12 Best RV Mattresses for A Comfortable Night’s Sleep

Recreational vehicles offer the perfect blend of comfort and mobility, making them the ideal way to embark on unforgettable adventures and explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or embarking on a cross-country road trip, ensuring a good night’s sleep is essential for rejuvenation and enjoyment along the way.

One of the key factors contributing to a restful sleep in an RV is the mattress. RV mattresses are specifically designed to fit the unique dimensions and requirements of these vehicles, providing optimal comfort and support in a compact space. However, many stock motorhome mattresses fall short in terms of cushiness and support, making it difficult to get a good sleep. So upgrading to a high-quality RV mattress is essential for a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.

Finding the right mattress for your RV can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps in our mattress buying guide to find the perfect mattress for your next adventure.

We’ll explore the best RV mattresses on the market, from luxurious memory foam to innovative designs tailored for specific RV models. Plus, we’ll cover everything from the basics of camper mattresses to buying criteria, FAQs, and more. So you’ll have all the knowledge you need to make an informed purchase

What is an RV Mattress?

RV mattresses are specialized mattresses designed for use in RVs, such as motorhomes, travel trailers, campers, and fifth wheels. They’re tailored to fit the unique dimensions and requirements of RV sleeping areas, which are often smaller and have different size limitations than traditional home mattresses.

RV mattresses come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate different RV models and sleeping arrangements. Some of the most common sizes include RV King, RV Queen, RV Short Queen, RV Full, RV Twin, and RV Bunk. The dimensions of RV mattresses may vary slightly from standard mattress sizes to fit within the designated sleeping areas of RVs.

RV mattresses are designed to provide a balance of comfort and support, even in the challenges of sleeping in a moving vehicle. They’re made with specialized materials and technologies to ensure durability, temperature regulation, and motion isolation. Common materials used in RV mattresses include memory foam, latex, innerspring, or a combination of these.

RV mattresses come in a variety of constructions and features. Some models may have additional features like hypoallergenic properties, antimicrobial treatments, or adjustable firmness levels to meet individual needs. Manufacturers often consider factors such as weight restrictions, portability, and ease of installation when designing RV mattresses. Here are some key features of RV mattresses:

• Durability: RV mattresses are built to withstand the rigors of RV travel, including bumps, vibration, and temperature changes.
• Temperature regulation: RV mattresses are designed to keep sleepers cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Motion isolation: RV mattresses minimize motion transfer, so sleepers won’t be disturbed by their partner’s movements.
• Comfort and support: RV mattresses provide a balance of comfort and support, even for sleepers with back pain or other health conditions.

RV Mattresses vs Regular Mattresses: The Difference?

Recreational vehicles (RVs) have unique sleeping areas, which means RV mattresses need to meet specific requirements and constraints. Here are some key differences between RV mattresses and regular mattresses:

Size and dimensions: RV mattresses are smaller and have different dimensions than regular mattresses. This is because RVs have limited space, and the sleeping areas often have specific size limitations. Some common RV mattress sizes include RV King, RV Queen, RV Short Queen, RV Full, RV Twin, and RV Bunk.

Customized fit: RV mattresses are designed to fit the unique shapes and sizes of RV sleeping areas. This ensures that they maximize the available space and provide a snug fit. Regular mattresses, on the other hand, are designed for use in traditional bedrooms, where space is typically not a limiting factor.

Materials: RV mattresses are designed to meet the unique challenges of sleeping in a moving vehicle. They are often made with specialized materials and technologies to provide durability, temperature regulation, and motion isolation. Some common materials used in RV mattresses include memory foam, latex, innerspring, or a combination of these. Regular mattresses, on the other hand, may have a wider range of construction and material options.

Portability: RV mattresses are also typically designed to be lightweight and easy to handle. They may have features that make them easy to transport and install in RVs. Regular mattresses, on the other hand, can be heavier and more cumbersome to move due to their larger sizes.

Durability: RV mattresses are built to withstand the unique demands of an RV lifestyle, including temperature fluctuations, vibrations during travel, and limited storage space. They are engineered to be more durable and resilient than regular mattresses. This durability ensures that RV mattresses can withstand the rigors of frequent use and maintain their comfort and support over time.

Note: While RV mattresses are specifically designed for use in recreational vehicles, some manufacturers offer options that closely resemble regular residential mattresses. These models offer similar comfort and features as regular mattresses, while still fitting the dimensions and requirements of an RV sleeping area.

Why You Need an RV Mattress?

Investing in an RV mattress is essential for several reasons. First, a good RV mattress ensures a comfortable and restful sleep, even when you’re away from the comforts of home. They’re designed to provide the perfect balance of support and cushioning, even in the unique environment of an RV. Whether you’re parked at a campsite or boondocking in the wilderness, a comfortable mattress can make a world of difference in your overall comfort and well-being on the road.

Second, RV mattresses offer a customized fit that maximizes the available space in your vehicle. Specifically designed for RVs, they’re tailored to fit snugly in the designated sleeping area, providing a seamless integration with the rest of your RV’s interior. This customized fit not only enhances the aesthetics but also optimizes the functionality and comfort of your sleeping quarters.

In addition RV mattresses are built for the open road. They’re designed to withstand the unique challenges of sleeping in a moving vehicle. They provide optimal support and reduce motion transfer, even on bumpy roads or in windy conditions. RV mattresses are also made with durable materials that can endure temperature fluctuations and limited storage space.

Most importantly, investing in a quality RV mattress is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. After all, getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining both physical and mental fitness. By prioritizing your sleep, you can reduce your risk of developing back pain, muscle stiffness, and other sleep-related problems.

The right RV mattress will provide the comfort and support you need to keep your body properly aligned during sleep, which can help alleviate pressure points and promote spinal alignment. Quality sleep can also lead to increased energy levels, better concentration, and a more enjoyable RV experience overall.

Types of RV Mattress

RV Innerspring Mattress

Mattresses have seen some major inventions and improvements, but the traditional innerspring mattresses are still loved by many till today, thanks to their unique bounciness.

Innerspring mattresses are made from a metal wire system combined with metal coils or springs to create the main support frame, and this frame is padded with cushioning materials on top for extra support and comfort. This is the oldest and cheapest type of mattress, so they are popular with the budget campers and first time RV owners. 

The major downsides of this type of mattress is that the metal frame has the potential to rust, and the metal springs produce that squeaking sound every time you lay down on the mattress or come off of it, which can be really annoying for many.

Furthermore, this type of mattress will worsen any bodily pain, despite the seemingly comfortable and bouncy feel. If you suffer from back, neck and joint pain, you should not be tempted by the affordability of innerspring mattresses.

RV Foam Mattress

A later invention is regular foam mattresses, an improvement from the conventional innerspring type but not as advanced and not as expensive as memory foam mattresses. Foam contours to your body to help relieve pressure, thus offer reasonable comfort and support.

Foam, particularly high density foam, can provide good spinal alignment and reduce neck and back pain. If you’re prone to bodily pain but do want an affordable option for your rig, a regular foam mattress might be the best camper mattress for you. 

RV Memory Foam Mattress

All types of foam, including regular foam, memory foam and gel foam, are made from petroleum. Memory foam consists mainly of polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its viscosity and density. A way to identify memory foam is to press your hand on it; this should leave a clear impression on the surface and memory foam will not spring back to its original shape immediately but will recover slowly. 

If you are willing to pay more money for the highest level of comfort and support, then memory foam mattresses will work best. An RV memory foam mattress is unmatched in the way that it “remembers” the weight and shape of the sleeper and shapes itself accordingly.

This is partly thanks to the matrix of open foam bubbles through which air can move. With time, it will fit with your body more snugly like a Lego piece to a Lego piece, thus giving you joint support and spinal alignment just where you need it. 

Another benefit of memory foam is motion isolation. Due to its slow recovery nature, if you tumbles on your side of the bed, a memory foam mattress will dampen your movement, thus leaving your loved one almost unaffected. 

Compared to an innerspring mattress that might immediately feel heavenly when you first bounce on it but give some sleepers bodily aches when time passes, memory foam mattresses are best for your spinal and joint health in the long term. They are also very comfortable, not too soft but not too firm.

You will see many mattresses that add extra layers of firmer high-density non-memory foam under a layer of memory foam to increase firmness and support, or add innerspring, like the hybrid mattresses below.

RV Hybrid Mattress (Memory Foam & Innerspring)

A “hybrid” mattress is often a combination of a metal frame with innersprings padded with a layer of memory foam on top. What you get is the best of both worlds: the unique bounciness of the good old innerspring mattresses that the previous generation grew up with, and the superior comfort and body support of a memory foam mattress.

The best RV mattress of the category also eliminates the annoying squeaking sound of a conventional innerspring mattress. It should be noted that a hybrid mattress would weigh considerably more than a foam-only mattress, due to the weight of the metal frame. 

Most buyers would generally agree that all else being equal, the most comfortable RV mattress is memory foam mattresses (either purely memory foam or consist of a base layer of high-density regular foam under a layer of memory foam), followed by hybrid foam-innerspring mattresses. 

RV Gel Foam Mattress

Another version of memory foam mattresses is gel foam mattresses. Gel foam is memory foam that’s been infused with gel microbeads. These gel microbeads draw heat away from the body, thus creating a cooling effect and are ideal for hot sleepers or those having night sweats and for use in hot, humid weather.

RV Latex Mattress

Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, and is a naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and mildew-resistant material. This makes 100% natural Latex foam mattresses the best camper mattress for extra sensitive shoppers who might react to synthetic materials in other types of mattresses or for those who often camp in more humid weather. 

Latex foam mattresses can use 100% natural rubber tree sap, or 100% synthetic materials from petroleum, or a combination of the two, which is most common. All-natural latex mattresses are more expensive, but  they offer better pressure relief and body contouring.

Synthetic latex mattresses are cheaper but more durable, and better resists softening, aging and abrasion. A combination mattress meanwhile can offer a better balance of comfort, support, durability and price. The more natural rubber is used in the blend, the more expensive a latex mattress will be. 

Latex foam is firmer than memory foam and regular foam, although this might not be a deal breaker for many sleepers, and they don’t offer the type of support like memory foam. That said, being firmer means Latex mattresses have enough support for heavier people.

RV Air Mattress

Air mattresses are, like what you expect, blown up with air using an air pump. These are the solution for really tight RVs, typically with beds that fold up flush against the wall when not in use.

These beds very often have air mattresses that can be deflated once morning comes and inflated when it’s time for sleep again. They are the least comfortable, but you can add thick mattress toppers to help with that, and they are compact and versatile.

You can customize the firmness, and they can serve as extra sleeping arrangements for guests. The best air mattresses for camping often come with a battery-powered air pump so you won’t have to inflate it manually. In the rare case of yours don’t, or if you need a better pump, there are ample air pumps sold separately.

12 Best RV Mattresses: In-depth Reviews

Out of the RV mattresses we have tested and reviewed, these are 12 products that really stand out among the rest.

1. Best Overall: ZINUS RV Ultima Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Use in hot and humid climates, hot sleepers who have night sweats, side, back and stomach sleepers

At a glance:

• Sizes: Short Queen
• Thickness: 8 inches, 10 inches
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2” green-tea and charcoal infused memory foam + 2” airflow-boosting comfort foam + 4” to 6” high-density foam support base 
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Why we love it:

What I love about the Zinus Ultima mattress, and what makes it stand out from the competition, is its top layer of plush and supportive memory foam infused with anti-odor green tea and moisture-absorbing charcoal. This mattress smells like a dream, unlike so many other mattresses with a strong synthetic new-mattress smell.

Thanks to the green tea and charcoal, the Zinus Ultima stays fresh even in hot and humid weather, making it the perfect RV mattress for hot sleepers who tend to sweat at night. The 2-inch middle layer of airflow-boosting comfort also contributes to the breathability and cooling effect of this mattress.

The 10-inch version of the Zinus Ultima is also one of the best camper mattresses for heavy sleepers, supporting up to 500 pounds without losing its comfort or support over time, thanks to a thick 6-inch support base layer of durable high-density foam. The medium-firm feel of this mattress makes it a versatile choice for side, back, and stomach sleepers, as well as sleepers who don’t have a preferred sleeping position.

We bought our RV last spring and took it our for a 2 night stay in April. After a horrible sleepless night on the mattress that came with the RV from the factory, we had to pack it up and head home. I searched all over for short queen mattress and they all ran about $800 and up. When I came across this one I kept scrolling because of the price. It was so low it had to a piece of junk, right? But then I got frustrated with all the others with mixed reviews and trying to decide what’s best I came back to this one and said what the heck. I saw the reviews for this were pretty good and thought if I try it and don’t like it, I’m not out that much money. Well I’m glad I did! I took it out of the box in my basement and gave it more than the recommended time to expand. Then my wife and I laid down on it and wow. This felt as comfortable as our $2000 mattress in our bedroom at home. Several camping trips later and this mattress never disappoints!

Shared by Da Guy

Pros

• Outstanding comfort
• Quick shipping
• Nice price

Cons

• A few units fail to expand properly
• Several users report about sinking foam

2. Editor’s Choice: DynastyMattress CoolBreeze 10-Inch RV Gel Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Best for back & stomach sleepers. This medium firm mattress would be a great fit for those who sleep on their stomach or back.

At a glance:

• Sizes: Full, Queen, Short King, King
• Thickness: 10-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2.5” gel infused high density memory foam + 7.5”  memory foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 30 year warranty

Why we love it:

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, or if you tend to sweat at night, you’ll love this cooling gel-infused memory foam mattress from Dynasty. The top 2.5-inch layer is made of high-density gel-infused memory foam with an open-cell composition that’s designed to run cooler than conventional memory foam, keeping you cool even in the summer. Plus, this mattress comes with a luxurious silk cover with a zipper closure, which further contributes to its breathability and cooling effect.

The base layer is a 7.5-inch support core made of memory foam. The two layers together give this mattress a medium firmness that’s slightly firmer than other similar mattresses made of memory foam and poly foam. This perfect firmness makes this mattress the best option for sleepers who weigh up to 250 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers. The firmness provides sufficient support to keep your body flat and your spine aligned all night long.

This mattress is also antimicrobial and resistant to allergens, mold, bacteria, and dust mites. What I love is the unmatched 30-year warranty, which speaks volumes about this product’s durability. There are many campers who have used this mattress for over 15 years and reported that it’s still holding up exceedingly well without any loss in comfort and body support. Considering such a long service life, this mattress is very affordable.

I bought this for our RV and I’m glad I did. I sleep as well on it as I do on my expensive Tempurpedic at home. It’s firm yet the memory foam cushions my tender hips and shoulders from RA and fibromyalgia. I sleep alone on it so I don’t know how it is with a person on each side. I read many reviews from RV web pages and this mattress was in the top three of at least four sites. I’ve slept on it for at least six weeks and there is nothing to complain about. No problems with odors when we first opened it.

Shared by Mysteryfan

Pros

• Resilient
• Comfort level is fantastic
• Instantaneous installation

Cons

• RVers notice sporadic troughs on the foam
• Sagging is not uncommon

3. Best Motion Isolation RV Mattress: Serenia Sleep RV Short Queen Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Heavy sleepers, back and stomach sleepers, those who tumbles about and wake up for a bathroom visit during the night

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Full, Short Full, Short Queen, Queen, King
• Thickness: 6 inches; 8 inches
• Firmness: Firm
• Construction: 2” high density memory foam + 6” foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Made in the USA

Why we love it:

If you’re a heavy sleeper weighing over 250 pounds, you know that finding a comfortable RV mattress can be a challenge. Most RV mattresses are 12 inches thick, which is ideal for providing support for your weight. But if you’re short on headroom in your RV, a 12-inch mattress may not be an option.

That’s where the Serenia Sleep short queen mattress comes in. At just 8 inches thick, it’s perfect for RVs with limited headroom. But don’t let its slim profile fool you. This mattress is packed with features that make it ideal for heavy sleepers.

The top layer of the mattress is 2 inches of 2.5-pound high-density memory foam. This foam conforms to your body, providing pressure relief and support where you need it most. The base of the mattress is 6 inches of firm foam, which provides additional support and prevents you from sinking too far into the mattress.

Reviewers of the Serenia Sleep mattress praise its firmness and support. Many say that it’s the perfect mattress for stomach and back sleepers, as it provides good spinal alignment. The mattress is also known for its excellent motion isolation, which means that you won’t be disturbed by your partner’s movements during the night.

Additionally, this mattress is made in the USA by American craftsmen using cutting-edge foam technology. It’s also backed by a 10-year warranty.

If you’re looking for an RV mattress that’s comfortable, supportive, and won’t take up too much headroom, the Serenia Sleep short queen mattress is a great option.

This mattress is insanely comfortable, and doesn’t transfer motion. We are going on 7 months with it, not a single sign of wear. I highly recommend! We bought the RV king for our 377MBS Grand Design Solitude RV which we live in full time, but I plan to order this same mattress, regular king size, once we are back in a house. Super soft mattresses give me back pain. This one is not overly firm by any means, but just perfect. I sleep like a baby on it.

Shared by BrazeB

Pros

• Adaptable
• Long-lasting
• Installation is child’s play

Cons

• Certain units develop grooves over time
• Too firm for some people

4. Best For All Sleeping Positions: Live and Sleep Classic RV Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Best for all sleeping positions. This mattress is best for side, back and stomach sleepers, heavy sleepers, hot sleepers.

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty, 30 day trial

Why we love it:

If you’re the lucky owner of a spacious Class A or Class C motorhome with a California King or King bed, then you can afford to splurge on a thick and luxurious residential-grade RV mattress to make the most of your RV adventures, even when you’re far from home.

The Live and Sleep Resort Classic RV Memory Foam Mattress Body is one of the best RV mattresses on the market, available in 8, 10, and 12-inch thicknesses. It features a 2-inch top layer of memory foam, a 2-inch middle layer of convoluted air flow foam, and a high-density foam base. The firm base provides support and structural integrity, while the memory foam top layer conforms to your body for ultimate comfort and pressure relief.

What really sets this mattress apart is the middle layer of convoluted air flow foam. This unique material, which is often used in hospitals for burn patients, complements the memory foam to create a cooler and plusher mattress that allows air to circulate and dissipates body heat away from your body. This makes the Live and Sleep Resort Classic the ideal RV mattress for hot sleepers and heavy people who tend to sink deep into the mattress.

The convoluted air flow material and memory foam top layer work together to alleviate pressure points and reduce neck and back pain. The firm foam base and plusher foam layers create a medium firmness that’s perfect for campers of all sleeping positions.

While the 8-inch and 10-inch versions should provide ample support and comfort for most average campers, heavy sleepers and back and stomach sleepers might prefer the 12-inch version. The thicker, 8-inch high-density foam base provides extra firmness to prevent you from sinking too deep into the mattress, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long.

As the icing on the cake, this CertiPUR-US certified mattress comes with a luxurious soft linen cover.

 As Comfortable As Our Bed At Home!

After a ten day road trip with our little travel trailer last year we had to make a change. The original mattress almost killed our backs. So, before thanking our first trip this year we ordered the Resort Sleep RV Short queen. It is as comfortable as our memory foam mattress we have at home. When we do our next ten day road trip we will sleep as good as we do at home! Oh, and when you do get yours, be sure and buy a waterproof cover to go under your regular mattress pad. That’s insurance for your investment should your RV spring a leak.

Shared by L. Bishop

Pros

• Economical
• High endurance
• Cleaning is a cinch

Cons

• RVers sometimes notice inconsistent expansion
• Lingering odor

5. Best Price Green Tea Infused RV Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Sleepers who suffer from back and neck pain; the extra thick 12-inch and 14-inch versions are ideal for heavy sleepers, as well as back and stomach sleepers

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Deluxe Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 6 Inch, 8 Inch, 10 Inch, 12 Inch, 14 Inch
• Variety: Green tea infused memory foam and premium memory foam
• Firmness: Medium firm to firm
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Construction: 

• 6 inch: 1” memory foam + 2″ super soft pressure relief foam + 3” high density foam base
• 8 inch: 2” memory foam + 2″ super soft pressure relief foam + 4” high density foam base
• 10 inch: 2” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 5” high density foam base
• 12 inch: 2.5” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 6.5” high density foam base
• 14 inch: 2.5” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 8.5” high density foam base

Why we love it:

Looking for an RV mattress that’s fresh, affordable, and supportive for even the heaviest sleepers? The Best Price green tea infused memory foam mattress is a great option.

This mattress is available in a variety of thicknesses, but the 14-inch version is a standout for heavy sleepers. It’s also one of the most affordable mattresses in its category, making it a great value.

This Best Price green tea mattress is made with three layers: a top layer of body-conforming and breathable memory foam, a middle layer of super soft pressure relief foam, and a thick bottom layer of high density foam for support. This combination provides the perfect balance of comfort, spinal alignment, pressure relief, and durability.

The 14-inch mattress can support up to 650 pounds without sagging, making it ideal for even the heaviest sleepers. It’s also a good choice for back and stomach sleepers, as well as hot sleepers, as it provides firm support and won’t let you sink too deep.

Despite its affordable price, the Best Price green tea infused memory foam mattress is CertiPUR-US certified and comes with a 10-year warranty.

Pros

• Plenty of support
• No sagging
• Firm but not hard

Cons

• Several RVers complain about sinking
• Fire sock consists of fiberglass

6. Classic Brands 8-Inch Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Hot sleepers, back, stomach and side sleepers

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 8-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm 
• Construction: 2” gel infused memory foam + 6” high density foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Why we love it:

The Class Brands 8-Inch Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a great option for hot sleepers and campers who travel in hotter climates. It has a 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam on top for breathability and temperature regulation, and a 6-inch base layer of high-density foam for support and pressure relief. This medium-firm mattress is comfortable for all sleeping positions, and it’s versatile enough to be used in any type of RV.

With the infusion of cooling gel, the Class Brands camper mattress consistently maintains the temperature at an acceptable level and disperse heat build-ups. Hence, by sleeping on this mattress, I could avoid excessive sweating as I attempt to get some shut-eye on summer nights. Once it comes to support, this mattress seldom lets me down too thanks to the use of high-density base foam. From relieving the pressure points to aligning the spine, this mattress can do everything to save me from the sores and aches in the morning.

Another perk of the Classic Brands mattress that nearly 9,000 Amazon buyers agree on is its excellent motion isolation. The memory foam quickly conforms to your new sleeping position as you toss and turn, cradling your body for a cloud-like sleep without disturbing your partner. The mattress easily handles me and my partner simultaneously, restricting the spread of motion better than other mattresses on the market. Even if I’m a restless sleeper, I can rest assured knowing that I won’t disrupt my spouse’s sleep. If you need a little time to find the perfect sleeping position, this mattress is for you.

Classic Brands compresses the mattress for shipping, but it expands to 90% of its size in just a few minutes. By the next day, it’s fully expanded and ready to use.

Pros

• Fast foam expansion
• Affordable
• Commendable level of comfort

Cons

• Strong chemical smells when unrolled
• RVers occasionally detect bugs on new mattresses

7. LUCID 10 Inch Medium Firm Gel Memory Foam Mattress

What it’s best for: Hot sleepers; those who suffer from back or neck pain.

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 10 inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2.5” gel infused memory foam + 7.5” high density foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Why we love it:

Having amassed raving reviews from almost 20,000 buyers on Amazon alone, this LUCID mattress is a best seller and one of the best RV mattresses out there within the gel infused memory foam category. It is similar to the 8-inch mattress by Classic Brands above, but the 10-inch thickness makes this LUCID mattress more ideal for heavier sleepers. Its medium firmness still makes it a comfortable mattress for most sleepers, regardless of their sleeping position.

The 2.5-inch top layer of body conforming and breathable memory foam is infused with cooling gel beads to draw heat away from your body, while the 7.5-inch thick base layer of high density foam provides a balance support, spinal alignment and excellent pressure point relief. As a result, I won’t have to worry about waking up with back and neck pains from sleeping in the same position for too long.

Another thing that makes this mattress loved by so many people is its ability to maintain its original level of comfort and support after around a decade of extensive use, even in the case of heavy couples weighing over 200 pounds each. The LUCID memory foam mattress employs high-density base foam that delivers a medium level of firmness. Hence, as I change between sleeping positions, the level of support available to my body remains reasonable. The presence of base foam in the construction results in a high weight capacity as well. Usually, I could drop myself on top of this mattress and sleep peacefully without sinking into the foam. 

Introduced at a cheap price, the Lucid mattress is held in high esteem by cost-conscious RV owners including me. As proof of confidence, Lucid offers a warranty that lasts for twenty five years to everyone that picks up its mattress which speaks volumes. 

Pros

• Customer service is responsive
• Odorless

Cons

• Reports of mold show up from time to time
• Irregular sagging

8. Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Mattress

At a glance:

• Size: Narrow Twin, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 6 Inch, 8 Inch, 10 Inch, 12 Inch
• Firmness: Medium
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year

Why we love it:

Despite the fact that it could use some work here and there, Zinus OLB-GTFM-6SQ still deserves second place on the list. Offering quite a few features at a reasonable price, this mattress is the best value for the money in my opinion. Moreover, upon purchase, it’s accompanied by a ten-year warranty with comprehensive coverage. Because of that, if this mattress fails due to manufacturing defects within the warranty period, I would be able to claim a free replacement. 

One of the things I like about the mattress made by Zinus is that it incorporates green tea extract into the foam. As a person that desires a fresh atmosphere in the bedroom, I truly enjoy sleeping on this green tea-infused mattress. Also, owing to the presence of activated charcoal, it is good at absorbing moisture in the surrounding. Following the purchase of this mattress, I rarely feel stuffy even as I travel through areas with high levels of humidity. 

About support, I’m pleased to report that the foam of OLB-GTFM-6SQ holds up well in a wide range of conditions. Consisting of one inch of pressure-relieving memory foam and five inches of high-density base foam, this mattress cradles my body from head to toe. Hence, sores and aches no longer bother me and I can get the most out of my outdoor experience. Lastly, since this mattress is CertiPUR-US-certified, I don’t have to be too anxious about my allergies. 

In terms of setup, I managed to move Zinus OLB-GTFM-6SQ to my bed in a blink of an eye as a result of the outstanding packaging. Being compressed prior to delivery, it smoothly squeezed through the interior of my rig. After I finished orienting it on the bed, I simply allowed this mattress to unroll and that concluded the installation. In my case, the Zinus mattress expanded back to its original specifications in less than three days. 

For cleaning, I only have to spot-clean OLB-GTFM-6SQ from time to time to keep it in top shape. Countless cleaning products for mattresses exist but I like mixing my own solution with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. It’s important to point out that the cover is not to be removed under any circumstances. The cover is not washable so there is no need to add it to your laundry. 

I purchased the 8 inch mattress for my RV and let me tell you it’s a major improvement from the stock foam mattress that came with the RV. It’s firm but gives enough to be comfortable. I slept well on it and I think it’s better than my home mattress. I find myself wanting to go camping more so I can sleep on it.

Shared by Dwayne E Seeley

Pros

• Generous support
• Clean safety records
• No-nonsense setup process

Cons

• Complains about mold appear on occasions
• Customer service requires improvements

9. ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

#1 Zinus’s selling green tea mattress with the added temperature control of our specially formulated MyGel memory foam

At a glance:

• Size: Twin, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King
• Thickness: 6 Inch, 8 Inch, 10 Inch, 12 Inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Certification: CertiPUR US Certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Why we love it:

Designed with attention to heat dissipation, Zinus OLB-FGM-0800Q is capable of preempting the appearance of hotspots around the clock. That is why in my opinion, this mattress is the best mattress for hot sleepers in its price range. Additionally, the foam it uses is certified by CertiPUR and that guarantees a superb level of safety. Despite being someone with certain sensitivity issues, I have yet to find anything that makes me feel uncomfortable while sleeping on this mattress.

Owing to the incorporation of ultra-cooling gel in its top foam layer, the Zinus mattress consistently regulates temperature. As the outside temperature increases, this mattress still ensures that I won’t sweat like crazy during the night. Besides that, the conforming characteristics of the foam allow it to provide relief to the weary joints of my body after a long day on the road. Ever since I bought it, I have been sleeping soundly even in the dog days of summer. 

For softness, from what I have seen, OLB-FGM-0800Q is going to cradle people up to a total weight of 500 pounds. This mattress archives that by including one point five inches of comfort foam in its construction. It’s worth pointing out that the foam not only holds on to my body but also facilitates air circulation. Needless to say, with this mattress in the bedroom, I rarely have to get worked up over issues such as smell, mold, etc.

In terms of support, Zinus OLB-FGM-0800Q makes extensive use of high-density base foam at the bottom. As a result, regardless of my sleeping style, I still wake up in the morning free of joint pains. For an RVer, being able to start a day without pain in the joints is a big plus and that is why I think of this mattress as a wise investment. Last but not least, the 500-pound weight capacity of this mattress is more than enough for me and my spouse. 

As soon as the packaging is out of the way, the mattress from Zinus is going to expand back to size. The time it takes for the expansion to complete varies from case to case but my mattress reached the original specifications within seventy two hours. Afterward, I could use it in any way I see fit and the jacquard knit cover helps a lot as well. To reassure customers, Zinus backs its mattress with a ten-year warranty and I find that reassuring. 

Our old RV mattress was starting to get slumps in it where we sleep so we bought this queen mattress, 8″ thick, firm version. The width and length size is exactly what is described. Very fast delivery, box was creased on one side and indented into the mattress itself. But we took it out of the box and plastic, unwrapped it and let it sit on another mattress at a friends house and let it fill out for 48hrs. It rose up to 7.75″. Just 1/4″ shy of a full 8″ tall. No smell at all like others have said, and the corners filled out perfect. My wife and I are very happy with this purchase. Firm does mean firm and we like it that way. We didn’t realize how shot our old mattress was until we slept on this new one. VERY HAPPY.

Shared by MJ

Pros

• Resilient
• Snug fit
• No hotspots

Cons

• Quality control still leaves something to be desired
• People complain about squashed corners every now and then

10. Travel Happy Mattress For Campers, RVs

Made in the USA: No fiberglass or harmful materials. Great choice for all sleeping positions.

At a glance:

• Size: Short Queen
• Thickness: 8 Inch
• Firmness: Firm
• Warranty: 10 year warranty
• 100% hand made in the USA

Why we love it:

For your information, many mattresses nowadays use fiberglass as a flame retardant and despite the capability of the material, it’s a health hazard. Hence, when I learned that Travel Happy USRV0850SQ is free of fiberglass, I instantly had a positive impression of it. Owing to the absence of fiberglass, I could manipulate this mattress in whatever way I see fit on the road. Moreover, since it’s CertiPUR-US-certified, I don’t need to worry about my allergies while sleeping on this mattress.  

Instead of placing traditional memory foam on the top layer like its competitors, the Travel Happy mattress incorporates gel memory foam. Because of that, this travel trailer mattress cradles my body every night and keeps me cool at the same time. Noteworthily, as a medium-firm product, it delivers an excellent amount of support to my body but never to the point of being stiff. Following the purchase of this mattress, sores and aches rarely visit me in the morning which is nice. 

To ensure that more than one person could sleep on this mattress any time, USRV0850SQ is made to limit the reach of motion. As a result, even if I sleep next to my partner and our children, I barely notice a thing when they twist and tumble. Besides that, boasting an open-cell construction, this mattress not only prevents odor but also keeps humidity in check. With this mattress keeping the atmosphere fresh, I can sleep comfortably. 

I’m pleased to report that Travel Happy USRV0850SQ released no odor out of the box. Additionally, the foam expanded at a fast pace and that permitted me to put this mattress to use within days. On arrival, it came alongside a cover so there was no need to spend more money for a mattress cover. As the cover is simple to clean, I don’t have to do much to keep it in top shape.

About safety, the mattress made by Travel Happy is an emission-free product with zero off-gassing. It passes/exceeds a wide range of fire safety standards for mattresses too and that puts me at ease. 

Pros

• Sturdy and stable
• Ample body support
• Superb post-purchase support

Cons

• A number of mattresses show up damaged
• Firmness degrade as time passes by

11. Parklane Mattresses The Explorer

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, RV Full, Queen, Short Queen, RV King
• Breathable bamboo cover 
• Full foam encasement
• Individually wrapped coils

Why we love it:

Designed for modern standards and built to last, Parklane Mattresses The Explorer is a good companion for RV adventures in my opinion. Being made from the ground up as a medium-firm product, it offers a sufficient level of support to my body regardless of sleeping posture. Furthermore, this mattress features a breathable bamboo cover that simultaneously regulates temperature and facilitates airflows. That is why I never feel stuffy while catching a snooze on top of this mattress. 

At the end of a long day, everything my weary body needs is to be cradled and The Explorer could do just that. Consisting of individually wrapped coils that effectively and efficiently react to load, it hugs my body from head to toe. Hence, once it comes to the conforming capability, this mattress seldom loses to its contemporaries. Finally, since the coils excel at curbing motion transfer, it lets me sleep in peace next to my family. 

By incorporating layers of soft high-density foam, the mattress from Parklane Mattresses keeps me comfortable and eliminates the issue of sinking. Aside from that, with a mix of reinforced lumbar support and full foam encasement, this mattress keeps sagging in check over time. Because of that, the performance of this mattress would remain consistent throughout the seasons and that makes it worth every penny. Lastly, thanks to the presence of Certi-PurUS-certified foam, I can sleep without having to bother with allergic reactions.

Unlike many other mattresses in its price range, Parklane Mattresses The Explorer is designed to be free of ozone depleters, mercury and so on. Thus, from what I can see, this mattress presents zero health risks and causes no harm to the environment. Also, as a twin mattress, it requires a bit of room so I don’t have to rearrange my rig to accommodate it. The marvelous compatibility of this mattress permits me to reuse it on my stock bed as well which is convenient. 

Costing just several hundred dollars, The Explorer delivers great values for the price so most cost-conscious RVers like me think highly of it. The accompanying five-year manufacturer warranty is reassuring too since I could require support from the brand when a need arises. 

Pros:

• Cheap 
• No odor 
• Setup is a breeze 

Cons:

• Customer service requires improvements 
• Lumps appear on particular units 

12. Dreamfoam Bedding Doze 9″ Eurotop Mattress

At a glance:

• Size: Twin, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, Californa King
• Thickness: 7 inches,9 inches, 11 inches
• Zoned foam construction
• Compressed, rolled and shipped 
• Hassle-free manufacturer warranty 

Why we love it:

Engineered with attention to utility, Dreamfoam DFDZ9_50SH rarely let me down during the search for quality snoozing. Featuring zoned foam construction, this mattress delivers additional support to parts of my body that need a bit more attention than the rest. Furthermore, with the use of memory foam, it conforms to my sleeping posture nicely which helps relieve joint pains. Because of that, this RV memory foam mattress permits me to make the most of my outdoor experience. 

Being compressed, rolled and shipped, the mattress made by Dreamfoam saved me a lot of time and effort in terms of installation. Thanks to the compact packaging, getting this mattress on top of my camper bed was a straightforward affair. About expansion, it took about twenty four hours for this mattress to return to its original size after leaving the packaging. Hence, I didn’t have to alter my schedule too much to ensure that I have something around to lie down while traveling.

Once it comes to safety, DFDZ9_50SH is free of health hazards such as heavy metals, chemicals and others like them. As I care about the well-being of myself and my family, I have no reservation giving this mattress a big thumbs-up. Also, since it’s odorless, I have an easy time controlling my allergies and that is good for outdoor adventures. Finally, this mattress for travel trailer facilitates airflow throughout the day and keeps the atmosphere surrounding the foam fresh. 

With universal comparability, Dreamfoam DFDZ9_50SH fits quite a few RV beds snugly including mine. Aside from that I’m pleasantly surprised that this mattress stays exactly where I set it regardless of the tossing and turning. As a result, when I wake up in the morning, I don’t need to bother pushing this mattress back into place. It’s stable under load too so I can sleep alongside my family at any time I want. 

Compared to standard products, the mattress of Dreamfoam is a bit pricey but to me, its values match its cost. It’s backed with a ten-year warranty and that eases my worries about its longevity. 

Pros:

• Steady 
• Abundant support  
• Shipping is tip-top

Cons:

• RVers come across lumps sporadically
• Occasional failure of foam expansion 

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How To Choose The Best RV Mattresses: The Buying Criteria

As mentioned above, if you don’t take into account the price difference, and if you don’t have a particular need, then in most cases, most sleepers would think of a memory foam mattress as the most comfortable mattress.

That said, it’s not a one size fits all. If you tend to sleep in a specific position and if you have special needs, say, if you are larger and heavier than average, if you suffer from neck and back aches or if you sweat a lot at night, you might need something else.

Keep in mind the following criteria to select the best camper mattress for your specific needs and budget:

Size

In any case, the best mattress for RV must fit snugly with your bed frames. Even a slight mismatch in size might cause your mattress to slide around instead of being secured in place, causing discomforts and annoyance.

Many campers might make the mistake of not measuring the bed in their home on wheels and look for an RV mattress advertised as, for example, a king, and find that it does not fit their existing king bed frame.

This is because while some RV beds have the same size as the standard ones in your home, in most cases this is not true. One dimension, typically the width, is usually slightly smaller than the regular mattresses made for residential use. In addition, there are also some odd sizes that are unique to recreational vehicles.

Therefore, to avoid confusion and wrong decisions, always make sure you measure your RV bed frames twice before looking for the best mattress for your home on wheels instead of relying on what the mattress manufacturer chooses to call their products.  

Below are the most popular sizes for RV mattresses, from king down to twin:

RV mattress size	Dimensions (Width x Length)	Note
RV King	72” x 80”	regular King measures 76” x 80”
RV Short King	72″ x 75″	unique to RVs
RV Olympic Queen	66″ x 80″	unique to RVs
RV Queen	60″ x 80″	same as regular Queen
RV Short Queen	60” x 75”	unique to RVs, sometimes 60″ x 74″
RV Full	53″ x 75″	regular full measures 54″ x 75″
Three-quarter	48” x 75”	unique to RVs
Narrow Twin	30″ x 75″	unique to RVs
RV Twin	28″ x 80″	sometimes 28″ x 75″, vs regular twin 38″ x 75″

Bunk: The bunk mattresses for RV in particular have a variety of sizes:

• 28″ x 75″
• 30″ x 75″
• 30″ x 80″

Less common sizes for RV bunk mattresses might even be slightly bigger than an RV twin:

• 32″ x 74″
• 34″ x 75″
• 35″ x 79″
• 42″ x 80″

Firmness Level

Mattresses have a firmness scale of 10 as follows:

• 1-2: extra soft
• 3-4: soft
• 5-6: medium
• 7-8: firm
• 9-10: extra firm

The firmness of a mattress is not just a matter of personal preference, but of science too. In general, heavy and/or hot sleepers and anyone who suffers from back and neck or joint pain should choose firmer mattresses.

Meanwhile, side sleepers should opt for a softer or medium mattress to avoid having numb limbs. More on how to choose the best type of mattress for different sleeping positions and special needs further down below.

Thickness

If you don’t have to worry too much about the extra load that a mattress will add to your rig, then when it comes to thickness, it is universally agreed that thicker mattresses are more comfortable.

Remember that RV mattresses are typically made with less material in order to minimize weight, so many campers intentionally opt for the thickest mattresses they can find to ensure superb comfort and sufficient support. 

Thickness is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, as a rule of thumb, heavier sleepers need thicker mattresses, and firmer ones at that, which can withstand their weight without being deformed too soon. 

Another important consideration that many buyers overlook when determining the ideal thickness for a mattress is where the bed is.

If it is a bed platform with limited headroom, going for an extra thick mattress for extra support might make your sleeping environment feel a lot more cramped and inhibited. 

Materials & Support

The level of body support and spinal alignment partly comes from the thickness of the mattress, and the rest comes from the material.

While a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress generally offers the best support for most average sleepers, in case you need extra support either due to your weight or because you suffer from neck and back pain, a better option is a mattress with a base of firmer high-density foam and a layer of memory foam on top.

Such a mattress would be firmer and more supportive than a pure memory foam mattress. If you need an even firmer mattress, go for a latex mattress. 

Temperature Control

If you typically travel in winter months or in cooler climates, a softer mattress will generally feel warmer and cozier, as your body sinks deeper into it and it wraps around you better like a blanket.

In contrast, such a mattress would feel very hot and stuffy in hot weather, or if you tend to sweat at night. The best mattress for RV in this case would be a gel infused memory foam mattress, followed by a Latex foam mattress.

Motion Isolation

In general, a mattress that is too bouncy or springy will have little motion isolation property.

Meanwhile, a mattress that takes some time to recover when pressed down, like a memory foam mattress, or a firmer mattress like a latex foam mattress, will provide better motion isolation so that your partner won’t be woken up at night every time you need to visit the bathroom.

Durability

The best RV mattresses on the market often come with a 10 year warranty, while others might offer anywhere from 5 years to 10 years, with top-of-the-class products offering a 15 year to 20 year warranty.

The length of the warranty does speak something about the durability of a particular product, and the rest depends on the materials and the construction of the mattress. 

When we’re talking about mattresses, the lifespan of a mattress refers to how long the mattress can maintain its original level of body comfort and body support across its surface area, without sustaining permanent dents or unevenness that would reduce comfort.

In general, an innerspring mattress and an extra soft mattress would be the first ones to lose their structural integrity and evenness in terms of comfort. A firmer mattress like a Latex mattress, or one with a firmer base layer at the bottom, would last longer.

And of course, how you treat your mattress also affects its lifespan. You can make your mattress in tip top shape for a little while longer with periodic rotation (more on this in the next section).

Brands and Cost

There are decent RV mattresses by lesser known brands out there with good reviews and warranty that might suit your needs and budget. But of course, it’s always a good idea to start your search by looking at the best selling products by leading brands.

The most renowned manufacturers in this arena include Zinus, Dynasty, Lucid, Serenia, Live & Sleep,…

As for price, the price for RV mattresses of the same size can vary widely depending on the type, material and thickness. For instance, an RV innerspring king mattress might cost a little under $200 but a gel infused memory foam king mattress might easily cost north of $1,000.

Also, the same model of memory foam mattress might ask for a few hundred dollars extra if you want an extra thick mattress.

So to get the most value for your money, know what you need in terms of comfort, support, pressure relief, temperature control and motion isolation so that you won’t unnecessarily pay more money for an overkill product.

That said, when it comes to a mattress that you will sleep on every night for at least the next decade, do not feel tempted to buy something that is too cheap with too short a warranty.

Choosing RV Mattresses For Different Sleeping Positions & Special Needs

Here’s a general guide for choosing the right RV mattress replacement, in terms of material, firmness and thickness, that would be most comfortable for a specific sleeping position or special needs: 

Best RV mattress for back and stomach sleeper

If you sleep on your back or stomach, you’d be lying flat and spread out on top of your mattress instead of sinking into it like side sleepers, so a firmer mattress would offer even support to your body parts.

A firmer mattress would prevent you from sinking deep into the mattress and thus you would not feel too hot, whereas a softer mattress would hug around you, which is not ideal for those who tend to sweat a lot.

A latex mattress might be a good option, or a mattress with memory foam on top and a base layer of firmer foam. 

Best RV mattress for side sleeper

Meanwhile, if you are a side sleeper, a firm mattress wouldn’t be comfortable.

The best RV bed mattress for side sleepers is memory foam mattresses, since they are less firm, and importantly, they have the unique ability to contour and support the side profile of your body, so your side will settle well into the mattress.

It’d feel that the mattress is custom-made just for you, like a pair of custom shoes. 

Best RV mattress for combination

If you tumble in your sleep and don’t settle for one dominant sleeping position, the most comfortable mattress in most cases would be a memory foam mattress of medium firmness. 

Best RV mattress for heavy people

Both body support and the superb capacity to stay cool are very important to heavy folks, since the weight would mean that your body would sink deeper into the mattress, and the better the mattress can conform to your body, the better support and thus comfort you will get.

A top layer of gel-infused beads would be ideal for that extra cooling effect, while a firm and extra thick foam base of at least 12 inches would provide the required support.

Best RV mattress for back and neck pain

For campers who suffer from back and neck pain, the best mattress for campers would be something that’s not too soft or too firm either.

In most cases, a the best camper mattress for bodily pains should have a layer of high-density support foam at the base and a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam on top, together providing a moderate level of firmness, relieving pressure point as well as offering better spinal alignment and superb back and neck support.

Best RV mattress for hot sleepers:

If you travel in warmer climates and/or if you tend to have night sweat, the best mattress for campers would be one with the top layer made from cooling gel-infused memory foam.

The base layer might be memory foam or high-density foam, depending on how much support you need.

Essential Tips For Using & Maintaining Your RV Mattress

Off-Gassing When Unboxing

If you choose a polyurethane foam mattress, be aware of the off-gassing or that strong “new mattress smell” you often get when unboxing.

CertiPUR-US certified mattresses are healthier than non-certified mattresses in this regard, however, it’s always a good idea to unbox your new mattress in an open, ventilated room and leave it alone for at least two days before moving it into your home on wheels. 

You might choose to unbox it inside the rig and let it inflate on its dedicated bed for easy logistics, but make sure to leave the doors and windows open and probably turn on the vent to chase the fumes out.

The unboxing gas might be overwhelming for some campers, and the sensitive ones might even experience  side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

How To Ensure Long Lasting Comfort

When you sleep on a mattress day after day, year after year, even the most durable material would suffer some degree of wear and tear under your weight. The comfort fillings might be distributed unevenly, and especially in case you’re heavier than average and tend to sleep on the same spot every day, over time you will notice a slight but permanent dent in that spot. 

Rotate: To keep your mattress in great condition for longer, you should rotate it at least once every three months, that is moving your mattress from the head of your bed to the foot. This will ensure more even wear to your mattress, thus maximizing its lifespan. This is very similar to periodically rotating the tires on your car to ensure even tread wear.  

But do not flip: As for flipping, you can only do so if the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Usually you can flip your mattress if it is made of a single material throughout, for instance regular high-density foam, so that when you flip it, you’re still sleeping on the same material. 

However, most mattresses these days, either for residential use or RV use, are made of more than one layer or material and are designed to be one-sided.

The most common example of a multi-layer mattress is one with a firm base layer made from high-density foam for spinal support, and a top layer of memory foam for contour and comfort. There might be a third layer on top with gel infused foam for better temperature control. 

Another example is a hybrid mattress, with a base and frame made from metal coils and a layer of memory foam on top.

Such a multi-layer construction means these mattresses are not conducive to flipping. If you choose to flip a multi-layer mattress, you will end up sleeping on a very firm and not so comfortable layer of base foam.

Also, the softer layers on top now lay at the bottom and have to bear the weight of not just you but also the firmer and heavier base layer, which would shorten the lifespan of your mattress.

How To Prevent Sliding

As mentioned above, the majority of RV mattresses these days are designed to be one-sided and are not meant to be flipped. One-sided mattresses typically feature a non-skid bottom, so that they won’t be sliding around on your bed frame or platform even if you tumble about in your sleep.

A perfect match in size between your bed frame and mattress is also the best way to prevent your mattress from sliding around, which would affect your bedtime quality.

However, in the case that your mattress is double-sided, or somehow it still doesn’t rest securely on top of your bed frame, you can apply the easy and cheap fixes below: 

Use a rubber pad

Due to the nature of the material, a memory foam or latex mattress will typically have less gripping friction to the bed base, even if the bottom is designed to be non-skid. A thin and thus lightweight foam mattress will slide even more on a slippery metal bed frame. 

The best solution in this case, or actually in most cases of sliding mattresses, is to put a rubber mat under your mattress. This is the same as what is used to keep rugs and carpets in place by adding friction.

You can buy a standard-size rubber mat to fit your RV mattress, or get one that is slightly bigger than the mattress bottom so you could always trim it down. 

Add side and end rails to the bed

In addition to adding a rubber mat to increase friction, when you’re dealing with a wooden or metal bed frame, you can install side and end rails to simply trap the mattress in place.

However, it’s not possible to add side rails on a box spring bed frame. In this case, on top of the non-slip pad, you can use a mattress encasement, which would also preserve the mattress’ integrity at the same time.

Heavy duty velcro strips

In case you have some large size, high performance velcro strips at hand, they can serve as a cheap temporary solution. J

ust peel the paper, stick one strip to the mattress and the corresponding strip to the bed base. Similarly, double-sided carpet tape can also work as a temporary solution.

Both however are just temporary fixes, and are by far less effective than using a rubber pad.

How To Prevent Mold

A common problem that many RVers face is condensation buildup under the mattress, causing mold, mildew and very unpleasant odors. This is especially true if you often cook in your RV and take hot showers, which produce a lot of steam within the confined space.

Condensation under the mattress happens because the floor or bed base that the mattress sits on is often cool to cold, while the mattress gets warmed up from your body warmth  when you rest on it.

This temperature difference between the bottom of the warm mattress and the cold surface it’s laying on causes moisture from the air to condense there. This does not happen over time though.

To prevent mold, you can use a combination of the methods below:

Add a dehumidifier

No matter what methods you choose to apply, if you camp in humid climates, it’s always wise to add a compact dehumidifier in your bedroom. 

Add a fan

A quick fix until you buy a dehumidifier is to occasionally point the fans at the mattress to provide extra air circulation.

Put the mattress on a slatted bed base

Condensation is more common in mattresses that are placed on the floor or on a solid bed base. A permanent solution to combat moisture buildup in this case is to put your mattress on a slatted base, which will allow for air circulation under the mattress. 

Add an absorbent sheet

If you don’t want to invest in a new slatted bed base, a cheap fix is to add an absorbent layer under your mattress. This layer will act as add insulation, lessening the temperature difference between the RV mattress and the cold surface underneath, thus reducing condensation.

This solution is not permanent, but is affordable, so it is popular for the budget campers and first-time RV owners. Many DIYers even try to save more money by making their own absorbent sheets from cotton or cotton flannel. 

The major drawback of this quick fix is that you need to take the sheet out from under the mattress to replace it with a fresh one every few days.

This means that this trick will only make sense if you’re using the absorbent sheets for a small, thin and super lightweight mattress, and if you’re only using it temporarily for the most humid weeks of the year. Without regular rotation, these sheets will develop mold themselves. 

Use an anti-condensation ventilation underlay

Another effective and permanent method is to place an anti-condensation ventilation mattress underlay under your mattress.

Constructed from strong weaves of spun polymer and plastic, these underlays create a firm structure that holds up your mattress to let air circulate underneath the mattress.

One or two layers of cardboard

Another temporary, budget-friendly fix is to add one or two layers of cardboard under your RV mattress. Note that this will only work in moderately humid climates.

While a cotton absorbent sheet is more effective in very humid climates, cardboard insulators require less maintenance, although you do need to check them regularly to make sure they don’t develop mold themselves.

Cardboard insulators only need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months or as needed in moderately humid climates.

RV Bedroom Accessories For Quality Sleeps

Mattress topper

If you want to upgrade your not-so-comfortable mattress but do not want to invest in a new one, a time tested method is getting an RV mattress topper.

For most sleepers, a 3-inch thick memory foam topper will add a supportive and comfortable cushioning layer that might provide you with sufficient pressure relief for a good night’s sleep. You can buy toppers of standard sizes, or there are options that can be easily cut and shaped to any mattress size.

You can use suspenders to secure the mattress topper, and another way is to make sure you use a tight fitted, deep pocket sheet on top of the mattress topper.

Mattress pad

A mattress pad is not a thick layer of foam like a topper and thus does not offer the same level of comfort and body support.

A mattress pad is like a bed sheet with elastic hems and deep pockets, so it looks like a mattress protector, but with a quilted layer of padding materials like microfiber for added comfort.

There are even cooling options for the hot sleepers. This design and construction means a mattress pad will make an extra firm mattress more comfortable and cozy with more body contouring, which keeps you warm in cold weather.

Top-Rated Camper Mattress Brands

RV mattresses on the market come from all sorts of brands. There are several top-rated camper mattress brands known for their quality, comfort, and durability. Here are some of the leading brands in the camper mattress market:

Zinus

Zinus offers a wide range of camper mattresses that are highly regarded for their affordability and quality. They provide various mattress types, including memory foam and hybrid options, designed to provide comfort and support for RV sleepers.

DynastyMattress

DynastyMattress is known for its memory foam mattresses designed specifically for RVs. Their mattresses are often praised for their excellent pressure relief, motion isolation, and overall comfort. They offer a range of thickness options and firmness levels to suit different preferences.

LUCID

LUCID is a popular brand that offers a diverse selection of camper mattresses. They provide a variety of mattress types, such as memory foam, latex, and hybrid options, catering to different comfort preferences. LUCID mattresses are often praised for their quality construction and affordability.

Serenia Sleep

Serenia Sleep manufactures camper mattresses that prioritize comfort and portability. Their mattresses are designed to be lightweight and easy to install in RVs while still providing a comfortable sleep surface.

MattressInsider

MattressInsider specializes in custom-made RV mattresses, offering tailored solutions for various RV models and sleeping areas. They provide a range of mattress types and customization options to ensure a precise fit and optimal comfort.

Sleep Master

Sleep Master specializes in providing RV mattresses that offer comfort and support on the road. They offer a range of foam and innerspring mattresses designed specifically for RVs, focusing on durability and ease of use.

It’s worth noting that individual preferences may vary, and it’s important to consider specific needs and comfort preferences when choosing a camper mattress. Reading customer reviews, researching the features and materials of each brand, and comparing options can help you find the top-rated camper mattress brand that aligns with your requirements and provides the best sleep experience during your RV travels.

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FAQs About RV Mattress