I got the thermarest. Bed Bath and Beyond. About $160 with their usual 20%
discount coupons.

Cover is prone to picking up dirt and shows it. It's heavy and the stock
queen size is a bit too wide for a Westy bed. But it is comfortable.

Mike

On 11/15/08 2:21 PM, "Larry Chase" <roadguy@ROADHAUS.COM> wrote:

> Volks,
>
> Over the years, like many, I have been experimenting with the best
> ways to enhance the comfort of the OE
> Westy lower bed.
>
> Here's a couple of approachs I have or will try.
>
> Note: Lower West Bed Size ... Width 46" x  73" length
>
> Option 1
>
> High Density foam cut to size
>
> 2" x 46" x 73" at 5.3/5.5 density
>
> http://www.foambymail.com/
> - also sell on ebay under foambymail
>
> Had them make a mattress cover for a few $$
>
>   Current set up and works pretty well. Would like a bit more
> thickness but don't like the bulk of a thicker pad.
>
> Pros:
> - Reasonable cost
> - Easy to fold the bed away with the pad attached
>
> Cons:
> - Worked well 2 yrs ago but back needs a bit more cush now.
> - A thicker pad would help but don't like the bulk of packing away a
> thicker pad.
>
>
> Option Two
>
> Conventional Air Mattress made for pickup truck beds
>
> http://www.tentsontrucks.com/air%20beds.htm
>
> Truck Mattress: 75" X 47" X 5"
>
> Pros:
> - Reasonable cost
> - At 5" thick provides nice cushion for sleeping
>
> Cons:
> -  Very marginal quality, thin vinyl construction prone to easy puncture
> -  Fuzzy velvet surface on sleep side is very susceptible to picking
> up lint and such.
> -  Looses some amt of air overnight, as many inexpressive air
> mattresses do
> -  Have to carry an air pump ... we used one of the Coleman
> rechargeables.
> -  Fit is a little tight on width
> - Has to be deflated every day and re-inflated every night.
>
>
> Option Three
>
> * Haven't tried this yet but considering a purchase.
>
> Custom "Therma Rest" type mattress
>
> http://www.solacejh.com/
>
> They will custom make to any size length x width and up to a 3"
> thickness
>
> This is a very high quality "Therma Rest" type of self inflating
> mattress.
>
> Pros:
> - Very high quality construction and materials.
> - easy inflate and deflate
> - No air pump needed
> - Packs down very small .. will fold up in bed
>
> Cons:
> - Cost, most expensive of the three options.
>
>
> larry
> roadhaus.com
>
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