Making Your Motorhome and Campervan Beds More Comfortable
There is nothing quite like the freedom of the open road, but that freedom can lose its luster if you’re waking up with a stiff neck and a sore back. As many of us in the Motorhome Touring community know, campervan beds are engineering marvels folding, sliding, and tucking away with ease but they aren't always designed with five-star comfort in mind.
Whether you are navigating the Highlands or touring Europe, getting a good night's sleep is essential. Drawing on expert insights from Peter Baber and the collective wisdom of our Facebook groups, here is how to transform your campervan "bunk" into a luxury suite.
1. Assess the Foundation: Mattress or Foam?
If your van has a fixed bed (like the Malibu Genius or similar layouts), the first culprit is often an aging mattress. Most factory-installed campervan mattresses are made of thin foam that can sag or become "lumpy" after a few seasons.
The Upgrade: If your mattress is several years old, consider replacing it with a high-quality foam or hybrid mattress.
The "Rock’n’Roll" Reality: If your bed is made from converted seats, you can't exactly swap the mattress. In this case, a mattress topper is your best friend.
Top Recommendations:
Memory Foam Mattress Topper (4-inch) – Ideal for smoothing out the ridges where seat cushions meet.Cool Gel Infused Topper – Memory foam can trap heat; a gel-infused version keeps you cool in confined spaces.
2. Protect Your Investment
Once you’ve upgraded your sleeping surface, you want to keep it fresh. Campervans are prone to moisture and dust. A mattress protector doesn't just prevent stains; it acts as a barrier against allergens and dust mites, which can thrive in the humid environment of a van.
Shopping Tip: Look for protectors with elasticated skirts to ensure they stay put on oddly shaped campervan beds.
Waterproof & Breathable Mattress Protector – Essential for longevity.
3. The Secret to Sanity: Bespoke Bedding
Few things are more frustrating than a fitted sheet that pings off the corner in the middle of the night because it was designed for a standard household bed.
Go Natural: Stick to breathable fabrics like 100% cotton or wool. Synthetics can make you feel sweaty and claustrophobic in a small van.
Custom Fit: If you have a French bed or an Island bed with cut-off corners, it is worth investing in shaped sheets. If you can’t find them, "sheet suspenders" can help hold standard sheets tight.Essential Accessory:
Bed Sheet Grippers/Suspenders - A cheap and effective way to keep your sheets tensioned on custom-shaped cushions.
4. Duvet vs. Sleeping Bag
While sleeping bags are great for tents, a campervan offers the payload capacity for a proper duvet. A duvet feels more like "home" and allows for better temperature regulation.
The Hybrid Approach: If you prefer a sleeping bag, choose one that zips open fully to be used as a quilt.
Temperature Control: For winter touring, a woollen thermal topper or a high-tog duvet is a must.
5. Climate & Airflow
Comfort isn't just about what you lie on; it’s about the air you breathe. Condensation is the enemy of a good night’s sleep.
Through-Draft: Don’t just crack one window. To get a real breeze, open windows on opposite sides of the van to create a cross-flow.
Keep the Bugs Out: Ensure your flyscreens are down so you can enjoy the night air without the local wildlife joining you.
6. Leveling Your Home
No mattress in the world can fix the feeling of sleeping at an angle. If your head is lower than your feet, you’ll wake up with a headache; if you're leaning to the side, you'll be fighting to stay in bed all night.
Pro Tip: Use a spirit level (or a leveling app on your phone) every time you park up.Milenco Triple Leveling Ramps - These are the gold standard for getting your van perfectly flat on uneven pitches.
Final Thought: Sleepwear Matters
Finally, skip the tight, restrictive pajamas. Opt for loose, natural fabrics that wick away moisture. It might seem small, but in the compact environment of a campervan, the little things make the biggest difference.
What’s your secret to a great night’s sleep on the road? Join the discussion in our
and share your tips! Motorhome Touring Discord Linktree⬅️ https://linktr.ee/johnnyburr
