When deciding on the best ways to enhance your campervan, you should never overlook your sleeping area. A campervan bed can make or break your experience, and a huge part of creating the perfect bed is finding the right mattress. While you should consider a lot of the same factors that you would think about when shopping for a home mattress, finding the right campervan mattress presents a unique set of challenges.
In today’s guide, we’re going to take a deep dive into finding the best campervan mattress of 2024, and help you choose the campervan mattress that fits your needs. So, let’s get started!
Key things to consider when choosing a campervan mattress
You may think that as long as a mattress is comfortable, it will work just fine for your campervan. And while comfort might be one of the most important factors to think about, it’s certainly not the only one. In the sections below, we’ll take a closer look at all of the key things you’ll need to consider when choosing a campervan mattress:
Campervan Bed System
Before you do anything else, you’ll need to consider the nature of your build. In other words, are you creating a custom campervan bed from scratch or are you simply replacing the mattress for a preset configuration? If you’re just looking for a replacement, you probably already know the size that you need. On the other hand, if you’re doing a DIY build, you’ll need to look at standard RV mattress sizes and decide what will work best for your particular needs and preferences. Here are just a few questions to ask at the beginning of your search:
- How much room do I have for my mattress?
- Am I building out my campervan bed system or am I finding a mattress to fit the existing platform?
- Do I have sheets that can fit a custom mattress? If not, can I get them through the mattress manufacturer?
Mattress Size
The size of your sprinter van or Class B RV will determine just how “big” you can go with your mattress, but there’s almost always some wiggle room. If you’re unfamiliar with standard mattress sizes, be sure to check out the options at RVmattress.com. Unless you want to go for a single or a small custom-sized mattress, the smallest standard size you will find is a Twin (38×75).
There are more than a dozen different sizes to choose from (not including custom sizes(, but some of the most common mattress sizes for campervans include the aforementioned Twin, as well as the Full (53×75), Short Full (48×74), Queen (60×80), and King (76×80). Again, the best size for your bed will largely depend on how much space you have, but it can also be dictated by other factors, like cost and even sleeping habits. You’ll also want to consider how many people will actually be sleeping on the bed, especially if you’re leaning toward a smaller size.
Part of the reason why we prefer standard sizes (even for DIYers) is that it can be difficult to get the right sheets for a custom-sized mattress. With standard-sized mattresses, you can find the right sheets at nearly any retailer. But with custom sizes, you may just have to do the best you can with the sheets you have. Alternatively, you can get custom-made mattresses and matching bedsheets from providers like Flarespace.
Mattress Thickness
When it comes to comfort, mattress thickness is vitally important. Generally speaking, a thinner mattress (2 to 5 inches thick) will provide minimal comfort, while thicker mattresses (12+ inches) will provide a lot more comfort. However, the materials play a role in the softness or firmness of a mattress as well. You should also keep in mind that, even if you opt for a thinner mattress, you can always get a good mattress topper or pad to make it a bit more comfortable.
But thickness isn’t all about comfort; it can also affect the functionality of the bed. If you’re going the DIY route, it’s best to put the bed platform down first, measure the height from the bed to the ceiling, and then calculate the right thickness accordingly. Your van may have a height that can be adjusted, but most people are working with a fixed-height scenario, so the only place you can reclaim height is the thickness of the mattress.
For example, if you want to sit up and read in bed, a 12” mattress may cause your head to hit the roof of the campervan. A thicker mattress could also mean less room for storage. So, really consider the dimensions of your campervan when deciding on the best mattress thickness for you.
Mattress Material
It would be difficult to say that there’s one “best” material to use for campervan mattresses, as it often comes down to personal preference. You may like memory foam, high-density polyurethane foam, a latex-foam hybrid, or something else entirely. If you’re allergic to latex or certain types of foam, you’ll obviously want to avoid these when making a purchase. You may want to opt for organic cotton or even soy-based materials.
You should also think about your physical needs. For instance, do you have back issues or orthopedic disorders that necessitate a Tempur-Pedic product? If so, you may need to leave room in your budget for a higher-end campervan mattress.
Sleep Habits
More often than not, your preferences will be shaped by what you have at home — as they should be. Remember, when you’re out on vacation in your campervan, you probably don’t want to adjust to a completely different sleeping environment. Instead, you’ll want to replicate the comfort you have in your own home.
How you want to sleep in your campervan can also impact the size and design of your mattress. For example, if you prefer to sleep North to South (with your feet facing pointing toward the front of the RV), you may need to get a different size or bed system than you would if you prefer to sleep East to West (with your feet pointing toward the side of the RV). Additionally, this could affect how much room you have on the sides or ends of the bed, especially if your vehicle has bump-outs.
Climate
Since you can take your campervan to different locations, it can be difficult to anticipate how climate will affect your experience. Sometimes you might be sleeping in the frigid cold, while other times you might be in boiling heat. That said, sprinter vans do not offer the same degree of insulation as your home or even a Class A RV. This means that, in many cases, you’ll be much colder in your campervan than you would be in a more traditional sleeping environment.
While your bedsheets will do a lot of the heavy lifting here, your mattress can also play a role. Let’s say you opt for an air mattress as a budget-friendly option. An air mattress may feel great in the comfort of your own home, but it might make you feel much colder in your campervan. Alternatively, a traditional foam or memory foam mattress will do a much better job of trapping heat and keeping you warm in cooler climates.
Cost
Thus far, we haven’t talked much about the cost of a campervan mattress, but this is far and away one of the most important factors to consider, especially if you’re shopping on a budget. Depending on the size, style, materials, and manufacturer, a campervan mattress could range anywhere between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars.
Honestly, we don’t really see the value in spending $3,000 dollars on a campervan mattress. Based on our first-hand experience with different mattresses and campervan bed configurations, you can get a similar degree of comfort without spending a fortune. But again, if you have specific needs related to allergies or physical conditions, you may need to spend a little more to get the best mattress for you.
What mattress size is best for your campervan?
The size of your campervan mattress will ultimately depend on the available space and your specific needs. For instance, if you’re just looking for a mattress to fit a campervan sofa bed, you will want to go with a smaller mattress, maybe even a single or custom-made solution. On the other hand, if you have a Winnebago Revel (or similarly-sized campervan), you’ll want to take full advantage of the space, which can generally accommodate a 49×79 mattress (close to a Short Full).
In any case, let’s take a closer look at some of the standard mattress sizes and how well they work in campervans:
- Twin Size Mattress – A Twin mattress (38×75) is ideal if you’re only looking to accommodate one adult (and possibly a pet) in your bed. If you have kids, a Twin will work pretty well. But for adults, a Twin mattress might feel a bit too small.
- Truck Size Mattress – A Truck mattress (42×80) is a bit bigger than a Twin, so if you want a good compromise between spacing and comfort, the Truck size mattress is a solid option.
- Bunk Size Mattress – Bunk mattresses (from 28×75 to 42×80) can work whether you have a campervan bunk bed configuration or not. Just keep in mind that the smaller width means that most Bunk mattresses can only accommodate one person at a time.
- Three Quarter Size Mattress – The Three Quarter size mattress (48×75) offers a bit more width, which could be great if you’re traveling with a partner. However, if you or your partner are 6 feet or taller, you may find your feet creeping over the edge of the mattress while you sleep.
- Full or Double Size Mattress – Like the Three Quarter, the Full mattress (53×75) offers more width at the expense of length. So again, if you need sleeping quarters for two people, a Full or Double is great, but if either of you is pretty tall, you may find that 75” does not give you enough room to stretch out comfortably.
- Short Queen Size Mattress – As the name implies, a Short Queen (60×74) gives you a lot of side-to-side room, but it falls a little short when it comes to mattress length.
- Queen Size Mattress – An RV Queen mattress (69×80) is a great option if you want plenty of room to move around. Just remember that many smaller campervans, even those with substantial bump-outs, may not have the space to fit a standard Queen.
- King Size Mattress – Finally, the King mattress (76×80) lives up to its name, offering you a huge area to relax and sleep. Even if you’re campervan doesn’t have the real estate to fit a King mattress, you can often find specialty RV King mattresses (from 70×74 to 72×80) that are better suited for transit bed systems.
Best campervan mattresses in 2024
Roam Rest
Learn more: https://roamrest.com
Brooklyn Bedding
Learn more: https://rvmattress.com/
Tips to make a campervan bed more comfortable
If you go for a thinner mattress to save on space and/or costs, you may want to find affordable ways to make your purchase more comfortable. Fortunately, there are tons of ways to enjoy a comfortable campervan sleeping experience without breaking the bank. Here are some of our recommendations to make your campervan bed as comfortable as possible:
Use a memory foam topper
Mattress toppers add an extra layer of comfort, which is especially important for mattresses that are too thin, too firm, or even too soft for your liking. The best part? You can find high-quality mattress toppers for as little as $25. And rather than spending thousands on a memory foam mattress, you can get a similar effect by spending an extra $50-$100 on a memory foam topper.
Pad the bed frame
If you like the firmness or softness of your mattress but still want to improve the overall comfort of your bed, you can’t go wrong with a mattress pad (also known as an underlay). You can simply add a mattress pad to your bed frame, set your mattress on top, and enjoy a more restful sleep in your campervan!
Add a second mattress
In some cases, you may prefer to buy two thinner, more affordable mattresses and stack them on top of each other. This way, you can turn two 5” mattresses into a far more comfortable 10” mattress!
Invest in good pillows
A lot of campers focus on the best travel pillows or pillows designed specifically for camping, but we believe that you should try to replicate the sleeping experience you get at home. Look for high-quality pillows that suit your tastes and are similar or identical to the pillows you use every day.
Campervan Mattress FAQs
How long do campervan mattresses last?
Like any mattress, the longevity of a campervan mattress will largely depend on how often you use it. That said, you can generally expect a quality campervan mattress to last anywhere between 7 and 15 years.
Can you use a regular mattress in an RV?
Yes! While some Class B RVs do not have room to fit full-size mattresses, you can use many of the same standard sizes and styles in your campervan as you would use in your home.
How to prevent mold under your campervan mattress?
There are many different ways to reduce or prevent mold under a campervan mattress, but some of the best methods include proper air ventilation, a dehumidifier, or a mattress pad. For extra protection, you can even add mold-resistant paint to your bed frame.
How to cut a mattress for a campervan?
Cutting a mattress to size is much easier than most people realize, especially if you’re working with memory foam. Once you measure the dimensions of your campervan, you can even cut your memory foam mattress with a standard serrated knife!
What do I put under the campervan mattress?
While you don’t have to put anything under your campervan mattress, using a mattress pad is a great way to make your bed even more comfortable and reduce the risk of mold.