This post may contain affiliate links.
One of the things you have to worry about with an RV mattress, that most people never even think of at home, is trapped moisture leading to mold and mildew problems. There are a couple of systems out there to prevent this, and I discuss a few in this video, including something called Hypervent, which is what I elected to install under my own bed in the RV.
The principle behind it is simple: keep the mattress elevated to allow airflow underneath, and keep moisture from accumulating. If you have a Winnebago EKKO, like we do, your beds already came with a system by Froli that does much the same thing. But I decided I didn’t like the Froli, because it kept snagging my sheets. Then, I installed some bed slats. But I ultimately decided I didn’t like those either. And so here I am installing the Hypervent.
I purchased my Hypervent from Mattress Insider. But I found this stuff on Amazon, which seems to be exactly the same product – just sold under a different name.
If you go this route, it really is as easy to install as I show in the video. And it would have been even simpler if I were installing it on a “normal” RV bed. But the beds in our EKKO are hinged and move. This meant the Hypervent had to move as well. Making those cuts, and getting them OCD-neat made this take a little bit longer for me. But on a normal, rectangular, non-moving bed, this would be a 2 minute project.
Does It Work??
I honestly don’t know yet. I see no reason why it won’t work, but I haven’t put this through its paces. In about a year, we’ll have been through a hot and humid summer, and a good and cold winter. If we make it through those, then I’ll be happy to give it my endorsement.
(Somebody remind me in a year to come back and update this post!)
In an earlier video, you used a coating, a protective film, on your double pane acrylic windows. What was the name of this product and how is it holding up?
The product is called STEK – or maybe S-TEK, and it’s holding up very well.
Unfortunately, the company that made it is no longer offering it for sale.
We use hypervent under the two mattresses on our boat. We use the boat year round and have had no condensation under either mattress in just over two years.
Good to hear that it works! Thanks for letting us know.
Unrelated to the airflow fix… but, are you using the factory mattresses or an aftermarket?
Stef is using the factory mattress. Mine is aftermarket from Mattress Insider.
(I prefer a super firm mattress.)
I go into it a little in this video (where I installed the slats that I eventually removed…)
Adding Slats to our RV’s Bed (and Removing the Froli)
Hey James,
After cutting up my hands while making the bed I decided to not use the hypervent. We leave it out when in dry conditions.
The Hypervent is a bit scratchy, but I didn’t think it was a cut hazard. I’ve made my bed since making this video and haven’t had an issue.
I would be curious if by sealing the edges with the tape, did that now obstruct the airflow?
Valid question.
Technically, I didn’t seal the edges. The tape is only around the bottom to keep it in place.
I wrapped the same material from the top around the edges. Since this material was already on the top against the mattress, and presumably semi-permeable to air and moisture, I figured it was OK.
If I find out I’m wrong though, it’s a simple fix to slit the edges.