Best way to replace zippers

[a64pilot]

Yes, I can imagine that a fabric backed Velcro would be flexible, and I bet that was the first Velcro, just the Velcro I have experience with is stiff.
Didn’t Velcro come from the space program, used on space suits, I think?

[thunderhoof]

Buy all plastic zippers. I believe YKK makes these with both plastic sliders and teeth. My boat has them on the cushions and never a problem.

[hellosailor]

IIRC Velcro didn't come from the space program or NASA, but that certainly helped popularize it. There was also a rather embarrassing incident when NASA first tested a capsule with large amounts of Velcro in a pure oxygen atmosphere. Who knew, standard Velcro self-combusts in pure oxygen? As do many plastics and elastomers, but that wasn't as well known back then.

[a64pilot]

Velcro apparently pre dates NASA by quite a bit.
https://hookandloop.com/invention-velcro-brand

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by Kamalolo

How do I order zippers to fit each mattress?

Recently I have been making new cushion covers for my boat, which include zippers.

I find it to be practical and economical to purchase 10 foot rolls of zipper material from the fabric store. The zipper material has 5 or 6 zipper heads preinstalled. All that is necessary is to cut the zippers to length and sew them in place. Less than $10 a roll.

In my experience any sewing machine is good enough. I do not have a sailrite.

[Kamalolo]

Originally Posted by fatherchronica

I suppose replacing a zipper would be pretty close to installing new zippers, with a little common sense thrown in. My wife, who hadn't spent more than 10 hours sewing all tolled in the previous 35 years, made new cushions with zippers for Mana. The Sail Rite website has free videos of how to do it. They may have a video replacing them too. Plus they will show you how to measure to order and sell you a variety of zippers to suit your needs. For everything marine textile related it is an invaluable resource.

Thanks

[fatherchronica]

You are welcome, fair winds to you and your family.