With all the options out there, you may wonder what the right choice for your caravan or motorhome mattress is. It’s an important decision to get right – after all, sleep makes up a third of your adventure. If it feels overwhelming, don’t worry! We have created this guide so you can find the best suited mattress and make the right choice without sleepless nights.
Make sure the mattress fits your motorhome or caravan bed:
Many people ask if you can put a normal mattress in a caravan bed; however, unlike standard mattresses, caravan and motorhome beds come in all sorts of awkward shapes and sizes. Making sure the measurements for your new caravan or motorhome mattress are correct is crucial. Ideally, opt for a custom-made mattress as it guarantees a perfect fit for your caravan or motorhome bed.
What size is a mattress in a caravan or motorhome:
The answer is not one-size-fits-all: the size of a mattress in a caravan or motorhome varies between the makes, ranges, models, and years of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to measure the mattress in your caravan or motorhome to ensure your replacement mattress fits properly.
Common caravan and motorhome bed shapes:
To measure your motorhome or caravan bed, it is important to first determine which shape bed you have in your caravan or motorhome. Here are some of the most common caravan or motorhome bed shapes to help you distinguish which shape your bed is:
- Island Bed: If you have an island bed, you’ll need to measure the length, width, and the bottom radius, which is the curved edge at the foot of the bed.
- Island and Bolster Bed: This bed is a similar to the island shape but with an additional separate piece at the head of the bed. This is often to push back the bed in. the day, to allow for more living space. To measure this, simply follow the steps to measure an island shaped bed and also note the length and width of your bolster piece.
- Left or Right Cutoff Bed: This shape is also referred to as a nearside or offside shaped bed. To measure a cutoff shaped bed, you’ll need to measure each side of the bed.
- Rectangular: This shape resembles a standard mattress. To measure this type, you’ll simply need the length and width.
- Other Shapes: This list is not extensive, if your bed shape is not represented here you can find more information on our website.
Measuring caravan or motorhome beds with hinges:
If your caravan mattress has a hinge, it’s crucial to note this during the measurement process and take an additional measurement to record the point where the hinge begins.
The measuring process when you order with Jonic:
Ordering your caravan or motorhome mattress from Jonic simplifies the measuring process! Simply provide us with your vehicle’s make, range, model, and year. Our team will then access our extensive database to confirm the exact size of your bed. We’ll double-check the information with you before sending your order to manufacture to ensure a perfect fit.
Choose the correct support for your motorhome or caravan mattress:
Now, it’s time to consider support and firmness. You typically have the choice between a foam mattress or a pocket sprung mattress for your caravan or motorhome bed.
- Foam mattresses: This is the option includes memory foam mattresses and are usually found in caravan and motorhome beds due to them being more lightweight than pocket sprung options. However, it lacks the support of domestic-grade mattresses, resulting in poor spinal support and lower quality sleep, making it not an ideal choice for anyone with back problems.
- Pocket sprung mattresses: Pocket sprung mattresses are what you probably have at home, offering better support and longevity.
- 1000 pocket sprung: This provides a high-street medium firmness, great for anyone who likes their mattress to have some body-hugging comfort while also having support.
- 2000 pocket sprung: Offering a high-street medium-firm feel, this caters to those who prefer a bit more support, especially for people who suffer from back pain. It’s also more responsive compared to softer mattresses, meaning you are less likely to experience motion transfer from your partner even if one of you changes position frequently throughout the night.
How firm should a caravan or motorhome mattress be?
The number of pockets signifies the number of individual springs in the mattress, impacting the support and pressure distribution of the caravan mattress. A higher spring count generally equates to more support. Other factors can also have an impact such as your preferred sleeping position or body frame. Your body frame will impact how firm a mattress will feel as smaller frames prefer a softer mattress whereas larger frames prefer a more supportive mattress. As well as this, back and side sleepers usually prefer a medium firmness whereas front sleepers prefer a firmer mattress. These factors are important to consider when purchasing a caravan to ensure it offers the right level of support for you.
How you can make your caravan bed more comfortable:
Prefer some extra comfort? Choose a hybrid mattress which incorporates the support of a pocket sprung mattress with the comfort of different toppers or fillings integrated into the mattress.
- Memory foam: This hybrid option combines supportive pocket springs with a built-in topper effect, cushioning joints and easing pressure. However, if you experience hot night sweats, you may find memory foam is too warming as it traps heat.
- Natural fillings: A breathable alternative to memory foam for those who find it too hot but still enjoy the cushioning effect. This is a great option if you would prefer a temperature regulating mattress for your caravan or motorhome.
How you can make your caravan bed more comfortable with a mattress topper:
A mattress topper is a great option if your caravan or motorhome bed offers you the right level of support, but is not quite as comfortable as you would like. Signs that your motorhome or caravan mattress is the wrong level of support include waking up with persistent aches and pains (especially in the lower back, neck, or shoulders) or struggling to get in or out of your caravan bed. If you don’t experience this but still find your caravan mattress uncomfortable, a custom made mattress topper is the perfect solution.
- Memory foam mattress topper: You usually have the choice between a 2″ or 3″ depth for a memory foam mattress topper. The best depth for you is determined by personal preference and available storage space.
- Memory foam with cool gel infusion mattress topper: An alternative to memory foam for those who find it too hot. The cool gel infusion reacts to body heat, so the warmer you are the cooler it feels.
Still unsure about which mattress will be best for your caravan or motorhome? Get in touch with our expert team by giving us a call on 01524 844106 or sending an email to [email protected]. Explore Jonic’s wide range of caravan mattresses and motorhome mattresses, including caravan bedding options to find your perfect mattress so you can wake up refreshed and ready to explore!