You spent weeks (maybe months) building out your van. The cabinets are perfect, the solar setup works, and the views out your back doors are straight out of a postcard. Yet, somehow, you still have that lumpy pad you call a bed that leaves you tossing and turning all night.
Bad sleep on the road means groggy drives on winding highways, cranky moods instead of adventure vibes, and waking up too stiff to actually enjoy that sunrise hike you parked for. DIY cushions and air mattresses might get you through a night or two, but they’re no match for life on the road.
That’s why you need a custom van mattress designed to give you real comfort, support, and rest, no matter where you park. In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common van mattress problems, the best types of mattresses for vans, and how to order a custom size that makes your rig feel like home.
Why DIY Cushions and Air Mattresses Don’t Cut It
If you’ve ever tried to get by with a few old cushions or an inflatable air mattress in your van, you know how uncomfortable it gets fast. What starts as a cheap, quick fix usually turns into restless nights and sore mornings.
Cushions shift around, leave gaps, and never feel like one solid van bed. Air mattresses might seem like a good idea, but they squeak, deflate, and offer little support after a few nights. Neither option is built for the long haul, and definitely not for full-time van life.
When your van is your home (whether for weekends or months at a time), your on-the-road sleep setup needs to feel stable and supportive. That’s why more van owners are choosing a proper van mattress instead of piecing together makeshift solutions. It’s the difference between surviving the road and actually enjoying it.
Meet the Custom Van Mattress: Built for Your Space and Lifestyle
Every van build is unique, and that’s why a one-size-fits-all bed never really works.
A custom van mattress is designed to match your exact layout, whether you’ve built a full platform bed, a convertible bench, or a tight sleeping nook around the wheel wells.
Unlike the thin pads or air mattresses you may have tried before, a foam mattress for van life gives you real support and lasting comfort. Memory foam layers contour to your body after a long day on the road, while optional latex foam adds bounce and resilience for all-season use.
The best part is that you don’t have to compromise on design or comfort just because you live tiny. With a mattress that’s cut to your exact dimensions, your van bed feels less like a workaround and more like home.
Popular Van Mattress Setups We See Every Day
No two van builds are alike, but after helping countless van owners, we’ve noticed a few setups that keep showing up again and again. The right van mattress makes each one feel complete:
The Full Platform Bed
This is the go-to for full-time van lifers. A solid platform across the back of the van gives you room for storage underneath and space on top for a full-size foam mattress for van builds. It’s simple, sturdy, and feels most like a traditional bed at home.
The Convertible Sofa Bed
Weekend warriors love this one. By day, it’s a bench or lounge space, and by night, it folds flat into a van bed. A folding custom mattress works perfectly here, so you don’t have to wrestle with cushions that never quite line up.
The Family Bunk Setup
For couples with kids or friends sharing the road, custom van beds stacked in bunk-style layouts maximize sleeping space. Since bunk sizes aren’t standardized, a tailor-made mattress ensures every sleeper gets real comfort without wasted space.
Types of Mattresses for Vans
Just like with traditional beds, there’s more than one way to build a comfortable van mattress. Here are the most common types and how they work for life on the road:
Foam
A foam mattress is by far the most popular choice for van life. That’s because memory foam contours to your body and relieves pressure after long drives, while optional latex foam layers add bounce and resilience.
Foam is lightweight, easy to cut into custom shapes for tricky van layouts, and perfect for setups where every inch matters.
Pocket Coil
Pocket coil mattresses feel closer to a traditional home bed, with springs that provide firm support and reduce motion transfer. They’re heavier than foam, but if you’ve built a sturdy van bed platform and want that familiar “springy” feel, this can be a great option.
Hybrid
A hybrid mattress blends the best of both worlds – foam layers for comfort and coils for support. Many van owners choose hybrids when they want a balance of softness and structure. A custom van mattress in a hybrid build can feel almost identical to the bed you sleep on at home, just sized perfectly for your rig.
How to Order a Custom Van Mattress Online Without the Headache
Ordering a custom mattress for your van doesn’t have to feel like another complicated build project. Instead of cutting foam yourself or trying to make a standard bed fit, you can get a mattress tailored to your exact dimensions in just a few steps.
Start by visiting our mattress collection. All of our models are built with high-quality memory foam, and some include natural latex layers for extra resilience and cooling.
From there, pick the mattress that best matches how you sleep, whether you prefer something plush, medium, or firm.
Next, enter your van bed measurements. You can stick with common options like an RV King mattress or create something completely custom to fit wheel wells, bunks, or convertible setups.
Once you’ve got the details right, click order. We will handcraft your van mattress to size and ship it directly to your door.
Sleep Like You’re Parked at Home: Extra Tips
A custom van mattress is the foundation for comfort, but a few simple habits can make your nights on the road feel just as cozy as your bedroom at home. Try these tips to upgrade your van-life sleep:
- Use custom-fitted sheets made for your mattress size so you’re not wrestling with loose fabric at 2 AM.
- Keep airflow steady with a roof vent, cracked windows, or a small fan to avoid waking up too hot or stuffy.
- Control moisture by adding a mattress protector to guard against condensation in tight van spaces.
- Choose the right bedding weight. Use lightweight blankets for summer road trips and heavier layers for cold mountain nights.
- Create a wind-down routine like tea, journaling, or stargazing to help your body know it’s time to rest.
Turn Your Van Bed Into the Best Seat in the House
Van life is all about freedom, such as parking under the stars, waking up by the ocean, or chasing mountain views. Unfortunately, none of that feels quite as magical when you’re stiff, groggy, and running on bad sleep.
The truth is, a proper van mattress isn’t just another accessory. It’s what makes your van feel like a true home on wheels.
With a custom van mattress, you get the perfect fit for your build, the comfort of high-quality foam, and the support you need for every mile ahead. Whether it’s a platform bed, a convertible sofa, or bunk-style van beds, the right mattress means better rest, better mornings, and better adventures.
Don’t settle for a lumpy cushion or a squeaky air mattress. Upgrade your van with a custom mattress that’s built for your space and your lifestyle.