Slatted or Solid Bed Bottoms - Positive or Neg

[AndyandDawn]

Hello, We are in the process of considering options for a a new cat. FP lists within in it's options sheet. Slatted beds as an option. I have had mixed responses from two sources; one indicating that they make the bed feel lumpy the other indicating that provide more comfort. I am hoping to widen this response feedback with this post. Any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.
Thanks, Andy

[yardie]

We have two cabins one with and one without the slats. I honestly couldn't tell the difference because our mattresses are quite firm. I know they are supposed to help with circulating air under the mattress.

[model 10]

If the slats can collect dirt, I would go solid and some sort of trick mattress/set-up

[tkeithlu]

How damp is your cabin likely to be? Solid gives you a place to store flat objects like charts and trousers, but if damp, mildew results. Slats give a bit of ventilation to the underside of the mattress, but not as good flat storage. I don't think there is an issue of lumpiness; modern mattresses and closely placed slats should solve that.

[SV DestinyAscen]

Slats are good for ventilation and can help extend the life of the mattress, if the mattress is correctly spec. On land our bed is slated and the mattress was designed for that. Real question would be whether the mattress was designed for slat or flat surface.

[Privilege]

I removed the slats, took away some of the frame and put my foam mattress on plywood. I reduced the height of the mattress by about 5" which is quite a lot on my restricted head-room cat.

[a64pilot]

I believe a lot of European beds use slats for mattress springs? Seems to work very well too, and you avoid the dampness you get under a Mattress that makes you end up with a Froli under your mattress.
I'd go with the slats.

[Cheechako]

The ventilation may be worth it. It's amazing how much moisture the body gives off. In the AM if you check under your foam it may be sopping wet at times!

[a64pilot]

If you go with the solid, bookmark these guys
Modular Froli Sleep Systems by Nickle Atlantic, LLC

[AndyandDawn]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

If you go with the solid, bookmark these guys
Modular Froli Sleep Systems by Nickle Atlantic, LLC

Wow, what a unique product, I would suggest that many live aboard cruisers may want to take a look at this. Pricing seems reasonable in my opinion. Thanks very much for your reply.

[UNCIVILIZED]

If you're spending more than a night or two a week onboard, then some type of ventillation for the mattresses undersides borders on mandatory. Be it slats, a grid of ventillation holes, or some commercially available product to assist with this. And some folks even add small fans set into the bunk fronts to assist with this. Even/especially when they have slats or ventillation holes.

You might read this blog post for some insights into the issue Denali Rose: Bedding considerations in cooler climates...
And this is another product which aids in moving damp air from underneath of mattresses HyperVent Marine - Putting An End To Condensation

[AndyandDawn]

Originally Posted by UNCIVILIZED

If you're spending more than a night or two a week onboard, then some type of ventillation for the mattresses undersides borders on mandatory. Be it slats, a grid of ventillation holes, or some commercially available product to assist with this. And some folks even add small fans set into the bunk fronts to assist with this. Even/especially when they have slats or ventillation holes.

You might read this blog post for some insights into the issue Denali Rose: Bedding considerations in cooler climates...
And this is another product which aids in moving damp air from underneath of mattresses HyperVent Marine - Putting An End To Condensation

Thanks for the very detailed informative response and the links. This is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Andy

[model 10]

Originally Posted by AndyandDawn

Wow, what a unique product, I would suggest that many live aboard cruisers may want to take a look at this. Pricing seems reasonable in my opinion. Thanks very much for your reply.

We have been using the Froli set-up for about 10 years in the tropics. There are no moisture problems. Nothing breaks or wears out either!

[AndyandDawn]

Originally Posted by Guy

We have been using the Froli set-up for about 10 years in the tropics. There are no moisture problems. Nothing breaks or wears out either!

Seemingly popular product as the article in the attached link in the reply from uncivilized also mentions the Froli product for ventilation and moisture control. Thanks for your reply

[Leo Ticheli]

Allow me to also endorse Hypervent. The stuff really works. Here's a link: Hypervent Condensation Prevention Matting

Fair winds,

Leo