Caravan mattresses come in several non-standard sizes that differ from domestic beds. The most common sizes are:

• Single: typically 180cm x 70cm (71" x 28")
• Small Double: usually 180cm x 120cm (71" x 47")
• Fixed Double: commonly 130cm to 133cm x 185cm to 188cm (such as in Swift caravans)
• Island Bed: varies by caravan make and model

Unlike standard home mattresses, caravan beds often have unique shapes with rounded corners, cut-outs for wheel arches, or tapered ends. It's essential to measure your specific caravan bed base carefully before purchasing, as dimensions can vary significantly between manufacturers and models.

No, caravan beds are not standard size. Whilst there are some common dimensions, caravan bed sizes vary considerably between manufacturers, models, and age of the caravan. Most caravan mattresses are smaller and shaped differently to domestic bed sizes to maximise living space.

Many caravan beds feature irregular shapes including corner cut-outs, angled edges, or radius corners to fit the caravan's layout. This is why bespoke or caravan-specific mattresses are often necessary rather than standard high street mattress sizes.

Yes, it's perfectly legal to sleep in a caravan in the UK, provided you're parked legally. You can sleep in your caravan:

• On a licensed caravan site or campsite
• On your own private land
• On someone else's private land with permission
• In certain designated overnight parking areas

However, wild camping regulations vary across the UK. In England and Wales, you generally need landowner permission. Scotland has more relaxed rules under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Always check local bylaws and avoid parking restrictions, as some areas prohibit overnight stays in vehicles.

A standard UK double mattress (190cm x 135cm or 6'3" x 4'6") is unlikely to fit in most caravans without modifications. Caravan door openings, corridors, and bed spaces are typically narrower than standard domestic dimensions.

Most caravan "double" beds are actually smaller than a standard double. A common caravan double, such as found in many Swift caravans, typically measures 130cm to 133cm wide x 185cm to 188cm long. Even if the sleeping area were large enough, a standard domestic mattress may not fit through the caravan door or navigate internal corridors. That's why we offer mattress-in-a-box solutions that are vacuum-packed and rolled, making it easy to manoeuvre through tight doorways and walkways to get your mattress into position.

If you need a double-sized sleeping space, it's better to purchase a caravan-specific mattress or have one made to measure with the appropriate thickness and any required corner cut-outs.

A caravan mattress bolster is a foam-filled cushion that fills the gap between your mattress and headboard in caravans with extending beds. When your bed pulls out for night time use, the bolster flips into the gap to create a full-size sleeping area.

During daytime, when the bed is pushed against the wall, the bolster flips back and sits on the mattress surface. Bolsters can be attached to your mattress with fabric links or zip links for easy use.

Common bolster configurations:

• Head-end bolsters: Perfect for beds that convert from day to night mode
• Foot-end bolsters: Ideal for island beds where the bolster lifts for easy storage access underneath

Bolsters are particularly common in Swift caravans and other models with island bed layouts. They're custom-made to match your mattress dimensions and can be covered to coordinate with your caravan's interior.

Yes, caravan mattresses are generally lighter than standard domestic mattresses. This is intentional for several reasons:

• Weight restrictions: Caravans have strict payload limits, so every kilogramme matters
• Easier handling: Lighter mattresses are simpler to manoeuvre through narrow caravan doorways and corridors
• Ventilation: Lighter mattresses are easier to lift for airing and cleaning underneath

Typical caravan mattresses weigh between 5-15kg, compared to 20-40kg for equivalent domestic mattresses. They achieve this through thinner profiles (usually 10-15cm rather than 20-30cm) and lighter-weight foam constructions. However, modern caravan mattresses still provide good comfort and support despite being lighter.

Yes, you can leave bedding in a caravan, but it's advisable to take precautions against damp and mould:

• Air regularly: Leave windows and vents slightly open when the caravan is unused
• Use breathable storage: Store bedding in breathable bags rather than plastic
• Consider dehumidifiers: Use moisture traps or rechargeable dehumidifiers
• Strip the bed: Don't leave the bed made up, as this traps moisture
• Check periodically: Visit regularly to air the caravan and check for dampness

During winter months or extended periods of non-use, many caravanners prefer taking bedding home to prevent musty odours and potential mildew. If you notice condensation or dampness, it's better to store bedding at home.

Yes, you can absolutely put a self-inflating mattress on a camp bed, and it's actually a popular combination for enhanced comfort. The camp bed provides a raised, stable platform whilst the self-inflating mattress adds cushioning and insulation.

Benefits of this setup include:

• Extra comfort compared to either option alone
• Better insulation from cold ground
• Easier to get in and out of bed
• Improved air circulation underneath
• More storage space beneath the bed

Just ensure your self-inflating mattress dimensions match or slightly overlap your camp bed frame. The mattress will sit securely on the camp bed's surface without needing additional fixings.

Custom mattress prices in the UK vary considerably based on size, materials, and specifications:

• Basic foam custom mattresses: £150-£400
• Mid-range pocket sprung or memory foam: £400-£800
• Premium natural materials (latex, wool, silk): £800-£1,500+

Caravan-specific custom mattresses typically cost between £200-£600, with factors affecting price including foam density and quality, mattress depth, complexity of shape (cut-outs, curves), cover fabric quality, and fire retardant treatments.

Many UK manufacturers offer made-to-measure services. Expect to pay a premium of 20-50% over standard sizes for custom work, but it ensures a perfect fit for your caravan's unique bed shape.

A standard queen-size mattress (150cm x 200cm or 5' x 6'6") will not fit in most UK caravans due to:

• Door width restrictions: Caravan doors are typically 60-70cm wide, too narrow for a queen mattress
• Interior layout: Corridors and bedroom spaces aren't designed for queen-sized mattresses
• Weight implications: Queen mattresses would add significant weight to your payload

Even if you could manoeuvre one inside, most caravan bed platforms aren't large enough to accommodate queen dimensions. The largest caravan beds (island beds) typically measure around 190cm x 150cm maximum.

For comfortable sleeping in a caravan, opt for caravan-specific mattresses designed to fit through doorways and suit the available bed space.