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How do I make my caravan mattress more comfortable?

  • 13th June 2024

Are you struggling to enjoy sleeping in your caravan or motorhome? According to our Sleep Survey, a staggering 50% of respondents also face sleep issues when they are out on the road. 
This guide provides quick and easy ways to improve the comfort of your caravan  so you can start enjoying every minute of your adventures. 
 

The significance of caravan mattress toppers:  

One of the quickest ways to enhance the comfort of your caravan mattress is by adding a mattress topper. There are a few different options on the market, so it’s important to make sure you choose the right one based on your needs. 
 

What is the most popular type of caravan mattress topper?  

Memory foam mattress toppers are a popular choice for adding an extra layer of plushness and pressure relief to your caravan mattress. They mould to your body shape, providing personalised support which helps alleviate aches and pains. Memory foam toppers typically range between 1-to-3-inch depths. We recommend starting at a 2-inch depth, as this makes the biggest impact for most people. However, if you have a larger frame or just prefer extra softness, a memory foam topper with a 3-inch depth will be best to increase the comfort of your caravan bed. 
 

Alternatives to memory foam mattress toppers  

If you suffer from night sweats, you might already know that a memory foam mattress topper can make you sweat even more as the foam tend to retain heat. To combat this, consider a cool gel infused mattress topper as they aid temperature regulation helping you to have a great night’s sleep. 
 

Choose your caravan bedding wisely:  

When thinking about how to make your caravan mattress more comfortable, it is easy to overlook the role of your bedding choice. It is important to make sure that not only is it made out of the material you find most comfortable, but it is also made for the shape or size of your caravan bed. 
 

How to pick the best material for your caravan bedding 

The two most common bedding options are cotton or polycotton.
 

Advantages and disadvantages of cotton caravan bedding: 

  • Temperature regulation: Cotton is a naturally breathable material, meaning you are less likely to get too hot at night and experience night sweats. 
  • Extra softness: Cotton bedding is normally associated with having a softer feel than polycotton bedding. 
  • More expensive: This material typically costs more than polycotton. 

Advantages and disadvantages of polycotton caravan bedding: 

  • More durable and easy care: Polycotton is less prone to shrinking and ripping and washes well. It has a smooth appearance, meaning there is little to no need to iron it. 
  • Cost effective: This fabric is usually less expensive than cotton. 
  • Less smooth: Polycotton is associated with having a less soft touch than cotton. 
 
If you prefer the way cotton feels but still want the benefits of crease-resistant polycotton, look out for percale polycotton caravan bedding. This weave is combed during the manufacture process, meaning it has a similarly soft touch to cotton and is resistant to pilling. 
 

Why is it important to make sure my caravan bedding fits properly? 

Standard sheets are designed for rectangular mattresses, whereas caravan mattresses come in a variety of shapes – island beds, cut-off shapes, front doubles, and more. While standard sheets will create a layer between you and your caravan mattress, because of the difference in shape, they are prone to bunching and slipping, which can decrease the comfort of your caravan mattress. By choosing custom-made caravan bedding, these problems are eliminated as they are designed to fit your caravan mattress. 
By adding a custom-made mattress protector, you can add another layer of comfort while protecting your mattress from spills and dust mites. 
 

What size is my caravan mattress? 

When exploring your caravan bedding options, you might wonder if there is a standard caravan mattress size. Unlike domestic mattresses, caravan mattresses can come in various shapes, with the island bed shape and French bed shapes being the most common, of your caravan. Because of this, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to what size is a caravan mattress.  
 

When to replace your caravan mattress: 

While these tips will improve the comfort of your caravan mattress, if you are experiencing persistent and noticeable back pain, it is worth assessing if it is time to replace caravan mattress. Even the most comfortable caravan mattress eventually reaches the end of its lifespan. The lifespan of a caravan mattress can largely be determined by its components. For example, if the mattress in your caravan or motorhome is made from foam, it will have a shorter life than a pocket sprung mattress. Here are some signs it’s time to invest in a new one: 
  • Lumps and bumps: Feeling bumps and dips in your caravan mattress is one of the clearest indicators that it’s lost its supportive structure. 
  • Sagging: A sagging caravan mattress happens due to everyday wear and throws your spine out of alignment, potentially leading to back pain. 
  • Increased allergies: Old mattresses can harbour dust mites and allergens, which trigger allergy flare-ups. 
  • Back pain: If you wake up with persistent back pain, a lack of proper support from your mattress could be the culprit. 
 

Investing in a new caravan mattress: 

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to start shopping for a new caravan mattress. Consider factors like firmness, type of fillings (pocket spring count, foam, etc.), and size when making your selection. Check out our mattress guide for more information of where to start. 
Comfort is key to a restful night’s sleep. Explore our range of caravan mattress toppers and motorhome mattress toppers to unlock better adventures. 
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