Caravan tips for beginners: how to sleep comfortably

Do you need a mattress for your caravan’s fixed bed? If you are travelling Australia in a camper trailer or caravan, ensuring a good night's sleep is vital to make sure you wake up refreshed for the day ahead as you continue your adventures on the road.

If you are used to the outdoor life, a sleeping bag may be all you need. But for a more comfortable holiday, choose a caravan with fixed or fold-out beds, and a custom-size mattress that will give you all the support you need for a good night’s sleep.

Bedding or a Sleeping Bag?

If you are planning a longer trip, it can be worthwhile bringing your own bed linen with you and laundering it every week. The familiarity of home will help you relax in your new surroundings and minimise any disruptions to your sleep.

Sleeping bags are a convenient alternative, helping you to stay warm on cooler nights and ultimately saving you space when you pack them away during the day.

Camp Beds

If you have a camper trailer or a smaller caravan without beds, you will have to find an alternative. A fold-out camp bed with a metal frame and fabric cover could do the trick. The lack of support however could make these beds uncomfortable or unsuitable for people who suffer from back pain.

Sleeping Mats

Another simple and cheaper options are roll-up mats. These are great to save space and are easy to keep clean with a wipe down. They can be rolled out on the ground or the floor of your trailer to cushion against the hard surface, but they will not be as comfortable or supportive as your mattress at home.

Airbeds

Inflatable beds can offer more support, but they are also bigger and heavier which make them difficult to transport. They also take time to inflate every night, and while you can save time and your own energy by purchasing an electric pump, this becomes an extra expense and even more equipment to carry.

Caravan Beds

If you are buying a caravan with beds, there are several options to choose from. Larger caravans may have space for fixed beds or even separate bedrooms. Smaller models may include bunk beds or fold-out beds that help save space.

Like your bed at home, caravan beds are available in a range of sizes depending on how much space you have, from single beds through to king size. However, as they are designed to fit a caravan's unique layout, they can have distinct shapes and dimensions that will not fit a standard mattress.

Caravan Mattresses

The most common type of mattress for a caravan fixed bed, is a foam mattress. These offer a comfortable sleep, but they do not always offer the support some people need. If you want to upgrade your mattress, or your current mattress is old or worn out and needs to be replaced, the best choice is a custom-sized caravan mattress.

Custom mattresses are designed to be an exact fit for caravan beds and are available in all common sizes and a range of quality materials for different preferences and price levels. Dunlop Foams has partnered with Clark Rubber to offer caravan size and custom-made mattresses for caravans, available Australia wide.

See our caravan mattress range and get in touch with your local Clark Rubber store to get a quote.