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Subject:westy upper bed foam???
From:Bill Davidson
Date:Sun, 4 Feb 2001 08:42:29 -0800

Good Morning Volks!

I'm looking for something to replace the foam in the cushions of my West's
upper bed. My problem is that I am chemically sensitive. That means that
exposure to the off-gassing of foam can give me a disabling migraine for 3
days. I have been to a couple of foam shops and it appears that all the open
celled foams off-gas fumes. I even bought some foam last summer with the
idea that airing it out for a few months would get rid of the
off-gassing.... not so. Airing it out does reduce the emissions, but after 6
months it still off-gasses.

I have also noticed that CLOSED cell foam does not off-gas... or if it does
it is very very little. But closed cell is not as comfortable as open cell
foam. The backpacking stores do sell some closed cell shaped in ridges and
even egg crate which is more comfortable than the flat closed cell. But it
would take about 9 of these close cell backpack pads at a total cost of
about $300 to fill the upper bed cushions.... and the widths are too narrow
(20 inches) so I would have to cut smaller strips to fill the cushions...
not a clean installation....

So my questions (finally!):

1. Does anyone have any ideas of any alternatives to open cell foam that
would be comfortable and non-off-gassing? (remember the maximum thickness
can not be more than 2 inches or the pop top will not close).

2. Does anyone know where close cell foam can be purchased in larger sheets
than backpacking pads? and thicker... like maybe 1 1/2" thick?

3. Does anyone know where backpacking pads can be purchased with a quantity
discount?

4. Or custom sized air mattresses? (the backpacking kind that are 2" or less
thick)

Thanks for your help...

Bill Davidson