If adventure runs deep in your bones, you’re probably no stranger to long SUV trips. The biggest concern with hitting the road is getting some much-needed sleep.
Road trips can be draining due to cramped space and long journeys. A board-certified neurotherapist and psychologist, Dr. Catherine Jackson, states that mere traveling tires some people out regardless of whether you were driving.
Even if you’re just sitting and doing nothing, varying car speeds and turns require immense muscle effort to keep you upright. That’s why you need a comfortable mattress to rest and sleep off the exhaustion. However, finding the best SUV mattress for your travels can be challenging.
You need a mattress that fits your SUV, provides optimum comfort, and lasts you for a long time. So without further ado, let’s answer all your burning questions about an SUV mattress and ensure you find the best one.
What Is an SUV mattress?
SUVs or sport utility vehicles are the modern alternatives to RVs and trailers. They’re a great option for campers because you don’t have to worry about setting up a camp.
An SUV allows you to car camp with removable seats and expansive space to lay down. Here you can place an SUV mattress that grants you a comfortable sleeping area. These mattresses come in various shapes and sizes. You can choose from a plethora of materials and features.
You can use the words SUV mattress and car mattress interchangeably. Most car mattresses are inflatable and also called air beds or blow-up beds. However, SUV mattresses are not limited to just air mattresses.
It covers a wide range of other mattress types. Some companies provide mattresses specifically for an SUV, while others can also be utilized.
3 Customizable Mattresses For Your SUV
Let’s face it: the interior of an SUV was not made with a mattress in mind. As such, finding a mattress that is a perfect fit for your particular make and model can be a frustrating experience.
If you are having a difficult time finding a mattress that will comfortably and safely fit within your SUV, you may want to consider purchasing an affordable custom mattress. These mattresses can be made to just about any size or shape, meaning you can have one made to fit the back of your SUV. We took the liberty to list a few below:
What We Love:
The East Hampton came out as the clear top pick of expert reviewers. At 4.5” high, it works perfectly in many SUVs and comes with a long-lasting 10-year warranty. Some of the features reviewers love are the temperature-regulating gel memory foam, superior pressure point relief, and extra support (at 6′ tall and 190lbs, our tester did not come close to bottoming out on the East Hampton).
As an added benefit, one side is a bit firmer than the other, so you can take your pick depending on which you prefer! Oh, it’s also 100% made in the USA AND can be customized to whatever size or shape you require. Awesome.
Specs Overview
- Type: Gel Memory Foam
- Thickness: 4.5″
- Customizable: Yes
- Feel: Medium-Medium Firm
Features Overview
- Impressive pressure point relief
- Customizable to virtually any size or shape
- DUAL sided mattress featuring a soft plush side and a firmer side ideal for those who need additional support
- Generous 10-year warranty
- 100% USA Materials and Made
- CertiPur-US certified foam
What We Love:
The Ovation is the best affordable solution for an SUV mattress. It’s the option you choose when you want high quality in a simple design, without all of the extras. Reviewers love that it’s finished with an upgraded cover made of breathable soft cotton fabric and is made from multiple layers of soy-based foam constructed in a way that reduces painful pressure points, offers full body support, and maximizes airflow.
This mattress doesn’t need to be flipped or turned, and it comes with a 5-year warranty. Similar to the East Hampton, it can be customized and is 100% made in the USA.
Specs Overview
- Type: High Density Foam Mattress
- Thickness: 4.5″
- Customizable: Yes
- Feel: Medium
Features Overview
- Customizable to virtually any size or shape
- Contouring rapid recovery foam
- 5-year warranty
- 100% USA Materials and Made
- CertiPur-US certified foam
What We Love:
Did you know you can have a custom mattress made for your SUV that matches exactly what you need? Since every SUV will be different, and each person might want to take a different approach, why not customize the entire mattress? Instead of spending hours shopping for the perfect bed, Mattress Insider can customize your mattress. When we say customize, we mean it all – layers, size, and even hinges for easy storage! It certainly deserves a place on our lineup, especially considering the level of customization available and the very affordable pricing.
Specs Overview
- Type: You choose from a large variety of innovative foams and options
- Thickness: 3.5″-16″
- Customizable: If you can dream it, Mattress Insider can probably make it.
- Feel: 100% your choice!
Features Overview
- Virtually any size or shape can be made
- Custom mattresses are made with a soft Organic Cotton Cover
- Generous 10-year warranty on most builds
- 100% USA Materials and Made
- CertiPur-US certified foam
Can You Use a Regular Mattress For Your SUV?
With all the available options, you might be wondering if you can use a regular mattress for car camping. The answer to that is yes; you can use a regular mattress. However, some factors might render them unsuitable.
For starters, they can be difficult to fit. Even though SUVs are spacious, a full-size mattress won’t fit inside it. It would cramp the existing space, and your journey can become unpleasant.
In addition, a regular mattress can be heavy. It might put extra effort on your car tires, especially if you’re traveling in rocky terrain. Moving such a mattress will be troublesome as well.
Another issue that might arise is the mattress height. A thick mattress may work on a bed, but in an SUV, the roof is much closer to your head. You’ll have to pay special regard to it ensuring you have space to sit up.
All in all, if your regular mattress fits perfectly, is comfortable enough for you, fits in your buying range, and has the perfect height and weight, you can definitely use it.
Different Types Of Mattresses For SUVs
Courtesy of modern advancements, campers have an array of choices when it comes to buying mattresses. However, not all might be suitable for your car camping needs. Certain types, such as an innerspring, might be too heavy for an SUV.
You ought to get one that fits your available space. Additionally, carrying or moving it should be easy to save you from troubles. Lastly, your preferences matter a lot.
You can choose from the following options.
Custom Made Mattress
Ultimately the best option is a custom-made mattress.
With a custom mattress, you can get a comfortable mattress for your space and needs. These mattresses can be made with coils, latex, memory foam, or just high-density foam for a nice firm bed.
We can also make the mattresses notch around the wheel wells, and make foam mattresses with multiple cloth hinges so you can save some valuable space.
You can see examples of what we can do here.
Inflatable Air Mattresses
Inflatable air mattresses give the best of both worlds by providing comfort and saving space. They are one of the most popular SUV mattress choices.
These mattresses will have a manual or plug in pump that allows you to choose your firmness level. You can inflate or deflate it according to your preference. Some also come with two separate inner chambers for easy sharing.
However, they’re prone to puncturing, which significantly reduces their lifespan. That’s why their warranty is shorter as well.
As for the pumps, if you have a good-quality pump, it can fill up faster. Still, assembling and inflating an air mattress can be menial. Some pumps are also noisy so ensure you buy high-quality ones. On the bright side, such mattresses are a great economical and comfortable option compared to other alternatives.
Camping Pads
Camping pads are thin, foam-like paddings that can be used for a sleeping surface. You might’ve heard of them as a ground pad, sleeping mat, thermal pad, or roll matt. Depending on the product, they can have open-cell or closed-cell dense foam.
Camping pads are excellent space-savers as you can roll or fold most of them away. You can use camping pads as a thin mattress or an insulation cover for your mattress or sleeping bags.
What’s more, they’re typically inexpensive and durable. You can even cut them to fit your available space. These compact pads are easy to replace as well.
On the downside, they might not be the coziest place to sleep. Usually, they’re about a quarter inch thick, making them flimsy. Camping pads might not suit folks who prefer some cushioning. Also, open-foam camping pads can get wet and absorb water. They’re also not as warm as other types, so they aren’t ideal for cold weather.
However, camping pads can be an excellent cheap option if you don’t mind a thin sleeping surface and require more space in your SUV.
Sleep Soundly With The Best Mattress For Your SUV
Traveling in an SUV can be a thrilling experience. However, your body needs rest to recharge from all the adventure. A good mattress can provide that comfort to ensure you’re well-rested for your journey.
A memory foam mattress can grant you that comfort, but an inflatable mattress can save you a great deal of space. Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the kind that best fulfills your requirements.
Make sure that mattress is easy to handle, fits well in your SUV, and provides a safe experience. A mattress can make or break your trip. The best SUV mattress can enhance your journey and allow you to travel as comfortably as possible.
Are you constantly hitting the road and sometimes need to spend the night in your SUV? Check out our collection of mattresses that will suit you.
