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Old 22-12-2014, 13:49   #1
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Moisture under the Mattress!

i have read about people having moisture accumulate under the mattresses while living aboard during the cooler times of year. Never seen it but lo and behold there it is. Any easy remedies? Was thinking of some plastic doohickeys we saw at the boat show that allow for ventilation as well as more spring in the mattress. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance
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Old 22-12-2014, 14:06   #2
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

It is likely condensation of warmer high humidity against a cold surface just like windows sweating. Apply some heat under it to warm the surface, if possible.
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Old 22-12-2014, 14:19   #3
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

Make a tube berth instead of mattresses. It's the moisture you are sweating all the time condensating under the mattress.
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Old 22-12-2014, 14:22   #4
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

The only practical solution is ventilation. We have used 1/2" square cross section battens across the surface the mattress lays on till a matt made of material much like Scotch Bright pads was made available and it works very well. I can't recall the name though.
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Old 22-12-2014, 14:31   #5
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

Look down at the bottom of this page for links to more threads on the subject.
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Old 22-12-2014, 16:01   #6
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

Yup. We added ventilation in the form of these Greatmat StayLock mats. Similar to the drideck from West Marine but half the price.

We also put up some insulation. The silver foil bubble wrap stuff.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse
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Old 22-12-2014, 16:18   #7
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

Hhhmm we haven't tried it yet.. but have had a couple cruisers swear by Ikea slats. Cheap and you just cut to the size you want..
SULTAN LADE Slatted bed base - IKEA

They have a couple of new systems that might work better, but would take more modification.
LÖNSET Slatted bed base - King - IKEA
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Old 22-12-2014, 16:32   #8
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

If you have a 110v power source, you might want to install a de-humidifier for the cooler months when there is lots of condensation on a boat. We've used one the last couple of winters and it really helps to keep the boat dry.


I just put a portable 30 pint unit in the head and run the hose to the shower drain. Helps out with any mildew problems as well.
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Old 22-12-2014, 16:33   #9
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

You need ventilation and airspace. The Dri Dek linking square tiles are pretty good but have gotten more expensive. I have gone as far as those, holes in all the under berth lids and a small computer fan too boot to really get rid of it before.
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Old 22-12-2014, 17:07   #10
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

This is not uncommon and is easily cured. The basic issue is you. When you are in bed your weight compresses the foam mattress. This reduces the insulation value of the foam. Your skin is not air tight. Moisture passes through your skin as you sleep and condenses on the cold surface below you. You need more insulation and a vapor barrier to stop moisture migration. Buy a 3 inch piece of foam and trim it to match your mattress. Place a sheet of 6mil poly between your matress and the lower foam sheet. Your problem will be cured.
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Old 22-12-2014, 17:34   #11
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

I have tried all sorts of ventilation even to the point of using small computer fans , nothing worked. I put my hot water heater in the cabinet space under the buck which warmed the area slightly . Problem solved , 0 moisture .

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Old 22-12-2014, 17:45   #12
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

Defender sells a product that can be cut to fit under the mattress to allow ventilation. As I recall it's about three feet wide and sold by the running foot. You can join lengths to make it as wide as necessary.
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Old 22-12-2014, 18:05   #13
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

I made these to go under our settees. When not underway we place them athwartship to make a nice queen sized berth. The holes do a pretty good job providing ventilation.
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Old 22-12-2014, 18:07   #14
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

With varnish.
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Old 22-12-2014, 18:20   #15
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Re: Moisture under the mattress?!?

We use a 1/4" sheet of closed cell foam bonded to the bottoms of the mattresses. Works well.

Prior to that, used Chinese sea grass door mats [we bought 8 at about $2 apiece], loosely tied together, which also worked, but Jim didn't like their smell.

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