wet foam-bedding bottoms..

[hangfire]

I've even tried wrapping plastic around the foam-bedding material and it still gets wet.. suggestions, please.

[YachtVALHALLA]

I think you have made the situation worse by wrapping it in plastic.

My marine upholsterer in the Philippines explained that normal condensation from using the mattress occurs during use. He sewed in a mesh at the bottom of the cover to allow the mattress to 'breathe'. Same for any seat cushions below.

After four years have not had a problem.

Terry

[JeanneP]

Terry's got it right - you need air movement. If there is a lot of condensation, particularly in colder climates, you might find some type of grid system, or coarse fiber-type matting to put under the mattresses/cushions, as well as sewing a mesh fabric on the underside. the idea here is to elevate the cushions a bit above the solid impermeable board base so that air can more freely circulate all around.

After a few wet, humid days you might want to take out the cushions on a sunny day to air out with the sun right on them to evaporate some of that condensation as well.

We also had some solar-powered exhaust fans to keep air circulating and remove excess humidity from the boat (sunny day, fans run fast, drawing wetter internal air out, bringing fresh air in.

[Nausikaa]

Hi,

There is a product which got a good write up in a UK yachting paper about a year ago. It is called Ventair. Their main market in the U.S. seems to be R/V and campers but in the U.K. the concentrate on the marine market for some reason.

Anyway, their product, to use their own words, is "a three dimensional nylon mesh core sandwiched between two polyester covers. Having a unique construction, Ventair is unaffected by moisture, paints and varnishes. Ventair creates an air space, allowing air flow under mattresses and behind cushions, thus reducing the damaging effects of damp, mould and mildew. Ventair is flexible and extremely resistant to crushing. Movement on the mattress will flex the core so it acts as a pump to exchange the air under or behind your furnishings. The natural resilience of the material adds to the comfort of the bed."

Find out more at www.ventairusa.com .

As I have not used the product, I cannot endorse it but as I sail in cooler northern climates where condensation is a very real problem I indent to test it this coming season.

It may well be the solution to your problems too. Good luck with it.

Cheers

Stephen

Yacht NAUSIKAA

[YachtVALHALLA]

A cushion foam sold by Sailrite for bedding is 'Dry Fast'. "It's an open cell (reticulated) foam which allows water to drain through quickly. It doesn't stay wet. It is intended for both outdoor and indoor cushions where mositure retention can be a problem. This is not ordinary polyurethane foam. In the manufacturing process the air is pulled out of the foam, hydrogen is pumped back in and then the hydrogen is exploded. This patented process creates small holes throughout the foam which allow water to easily escape so outdoor cushions do not retain water and indoor bedding feels much drier. The foam is also formulated with an antibacterial agent so mold and mildew will not grow. Choose the 4" thick Dry Foam for sleeping (4" does not bottom out ..."

Go to http://www.sailrite.com/ and click on 'Online Shopping' then search for '#2136'.

I haven't tried it but it sounds good!

Terry