Should I order the bed extension with 'comfort' sleeping mat or Zonesleep Topper?

[James B 2016]

Hi All,

apologies if this is covered somewhere else but I couldn't see it after searching..

I have a couple of weeks to change the spec on the order of my new T6 beach. It comes as standard with a 'Bed extension with sleeping mat' which is the board for the boot and a mat to bring the boot unit upto the same height as the folding seats. However I was planning on going for the VW option 'Bed extension with comfort sleeping mat'.

My concern with that is that is it's £234 and looks like it's quite bulky in comparison to the Zonesleep option. The zonesleep option may even be comfier.

Does anyone have any experience of how the 2 compare or opinions on which one to go for?

I'm kind of siding on the Zonesleep option as it packs away better but am interested in others experience/ views.

Thanks all.

 

[MattBW]

Do you have the 2 or 3 seat beach? If the T6 is anything like the T5, then the bed in my 3 seat is very uncomfortable indeed without a topper. I have no experience of the zonesleep though sorry.

 

[Rhyddin]

I'm waiting for my Beach and have ordered the VW mattress. I looked at all the options and, while both the Comfortz and Zonesleep models look like they'd be fit for purpose, both also look like they are there to accommodate people who chose not to order a VW topper at time of placing their original order for the Cali and then realised that the lower bed does need that little something extra. If VW have made it specifically for that purpose then I have assumed they know what's fits best (might be blindly optimistic!). The VW one is also the cheapest, I believe?

Finally, the bulky element is not too important unless you plan to stack things above your multiboard. If you do then the VW model does take up quite a bit of space. However, if you think there is enough room below, which I do, especially as I've ordered a 7 seater and the multiboard in the Beach with the 3 seater bench is higher than the 2 seater and the Ocean, then it won't matter as it still sits below your field of view when using the rear view mirror to look out the back. It's each to their own but what I am sure of is that if you ordered the VW mat and didn't like it, it would be very easy to sell to those people who didn't bother and are now in the market (and looking at Zomesleep or Comfortz toppers).

Finally, you have to ask WHY VW felt their mat had to be so bulky - perhaps it needs to be, as Matt confirms?
Hope that helps.

 

[James B 2016]

Thanks Rhyddin, helpful to have your opinion. I've ordered the 3 seater beach so in a similar position to you. Good point on being able to sell it on also. We probably need more storage space than it sounds like you do though. We've got 2 boys 1 and 3 so have a large double buggy, awning plus all the usuals so being able to store things where the VW mattress is would be helpful.

 

[Rhyddin]

Thanks Rhyddin, helpful to have your opinion. I've ordered the 3 seater beach so in a similar position to you. Good point on being able to sell it on also. We probably need more storage space than it sounds like you do though. We've got 2 boys 1 and 3 so have a large double buggy, awning plus all the usuals so being able to store things where the VW mattress is would be helpful.

Ah yes, been there! Mine are 10 & 8 now so considerably less luggage required.

Either way, enjoy - they're a great age for you to become a Cali family. We bought our caravan when the kids were 5 & 3. It has served us brilliantly and they still enjoy it so much! The Cali is going to be a tow car & day van, predominantly, for us, with the occasional spontaneous night away. Oh, and my everyday commute, which should be fun.

 

[Borris]

I know it's a personal thing and opinions may vary but with the Beach three seat bench, can anyone describe what the bulky VW optional mattress is like to sleep on? Does it transform the bench seat into a comfortable bed or does it still need something else to make it acceptable?

 

[Rhyddin]

I know it's a personal thing and opinions may vary but with the Beach three seat bench, can anyone describe what the bulky VW optional mattress is like to sleep on? Does it transform the bench seat into a comfortable bed or does it still need something else to make it acceptable?

I actually think I may have read that people still think it very firm, albeit flat, at least. I think Daveyboydanger, who recently collected this T6 Beach, commented on it.
Personally, I don't mind - the stiffer the bed, the better.

 

[daveyboydanger]

I actually think I may have read that people still think it very firm, albeit flat, at least. I think Daveyboydanger, who recently collected this T6 Beach, commented on it.
Personally, I don't mind - the stiffer the bed, the better.

Yes, Rhyddin is right I have the comfort mattress. It is very firm and not very comfortable but does a good job of making the rather lumpy 3 seat bench into a level bed. I've decided to go for a mattress topper (memory foam) which is another thing to carry around but for a good nights sleep for me I think it's essential.

 

[Borris]

I actually think I may have read that people still think it very firm, albeit flat, at least. I think Daveyboydanger, who recently collected this T6 Beach, commented on it.
Personally, I don't mind - the stiffer the bed, the better.

Thanks Rhyddin,
Good luck with your Beach. Happy adventures.

 

[Rhyddin]

Thanks Rhyddin,
Good luck with your Beach. Happy adventures.

Here you go!

http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/twas-the-night-before-christ6mas.12555/page-4

It was exciting to read that thread again! Reminds me what I'm waiting for!

 

[Borris]

Hi Daveyboydanger,
Do you think that a suitably sized double air bed, instead of the optional VW offering would make a more comfortable bed? You couldn't really use both or you'd have your nose pressed against the ceiling.

 

[Victor]

We purchased the comfort mattress and wish we had not bothered as once you have it you cant get rid of it as it forms part of the rear parcel shelf. We ended up using it in combination with a Zonesleep and it is now as good as our bed at home, if not better. Big plus point for us for the Zonesleep is being able to wash it as we plan to do a lot of camping in hot countries and we do not fancy the idea of sweat soaked memory foam

 

[Rhyddin]

Do you think that a suitably sized double air bed, instead of the optional VW offering would make a more comfortable bed? You couldn't really use both or you'd have your nose pressed against the ceiling.

I guess. We have a fantastic Aerobed mattress that we used to use in the tent - REALLY comfortable on any ground and had inflated springs so didn't make the two occupants roll into each other if it deflated at all. Argos sell them for a lot less than £240!!

 

[Rhyddin]

We purchased the comfort mattress and wish we had not bothered as once you have it you cant get rid of it as it forms part of the rear parcel shelf. We ended up using it in combination with a Zonesleep and it is now as good as our bed at home, if not better. Big plus point for us for the Zonesleep is being able to wash it as we plan to do a lot of camping in hot countries and we do not fancy the idea of sweat soaked memory foam

I didn't know that! Thanks!
We have a memory foam topper in the caravan - might have to take that away with us too on the Cali trips.

 

[CYCLOPATH]

Hi, not sure if this will help. I have a T5. I hired one that had a comfotz topper. And it was comfortable. My van then came with the VW mattress.
It packs down smaller than the conformation one, so gives you more space
I did try the zonesleep, and didn't find it that comfortable, despite many many reviews from people who say it is
So I guess, as ever, we are all different.
I am really happy with ther VW one. It is on the firm side, I find I need a slightly bigger pillow than I do at home to get my creaky old neck into a comfortable position. But with that, I am as comfortable as in a bed.

 

[Borris]

I guess. We have a fantastic Aerobed mattress that we used to use in the tent - REALLY comfortable on any ground and had inflated springs so didn't make the two occupants roll into each other if it deflated at all. Argos sell them for a lot less than £240!!

I think a good quality air bed might soak up the undulations in the three seat bench better and take up next to no space when not in use. If you can get one with one of those 12v compressors, you could let the leisure battery do all the blowing. I wonder if there is one to exactly fit the Beach?

Has anyone tried using an airbed?

 

[Rhyddin]

I think a good quality air bed might soak up the undulations in the three seat bench better and take up next to no space when not in use. If you can get one with one of those 12v compressors, you could let the leisure battery do all the blowing. I wonder if there is one to exactly fit the Beach?

Not sure but ours inflates using the car's 12v socket so it would be perfect. The lower bed, having just checked the brochure, is 2 x 1.5m. The below one, which I think is the current version of ours, measures 1.98 x 1.37 so would be ideal!

http://www.argos.co.uk/beta/static/Product/partNumber/3401802.htm#pdpFullDesc

Maybe I need to rethink the comfort mat too?

 

[Borris]

Not sure but ours inflates using the car's 12v socket so it would be perfect. The lower bed, having just checked the brochure, is 2 x 1.5m. The below one, which I think is the current version of ours, measures 1.98 x 1.37 so would be ideal!

http://www.argos.co.uk/beta/static/Product/partNumber/3401802.htm#pdpFullDesc

Maybe I need to rethink the comfort mat too?

I think it might be worth taking your airbed to the dealers and (if they have a demo with a VW comfort mat in stock) giving each a half hour test. Don't worry I am sure they will wake you up when they close up!

 

[Rhyddin]

In all seriousness, this might be a good idea! The aerobed would fit, is very comfortable, packs up small enough to go under the seats and is already paid for. Plus, it's easy to put a sheet on it, which can then be washed as and when. Mmmmm.

Something else to consider, James?

 

[James B 2016]

Thanks all. A lot to think about and really useful.

Cyclopath, sounds like you've tried the VW option, Comfortz and Zonesleep. Both Comfortz and VW option sound comfortable if you like a firm mattress. If you were in my position would you go for the VW one? or go for the Comfortz and create more storage space?

I'm not sure about an airbed to be honest. Overtime I've slept on one before I get a bad back or it goes flat on me!

 

[calimera]

Not sure but ours inflates using the car's 12v socket so it would be perfect. The lower bed, having just checked the brochure, is 2 x 1.5m. The below one, which I think is the current version of ours, measures 1.98 x 1.37 so would be ideal!

http://www.argos.co.uk/beta/static/Product/partNumber/3401802.htm#pdpFullDesc

Maybe I need to rethink the comfort mat too?

Such a great idea. Our aero bed is 1.88 x137 x23
Unfortunately too big for the ocean bed which is 2 X 1.14
Back to drawing board.
We find the aerobed very comfortable . Great guest / camping bed

 

[MattBW]

I have transported a 3/4 mattress in my van and it fitted perfectly so you may be ok with an inflatable if it's standard size


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[WelshGas]

Hi Daveyboydanger,
Do you think that a suitably sized double air bed, instead of the optional VW offering would make a more comfortable bed? You couldn't really use both or you'd have your nose pressed against the ceiling.

GrannyJen uses an inflatable air bed.
I don't know what else she uses that is inflatable!

 

[Tactical]

+1 for the zonesleep.
It increases comfort, is warm in the winter and is not sweaty in the summer (unlike some memory foam toppers). It can be washed too.

 

[Marigold]

We have the 3 seat bench and went with the VW comfort mattress having seen one on a demo vehicle. We find it perfectly comfortable without an additional topper but guess this is personal preference. We use an ikea mattress protector to keep it clean and have never had an issue with temperature. Although bulky it stays in the van all the time so the size when folded isn't something I ever question. In effect it just forms a parcel shelf behind the bench for coats and stuff. Overall its a good bit of kit that works well but I don't have experience of the alternatives.