From an overnighter to months at sea, a boat mattress is an essential part of any trip, and a good night’s sleep can make or break your voyage. Your boat, yacht, or houseboat may have come with mattresses, but they’re usually just a thin piece of foam over plywood.
Whether your boat is for work or play, it’s important to invest in a proper mattress. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice good sleep just because you’re not on land! Here’s all that you need to know when choosing a boat mattress built for a restful night’s sleep.
The Main Differences Between a Boat Mattress and a Regular Mattress
Boat mattresses and regular mattresses differ in the materials used and their design. Boat mattresses are specifically designed to fit into tight spaces, as well as provide support in uneven terrain or with movement. Regular mattresses, on the other hand, are designed to fit on flat surfaces and won’t necessarily hold up well if subjected to shifting terrain.
For example, a V-Berth mattress is designed to fit the unique shape of the boat’s hull while providing ample support. Regular mattresses don’t have this ability, as they are not able to conform to the cabin’s shape. As well, boat mattresses are smaller and lighter than regular mattresses, making them easier to transport and store away when needed.
Boat mattresses are also made from special materials meant to handle the dampness and humidity of being on a boat for extended periods of time. Custom boat mattresses will usually use vinyl on the bottom to protect the mattress from mildew and moisture, as well as air-permeable foam to help with ventilation. Regular mattresses, by contrast, can become damaged if exposed to humid air or water for too long.
If you already have a mattress in your boat, it may fit the space, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep on it. They’re usually made of the cheapest material possible and typically too thin to provide adequate support. A custom boat mattress can do wonders for your sleep quality because it’s made just for your situation.
Essential Differences of Custom Boat Mattresses
- Designed to fit into tight spaces and provide support in uneven terrain or with movement
- Smaller and lighter than regular mattresses
- Materials made to protect against mildew and moisture
- Air-permeable foam that helps with ventilation
- Offers good support while still fitting into unique spaces
Ordering a Custom Boat Mattress—What to Look For
Measurements
Before placing your order, make sure to measure your space and note any bumps or curves. Be sure to take down the width and length of the space as well as any curves or angles.
If you’re ordering a custom-sized mattress, provide the measurements and let your manufacturer know if any areas need special attention. No need to worry if you’ve got an oddly-shaped space—Tochta can make a mattress that fits your boat perfectly.
Don’t forget to measure the space between the bed frame and the ceiling! You can still get a comfortable mattress that’s on the thinner side and that way you’ll avoid hitting your head every time you get out of bed. And you’ll want to be able to easily make the bed, so consider leaving a little extra space between the mattress and the walls.
Materials
When looking at specific designs, you’ll also want to pay attention to the type of foam used. More than any other mattress, the materials of a boat mattress are vital. Look for things like vinyl and waterproofing, as well as anti-microbial and dust mite protection. A good boat mattress should combine comfort with durability and cleanliness.
Some custom mattresses will offer a 1/4 to 1/2 inch section of padding to the bottom of the mattress that allows for unobstructed airflow. This addition makes sure the mattress has an area of unobstructed airflow, which means very little condensation and moisture getting stuck at the bottom of the mattress.
Safe Manufacturing
The best mattress companies will have certain certifications or labeling, like CertiPUR-US. This means that the mattress has no ozone depleters, certain flame retardants, formaldehyde, or other heavy metals.
While it can be tempting to go with the cheapest option out there, well-manufactured mattresses will keep you safe from sicknesses and other health issues that come from toxic materials.
How to Protect Your Boat Mattress From Damage
To protect your boat mattress from damage, you’ll want to make sure that it’s kept dry—a no-brainer, right? But to do so, you can invest in a waterproof cover to protect the mattress from spills and moisture. You should also air out the cabin on a regular basis or invest in an air purifier if possible.
Be sure to regularly inspect your mattress for signs of mildew, mold, or other damage. A little bit of proactive maintenance can go a long way in preserving the life of your boat mattress! If you do notice mold on your mattress, you can use mild detergent and water to clean it. Make sure to air-dry the mattress completely before putting on any covers, sheets, or blankets.
Design Your Perfect Boat Mattress With Tochta!
When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep on your boat, nothing beats having a custom boat mattress. With the right measurements and materials, you’ll be able to enjoy comfort and support on the high seas or at the lake.
As a CertiPUR-US certified mattress manufacturer, Tochta’s mattresses are 100% safe and have no toxic materials. We started designing mattresses for RVs when we realized the “mattresses” our campers came with were ruining our vacations. We applied the same principles to boat mattresses and now we’re proud to offer a comfortable, durable solution for boat owners.
We want you to enjoy your trip without sacrificing good, safe sleep or forking out a fortune. Build a mattress with Tochta and you’ll be able to customize the size, materials, design, and more—you’ll get a good night’s sleep no matter where your boat takes you!
