Best Truck Bed Mattress 

When heading out on a camping trip, we go to great lengths to make sure we have the right gear. Whether it’s a cozy sleeping bag or a portable cooking appliance, the items we bring along can make the trip more enjoyable. When it comes to mattresses, airbeds have typically been the popular choice for camping.

However, inflatable beds are not always convenient when you are on the road. They are difficult to inflate—many of them even require electricity, and they tend to become damaged quickly. Plus, these beds tend to lose air during the night, forcing you to rest in awkward and uncomfortable sleep positions that leave you sore and stiff in the morning.

When you are on vacation, the last thing you want to do is wake up in pain. To help you find a good night’s sleep on your next outdoor adventure, we highlight some of the best truck bed mattresses of 2021. We offer you some alternatives to the inflatable airbed and tips for selecting the right truck bed mattress for you.

Best Truck Bed Mattress of 2021

1. Amerisleep AS3

To turn your truck bed into a luxury sleep space, we suggest the Amerisleep AS3. This mattress has a 3-inch memory foam comfort layer to keep you cozy and comfortable as you sleep under the stars. The medium firmness provides the ideal level of cushioning and support for body types and sleep positions.

The Bio-Pur® memory foam used in the top layer of the AS3 is made with plant-based oils, making it non-toxic and eco-friendly. Bio-Pur® is also more responsive and retains less heat and moisture than traditional memory foam mattresses.

The middle layer of the AS3 features Amerisleep’s Adaptive foam with HIVE® technology. The hexagonal cutouts along the surface of this layer respond to pressure differently, allowing for more accurate support and contouring to the areas that need it most. Near the joints, cutouts are soft and conforming to reduce pressure points. Near the lumbar spine, they are firmer and work to keep the body lifted and aligned.

A sturdy support foam sits at the base of the AS3. This material is strong enough to prevent sagging and indentions, even when being used in a truck bed. The top cover of the AS3 is also removable and machine washable, so it is easy to keep clean between trips.

Amerisleep offers a generous 20-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and sagging greater than .75 inches. It is also available in all standard U.S. sizes, so you are sure to find one that is the perfect fit for your truck bed.

2. Zoma Mattress

The Zoma Mattress is another memory foam bed ideal for your truck camping. This bed has a medium comfort level and zoned support system that protects the lumbar spine. Plus, the gel-infused memory foam keeps the mattress cool and inviting, perfect for camping in the desert and hot climates.

The comfort layer is made with gel memory foam that wicks heat and moisture away from the surface, creating a cooling mattress. This layer features Triangulex™ technology—a support system that ensures proper spinal alignment and protection against pressure points. Even while you are on the road, the Zoma Mattress will allow you to wake with less pain and discomfort.

The transition layer of the Zoma is Reactiv™ foam—a responsive foam layer that keeps the hips and shoulders from sinking and forcing the spine to bow. This material ensures a safe and neutral sleep position, so you can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

The base of the Zoma features a sturdy support foam that increases durability and longevity. Zoma also offers a 10-year warranty that covers indentations and structural defects.

3. Vaya Mattress

For a comfortable, high-quality truck bed that won’t hurt your budget, we recommend the Vaya Mattress. This bed has two hypoallergenic foam layers that contour to the curves of the body.

The top layer features Vaya foam, which is soft enough to cradle and protect the joints from pressure points. This material also has a slight bounce to reduce sinking and spinal misalignment, making it ideal for back and side sleepers. Heavier individuals will find that, although this foam is soft and conforming, it also lifts the body and prevents the feeling of being stuck in the mattress.

A durable, support foam makes up the base of the Vaya to prevent sagging and indentations. Both layers are also backed by a CertiPUR-US® certifications, guaranteeing it is free of toxic chemicals.

Vaya’s 10-year warranty covers sagging and indentations that could affect the bed’s structure and support, ensuring you get the most out of your budget mattress. The Vaya is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king.

Best Truck Bed Air Mattresses

Inflatable air mattresses are not the most convenient, especially when you are camping and have limited access to electricity. However, they can be a suitable option when you are in a hurry or have limited storage space in your vehicle. Although they are relatively inexpensive, they may only last for one to two seasons, so be sure to keep this in mind when shopping.

To help you find the highest-rated and best quality inflatable mattresses, we outline three suitable options below.

4. AirBedz Pro3 Air Mattress

The AirBedz Pro3 has a 12-inch thickness when fully inflated—this creates enough support to accommodate up to 1000 pounds. It is available in three different lengths, including 6 feet, 6.5 feet, and 8 feet. Both the 6.5 and 8-foot models measure 63.5 inches wide, while the 5-foot model is 55 inches wide.

Since AirBedz are designed to fit the bed of your pickup truck, they have cutouts on both sides to accommodate the wheel wells. This feature allows the mattress to take up the entire truck bed, rather than just the space in the middle.

A built-in DC corded pump makes it easy to inflate and deflate this mattress, using only a 12-volt power outlet found in most cars. It even comes with a duffle bag for easy storage and a patch kit for repairs. The integrated air coil system keeps weight evenly distributed to reduce the risk of punctures. The AirBedz Pro3 comes with a 1-year warranty that covers both the pump and the mattress itself.

5. AirBedz Original Mattress

Although there are several Airbedz on the market now, their original model is still a great choice. This truck mattress comes in five different sizes, ranging from 5 feet (suitable for short bed trucks) up to 8 feet (ideal for long bed trucks).

Although this bed doesn’t have an electric powered DC pump, it does have a built-in rechargeable pump. Each valve cover is also reinforced to ensure the mattress maintains your preferred firmness throughout the night.

Like all AirBedz, the original model comes with wheel well cutouts to create the perfect fit inside your truck bed. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and a fabric top designed to keep linens and bedding in place during sleep.

6. AirBedz Lite Air Mattress

The AirBedz Lite comes in two different sizes, including a 6 to 6.5 feet model that fits mid-size truck beds, and a 6 to 8 feet option for full-sized and long beds. The full mattress is 63 inches wide, while the midsize is 55 inches wide. No matter which size you choose, this mattress sits 12 inches thick and has a comfort coil system to keep you supported throughout the night.

Like the AirBedz Pro3, this model has a built-in air pump and 16-inch power cord that requires a 12-volt car outlet for inflation. The body of the mattress is made with a heavy-duty PVC that is both soft and strong. The flocked top adds comfort and durability and guards against rips and tears.

The AirBedz Lite comes with a 1-year warranty, patch kit, and storage bag. You can also purchase the optional tailgate mattress with this model to extend the length of the bed.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Truck Bed Mattress

Whether you are considering a foam bed or an inflatable mattress, there are few things you will want to keep in mind as you shop. Below, we provide some tips on selecting the perfect new truck bed mattress.

Mattress Types and Materials

The materials and layers in a mattress can affect its comfort and durability. The best mattress for your truck bed will depend on your comfort needs, available storage space, and budget.

Foam Mattresses

When shopping for a truck bed mattress, we suggest purchasing one made of foam. High-quality foam mattresses have a comfort layer that contours to the body for pressure relief. In most cases, the comfort layer is made of memory foam or latex foam. The base of an all-foam mattress typically features a sturdy support foam to ensure proper spinal alignment and reduce sagging.

Memory foam mattresses are more common and less costly than the average latex mattress. That said, latex mattresses offer some benefits that memory mattresses don’t such as a bouncier feel.

These beds are ideal for your truck bed because they are comfortable, supportive, and durable. While these mattresses are more expensive than inflatable airbeds, they are also more durable, with most foam mattresses lasting up to 10 years. Plus, many online mattress brands offer generous warranties to cover sagging and other manufacturing defects.

Mattresses with a spring coil base, such as an innerspring or hybrid mattress, are often bulky and difficult to move. Therefore, we suggest avoiding these bed types when selecting a mattress.

Inflatable Air Mattresses

As we mentioned above, inflatable air mattresses are far from ideal. They are inexpensive, but they tend to tear or puncture easily, forcing you to buy a new one every season.

If you decide to purchase an air mattress for your truck bed, be sure it has a built-in air pump to make inflation easy. Air beds with only a hand pump are inconvenient and take longer to inflate. The best inflatable beds also have a durable internal structure to reduce sagging and ensure proper alignment.

When it comes to materials, most air mattresses are made with a high-grade PVC or nylon. PVC is strong, durable, and less expensive than nylon. However, nylon is softer and more comfortable.

Firmness

Inflatable mattresses don’t have a set firmness. Instead, you can change the feel of the bed by increasing or decreasing the amount of air inside. However, foam beds have a set firmness that will affect the support it offers. The comfort level right for you depends on your body type and sleep position.

Below, we outline the most common firmness levels and explain who they are most suitable for.

• Soft and medium-soft: The best mattresses for side sleepers and lightweight sleepers are soft to medium-soft because they contour to the joints to prevent pressure points.
• Medium: Medium mattresses are ideal for most sleep positions, including back, side, and combination sleepers. Lightweight and average weight individuals typically find medium mattresses comfortable. This firmness is also a perfect mattress for couples with different sleep styles.
• Medium-firm: The best mattresses for back sleeping have a medium-firm feel because they cradle the joints and provide extra support to the lumbar spine.
• Firm: Firm mattresses are a good option for heavier individuals and devoted stomach sleepers because they offer minimal sinking and proper spinal alignment.

When it comes to body types, you qualify as a petite sleeper if you’re under 130 pounds and a heavier person if you’re over 230 pounds. A mattress for a heavy person doesn’t have to be firm, but we only suggest softer mattresses if they offer targeted support and minimize sinkage.

Size

Truck beds come in a wide range of mattress sizes. They can measure anywhere from 60 to 97 inches long (5 to 8 feet) and 50 to 63.5 inches wide (4 to 5.3 feet). Long beds are typically 8 feet long, while short beds are 5 to 5.5 feet long.

The most popular truck bed size is 6 feet long by 4 feet wide. This is not a standard mattress size, so it’s not easy to find a bed that fits these exact measurements. Plus, most trucks have wheel wells that can affect the available space.

The following standard mattress sizes are the most suited dimensions for a truck bed:

• Twin: 38 inches wide by 75 inches long (3.1 by 6.25 feet)
• Twin XL: 38 inches wide by 80 inches long (3.1 by 6.6 feet)
• Full: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (4.5 by 6.25 feet)
• Full XL: 54 inches wide by 80 inches long (4.5 by 6.6 feet)
• Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long (5 feet by 6.6 feet)

While the length of a king and California King bed may work for a long bed truck, these beds are typically too wide. King size mattresses measure 76 inches wide (6.3 feet), and California kings are 72 inches wide (6 feet). Most truck beds only go up to 63.5 inches wide.

Before purchasing a new truck mattress, be sure to measure the length and width of the interior of your truck’s bed. Also, be sure to account for the wheel wells to get an accurate measurement. Once you know your truck bed’s dimensions, you can find the best fitting mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mattress will fit a truck bed?

Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, and queen size mattress may fit inside your truck bed. If you have a narrow truck bed, about 4 feet wide, you may want to purchase a twin or twin XL mattress. Trucks beds that measure 8 feet long can accommodate most mattress lengths, from twin to queen. However, be sure the truck bed is wide enough for a full or queen mattress.

What long is a regular truck bed?

Mid-size truck beds typically measure 6 feet long (72 inches). Short beds measure 5 to 5.5 feet, and long beds measure 8 feet long. In most cases, a truck can accommodate a mattress that is between 5 to 8 feet long (60 inches to 96 inches). However, most truck beds are not as wide as standard mattresses sizes, so be sure to measure your truck bed’s width before purchase.

Will a queen bed fit in a truck bed?

A queen bed measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. For a truck bed to accommodate this mattress size, it should be at least 5.5 feet wide by 6.6 feet long. A queen size mattress should fit comfortably inside a truck bed with these dimensions and leave room for the wheel wells.

How do you secure a mattress in a truck bed?

The best way to secure a mattress in a truck bed is to use tie-downs that attach to the slats or hooks on the side of the truck bed. You also place a non-slip pad beneath the mattress to keep it from moving around.

What size mattress is 42×80?

There is no standard mattress size that measures 42 inches wide by 80 inches long. The bed closest to these dimensions is a twin XL, 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. Queen size beds also measure 80 inches long, but they are 60 inches wide.

Conclusion

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a motocross rider, a high quality and supportive truck bed mattress can make your trip even more memorable. When you experience deeper, more restorative sleep, you will feel more rested and ready to enjoy your time away from home. The next time you pack up for an outdoor adventure or camping trip, be sure you bring along a mattress that can help you get a good night’s rest.