Written By SleepDog®
A truck mattress is an absolute necessity for long-haul truck drivers. After driving for hours on end, you’ll need a place where you can comfortably put your feet up and rest. With this in mind, you’ll want to make sure that you choose the best mattress for your long-haul drive. You deserve a high-quality mattress that will maximize comfort and relaxation. Finding that perfect mattress may be easier said than done as there are many factors you have to consider when mattress hunting. Fortunately, we’re here to assist you through this decision-making process. In this guide, we’ll discuss what important aspects you should consider when choosing the best mattress for long-haul trucking.
DOT Requirements for Mattress Approval
First and foremost, you must ensure that whatever mattress you choose is DOT (Department of Transportation) approved. Your mattress must be in compliance with requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in order to be DOT approved. Such requirements include:
In terms of size and dimensions, your mattress must be at least 75” long, 24” wide, and 24” of height measured from the highest point of the top of the mattress.
In terms of shape, the bed must be of a rectangular shape. An exception to this would be slightly rounded horizontal and roof corners but not of a radius exceeding 10 ½ inches.
You must have an innerspring mattress, a cellular rubber or flexible mattress at least 4” thick; or a mattress filled with a fluid and of sufficient thickness that when filled it prevents “bottoming-out” while the vehicle is in motion. Additionally, your mattress must be properly equipped with bed clothing and blankets.
These are important conditions that you must be sure that your chosen mattress meets in order to be considered a DOT approved mattress.
Getting the Right Size Mattress for Your Truck
One of the most important aspects to consider is the size of your truck mattress. It’s crucial that you get the appropriate mattress size that’s the correct fit for your truck. When it comes to truck mattresses, their sizes are typically described by exact measurements rather than labels like “king” or “queen”. Most trucks have a short, standard, or long truck bed. These have standard dimensions that differ slightly depending on your truck’s manufacturer and model. As a result, truck mattresses are available in a wide range of sizes and truck mattress companies often offer multiple sizing options. For example, here at SleepDog®, our size selection includes:
Size A: 36" x 80"
Size B: 39" x 80"
Size C: 42" x 80"
Size D (bunk): 32" x 80"
Queen: 60" x 80"
RV Queen: 60" x 75"
RV King: 72" x 75"
Still, the best way to ensure that you get the correct semi truck mattress size is to grab a tape measure and measure your current mattress or sleeping space.
Mattress Comfort Level
In order to get the rest that you deserve, you need a mattress that supplies a cozy comfort. Everyone is different and as a result has different comfort needs. You need a mattress that will accommodate your needs. One way to do this is to consider your typical sleeping position. Sleep positions play a big role in mattress suitability. For example, side sleepers tend to need pressure relief for their hips and shoulders, while back sleepers usually need a mattress with light contouring and full-body support. Stomach sleepers tend to require pelvic support and pressure relief for their arms and shoulders. Another point of consideration regarding comfort is your weight. People who weigh more usually prefer firmer mattresses than people who weigh less than 130 pounds. However, this may not always be the case. That’s why many truck mattresses including our BigDawg mattress™ are flippable to offer dual firmness options.
Mattress Materials
If you want your mattress to be both comfortable and durable, it’s essential that you have a high-quality mattress. This means that the materials that the mattress is made of must be of a superior quality. It’s important you pay close attention to the materials used in its construction to ensure that your mattress is up to par. Memory foam mattresses have become increasingly popular when it comes to long-haul trucking. These mattresses are made of a combination of polyurethane and other compounds. These mattresses have a high-density polyfoam support core that offers stability as well as less-dense comfort layers that provide a plush sleep surface and pressure relief. A key aspect of memory foam mattresses is their deep contouring. Highly contouring materials, like memory foam, cradles the body and eliminates any pressure-related aches and pains. This trait is especially pertinent given that long-haul drivers spend most of their day sitting up at the wheel. A memory foam mattress is the perfect and most comfortable way to end a long day behind the wheel.
Price Point
Customers will be delighted to know that truck mattresses tend to be less expensive than ordinary at-home mattresses. This is because truck mattresses are usually both smaller and thinner. However, truck mattresses are available at a wide range of price points. Price ranges can vary between different models and different types of mattresses (such as memory foam and innerspring) also have their own average prices. The price really depends on what you’re looking for and are in need of. Just remember to set aside a budget for what you are willing to spend.
A SleepDog® Mattress for Long-Haul Trucking
Still not sure what the best mattress for long-haul trucking is? Head over to SleepDog® to check out their mattresses. . They offer two mattress models: the SleepDog® mattress and the BigDawg mattress™. Both models are constructed with memory foam and infused with CoolRest® technology. These materials guarantee you the utmost relaxation and the best possible sleep even on the road. Additionally, both mattresses are made with CertiPUR-US® certified memory foam and are DOT approved. These mattress models are everything that you would want in a mattress for long-haul trucking.