I have a small teardrop style camper that I want to build a mattress for. Ideally, the dimensions would be 60”W x 69”L x 6”H. So a low-profile cut down queen, if you will. The interior height of the camper limits the mattress thickness, hence low profile is critical. My wife and I are both side sleepers and both under 200 lbs. I was considering a 4” HD36 foam (to keep cost down) from foambymail.com (Foam Factory) and then a 2” latex topper (Dunlop or Talalay) and maybe a mattress cover from mattress.net. Would these be good choices, based on my criteria? I plan to cut the foams to size and just fold the excess mattress cover underneath.
Tony
Another combination I’m considering is 2” HD36 HQ + 2” medium Dunlop latex + 2” soft Dunlop latex. That might be more compliant for side sleeping, but not sure if I’d bottom out.
It seems Foam Factory is not a reputable seller, so I’m finding alternatives for the poly base.
Hey BiminiRoad.
Welcome to our Mattress Forum. 
Sounds like a fun project! With a strict 6" height and two side-sleepers <200 lb, you’ll want plenty of pressure relief up top and a supportive base that won’t bottom out in a teardrop’s tighter quarters - which, of course, you obviously already know.
Your first idea (4" poly + 2" latex):
- Works if the poly is truly HR ≥2.5 lb/ft³ (support factor ≥2.4) in the 35–40 ILD range. Many “HD36” foams are only ~1.8 lb and feel okay at first but fatigue faster—fine for occasional camping, less so for frequent trips. So if this is like, a few uses a year…then it’s probably fine to go with the lower range foam.
- Top it with 2" Talalay Soft (~19 ILD) for shoulder/hip relief. Dunlop can work too, but Talalay will feel plusher at the same ILD in a thin stack.
Your second idea (2" HD + 2" Med Dunlop + 2" Soft Dunlop):
- Nice progressive feel, but with only 2" of poly on the bottom you risk “using up” the comfort/transition quickly and flirting with bottom-out on side sleeping. I’d push more thickness into the base.
Three low-profile stacks I’d recommend (pick the feel you prefer):
- Simple & safe: 4" HR poly (2.5–2.8 lb, 35–40 ILD) + 2" Talalay Soft (~19 ILD). Plush top, solid support—great side-sleeping balance in 6".
- Progressive/contouring: 2" Talalay Soft (~19) over 2" Dunlop Medium (28–32) over 2" HR poly (35–40). Softer surface, a little more “guided” alignment.
- All-latex feel (pricey, durable): 3" Dunlop Medium (28–32) + 3" Talalay Soft (~19). Lovely side-sleep pressure relief; a touch heavier.
Covers & cut-to-size:
- Your cover plan is great!
- Cut foams with an electric carving knife or long serrated blade. Light spray of 3M FoamFast 74 only if you truly need to tack layers, but modular is nicer for tweaks.
Camper specifics (important):
- Teardrops experience moisture swings. You may wish to add an airflow mat (e.g., 3D spacer/HyperVent-style) or slatted base under the mattress to prevent condensation and mildew.
- Use a breathable protector, not vinyl.
NikkiTMU
Thanks for your reply Nikki. I ended up purchasing the following:
- 4” of XL38 poly foam from buy foam
- 2” Talalay soft (19 ILD) latex pad from latex mattress factory
- Hypervent Aire-flow from mattress insider
- Zippered mattress protector from mattress insider
I have begun building the bed frame and getting the camper ready. I don’t think we will sleep more than 20ish nights per year on this bed for the next 10 years, so I couldn’t justify an expensive all-latex build.
Update: I have constructed my bed frame, and this is a test fit before screwing it together. If it looks like Swiss cheese, that’s because I drilled 64 2-1/2” holes to help with airflow. Part of the frame is upcycled from an old bed frame. There are 3 spaces underneath for storage bins.
Update #2 Hypervent and installed and diy mattress in a zippered encasement.
