the front corner. The rest seems to be ok. Has anyone else had this experience with a newish LD and, if so, did you replace all of the foam or just turn it around?Thanks
Re: Foam replacement Reply #12 – January 05, 2018, 09:17:49 am When shopping for foam for another project, we learned a bit. Like there are 2-3 grades of foam, with projected lifespans of 3-10 years. We also learned that there are local foam producers. Supposedly the loca foam should have less pesticides and the chemicals should be more controlled under our regulations. Our ‘92 has some places that are much used showing the breakdown, like the end of the dinette. Even though 26 years old it has had relatively little usage. So age may be less important than use cycles.
Re: Foam replacement Reply #13 – January 06, 2018, 08:57:39 pm Silverfox, I have been fulltiming for 9 years. I sit in the same spot for 3 meals a day. When one corner flattened, I switched the cushion. When the other side flattened, I traded the back for the seat, and flattened both ends of that cushion. I then did a rotation over the years after that, trying to distribute the wear. Bottom line, the only true fix is to replace the foam.As to foam types, there are WAY more than three. I bought two different types and tried them. I have hired an upholsterer who brought me 9 different foam samples. He told me there are five different grades of density, which determines how long the foam lasts and up to 7 different grades of firmness which determines how hard or soft the foam feels. In theory, that would suggest 35 different foams. In reality, not every level of density has every level of firmness.I did learn from the upholsterer that my original dinette cushions are made of two foam layers. The lower layer is 3" thick and is firmer than the 2" upper layer. Supposedly, that gives the best comfort and the longer life. I opted for very firm, highest density for the dinette, and medium firm, high density for the couch/bed. I am spending a Grand with him to replace my worn fabric and the foam, and he said this foam, VERY expensive, should last a long time. Ken F in NM 2 Likes
Re: Foam replacement Reply #14 – January 06, 2018, 10:20:50 pm Ken, thanks so much for the detailed response. At this point the problem is not that bad so I think I will try the rotation solution. I was just surprised to have the foam flatten with so little use. If I learn anything more, I will report.
Re: Foam replacement Reply #15 – January 06, 2018, 11:07:32 pm "The foam on the front corner of one of the dinette seats..."I am really surprised that you are having problems like that on a 2015! My 2004 shows no sign of breaking down. But then, if LD is not using the same foam (or source) as on mine perhaps that is the reason. 2 Likes
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