How to choose the right caravan or motorhome mattress for better sleep

  • 14th August 2025

Choosing a mattress for your caravan or motorhome is more than just a practical decision. It is about making every night of your trip as restful as it should be. If you have ever woken up with a sore back, spent the night tossing and turning, or worried about whether a mattress will fit properly, you are not alone. Here we answer the most common questions to help you feel confident, comfortable and in control of your choice. 

 

Why are caravan and motorhome mattresses often so uncomfortable? 

Many factory-fitted caravan and motorhome mattresses are mass produced to keep manufacturing costs low and make them easy to store and install. Unfortunately this rarely means they are built for lasting comfort. They are often cut from basic foam, with little attention to posture support or pressure relief. The result is a mattress that can sag, wear out quickly and leave you feeling tired before the day has even begun. 

  

If you have ever thought “I spent all this money on my caravan and the mattress feels like the weak link” you are not imagining it. It is not something you have to put up with. 

 

What is the best type of mattress for a motorhome – memory foam or pocket sprung? 

Foam only caravan mattresses have their place. They are lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and a sensible choice if you have strict payload limits. Foam also gives you more flexibility in mattress depth, which can be important if your bed space has height restrictions. 

  

On the other hand, pocket sprung motorhome mattresses offer the kind of comfort you would expect from a high quality bed at home. Each spring responds independently to your body, supporting where you need it most and reducing movement transfer between sleepers. With pocket springs you do not have to compromise on comfort just because you are on the road. 

 

Is it worth buying a custom-made caravan mattress? 

Absolutely. Every caravan and motorhome layout is different, and bed spaces often come in unusual shapes and sizes. A custom-made caravan mattress ensures the perfect fit for your bed frame, eliminating gaps and awkward overhangs. More importantly, it allows you to choose materials and firmness levels that match your comfort needs, supporting your back and improving sleep quality. Think of it as an investment in your health and holiday enjoyment. 

 

If you have ever worried about ordering online and getting it wrong, this takes away the guesswork. At Jonic, we already know the sizes for hundreds of van models and provide personalised advice. A custom-made motorhome mattress is not only about comfort, it is about confidence that you have made the right choice for years to come. 

 

Can I leave a mattress in my caravan over winter? 

Yes, as long as you store it correctly. Keep it on a slatted base so that air can circulate underneath and remove all bedding before storage. This helps prevent moisture build up, keeps the caravan mattress fresher and ensures it is ready to use when the new season begins. 

 

How can I make my existing motorhome mattress more comfortable? 

If a new caravan mattress is not an option right now, a high-quality mattress topper is an excellent upgrade. Motorhome toppers can add softness, smooth out lumps, and give an older mattress a new lease of life. If you are not ready to replace your caravan mattress, a topper can make a noticeable difference. 

  

  • 2" memory foam topper – adds a layer of softness without significantly increasing the height of your bed, ideal if space is limited. 
  • 3" memory foam topper – provides a more substantial comfort boost, particularly for those who find their current mattress too firm. 
  • Cool gel-infused topper – offers similar comfort to memory foam but with better temperature regulation, helping prevent overheating during warmer nights. 

 

How do I choose the right firmness? 

Firmness is a personal choice, but it is worth considering how it affects support. Side sleepers often prefer a softer feel to cushion the shoulders and hips, while back or stomach sleepers may benefit from a medium to firm caravan mattress to keep the spine aligned. If you have back pain, the right firmness can make a noticeable difference to your comfort levels. 

  

Are lightweight mattresses better for caravans? 

Weight matters in caravans and motorhomes, especially for those travelling in Europe where payload limits are strict. A lightweight mattress can help you stay within your weight allowance, but it should not come at the expense of comfort or durability.  

 

Enjoying your travels starts with better sleep 

Your caravan or motorhome should feel as comfortable as your own bed at home. A well-chosen caravan mattress will support your body, ease pressure points, and help you wake feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Whether you upgrade to a custom-fit pocket sprung caravan mattress or enhance your current setup with a quality motorhome mattress topper, improving your sleep setup is one of the simplest ways to get more out of every journey. 

 

Upgrade your comfort with a custom caravan mattress 

If you are ready to improve your nights on the road, we can help you find a caravan mattress or motorhome mattress that fits your space and your comfort needs perfectly. At Jonic, we handcraft our entire range to your exact specifications, combining quality materials with designs that last. With our 5-year guarantee, free delivery, and personal guidance from a family-run team, choosing the right mattress is simple – and the results speak for themselves.