Cuddy Cushion Reconfiguration— R27 Classic

[CaspersCruiser]

When we first started staying overnight in the cuddy of our 2012 R27, we discovered, as many others have, that the OEM cuddy cushions were not up to the sleeping task. We used a foam topper for a couple seasons, but I tired of fooling with it when I wanted to access the cuddy storage bins.

In December 2020, I had a local upholstery shop make some modifications to our cuddy cushions and bolster upholstery. Here’s what I had them do:

1) Add an inch and a half of memory foam to all cuddy cushions. There is enough fabric on the cushions to accommodate the extra foam. I had to have the shop redo them because when reinstalling the fabric, they pulled the fabric down so far to achieve a “tight” look that they compressed the memory foam beyond its usefulness. Once they released some of the tension, there was still plenty of fabric and the cushions are heavenly. The fabric does at times display some slight wrinkles, as the shop said it would, but it’s not at all objectionable.

2) Replace the vinyl fabric on the side bolsters with a soft suede-like material. I like it a ton better than the vinyl which was starting to flake.

3) Cut one of the center cuddy cushions in half. Having only a half-cushion in the center crates a space at the entrance to the cuddy that makes it easier for us to exit. We swing our legs into the opening and step out of the cuddy using the step at the entry that is covered when using the full cushion. We don’t find it compromises our sleeping space.

There was not enough fabric on the cushion cut in half to cover the sides of the resulting two half-cushions so left over fabric from the bolster recovering was used on the sides of one of the half cushions. It looks great.

The unused half-cushion is kept in the cuddy in case we want the full cushion space. It’s mostly used as the bottom of a headrest created when pillows are stacked on it.

EDIT: To make the side cushions modified with extra foam fit under the bolsters along the cuddy walls, I had to move the bolster hangers up a couple inches. It’s a very easy task.

This is the cuddy with the half-cushion in the center:

This is the cuddy with both half-cushions in place.

 

[knotflying]

Looks great! I had made separate cushions of topper foam that matched each cushion. I made up covers for them similar to fitted sheets. It makes it easier to access the storage. Your mod makes it even easier. I never modified the size of the existing cushion, but we always slept with the front cushion out. It definitely made it nicer to get in and out of the v-berth. It also gave you a spot to get dressed and have privacy while doing it.

 

[rpmerrill]

I believe I posted this with photos in the past.
I removed the covers on my cushions. Then "shaved" the existing foam down. From about 3" to 1-1/2". Then I put 1-1/2" memory foam over the top and reinstalled the covers.
Easy Peezy.... sort of.

I shaved the existing foam with my electric carving knife. It is pretty controllable and long enough to reach most of it. On the larger cushion it was difficult to reach in and do a smooth job. Then some simple hack saw blades and/or a plain old saw made quick work of it. I had a couple divots but they were easy to repair. Spray adhesive helps stick stuff in place while you staple all the covers back together.

The redone cushions look exactly the same but sleep was 100% better.

 

[CaspersCruiser]

I had the upholstery shop add the memory foam to the existing OEM foam. There was enough fabric to accommodate the memory foam layer without “shaving” the existing foam. To make the side cushions fit under the bolsters, I moved the hangers on the cuddy walls up a couple inches. As you say, “easy peezy” and a ton easier than shaving foam.