How to Measure Caravan Mattress Sizes: Complete Guide

Introduction to Caravan Mattress Measurements

Finding the perfect mattress for your caravan is essential for ensuring restful sleep during your travels. Unlike standard home mattresses, caravan mattresses come in various shapes and sizes specifically designed to fit the unique layouts of different caravan models. Accurate measurement is the crucial first step in selecting the right mattress for your mobile home.

Caravan mattresses differ significantly from their residential counterparts. They're typically shorter, narrower, and often feature custom shapes to maximise the limited space available in a caravan. From curved corners to cut-outs and special dimensions, these mattresses are designed with space efficiency in mind while still providing the comfort you need for a good night's sleep.

At Caravan Mattresses, we understand the importance of a properly fitted mattress for your mobile home. Our range includes various options from memory foam mattresses with curved corners to cool gel options designed to fit specific caravan layouts. This guide will help you accurately measure your caravan bed space to ensure you select the perfect mattress for your needs.

Essential Tools for Measuring Your Caravan Mattress

Before you begin the measurement process, gathering the right tools will ensure accuracy and make the task much easier. Having a complete set of measuring equipment ready before you start will save you time and frustration, while also significantly improving the precision of your measurements. Here's what you'll need:

Measurement Tools

• Measuring tape: A flexible tape measure is essential for accurately capturing dimensions, especially for curved or irregular shapes. Look for one that's at least 2 meters long with clear markings in both centimeters and inches for maximum versatility.
• Notepad and pen: Record all measurements immediately to avoid forgetting or mixing them up. Consider creating a simple sketch of your bed frame and noting dimensions directly on the drawing for added clarity.
• Graph paper: Helpful for sketching the shape of your mattress, particularly for custom shapes. The grid pattern allows for more accurate representation of proportions and angles in your drawing.
• Right angle or carpenter's square: Useful for ensuring corners are measured accurately. This tool helps verify that corners are truly 90 degrees and can assist in marking straight lines when creating templates.
• Camera or smartphone: Take photos of your existing mattress and bed frame for reference. Multiple angles and close-ups of any special features will provide valuable visual information when ordering.

Having these tools ready will make the measuring process much more straightforward. Remember, accurate measurements are crucial when ordering a custom caravan mattress to ensure a perfect fit in your specific bed frame. Our Hull mattress and other models can be customised to your exact specifications, but only if those specifications are accurate.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Standard Rectangular Mattresses

Even if your caravan has a standard rectangular bed frame, it's important to measure carefully as caravan mattress dimensions often differ from standard home mattress sizes. Caravan manufacturers frequently use non-standard dimensions to maximise space efficiency, making precise measurements essential. Follow these steps to ensure accurate measurements:

Length and Width Measurements

1. Clear the bed frame: Remove all bedding, including any existing mattress, to expose the entire bed frame. This ensures you're measuring the actual space available rather than the dimensions of the current mattress, which may have compressed over time.
2. Measure the length: Place your measuring tape at one end of the bed frame and extend it to the opposite end. Measure from the inside edge of one end to the inside edge of the other. Record this measurement in both centimeters and inches. For maximum accuracy, take this measurement at multiple points across the width of the bed frame, as some frames may not be perfectly rectangular.
3. Measure the width: Similarly, measure from the inside edge of one side to the inside edge of the other side. Again, record in both centimeters and inches. As with the length, take this measurement at multiple points along the length of the bed frame to check for any variations.
4. Double-check: Take each measurement at least twice to confirm accuracy. Even a small error can result in a poorly fitting mattress. If you get different results on repeated measurements, take a third measurement to determine the most accurate dimension.

Depth Considerations

The depth or thickness of your mattress is also important, especially in caravans where headroom might be limited or where storage considerations come into play:

First, if you're replacing an existing mattress, measure its thickness to use as a reference. Place your measuring tape at the bottom of the mattress and extend it to the top surface, making sure you measure at a point that hasn't been compressed from regular use.

Next, check if there are any height restrictions above the bed, such as overhead cabinets or shelves. Measure the distance from the bed platform to any overhead obstacles to determine the maximum mattress thickness that will fit comfortably. Remember to account for bedding that will sit on top of the mattress.

Our Hull mattress comes in multiple depth options (10cm, 15cm, and 20cm) to suit your specific needs. The 10cm option is ideal for tight spaces or as a supplementary mattress, while the 20cm version offers maximum comfort comparable to a home mattress.

Remember that our standard rectangular caravan mattresses like the Hull model are available in various firmness levels (Medium, Firm, Hard) to ensure your optimal comfort. The perfect mattress should fit your bed frame precisely while providing the support and comfort you need for restful sleep during your travels.

Measuring Curved and Cut Corner Mattresses

Many caravans feature space-saving bed designs with curved corners or cut-outs to maximise floor space or accommodate fixtures. These unique shapes require more detailed measurements and careful attention to ensure your new mattress fits perfectly. Taking the time to measure these special features accurately will save you the frustration of an ill-fitting mattress:

For Curved Corners

First, identify which corner(s) of your mattress have curves. This is typically to allow for easier movement around the bed in tight spaces. Note whether the curves are on the left or right side when looking at the bed from the foot end, as this orientation is crucial for ordering the correct configuration.

Next, measure the basic dimensions first, measuring the full length and width as if it were a rectangular mattress. These measurements provide the overall footprint of the mattress before accounting for the curved sections.

For each curved corner, you'll need to measure the distance from the adjacent straight edges to where the curve begins. Measure along both edges that meet at the curved corner.

If possible, measure the radius of the curve. If you have a flexible curve tool, this can be placed against the curve to determine its exact shape.

If the radius is difficult to determine, take a tracing of the curve using paper. Place a large piece of paper in the corner and trace the exact curve shape with a pencil for the most accurate representation.

For Cut Corners

First, identify which corners have straight-line cuts rather than curves. These diagonal cuts are often used to accommodate specific features in the caravan or to create additional walking space.

For each cut corner, you'll need to measure the length of each cut from the corner along both edges. Measure from where the cut begins on each straight edge to the point where the cut lines meet. If possible, measure the angle of the cut. A protractor can be helpful for determining the precise angle of the cut, though this isn't always necessary if you provide accurate measurements of the cut lengths. Drawing the shape on graph paper for clarity can also help. Use a scale (e.g., 1 square = 10cm) to create an accurate representation of the mattress shape including all cuts.

Our Memory Right Curved Corner mattress and Cool Gel Left Curved Corner mattress are specifically designed for these common caravan bed configurations. We also offer the Cool Gel Topper with Left Corner Cut-Off for those who want to add comfort to an existing mattress with this shape.

Creating a template from cardboard or paper can be extremely helpful for complex shapes. This ensures that your custom caravan mattress will fit perfectly in your unique space.

Measuring for Island Beds and Special Configurations

Island beds, which allow access from both sides, are increasingly popular in modern caravans due to their convenience and accessibility. These and other special configurations require particular attention when measuring to ensure your new mattress fits perfectly and maintains the functionality of the bed design:

Island Bed Measurements

First, measure the entire bed platform length and width. Island beds typically have a rectangular base but may feature special design elements at the corners or edges. Be sure to measure the actual platform rather than just the existing mattress.

Note any special features. Island beds often have rounded corners on both foot-end corners, or sometimes all four corners. These rounded corners are designed to improve movement around the bed in the limited space of a caravan. Document the location and type of each special feature.

For each rounded or curved corner, measure as described in the previous section. Pay particular attention to whether the curves are symmetrical or if they differ from corner to corner, as this is common in custom caravan designs.

Check if your bed has a split design. Some island beds are designed with a split in the middle or with a removable section at the foot end for daytime configuration. If your bed has this feature, measure each section separately and note how they align with each other when the bed is fully assembled.

Other Special Configurations

French beds typically have one curved outer corner. Measure the straight sides and then the curved section. French beds are often positioned against one wall of the caravan with the curved corner allowing easier access to adjacent facilities like a washroom. Take special care to measure the exact curve radius as this affects both fit and comfort.

L-shaped or U-shaped dinette conversions require detailed measurements of each section and how they connect. Measure each straight segment independently, then document how they join together. Note any height differences between sections as these may require special accommodations in the mattress design.

For hexagonal or unusual shapes, create a detailed drawing with all dimensions clearly marked. For very complex shapes, consider creating a full-size template using newspaper or cardboard. This will provide the most accurate representation of the exact shape needed.

Our Memory Topper Island Hex and Memory Island Corners Foot End Bolster mattresses are specifically designed for these special configurations. We also offer French Bed Caravan Mattress Toppers for those unique French bed layouts common in many caravan models.

When measuring for these special configurations, we recommend taking photos from multiple angles to help our team understand exactly what you need. This ensures that your caravan mattress will be a perfect fit for your specific layout.

Understanding Caravan Mattress Materials and Options

Once you have accurate measurements, it's important to understand the different mattress options available for caravans. The right material can significantly impact your comfort, especially in the varied conditions experienced in caravan travel. Temperature fluctuations, limited space, and the need for durability all influence which mattress material might work best for your specific situation.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are particularly well-suited for caravans due to their adaptability and comfort:

• Body contouring: Memory foam adapts to your body shape, providing personalised support and relieving pressure points. This adaptive quality is especially beneficial after a day of driving or outdoor activities, helping to reduce muscle tension and promote better sleep quality.
• Motion isolation: Ideal for couples, as movement on one side doesn't disturb the other person. This feature is particularly valuable in a caravan where the sleeping space is typically smaller than at home, and any movement can be more noticeable.
• Durability: High-quality memory foam maintains its properties for years, making it a cost-effective long-term investment. The material's resilience helps it withstand the frequent use and variable conditions typical in caravan environments.

Our Memory Right Curved Corner and other memory foam options feature multiple firmness levels (Medium, Firm, Hard) and hypoallergenic properties, perfect for the caravan environment.

Cool Gel Technology

Temperature regulation is particularly important in caravans, which can experience significant temperature fluctuations throughout the day and night, especially in seasonal camping:

Our Cool Gel Hull mattress features ReVo™ Cool Gel Memory Foam Technology that provides 30x greater breathability than standard memory foam. This advanced technology creates an open-cell structure that allows air to circulate freely throughout the mattress, preventing heat build-up.

The gel-infused foam helps dissipate body heat, keeping you cooler on warm nights. The gel particles actively absorb and redistribute heat away from your body, creating a consistently comfortable sleeping temperature even in warmer weather.

It still offers the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam with added cooling properties. You don't have to choose between temperature comfort and support – our cool gel technology provides both simultaneously for an optimal sleep experience.

Mattress Toppers

For those looking to enhance an existing mattress, our toppers offer an excellent solution:

They provide an instant comfort upgrade by adding a layer of comfort without replacing the entire mattress. This is an economical option for improving sleep quality when a full mattress replacement isn't necessary or practical. The additional cushioning can transform a too-firm mattress into a more comfortable sleeping surface.

Custom shapes are available. Our Cool Gel Topper with Left Corner Cut-Off and other models are designed to fit the same unique shapes as our mattresses. This ensures a perfect fit for your specific caravan bed configuration without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.

Toppers are easy to store and can be rolled up when not in use, saving valuable space in your caravan. This feature is particularly useful for seasonal caravanners who may want to store their bedding during the off-season, or for those who convert dining areas to sleeping spaces and need to store bedding during the day.

Common Caravan Mattress Sizes and Their Measurements

While custom sizes are common in caravans, there are several recurring dimensions that manufacturers often use. Understanding these can help you identify your mattress type and communicate your needs more effectively. Keep in mind that these dimensions may vary slightly between different caravan manufacturers and models, which is why accurate measurement is always essential.

Standard Caravan Mattress Dimensions

Mattress Type	Width (cm)	Length (cm)	Common Usage
Caravan Single	70-75	180-190	Bunk beds, single berths
Caravan Double	125-135	180-190	Main sleeping area
Island Bed	140-150	190-200	Fixed island beds
French Bed	120-135	190-200	Corner bed with one curved edge

Manufacturer-Specific Dimensions

Different caravan manufacturers often have their own standard dimensions for their models:

• Swift typically uses specific dimensions for their island beds and fixed singles. Their island beds often feature symmetrical curved corners at the foot end, while their fixed singles may have one curved corner to maximise floor space. Swift caravans frequently use mattresses that are slightly narrower than standard home mattresses to optimise interior space.
• Bailey often features unique curved corner designs. Bailey caravans are known for their innovative use of space, which often results in bed platforms with distinctive shapes. Their fixed beds frequently incorporate asymmetrical designs with curved corners on one side to improve access to other parts of the caravan.
• Coachman is known for their French bed configurations. Coachman caravans typically position these beds against the side wall with a cut corner or curve to allow better access to adjacent bathroom facilities. Their mattresses often require precise measurements of the cut angle or curve radius.
• Hobby uses European dimensions which may differ slightly from UK standards. European manufacturers like Hobby often design their beds with dimensions based on metric standards that don't precisely match UK sizes. Their mattresses may be slightly longer and narrower than British equivalents.

Our Hobby Caravan Bedding collection is specifically designed to fit these European-style caravans, while our Fifth Wheel Caravan Bedding caters to the larger dimensions often found in these luxury vehicles.

Remember that even within these "standard" categories, variations are common. Always measure your specific bed frame rather than relying solely on manufacturer specifications or general categories.

Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid

When measuring for a caravan mattress, certain mistakes are frequently made. Avoiding these errors will save you time, money, and frustration when your new mattress arrives. Taking extra care during the measurement process can prevent the disappointment of receiving a mattress that doesn't quite fit your space:

Overlooking Curved Corners and Cut-Outs

One of the most common mistakes is failing to properly measure special features:

• Many people measure only length and width, forgetting to account for curved corners or cut-outs. These special features are critical aspects of the mattress design and significantly affect how well the mattress fits in your caravan space. Even a small miscalculation in a curved corner can result in gaps or overlaps.
• Curves need to be measured accurately for a proper fit. Simply estimating the curve by eye often leads to errors. Consider using a flexible curve tool or creating a template to capture the exact shape and dimensions of any curved sections.
• Even small notches or cutouts for hinges need to be included in your measurements. These seemingly minor features can cause significant fit problems if not accounted for. Document any protrusions, recesses, or other bed frame features that might affect mattress fit.

Measurement Inconsistencies

Accuracy and consistency are crucial:

• Mixing centimeters and inches can lead to conversion errors. Choose one unit of measurement and stick with it throughout the entire measuring process. If you need to provide measurements in both units, convert them after all measurements are complete to avoid confusion.
• Always measure from the same reference points. For example, consistently measure from the inside edges of the bed frame rather than sometimes using the outside edges. Inconsistent reference points can introduce errors that compound across multiple dimensions.
• Always take each measurement at least twice to confirm accuracy. If the two measurements differ by more than a few millimeters, take a third measurement to determine which is correct. This simple verification step can prevent costly mistakes.

Forgetting About Depth and Clearance

The thickness of your mattress matters:

• In some caravans, overhead cabinets limit how thick your mattress can be. Measure the vertical space from the bed platform to any overhead obstacles to ensure your chosen mattress thickness won't create problems. Remember to account for the additional height of bedding materials like duvets or toppers.
• Make sure the mattress depth allows for easy access and movement in your caravan. A mattress that's too thick might make the space feel cramped or interfere with storage compartments. Consider both comfort and practicality when selecting mattress depth.

Conclusion

Measuring your caravan mattress correctly is the first and most important step to ensuring a good night's sleep on your travels. By taking careful measurements and considering the unique features of your caravan bed, you can find or order a mattress that fits perfectly and provides the comfort you need.

Remember that caravan mattresses come in many shapes and sizes, from standard rectangles to custom shapes with curved corners or cutouts. No matter how unusual your bed frame may be, there's a mattress solution available that will fit your space perfectly.

At Caravan Mattresses, we specialise in creating mattresses that fit the unique requirements of mobile homes. Whether you need a memory foam mattress with cooling gel technology or a custom-shaped mattress for an island bed, we can help you find the perfect solution for your caravan.

With your new, properly fitted mattress, you'll be ready to enjoy comfortable nights and refreshed mornings wherever your caravan adventures take you.