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bob34787 · 10-02-2009, 03:56 PM

OK, I know this has been covered somewhere on this forum, but I cannot find it. My wife and I agree ( does not happen often) that the factory mattress has got to go. I know it is a short queen and a regular queen will fit but other than going from mattress shop to mattress shop and trying them all does anyone have any suggestions? We need to sleep!

Bird's Nest · 10-02-2009, 08:39 PM

Try a memory foam topper from Wal-Mart.
$30-100 depending on the thickness.
We have had two RVs and both mattresses have not suited my husband.
We added a 4" foam topper and he no longer wakes in pain.
We do need to use very thin pillows with this thick foam.

I also remember reading a thread about a couple who had a custom mattress made somewhere in FL.

gdv59 · 10-02-2009, 08:59 PM

Americana Bear Beds - Home of the Teddy Bear Air Beds

Gene · 10-02-2009, 09:13 PM

We have a 2" medium foam topper and it is very comfortable. Then I found out about how foam off gasses lots of nasty stuff. Organic natural latex toppers are available that are nontoxic and much more expensive, but also comfortable. Any topper will be standard queen size, but we moved the OEM mattress down and stuffed something between the wall and the mattress. I also extended the luan board under the mattress with some oak plywood to support the end of the mattress. Now standards sheets fit right.

A new mattress, custom made for curves, will cost a lot.

Gene

Foiled Again · 10-02-2009, 10:08 PM

I had a custom made mattress for my 06 Safari FB SE. Honestly cost less than a good mattress from a reputable retailer. I think I paid about $500. Really Cheap mattresses are that way for a REASON... there have been many cases where old hotel mattresses have been "refurbished" with new coverings... and old bedbugs.

Call "The Original Mattress Factory" - here in Va. Beach the number is 757-486-2400. They have several outlets in the eastern USA. Their showrooms have mattresses from basic to ultra cushy - both innerspring and foam - latex or artificial foam. You can even specify latex sheathing a lighter artificial core which saves weight. I chose a 7 inch artificial foam one - weight being a consideration. I'm not a petite woman, and I find it quite comfortable. I really don't like the super thick memory foam mattresses - they are HOT in summer because you sleep IN the mattress rather than on it.

The advantage to these mattresses is that they are flippable (if you don't have them made with a curved edge). Most new "no turn" mattresses simply CAN'T be turned over because there is a cushy sleep layer only on one side. I had mine made virtually square and simply stuff soft pillows along the curve of my sideways queen. (Next Airstream will have twins - and I'll get my custom mattresses from the same store - flipping them to opposite sides.)

There are several other chains that do the same thing - and scores of individual upholsterers. Shop around - and when you find the right place take your Airstream to the store - they'll lay it out on their floor and make a pattern with the radiused bottom corners and/or curved side or top if you want it.

Be curious. I looked at standard queens at Sam's Club - not nearly as nice a mattress AND almost as expensive, and it wouldn't have fit as well as what I have.

Paula

Paul&Dee · 10-03-2009, 04:56 AM

We just bought a replacement mattress for our 08 Safari from Excel Distributors. Price for their best model innerspring was $409 including shipping. It arrived via UPS in about a week. The mattress is rolled up in a plastic sleeve and compressed. We took the box into the Airstream and put it on the bedframe before unwrapping it. They said to allow a week for it to expand before using it.
But just out of the box it is much better than the original!
We found this vendor from another post on the forums.
www.exceldistributors.com

bob34787 · 10-03-2009, 05:06 AM

thanks to all, I will start my search today. you would think that with what they charge for these trailers a better mattress would be standard. Hell I looked at the white box trailers before we bought the Airstream and some of them came woth sleep number beds.

**jcanavera** · 10-03-2009, 08:15 AM

Keep in mind that the short queen is short for a reason. Normally the platform which supports your mattress is shorter than a standard queen. I tried to use a standard queen mattress on my SOB (not knowing that it was a short that I was replacing). I found the extra length hunger over the end of the platform which made the end unstable, and I also found out I lost the needed clearance to walk around the end of the bed.

Jack

Gene · 10-03-2009, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcanavera

Keep in mind that the short queen is short for a reason. Normally the platform which supports your mattress is shorter than a standard queen. I tried to use a standard queen mattress on my SOB (not knowing that it was a short that I was replacing). I found the extra length hunger over the end of the platform which made the end unstable, and I also found out I lost the needed clearance to walk around the end of the bed.

Jack

Jack, the platform can be extended with a piece of 1/4" plywood glued or bolted to the existing platform. As for the space one needs to get around the bed, some people think it's too narrow, others don't, so it seems to be a subjective thing.

Gene

AZ-JH · 10-03-2009, 10:04 AM

The comfort of a quality mattress is worth every penny. With a standard queen, it's nice to be able to buy bedding anywhere. RV-sized short queen bedding may get pricey. I still have room to stand at the end of the standard queen to make the bed.

2airishuman · 10-03-2009, 02:53 PM

bob...

is the safari mattress FOAM?

if so, it's easy to swap it for the INNER SPRING mattress used on the classic line.

these are much better than foam imo and will last longer.

they are somewhat firm so a 2 inch topper or wool pad makes for more comfort.

there are also companies making 'dial in the firmness' inflateable air/foam mattresses.

these are the LIGHTEST and offer the most adjustability and can be had in DIRECT FIT sizes.

many OLDER threads on this issue, with links to vendors, LOTs of combos, and on.

or google 'custom rv mattresses' and the vendors pop up...

keep in mind the shock/struts used to help raise the platform are RATED by weight.

so IF one goes with a heavier mattress, the shock/struts may need 2b replaced to hold the platform UP...

cheers
2air'

Happycampers · 10-03-2009, 05:13 PM

Have to agree ... These mattresses are great... made in the US by Paramount in Oregon. We have a short queen in the Argosy and love it so much we are building a platform and ordering a full queen for home. No more box spring and mattress for us....

ncairstreamr · 10-15-2009, 09:34 AM

Looking for suggestions on a cost effective way to improve the firmness of the mattress on our 2007 Safari. Due to the shape of the corner bed, replacing the existing mattress with a custom made one would be a costly option. Can the foam mattress toppers be cut to conform to the unusual shape of the Airstream-supplied mattress and do they add significantly to the firmness? Any other thoughts? My back will appreciate any recommendations!

bob34787 · 10-15-2009, 11:21 AM

I actually ended up taking a 4" memory foam mattress topper and cutting it down, works great. I got mine at sears, only because they were clearing them out, walmart ha them for around $100

Gene · 10-15-2009, 11:51 AM

Toppers come in soft, medium and firm. I have no idea how firm is firm. Maybe you could put a thin plywood board under it. Or take out the mattress, use a topper alone on the plywood that's under the mattress.

Gene

ncairstreamr · 10-16-2009, 05:15 AM

Thanks for the advice. It looks like a mattress topper might be worth a try.

zapper · 10-18-2009, 05:27 PM

I too have a 2007 Safari FB. Tossed the matress. Gave me back pains that I never had before. Bought a Select Comfort "short Queen". Replaced the pump controllers twice before going with the remote controller. All under warrenty. I like it. No back pains; only it tends to scoot away from the head wall from time to time is the only complaint.

JimmyT · 10-27-2009, 09:33 PM

Well, people, our International CCD 23D has the curved mattress. I don't see any options for that on the site others suggested. So for NEXT summer it'll be either a topper or we'll find a replacement mattress with a curve in it.

Anybody found a curved replacement mattress?

gdv59 · 10-29-2009, 06:17 AM

Jim,
Early on in this thread I posted a link to Americana Bear Beds. While I have no personal experience with them their website specifically states they make mattresses for Airstream travel trailers. Hope this helps, good luck. Here's the link:
Airstream

wizz · 12-15-2009, 07:51 PM

How much time are you going to spend on this mattress? If it is to be a nightly thing over a month or so, I think it would pay to get a good mattress.
I had a custom sized mattress made for the camper and sleep well every night. One of the conditions of sale was instalation. Did take some doing to get the mattress into and in position, but it was woth it.
DWj