For most Slovenian campervans, the best solution is a custom-made mattress or a specialised recreational vehicle mattress with good breathability and a low profile. Standard mattress dimensions rarely fit the irregular shapes found inside campervans, so investing in accurate measurements or a template is worthwhile. A low-profile mattress makes getting in and out easier, while breathable materials help prevent moisture and unpleasant odours after long journeys.
In brief:
- It is essential to measure the exact shape and cut-outs of the sleeping area, as standard mattress dimensions often do not fit the irregular shapes found in campervans.
- Lower-profile mattresses provide more headroom and easier access while helping reduce moisture and unpleasant odours.
- Materials such as open-cell foam or the Octaspring system can improve ventilation and extend the mattress’s service life.
- Before ordering, request a custom template where necessary, check the load capacity and make sure there is suitable access to maintenance and storage areas.
- Renting a campervan to test the bed allows you to find out whether the mattress dimensions and height suit you before investing in a custom-made solution.
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Table of Contents
How to choose the right campervan bed
Choosing a bed or mattress for a campervan is not the same as buying a mattress for your home. Space is limited, shapes are often irregular and the conditions of use are very different from those in a bedroom.
The first criterion is size. Standard dimensions such as 80×190, 80×200, 90×190 or 90×200 centimetres are available, but
many campervans require a custom solution because of unusual angles and cut-outs. Before ordering anything, carefully check the exact shape of the sleeping area.
The second criterion is mattress height. A lower-profile mattress provides more headroom, easier access to overhead storage and less risk of hitting the roof while sitting up. The third criterion is breathability. Materials that do not allow sufficient airflow can quickly lead to moisture and mould underneath the mattress in an enclosed vehicle.
The fourth criterion is practicality. A mattress that can be divided into two or three sections is much easier to carry through narrow doors and adapt to daytime use of the living space. The fifth criterion is the load capacity of the structure supporting the mattress.
- Dimensions: check the shape, not just the length and width
- Height: a lower-profile mattress makes movement inside the campervan easier
- Breathability: helps prevent moisture and unpleasant odours
- Practicality: a split design makes transport and maintenance easier
- Load capacity: campervan slatted bed bases typically support between 100 and 150 kilograms, which should be considered when choosing a thicker or heavier mattress
Materials and breathability: what really makes a difference
The mattress core determines both how well you sleep and how long the mattress will last. Open-cell cold foam, often marketed as AirFlow foam, allows air to circulate and dries more quickly than conventional polyurethane foam. Pocket springs provide good ventilation, but they are heavier and less suitable for split mattresses. Hybrid designs combining foam and springs offer a compromise between comfort and ventilation.
The
Octaspring system is designed to improve mattress ventilation, with the manufacturer stating that it can provide up to eight times better airflow compared with standard foam. For campervans used throughout the year or in humid coastal conditions, this type of technology can be a worthwhile investment.
Expert tip: Before buying, check whether the mattress cover is removable and machine washable at at least 40°C. A cover that can simply be put in the washing machine can save you hours of cleaning after every longer trip.
When choosing a mattress cover, look for:
- washable and antibacterial fabrics, which are commonly used for recreational mattresses
- a breathable underside that allows air to circulate between the mattress and bed base
- a mattress topper as an additional layer that protects the main mattress from moisture, salt and perspiration
Measuring, templates and custom-made mattresses
Accurate measurement is the foundation of a good campervan mattress. Before contacting a manufacturer, prepare the following information.
- Measure the length and width of the sleeping surface at both its widest and narrowest points.
- Record the angles at all corners, as campervans rarely have a perfectly rectangular sleeping area.
- Mark cut-outs for furniture, wheel arches and access hatches to storage compartments.
- Check whether you need a cardboard or foil template for angled sections and rounded edges.
- Discuss transportation with the manufacturer: for complicated shapes, manufacturers often recommend an on-site visit to create an accurate template.
For narrow vehicle entrances, ask for the mattress to be divided into two or three sections. This makes it easier to carry through the doors and simplifies future maintenance. Ask the manufacturer to specify measurement tolerances, the possibility of adjustments after delivery and a written warranty covering materials and workmanship. A reputable supplier should also be able to explain how long they retain the measurements in case you need to make a warranty claim.
Folding, splitting and access to storage
A campervan mattress needs to serve several purposes at once: it must provide a comfortable sleeping surface, move out of the way during the day and allow access to the storage compartments underneath.
Split mattresses have an advantage when it comes to servicing and cleaning because you can remove just one section instead of the entire mattress. The downside is that they often have visible seams between the sections, which good manufacturers should cover and finish appropriately. Folding mattresses are practical for converting the living area into a table or seating area during the day, but they require quality hinges and a non-slip base to prevent them from moving while driving.
- Make sure the fasteners and contact surfaces use non-slip materials
- Check the load capacity of the slatted bed base according to the weight of the occupants
- Choose a solution that allows access to drawers and storage without removing the entire mattress
Expert tip: If you keep tools or a water tank underneath the mattress, choose a design with a separate access panel. This allows you to reach technical components within seconds without dismantling the entire bed.
Care, cleaning and when to replace your mattress
Moisture is the biggest enemy of a campervan mattress. After every longer trip, especially in coastal areas or rainy weather, lift the mattress and allow the underside to air out for at least several hours. This can be incorporated into your vehicle routine whenever you stop overnight.
Remove and wash the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually at 30–40°C. Wash or replace the mattress topper more frequently than the main mattress, as
it absorbs perspiration, salt and moisture before they reach the mattress core.
- Air the mattress after every extended period of use
- Wash the cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Use a mattress topper as the first line of protection
- Check the mattress core every season for signs of sagging or mould
Experts generally recommend replacing a mattress approximately every seven years, even if it still appears usable. With intensive seasonal use, such as in a campervan rental fleet, this period may be shorter.
Checklist before buying or ordering a custom mattress
Before signing the order or paying a deposit, go through these steps in order.
- Check all measurements and angles and order a template if necessary.
- Ask whether you can test the firmness before making the final decision.
- Check the return policy, as some suppliers allow 14 to 30 days for testing.
- Request a written warranty covering the materials, seams and construction.
- When collecting the mattress, check the fit in the vehicle, sleep on it for at least one night and photograph any problems or irregularities.
| What to check |
What to ask the manufacturer |
| Dimensions and angles |
Is a template required for an accurate fit? |
| Mattress core |
Is the foam breathable and moisture resistant? |
| Cover |
Is it removable and machine washable? |
| Warranty |
How many years are the materials and workmanship covered? |
| Return/testing |
How many days do I have to test the mattress before final acceptance? |
A written warranty and a clear testing policy can protect you from unpleasant surprises when you first use the mattress on a longer trip.
From experience: what we most often see with renters
With rental vehicles, one common mistake stands out: an owner orders a mattress based on an approximate estimate rather than the actual dimensions, and the finished product turns out to be a few centimetres too large or too small. Another frequent problem is a non-washable cover, which can result in unpleasant odours after several seasons that are difficult to remove.
In a rental fleet, robust washable covers and modular systems that can be serviced section by section tend to work best. Before setting off on a longer trip, always spend at least one night on the mattress and check whether it performs as expected. For more details on what to look for when collecting a campervan, see our guide to
campervan beds and mattresses.
— Rok
Don’t want to buy yet? Test the bed with a rental
Campervan rental gives you a way to experience comfortable sleeping in a campervan without the risk of buying a mattress that may not suit you. Instead of investing in a custom-made mattress and discovering after three nights that the firmness or height is not right for you, you can rent a fully equipped campervan from Campervan and test what you actually need.
Vehicles such as the Mercedes V Marco Polo and Ford Transit Nugget Plus offer sleeping arrangements for multiple occupants, designed for everyday use on the road rather than occasional trips. Before making a permanent investment in a mattress for your own campervan, find out what sleeping in this type of space is really like. For more details on what to check before pickup, see our guide to
campervan beds and mattresses: what to check before renting. You can check availability and make a reservation through
Campervan.
Sources
For additional information about mattress materials and custom manufacturing in Slovenia, see mebloJOGI, which offers washable and breathable covers for recreational mattresses, and Seam for custom mattresses using the Octaspring system. Vitapur is an established Slovenian mattress manufacturer that also offers customised solutions for campervans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mattress height for a campervan?
A lower-profile mattress is generally a practical choice because it provides more headroom and makes it easier to access overhead storage or a roof bed.
How often should a campervan mattress be replaced?
It is advisable to replace a mattress after a certain period for hygiene reasons and because your comfort requirements can change, even if the mattress still looks usable. Materials and hygiene conditions can deteriorate over time.
Do I need a template for a custom campervan mattress?
A template is recommended for angled sections, rounded edges and irregular cut-outs, while simple shapes can often be measured accurately using dimensions and a sketch of the space.
How much weight can campervan slatted bed bases support?
Campervan slatted bed bases are commonly designed to support around 100 to 150 kilograms, so check the specific load capacity before choosing a thicker or heavier mattress.
Can I see and test a campervan bed before buying?
Renting a campervan from Campervan allows you to test the bed on an actual trip before deciding whether to buy a mattress or order a custom-made solution.
CCampervan
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