Caravan Mattresses Explained: The Complete Size Guide

Whether you're heading out for a fun weekend in a touring caravan or living in a static one, a good night's sleep makes all the difference. While you may be used to buying a mattress for your home, choosing one for a caravan involves a lot more extra considerations, unusual shapes, strict weight limits, awkward access, and a sleeping environment that can swing from stuffy to damp overnight.

At Linthorpe Beds we are custom and made to measure mattress specialists. Using our expertise, we’ve put together this guide to cover everything you need to know, from understanding caravan bed sizes and unusual shapes to choosing the right materials, fitting your new mattress, and keeping it in great condition for years to come.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Replacing a caravan mattress isn't as straightforward as measuring a bed frame and ordering the nearest standard size. There are several factors unique to mobile living that you'll need to think through before purchasing.

• Precise measurements are needed: When measuring for a mattress at home, you can sometimes get away with being slightly off by a centimetre either way. However, a caravan bed is often hemmed in on all sides by walls, fixed furniture, or storage compartments. A mattress that's even slightly too large won't fit; one that's too small leaves uncomfortable gaps.
• Standard sizes rarely apply: Most caravan beds don't match UK standard mattress dimensions. A double in a caravan might be narrower or shorter than a household double, and many layouts feature angled edges, cut corners, or curved ends that a rectangular mattress simply can’t accommodate.
• Weight matters: Every touring caravan has a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), the maximum amount the vehicle is legally allowed to weigh when loaded. A premium household mattress can weigh 30–40 kg, which can significantly eat into your weight allowance. Most caravan mattresses are made from lightweight foam to help with this.
• Factor in storage and conversion: Many caravan beds double as storage areas, with lift-up bases or under-bed drawers. Some dinette layouts fold out into sleeping surfaces at night. Your mattress needs to be compatible with these mechanisms, as, if it is too thick or rigid, it can cause the system to jam.
• Consider your environment: Caravans experience greater temperature swings than homes, and condensation is a persistent issue. The right mattress materials will manage moisture and breathe well, whereas the wrong ones can develop mould quickly.

Common Caravan Mattress Sizes

While the actual dimensions of each caravan mattress will vary between manufacturers and model years, there are some common size groups. These ranges are a good starting point but are only a rough guide, so always measure your specific space before ordering a new mattress.

Single: 2’3”-2’5” (70–75 cm) x 6’0”-6’3” (180–190 cm)

These mattresses are noticeably narrower than the standard UK single (3’0”/90 cm) to help save space. They are common in children's bunk beds and compact van layouts.

Small Double 3’6”-3’9” (110–120 cm) x 6’0”-6’3” (180–190 cm)

This is the most common size in smaller and mid-range tourers, but will still vary in exact size and shape based on the layout of your caravan.

Double 3’9”-4’4” (120–135 cm) x 6’2”-6’6” (190–200 cm)

Found in mid-size and larger caravans, these mattresses often have cut corners or angled edges to fit around fixtures.

Island Bed 4’6”-4’9” (140–150 cm) x 6’2”-6’6” (190–200 cm)

Island mattresses are found in larger, more premium caravan models. As these caravans are more spacious, the bed can be accessed from both sides, and the mattress is often close to household double dimensions. It may still require custom shaping though.

As you can see, caravan mattresses within each size group can vary and are typically shorter and narrower than their household equivalents. This is why you should never assume a standard size will fit without measuring.

Caravan Mattress Shapes

While some caravan mattresses come in a simple rectangular shape, particularly island beds and bunks, there are a variety of other shapes available due to the space limitations of most caravans:

Rectangular Mattresses

How to Measure Your Caravan Mattress

Getting the measurements of your mattress right is essential, as even a small difference can mean the mattress won’t fit the bed. Make sure you follow the tips below:

1. Use a rigid tape measure, not a cloth one. Fabric tapes flex and stretch, introducing small errors that compound into significant problems.
2. Measuring the mattress/bed base:
   1. For cut corners: Measure the total length and width as if it were rectangular, then measure the cut itself. Note the distance from the corner along each edge where the cut begins (e.g., 25 cm along one side and 20 cm along the other).
   2. For curved corners: Measure to the furthest extent of the curve in both directions and note the approximate radius if you can.
3. Take each dimension at least twice. Caravan interiors aren't always perfectly square, so measure at both ends of the length and at both ends of the width to check for any taper or irregularity.
4. Check clearances. Before finalising your measurements, open any storage hatches, drawers, or folding mechanisms and confirm they clear the area where the mattress sits. A mattress that's too thick can prevent access to under-bed storage.
5. Note the depth of the bed recess. Many caravan beds sit in a recessed platform with a lip around the edge. If so, the mattress needs to fit within that recess, not just cover the same area.

For further advice, the pages for each of our caravan mattress shapes detail what dimensions need to be measured.

Mattress Depth

Mattress depth in a caravan will also be constrained compared to a home mattress.

Most caravan mattresses fall in the 10–20 cm range. Standard household mattresses often run to 25–30 cm or more, which can cause serious problems in a caravan: the bed may sit too high for comfortable access, storage compartment lids may not open fully, or fold-down conversion beds may not convert at all.

As a general guide:

• 10–13 cm: Practical for bunk beds, dinette conversions, and any situation where clearance is tight. Acceptable for occasional use.
• 14–17 cm: A good balance of comfort and practicality for most touring caravan setups. Suitable for regular weekend and holiday use.
• 18–20 cm: Suitable for larger caravans with more generous recesses, or static holiday homes where weight and clearance are less critical. Closer to household comfort levels.

If depth is limited by your bed recess, a quality mattress topper can add a meaningful layer of comfort without increasing the mattress height significantly.

Special Size Mattress Toppers

Materials

The materials used in a caravan mattress affect comfort, weight, breathability, durability, and price. The materials in all our caravan mattresses are domestic quality, offering you the same comfort as your home mattress.

How to Install a Caravan Mattress

A little preparation goes a long way when fitting a new caravan mattress.

1. Before the mattress arrives: Clean the bed base thoroughly and inspect it for any damage, protruding screws, or sharp edges which could damage the underside of a new mattress. Move anything from the caravan entrance to the bed that might obstruct access.
2. At delivery: If your mattress arrives vacuum-compressed, position it as close to its final location as possible before cutting the packaging. Once opened, the foam will begin expanding immediately and become harder to move as it grows. Position it carefully, then allow 24–48 hours for full expansion before using it.
3. Fitting and checking: Once the mattress is in place and fully expanded, check the fit. It should sit snugly in the bed’s recess without gaps at the sides or ends. Test any storage mechanisms to confirm they still operate freely. If the bed converts for daytime use, run through the conversion a few times to make sure everything works as it should.
4. Adding protection: Fit a mattress protector before making up the bed. In a caravan environment, a breathable waterproof protector is a worthwhile investment as it protects against spills and condensation, and makes the mattress much easier to keep clean.

Maintenance

Caravan mattresses face a more demanding environment than household ones, and a little routine care makes a significant difference to their longevity.

Ventilation

Air the mattress as regularly as you can. When the weather allows, open windows, roof vents, and the door to promote airflow through the caravan. On sunny days, folding back bedding entirely and allowing the mattress surface to breathe will help prevent moisture build-up.

Moisture Management

Condensation is a fact of caravan life. A good moisture absorber placed inside the caravan (especially near the bed) helps keep humidity levels down. Avoid making the bed immediately on waking, leaving the bedding folded back for an hour or so allows body moisture to evaporate. A breathable mattress protector helps as well.

Rotating

Rotating your mattress end-to-end every few months evens out wear patterns. If your mattress has a specific custom shape, such as a cut corner, check which orientations, if any, are compatible before rotating.

Cleaning

Spot-clean spills promptly with a mild upholstery cleaner and allow the area to dry fully before covering. At the start and end of each caravanning season, give the mattress a more thorough clean and allow it to air completely before putting the caravan into storage.

Storage

If your caravan is being stored for an extended period, make sure the mattress is completely dry before closing everything up. Leaving moisture trapped inside a stored caravan is a reliable way to encourage mould.

When to Replace

Most quality caravan foam mattresses will last five to ten years with regular use and proper care. Signs that it's time for a replacement include persistent sagging or body impressions, persistent odour despite cleaning, or noticeably disrupted sleep.

Find Your Perfect Caravan Mattress

At Linthorpe Beds, we stock a range of made-to-measure mattresses for every caravan. Whether you need a straightforward replacement or something entirely bespoke, we can help. Shop now or call our expert team on 01642 613684.

Caravan Mattresses