How to Choose the Best Short Mattress for RVs and Vans

Living in an RV, camper van, or converted trailer can be quite different from home. The limited space and long drives will take a toll on you if you don’t plan out your setup properly. RV fixtures like the bed setup and storage options could make or break your experience on the road.

When you drive long hours, you need a sharp focus. That’s why your sleep quality in your RV is important. The type of mattress you use in your RV could be one of the biggest factors in determining whether you wake up refreshed or feeling haggard.

Choosing the best RV mattress for your travel is much more than a matter of mere preference. It’s a decision that impacts your comfort, health, and travel experience. And when space is tight, you could consider getting a customized short mattress for your van’s sleeping area.

Here, we’ll talk about how a custom mattress upgrade for your RV can be a game-changer and what bed size options are worth investigating when it’s time to upgrade your van. 

The Importance of a Comfortable RV or Van Bed Mattress

Whether it’s secondhand or fresh from the showroom, most RVs come with thin, springy mattresses that aren’t made for long-term sleep comfort. If you find yourself waking up sore or your bed feels like a piece of wood, it’s definitely time for a van bed upgrade.

The best RV mattresses strike a balance between comfort, support, and space efficiency. Plus, using a tailor-made bed can completely transform your sleep, allowing you to get some much-needed rest – the sort that’ll revitalize you for another day on the road.

Off-the-shelf mattresses also rarely fit RVs and vans perfectly, since each setup is unique. A custom RV mattress made from memory foam, latex, or a hybrid construction offers you just the right firmness level. Since it’s made-to-order, you’ll receive a bed that’s a precise fit for your layout. If needed, you can also add optional features like a hinge or a rounded corner.

Customized RV mattresses are crafted to suit your lifestyle, and can give you the sort of high-quality, restful sleep you’re used to from your bed at home.

Beds for Vans: Factors to Consider Before You Buy a New RV Mattress

As you search for the perfect bed for your van or RV, there’s a lot more to consider than just mattress size. Here are some other things you need to take into account:

• Height: Will your bed sit on a platform with underneath storage?
• Accessibility: Do you want a folding mattress?
• Thickness: Is there enough headroom once you install the mattress?
• Temperature: Will you be in a warm climate? Different materials like memory foam trap heat, which is something you need to consider.

Finding the right bed for your RV can be challenging, but it’s an endeavor that’s well worth it. Depending on your lifestyle and vehicle, choosing a customized mattress makes the entire process a lot simpler.

Best RV and Van Mattress Options

Now that you’ve taken notes on what you want for your RV bed, it’s time to explore comfortable, space-saving RV and van mattress options for your own setup. Here are a few of the most versatile and popular options.

Short Queen Memory Foam Mattress

The RV short queen mattress is one of the most popular choices among van-lifers, since it measures around 60” wide and 72” long. For those who are shorter than 6’, a short queen mattress provides more than enough room to stretch out.

With a memory foam construction, this mattress offers contouring comfort without the heavy bulk of innerspring mattresses. If you want a bed that also provides pressure relief, this is a great mattress option for you. Since memory foam compresses easily, installing a short queen memory foam mattress in the confined quarters of a van is less of a hassle, too.

Three-Quarter Foam Mattress

Popular in the early 20th century, the three-quarter mattress size measures around 48” wide and 75” long, making it narrower than a short queen. This is an excellent option for ultra-compact sleeping spaces. If you’re outfitting a van bed for solo travel, the ¾ mattress offers you a lighter bed option for easier handling and a lot more walkable space around your sleeping area.

Olympic Queen Mattress

This size is a step up from the standard queen, offering an extra 6” of width. The Olympic queen mattress measures 66” x 80”, which makes it ideal for RV owners who want more space without having to upgrade to a full king. It’s a great option for larger RV bedrooms, couples, or sleepers who need a lot more space.

Folding or Hinged Mattress

Need a bed that doubles as storage or a seating area? A folding or hinged mattress is a flexible option, both literally and figuratively. It can be split into two or three hinged sections, making it ideal for Murphy beds, platform lift beds, or unique van builds that transform when you need to sleep.

No matter what sort of customized mattress you choose, you have the freedom to pick a material that suits your sleeping style. From memory foam to latex, each mattress material offers you a different experience. If you’re confused about which mattress material is right for you, this guide on popular custom mattress constructions might help.

Customized Mattress for Restful Sleep on the Road

You deserve to sleep in a comfortable, plush bed at the end of a long drive. Whether you’re upgrading your thin, too-firm RV mattress or designing the sleeping quarters of your camper van, a customized RV mattress makes it easy for you to get the rest you need to enjoy life on the road.

At Custom Mattress Factory, we specialize in crafting bespoke beds for any lifestyle. We can also create tailored bedding and mattress protectors to go with your new custom mattress. We’re excited to help you create the bed for your upcoming adventure!