Creating A Mattress for Car Camping

Hi,

I posted before to see if anyone knew of a manufacturer that would custom cut organic latex foam for me

I haven’t had any luck finding what I’m looking for, so I’m back to looking at MFC’s DIY mattresses

The dimensions of my mattress will be approximately two pieces, 40”x30” for a total size of 40”x60”

If I buy a 2” thick queen size layer from MFC, I can cut it to create a mattress with the dimensions I want and stack the cuts to get 4” thickness

My question is would there be any problem with sleeping on this? I know mattresses are typically composed of multiple layers of foam of different types and firmness, but I don’t have the budget to buy multiple layers

Worst case scenario, I’m thinking of picking up an old exercise mat to use as a firm layer

Thoughts?

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Hi AntonSugar,

I understand that finding the right solution for your custom sized mattress can be challenging. For those trying to offer solutions, it is especially difficult without knowing your budget. Having that information would really help others provide tailored suggestions.

You might want to check out Cotton Cloud and Futons or Oregon Natural Fiber Mill. They both offer customization options that might suit your needs.

If you’re willing to provide a shipping label, I am very confident that @EngineeredSleep could also work with you to create something specific. For that matter I am not positive, but I would guess that @Latex_Mattress_Fact1 could cut something to size and density too meet your needs.

Regarding your plan to cut a 2” thick queen size layer from MFC to achieve your desired dimensions, it should be fine to sleep on, especially if you’re stacking them to reach 4” thickness. Just make sure to test the comfort level—everyone’s preferences vary.

Using an old exercise mat as a firm base is a solid backup plan if needed. Just ensure everything stays secure and comfortable for a good night’s sleep!

While many mattresses and futons use a single layer of sleeping foam or material, it’s important to be cautious when incorporating unconventional layers, like an old exercise mat. Doing so could complicate your project and lead to unexpected costs. An older mat may have uneven support, which could create discomfort or issues with the foam layer above it. If you experience pain, it might be difficult to determine the source, making it harder to find a solution.

If at all possible, you may want to carefully assess whatever budgetary constraints you have and weigh them against a potential successful longer term solution.

Good luck with your project!

Maverick

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Hi Maverick,

Thank you for the response

I’ll say my budget is $700 for now, which I know is nowhere near enough for a proper mattress, but what I’m looking for is more akin to a tri-fold mattress

I decided on latex after researching different types of foam and certifications, hence the need to go the custom route

I understand comfort is subjective, I was just wondering if the plan I outlined above would have any technical drawbacks such as deforming over time due to a lack of firmer support layers

What you mentioned regarding the unevenness of an old exercise mat is a good example of something to be aware of that did not occur to me

I do have some unused puzzle mats I can use if need be, though I’m guessing this may prevent the latex layer from breathing and require me to flip it every so often

Thank you for the links you provided, unfortunately, as I am based in Canada, I expect the shipping and associated fees for such large material from Oregon would eat up much of my budget

I just had an idea, though I’m not sure how practical it is. What if you reached out to a mattress company that provides trial periods in your area? If someone tries a latex mattress and finds it uncomfortable and wants to return it, you could offer the company to purchase it from them, keeping the layers that meet your needs and discarding the rest.

Most companies have the trial user donate or dispose of it. So for pennies on the dollar, maybe they will let you either pick it up from the trial user, or work something else out with the company to acquire it.

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Latex is a great option and a high-quality latex should be pretty durable. That said, if you are stacking the layers, I’m assuming you will have a zippered compartment to put them in to protect them. This would also help to reduce shifting if it is snug enough.

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Hi @AntonSugar - Sorry for the late reply. We do offer a mattress for Car Camping (Engineered Sleep On-The-Go SUV Mattress for 4Runners and SUVs)

That one uses polyfoam, but we can substitute it for latex and we can cut it to any shape and size. We can also just sell you latex with no cover (although latex sheds a little bit - not recommended).

Feel free to reach out to me directly at [email protected].

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@Maverick

Mattress companies wouldn’t give out customer info or arrange meetings due to privacy concerns, but I’m sure there are places that unwanted mattresses are donated now that you mention it

@TheCleanBedroom thanks for the response

I definitely want to have a cover, will also ideally have a fibre fill to fill out the cover as well

@EngineeredSleep now this is super cool

I love this idea, I love that you make this product, and I love that you can tailor it to customers specifications

But since your company is based in the US, and I in Canada, it would likely be prohibitively expensive for me given the exchange rate, shipping and duty fees

If I was based in the US, I would be all over this

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