Help, our caravan mattress is doing my back in.

Markashdown
Markashdown Forum Participant Posts: 2
edited February 2018 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hi everyone,

My wife and I are new to caravanning.  We have just bought a Bailey Unicorn Vigo with an island bed.  The caravan is great and we really like it, but I find that I can't sleep on the bed as the mattress is too hard.    

We've contacted Bailey to see if they can suggest a solution, but they say that their caravans are supplied with only one kind of foam mattress.  

The mattress was made by  Belfield, so we contacted them.  They say that this is the only density of foam mattress that they make.  The alternative would be a spring mattress but that would be a lot heavier.

I've tried laying on a memory foam mattress topper, but that doesn't help either.  

We were hoping to use the van to tour for several weeks, but that won't happen if I can't get any sleep. Does anyone have any suggestions please?

Comments

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #2

    Paracetamol?

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2018 #3

    You will probably find that as with most new mattreses it may well get more "friendly"with useinnocent

  • ValDa
    ValDa Forum Participant Posts: 3,004
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2018 #4

    It might sound a silly suggestioin, but first try turning the mattress over -  I don't know why but sometimes it seems less firm 'wrong-way up'.  Then try a memory foam mattress topper.  We found as we got older our mattress also seemed too firm - but now have no problems.  You can get a made to measure one, (lots of other makers available - just google) or just buy a standard one from Dunelm Mill or similar, trim the corners to fit, and alter the cover.  I've done ours. although ours wasn't an island bed but a 'corner-off' type!

    If this doesn't help you can replace the caravan mattress with a made to measure one.  The link in my post does made to measure foam mattresses, but there are plenty of others.  Again just google 'made to measure caravan (foam) mattresses'.  I think there is even someone advertising on ebay.

  • derv
    derv Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited February 2018 #5

    We ended up buying a duvalay mattress they are made to measure and cost but they are fantastic so comfortable hope this helps

     

  • NevChap
    NevChap Forum Participant Posts: 180
    100 Comments
    edited February 2018 #6

    Another thumbs up for duvalay. Our Swift came with a duvalay and I was sceptical as it seems a bit thin and light. But when I slept on it I was convinced. Very comfortable and as I said light so excellent in a caravan. Better night's sleep than at home!

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #7

    I never really sleep that well on our first night or so in the van or anyplace away from that accustomed 'home' bed. After that I'm fine and sleep like that preverbal log. Maybe give it a chance!😴

  • KENNYG
    KENNYG Forum Participant Posts: 215
    100 Comments
    edited February 2018 #8

    Try custom size beds specialist in caravan beds any size any shape if you can draw it they can make it bought one last year perfect hope this helps. 

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited February 2018 #9

    You might try Duvalay. We had twin mattresses made to a wider width than standard and shaped to fit around the door jams etc. Best sleep ever in the van, various options in firmness. We were able to add 3 inches to the width which makes it so much more practical, no more cold knees.

    They are not cheap but will provide bespoke sizes and shapes and supply Swift as standard. Must say they are more comfortable than oir very expensive ones at home so a good solution.

    We also got a large discount by insisting we wanted their product but felt it was to expensive.

    Be warned, the first people you speak to do not seem to have much idea on drawings or such things, but be patient and you will have a great mattress.

  • ABM
    ABM Forum Participant Posts: 14,578
    1000 Comments
    edited February 2018 #10

    I  know  a  couple  of  physio's  who  will  gladly  cure  that  problem  for  you  Mark.  You'll  certainly  be  able  to  sleep  after  their  ministrations  --  you  won't  be  able  to  walk  for  a  day  or  three  but  all  treatments or  cures  have  drawbacks,  don't  they  yell

  • young thomas
    young thomas Forum Participant Posts: 11,356
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    edited February 2018 #11

    We have multi zone 'cold foam' mattresses in both double beds (bit like Duvalay?) which are supported by sprung slats or Froli plastic 'springs'...to allow for decent ventilation (and heating) all round.

    wonderfully comfortable and a mile away from the old fashioned thick, heavy thing in our Bolero.

    these are not 'sprung' mattresses with a thin topper, but a full mattress with springs underneath and far more supportive which is good for my back, too...

    just googled them and are available in various shapes, but they need support underneath and ventilation (to avoid condensation?...).

    what does your current mattress sit on?....a metal frame with slats for ventilation under or a fixed board which may be contributary to the lack of comfort?

    cold foam certainly worth a look, IMHO.

    good luck.

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited February 2018 #12

    When we had a van with an island bed I used a feather topper on the bed (I see you didn't like foam based ones) the one I used fitted on the bed easily and was comfortable. However, since we now use a wool duvet at home I'd probably go for a wool topper. They are breathable, lightweight and very comfy. We use Devon Duvets but there are others out there. A very good product.

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
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    edited February 2018 #13

    Another accolade for Duvalay made to measure mattress’ here. Expensive but much lighter, which makes bed making easier and increases the available payload for other items. Best of all, they’re comfortable.

  • Brian1
    Brian1 Forum Participant Posts: 242
    100 Comments
    edited February 2018 #14

    We have the same 'van.

    We use a thick (4") mattress topper and we find that does the trick. cool

  • Markashdown
    Markashdown Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited April 2019 #15

    Hi everyone that replied. Thank you so much for your suggestions.  I tried a Duvlay mattress at the caravan show at the NEC last year and didn't think it was soft enough so in the end we bought an Emma memory foam mattress, which I cut up to fit the van.  My wife had the difficult job of unpicking and refitting the cover and making a new cover for the separate half moon shape.  All in all it looks good, but we both now have difficulty sleeping!!  C'est la vie, we'll just have to have an extra couple of vinos before retiring.  Thanks again for your replies.  Happy camping .Mark

  • Wherenext
    Wherenext Club Member Posts: 10,607 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2019 #16

    When we had a similar problem we used a thickish double duvet as a bottom sheet. Helped a lot, except it got hot in summer! Now use a topper which is doing the trick.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited April 2019 #17

    Of course a more fun way is to get a bottle of baby oil and get your OH to give you a massage.

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
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    edited April 2019 #18

    I’m not sure that JVB66 wasn’t hinting the same Cyber!🤣🤣🤣

  • funky sue
    funky sue Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited June 2019 #19

    Has anyone bought the zipped sheets to go with the Duvalay mattress toppers? Also is the 2.5cm one any good or would the 5cm be better?

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,195 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2019 #20

    I have replied on the thread you have started. 

  • Griffash
    Griffash Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited June 2019 #21

    Hi

    I find the mattress too hard on our pamplona as well. I have a problem with my spine so thought that it was that, but i'm hearing more and more people having a problem with the mattresses. I looked at Duvalay and went to the show last year specifically, as I didn't want to pay out for one and it not solve the issue for me. However, they weren't helpful at all, so I walked away. That however, still left me with  the problem. I then bought a self inflating sleeping mattress from Go Outdoors - Airgo Cirro, this is a link for it https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/15904970/airgo-cirro-double-dlx-self-inflating-mat-15904970 Its a bit too big for the bed (the shaped bottom) but I just use it as it is....I now have a much comfier nights sleep. It's not ideal, but it works. Hope this helps smile

  • Ult1mat3X
    Ult1mat3X Forum Participant Posts: 4
    edited June 2019 #22

    We bought a mattress from Duvalay at a cost of over £500 and found it hard and uncomfortable even after several uses. We contacted Duvalay about it and their response was dismal. Their solution was to buy a topper from them at a cost of nearly £200! We even offer to take the mattress back to them for inspection, but they refused. I wrote by snail mail to the CEO and he did not even bother to reply. We would never buy another product from them. BTW there are others on this forum who have had a similar experience. I would advice this review if someone look for mattress upgrade: https://www.talkaboutsleep.com/best-mattress-under-2000/

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