Recreational vehicles, or RVs, allow you to enjoy the comforts and amenities of home while you’re on the road. Most RVs sold today feature a sleep space that comes equipped with a mattress, but you can swap out the existing model for another mattress that better meets your needs. Before choosing a mattress for your RV, you should measure your vehicle’s existing bed frame to ensure a proper fit. Many RV mattresses have shorter or narrower dimensions than standard mattress sizes. If your RV has a low ceiling, then you may require a low-profile mattress.
Our team draws on years of testing experience. We administer various tools and technologies to assess features such as temperature regulation, pressure relief, motion isolation, and durability – all of which are important for a quality RV mattress. Our team members reflect a range of sleep preferences and body types to help ensure that all sleepers are represented in our testing process.
Product Details
Best Overall
Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, RV Sizes
Who it's best for:
- Couples and families sharing an RV
- Those who want a conforming memory foam mattress
- Customers looking for a mattress with multiple thickness/firmness options
Highlights:
- Many sizes and height options
- Contouring memory foam for pressure relief
- Cooling gel-infused foam prevents overheating
Save 20% on a Brooklyn Bedding mattress with this code: sleepfoundation20
Bottom Line
The Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential uses adaptive foam to cushion the body and alleviate pressure while you’re on the road. A wide range of profiles and specialty sizes make this one of the most versatile RV mattresses we’ve tested.
Many of Brooklyn Bedding’s mattresses are available in RV-friendly sizes, but the Dreamfoam Essential is specifically designed for use on the road. The mattress is available in five profiles and a host of different sizes, ensuring compatibility with most RV sleep spaces regardless of your vehicle’s specific dimensions. During our tests, we were impressed with how well the Wanderlust alleviated pressure and isolated motion – though performance largely depends on which thickness and size you choose.
How It Performed
The 10-inch and 12-inch Dreamfoam Essential models earned the most favorable ratings from our testers across different body types and sleep positions. These mattresses – which are medium firm (6) and medium (5), respectively – provided ample cushioning for our side sleepers without sinking too much for our back and stomach sleepers. The 14-inch model, which offers the softest feel, was also popular among our side sleepers, but this mattress may be impractical for some RVs due to its high profile.
If your RV’s sleep space necessitates a lower-profile mattress, the firmer 6-inch or 8-inch model should serve your needs. While they may be difficult to move across and bottom out for people who weigh more than 230 pounds, these mattresses outperformed many other low-profile, all-foam mattresses we’ve tested in categories such as edge support and temperature control.
What It’s Made of
The Dreamfoam Essential’s exact composition and firmness level depend on which profile you select. The 6-inch (firm), 8-inch (firm), and 10-inch (medium firm) models feature top layers of gel-infused memory foam over high-density polyfoam base layers. The 12-inch (medium) and 14-inch (medium soft) models add 2 to 3 inches of polyfoam between the comfort and base layers, which acts as a transitional layer to cushion the body while maintaining even support. All Dreamfoam Essential mattresses are encased in knit polyester covers. The cover is treated with a finish to protect your mattress from stains and liquid damage.
Brooklyn Bedding offers 23 sizes for the Dreamfoam Essential. These include three RV king options, seven RV bunk sizes, short full, short queen, and short king. This wide range ensures most RV owners can find a compatible size for their vehicle’s sleep area. The mattress is also available in the six standard sizes.
The Dreamfoam Essential is affordably priced, though cost varies by profile and size and some designs may exceed your budget. Brooklyn Bedding provides free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. All purchases are backed by 120-night sleep trials and 10-year manufacturer’s warranties.
Best Value
Bear Trek
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Firm (7)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Sizes: RV Bunk, RV Queen, RV King
Who it's best for:
- RV owners who lead active lifestyles
- Hot sleepers who want a contouring mattress
- Couples who prioritize motion isolation
Highlights:
- Celliant fiber cover helps regulate temperature
- Memory foam contours evenly to alleviate pressure
- Low-profile, 8-inch construction saves space
30% off sitewide, plus 2 free Cloud Pillows with mattress purchase
Bottom Line
The Bear Trek is a low-profile RV model that doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. A firmer-than-average feel and cooling features should satisfy anyone who normally finds all-foam mattresses too soft or prone to heat retention.
The Bear Trek brings many of the features that made the flagship Bear Original so popular to a low-profile, RV-friendly mattress. These components include a cooling Celliant-blend cover, foam comfort layers that adapt to the body without sinking too much, and a sturdy base that provides great overall stability while you sleep.
How It Performed
At 8 inches thick, the Bear Trek is slightly shorter than the Bear Original – but due to their similar designs and materials, both mattresses earned comparable responses from our testing team. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds appreciated the Trek’s firm (7) feel, which allowed these sleepers to lie comfortably without too much sinkage around the midsection. The side sleepers on our team between 130 and 230 pounds also received adequate cushioning and support from the mattress.
The Celliant-blend cover material helped the Trek excel during our temperature control tests, as did a graphite-gel infusion in the topmost foam layer. We also found that the mattress facilitated movement across the surface without sinking too much, and our testers noticed decent pushback when we tested the Trek for edge support.
What It’s Made of
The Trek contains memory foam comfort and transitional layers, the first of which contains graphite-gel to cool off the surface. A base layer of high-density polyfoam completes the design. The cover is a knit fabric woven with Celliant fibers. Celliant is an innovative fabric designed to capture and release body heat on contact, maintaining a cool surface regardless of the external temperature.
Bear sells the mattress in RV bunk, RV queen, and RV king sizes. The 8-inch profile should be compatible with most RV sleep areas, even those with limited clearance.
All three sizes are affordably priced and Bear ships for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Each order comes with a 120-night sleep trial. A lifetime warranty covers structural defects. You can also purchase low-cost accident protection against stains and smudges that covers the mattress for 3, 5, or 10 years.
Most Comfortable
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Price Range: $699 - $1,499
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Custom Sizes
Who it's best for:
- Side sleepers
- Couples who value motion isolation
- People with sharp pressure points
Highlights:
- Three firmness options
- Adaptive proprietary foam contours to the body to alleviate pressure
- Coil-reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
Save 20% on a Brooklyn Bedding mattress with this code: sleepfoundation20
Bottom Line
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a high-quality foam hybrid equally suited to bedrooms and RV sleeping quarters. Multiple firmness options, strong overall performance, and accessible pricing make this mattress a solid choice no matter where you choose to use it.
Brooklyn Bedding’s extensive mattress line includes a wide range of hybrids. The Signature Hybrid is one of the brand’s most affordable options, but don’t be fooled by the below-average sticker price – this mattress performs at the same level as many of its more expensive counterparts. Thanks to the cushioning foam layers and supportive coil system, we found the Signature Hybrid’s design particularly well suited to side sleepers.
How It Performed
We tested all three of the Signature Hybrid’s firmness levels. The medium soft (4) feel was most popular among our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. This design provides deep contouring to alleviate pressure along the spine. We found the medium firm (6) feel to be the most balanced, delivering ample cushioning and strong support. The most favorable ratings for this mattress came from our side and back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but most of our testers across different position and weight groups felt reasonably comfortable. If you want extra support from your mattress, the firm (8) feel is a safe bet. Our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds reported adequate cushioning and minimal sinkage after lying on this model.
The Signature Hybrid’s performance varied by firmness. The two softer two models isolated the most motion and alleviated pressure well. Our edge support and ease of movement tests show that the two firmer models are the best options if you want a mattress that won’t sink or buckle too much when you get in and out of bed. All three versions of the Signature Hybrid earned high marks for temperature control, as well.
What It’s Made of
The Signature Hybrid’s exact composition depends on which firmness you choose, but all three share similar designs. These include top layers of gel-infused TitanFlex, a proprietary material designed to feel responsive, and secondary layers of more adaptive VariFlex polyfoam. Their support cores contain pocketed coils and dense foam base layers. The cover is made of cotton and quilted with a half inch of fiber padding. For the medium soft and medium firm models, the cover also contains a layer of adaptive foam.
At 11.75 inches thick, the Signature Hybrid may be too tall for your RV’s sleep space – be sure to measure the available height before deciding on this mattress. Size options include three RV king options, an RV bunk size, short full, short queen, and short king.
While most hybrid models lean expensive, the Signature is a budget-friendly option for shoppers. Brooklyn Bedding also ships for free throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchase includes a 120-night sleep trial, as well as a 10-year warranty for those who keep the mattress.
Best for Side Sleepers
Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 120 nights (30-night request)
Warranty: 30 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, RV Full, Queen, RV Queen, King, RV King, RV Short King, Split King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Side and back sleepers
- Those who experience pressure buildup during sleep
- People seeking a foam bed with cooling features
Highlights:
- Above-average firmness for an all-foam bed
- Machine-washable cover
- Low profile
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Dynasty mattresses
Bottom Line
The Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam offers great bang for your buck with a high-quality, all-foam design at an approachable price. We’ve found that the mattress performs particularly well in terms of pressure relief and motion isolation.
The Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam is an affordable all-foam model with a balanced medium firm (6) feel. The result is a mattress that cushions and contours to the body without sacrificing support. A cooling gel infusion also makes the mattress a good option if you normally sleep hot on memory foam beds.
How It Performed
Most of our testers felt comfortable on the CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam. Our most favorable ratings came from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. That said, the mattress received a rating of “good” or better from most of our testers across all body type and sleep position groups.
We detected minimal transfer across the surface during our motion isolation tests, so this mattress may be a good option if you and your partner experience movement-related disruptions while trying to sleep in your RV. Pressure relief was another standout performance area. Our body sensors revealed low amounts of pressure buildup for the side and back sleepers on our team. We also found the cooling gel to be an effective barrier against bothersome heat retention.
What It’s Made of
The dual-layer CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam consists of a memory foam comfort layer and a high-density polyfoam support core. Gel infused into the memory foam is intended to dissipate body heat and help you sleep comfortably. Since the mattress is medium firm, our testers weighing up to 230 pounds noticed even contouring and little sinkage. A cotton-polyester cover encases the mattress, which measures 10 inches thick.
In addition to standard mattress dimensions, the CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam is available in a short twin, short full, short queen, and short king. The mid-range profile should be compatible with your RV sleep area as long as there’s a fair amount of space between your mattress and the vehicle’s ceiling.
In addition to its accessible price-point, the CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 120-night sleep trial. Should you decide to keep the mattress, Dynasty further backs your purchase with a generous 30-year warranty.
Best for Back Pain
Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Trial length: 120 nights
Warranty: 20 Year, Limited
Sizes: 60 different options
Who it's best for:
- People who wake up with aches and pains
- Hot sleepers
- RV owners who have struggled to find a mattress with a compatible size
Highlights:
- Open-cell foam derived from soy creates a plush, breathable comfort layer
- Pocketed coils feel supportive without creating excess motion transfer
- Choose from 60 different sizes
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Mattress Insider mattresses
Bottom Line
The Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress features a supportive design intended to cushion and reinforce the body, making it suitable for people with back pain. A plethora of different sizes ensure compatibility with virtually any RV sleep space.
The Park Meadow Pocketed Coil Mattress is a solid low-profile option for RV owners. Short mattresses tend to underperform due to their thinner layers, but this hybrid model offers a balanced medium firm (6) feel and sturdy support to reduce aches and pains in the shoulders, lumbar region, and hips. We recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain who experiences flare-ups at night while they’re on the road.
How It Performed
While testing the Pocketed Coil Mattress, we found the medium firm hybrid design best suited to back and stomach sleepers. Slender cushioning layers over a robust coil system allowed most of our testers who favor these positions to lie comfortably on the mattress without sinking or sagging too much. Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds also found the mattress comfortable.
Our temperature control tests show cooling is a major strength of the Pocketed Coil Mattress. Thanks to steady airflow through the coil system and a breathable knit cover, our thermal heat sensors detected minimal buildup on the surface. A highly responsive feel should also make the mattress easy to move across when you get in and out of bed, and the perimeter felt stable when we tested it for edge support.
What It’s Made of
The mattress’ unconventional design includes comfort and transitional layers of soy-based polyfoam. This material is designed to resist heat retention and sleep cooler than conventional foams. With just 2 inches of foam padding, you should expect minimal contouring on the mattress. The support core contains pocketed coils that made the mattress feel exceptionally springy during our various tests. A knit cover with a luxe suede border encases the mattress.
We expect most RV sleep areas can accommodate the Pocketed Coil Mattress’ 8-inch profile. For added versatility, you can choose from 60 different sizes. Width options range from 24 to 76 inches, and lengths range from 72 to 84 inches. On the off-chance that none of these sizes are compatible with your RV, you can call Meadow Park to arrange for a custom size.
The total cost of your Pocketed Coil Mattress depends on which size you choose, but all options fall well below average for a hybrid model. Meadow Park offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s generous sleep trial allows you to test out the mattress for up to a year before deciding whether to return it or keep it. Those who opt for the latter also receive a 20-year manufacturer’s warranty with 10 years of non-prorated coverage.
Best for Couples
ORB Performance Hybrid Mattress
Price Range: $1,409 - $2,297
Mattress Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, RV Queen, King, RV King, RV Short King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Frequent campers and roadtrippers
- People who primarily reside in their RV
- Couples
Highlights:
- Deep foam layers provide even contouring and excellent pressure relief
- Sturdy pocketed coils reinforce the edges against sinkage
- 3 firmness options and multiple RV sizes
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Off-Road Bedding mattresses
Bottom Line
While it may be too thick for some RVs, the ORB Performance Hybrid offers a luxurious design loaded with high-quality materials to enhance your sleep experience. These include cushioning foam layers, sturdy coils, and a FIR cover to aid with physical recovery while you sleep.
The ORB Performance Hybrid is not your typical RV mattress. Measuring 13 inches thick, this luxury hybrid is engineered to alleviate pressure, sleep cool, and help you wake up well-rested without pain or muscle aches. Three firmness options ensure most sleepers can find a comfortable design regardless of their personal needs and preferences.
How It Performed
Our testers personally evaluated all of the Performance Hybrid’s firmness levels. The medium soft (4) feel provided deep contouring and cushioning, making it most popular with our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. At the other end of the spectrum, the firm (7) model conformed to a minimal extent and delivered robust coil support. This model earned its most favorable ratings from back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. If you want a balance of the two designs, we suggest the medium firm (6). This feel was comfortable and sufficiently supportive for all of our testers between 130 and 230 pounds across all three position groups.
We were impressed by the Performance Hybrid’s Far Infrared Rays (FIR) cover, which is designed to convert body heat into infrared energy and transmit this energy back into your body through your skin. This process can promote physical recovery during the night. The fabric also dissipates heat, so the mattress earned high marks during our temperature control tests. Our testers noticed little motion transfer on the medium soft model, while the two firmer mattresses earned strong ratings for edge support and ease of movement.
What It’s Made of
The Performance Hybrid’s deep, pillow-top comfort system begins with a top layer of copper-infused polyfoam, followed by a polyfoam and gel-infused memory foam layers. How closely the mattress conforms to your body depends on the firmness you choose, but our tests showed all three versions were fairly adaptive with ample cushioning around the shoulders and hips. Pocketed coils over dense base foam make up the support core, and the FIR cover encases the mattress.
In addition to standard mattress dimensions, the Performance Hybrid is available in RV queen, RV king, and RV short king designs. The 13-inch profile may be somewhat limiting if your vehicle has low clearance. We recommend measuring your sleep space before choosing this mattress. Also check the weight capacity of your RV’s bed frame, as this mattress can weigh up to 145 pounds.
ORB offers free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous U.S. Each Performance Hybrid order includes a sleep trial that runs for 100 nights, and those who choose to keep the mattress also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Best for Kids
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Soft (4)
Trial length: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
Who it's best for:
- Sleepers who enjoy the body-hugging feel of foam
- Kids who experience painful pressure buildup
- Side sleepers
Highlights:
- Four thickness options
- All-foam design offers strong pressure relief
- Available in a short queen size
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Zinus mattresses
Bottom Line
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a great choice for an RV. The price-point is reasonable, and the strong contouring will cradle your kid’s body to make them feel cozy and comfortable while away from home.
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is an all-foam model with four different thickness options, each with a distinct firmness level. We found the foam design offers excellent pressure relief and a deep cradling that will appeal to children who like to feel “hugged” by their mattress.
How It Performed
The foam layers in the Green Tea Memory Foam bed closely contoured to our testers’ bodies. This translates into excellent cushioning around areas where your child may experience pressure buildup. The mattress is available in four profile options – 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches – so you can choose the thickness that’s most compatible with your RV. The 10- and 12-inch models have a medium soft (4) feel, while the 6- and 8-inch models have a firm (7) and medium firm (6) feel, so you can pick the model that your child will find most comfortable.
The thicker models also offer deeper pressure relief and “body hug,” which some kids may find comforting during sleep. The strong contouring is an especially nice feature for children who sleep on their side, since it results in cradling for the shoulders and hips.
What It’s Made of
The Zinus Green Tea mattress contains three layers of foam, beginning with a top layer of memory foam followed by a transitional polyfoam layer. The base is made of high-density foam to create a sturdy base. The memory foam layers are thicker in the higher-profile models, so we noticed more cushioning in those models. The cover is made of a polyester jacquard fabric.
You can buy this bed in six standard mattress sizes, as well as a short queen size. Zinus offers a 100-night sleep trial for your child to try out the bed, and the mattress comes with a 10-year warranty. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Best Cooling
GhostBed RV
Mattress Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium firm (6)
Trial length: 101 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty: 20 Year, Limited
Sizes: Short Queen, Short King
Who it's best for:
- Side and back sleepers
- People who experience pressure buildup at night
- RV owners seeking a durable mattress
Highlights:
- Mixed-foam design creates a strong balance of contouring and support
- Slightly bouncy feel helps sleepers move across the surface
- Above-average firmness for a foam bed
30% off GhostBed RV mattresses + 10-year stain protection (up to $299 Value)
Bottom Line
The GhostBed RV offers a mix of cushioning and responsiveness, allowing you to move across the surface with ease and lie comfortably once you’re settled. A cool-to-the-touch cover also helps ensure you won’t overheat during the night.
The GhostBed RV is an all-foam model designed with balanced comfort in mind. Bouncy yet adaptive and constructed with cooling components to offset heat absorption, this medium firm (6) mattress can serve a wide range of people across different body types, sleep positions, and personal preferences.
How It Performed
Our hands-on tests found that the GhostBed RV was best suited to back sleepers weighing 130 to 230 pounds. However, all of our side and back sleepers regardless of weight awarded the mattress favorable ratings. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also found the RV comfortable and sufficiently supportive.
Due to its responsive feel, the mattress performed well during our ease of movement tests – an area where all-foam beds tend to struggle. We encountered little resistance moving across the surface. At the same time, the foam layers absorb movement well and we noticed minimal transfer when testing the RV for motion isolation. Pressure relief is another performance area where the mattress excelled, particularly for our side and back sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The GhostBed RV’s top layer consists of Ghost Bounce, a proprietary foam engineered to mimic the responsiveness of latex while still feeling somewhat adaptive. We noticed a combination of contouring and bounce during our various tests of this mattress. A memory foam transitional layer adds extra cushioning, but this material was dense enough to keep our bodies on an even plane. The high-density foam base provides solid overall stability. The entire mattress is encased in a Ghost Ice cover. This signature fabric is designed to feel cool at all times.
Measuring 10 inches thick, the RV should be suitable if your vehicle’s sleep area has a decent amount of clearance. Short queen and short king sizes are available.
For an extra fee, you can upgrade your RV to a hybrid model with pocketed coils in its base layer. This option may be more suitable if you want extra support from your mattress. GhostBed offers free shipping throughout the contiguous U.S., and each RV purchase comes with a 101-night sleep trial. Warranty coverage for the mattress lasts 20 years.
Why You Can Trust Us
Each member of our expert team has years of experience researching and testing various sleep products.
How We Evaluated These Mattresses
An RV-friendly design was the main criterion for our top picks, but we also took factors like durability, performance, and pricing into account. The best RV mattresses listed above earned the most favorable ratings during our tests. The testers fall into different groups based on their body type and sleep position(s), so you can rest assured our ratings are reflective of all sleepers.
For a better look at how our our team ranks mattresses, read our product research methodology below:
- Motion Isolation: When you change positions at night, you can transfer movement and disturb your sleep partner – and vice versa. Mattresses with thicker comfort layers or individually wrapped coils can help absorb the motion to reduce sleep disruptions.
- Temperature Control: This category refers to how well your mattress maintains a comfortable temperature at night. Mattresses with coil support cores, breathable materials, or phase change materials tend to rank highly in this category.
- Off-Gassing: Many direct-to-consumer mattresses can emit odors when new. These can be off-gassing odors from VOCs or other smells. While small quantities of VOCs may be harmless and temporary, they can be aggravating for sleepers.
- Ease of Movement: Combination sleepers often prefer a more responsive mattress that facilitates easier movement. Mattresses with lower marks in this category may sink too much when you change positions during the night.
- Edge Support: This refers to how well a mattress perimeter can withstand your weight. Mattresses with high marks in this category allow you to lie closer to the edge and get in and out of bed with relative ease.
- Sex: Mattresses that allow couples to easily move across the full surface of the bed are usually preferred for sex. These tend to be bouncier mattresses featuring coil support cores.
- Body Weight: Body weight often determines your firmness and support needs in a mattress. Your ideal mattress should cushion the body without sinking excessively.
- Pressure Relief: Certain sleeping positions are prone to pressure buildup, specifically in the hips and shoulders. Mattresses can help relieve this pressure with thicker comfort layers that closely contour to your body.
What is an RV Mattress?
RVs generally come equipped with a mattress in the sleeping area. These mattresses are often overly firm, thin, and otherwise uncomfortable. To customize your road experience and make your RV feel more like home, you may choose to upgrade your RV mattress. This ensures the mattress meets your unique needs and preferences.
The layout of an RV determines how much space there is for a bed. Some have less space for a bedroom, while others include bunks or pop-up spaces that require a smaller mattress. RV mattresses are often shorter or narrower than standard mattresses to accommodate a compact configuration.
Traveling in an RV may shift priorities. While shoppers may look for a high-profile, luxury mattress for their homes, an RV may require a lower profile and simpler construction. Not every type of mattress will work well in an RV. There are several factors to keep in mind, which we will cover in-depth later in this guide. These include mattress size, profile, weight, and overall durability.
How to Choose an RV Mattress
There are unique mattress shopping considerations for RV owners. Qualities like pressure relief and temperature regulation become more important if you are traveling, hiking, or staying in warmer climates. Those who share an RV may find noise reduction and motion isolation especially important. Each RV has a specific configuration that may require a lower profile, lighter weight, or smaller mattress. Everyone has different comfort preferences and needs to consider as well. Before choosing an RV mattress, you should keep all of these factors in mind.
What to Look For in an RV Mattress
The following factors are the most important things to look for when purchasing an RV mattress. We’ve found that some mattress companies use misleading terminology or exaggerated marketing claims to sell mattresses. This can be confusing and overwhelming if you’re seeking an RV mattress. Focusing on the basic details of the mattress and how it performs will help shoppers pick a high-quality bed that best suits their needs and RV lifestyles.
- Price: Many shoppers will want to spend less on an RV mattress than they would on a mattress for the home, especially if they do not plan to use the RV full-time. RV mattresses are available at a wide range of price-points, from budget options to luxury choices. We recommend setting a budget beforehand to help narrow down your choices, but keep in mind that a high-quality mattress is an investment. Beds made with quality materials will last longer and will not need to be replaced as often.
- Profile: Your RV mattress needs to fit in the vehicle’s allotted space. If your RV has a bunk bed or pop-up trailer, this will probably require a low-profile mattress. Taking measurements of the bed frame and space beforehand will let you know which profile will fit comfortably. Many RV mattresses have a 6- or 8-inch profile, though some spaces can accommodate a 10- or 12-inch mattress.
- Weight: You should keep your RV’s weight limit in mind when shopping for a mattress. When driving an RV, lighter is better. Where the mattress is being installed is another important consideration. For bunk beds and pop-up trailers, the mattress may need to be lifted overhead. Foam is often the most lightweight mattress option. Hybrid and latex mattresses can be heavy.
- Contouring: How well a mattress conforms to the shape of your body determines how much pressure relief it provides. If you are active, a contouring mattress can relieve aches and pains from hiking and other activities. It can also reduce tension if you have been driving for long periods of time. Many RV mattresses are made with memory foam, which cushions your shoulders and hips to help keep the spine aligned.
- Noise: An RV is often a shared space for families who want to minimize sleep disturbances throughout the night. If you are prone to tossing and turning, a mattress that is silent when bearing weight is ideal. This reduces the likelihood of waking up others who are sleeping. Foam and latex mattresses are typically silent, while mattresses with coils are more likely to make noise when bearing weight.
- Sleeping Position: Sleeping position affects which mattress type and firmness will be right for you. We’ve found that side sleepers often need ample cushioning for their shoulders and hips, while back sleepers benefit from additional lumbar support. Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need a firm surface that prevents their hips and abdomens from sinking too deeply. If you’re a combination sleeper, you should look for a mattress that allows for ease of movement to change positions as needed.
- Durability: An RV mattress will need to withstand the elements. If you use your RV for recreation and road trips, you’ll encounter different climates, weather, and elements. You may also use the mattress seasonally or year-round. This varied usage means the mattress should be durable and made with materials that offer consistent comfort and support.
- Firmness Level: RV mattresses are available in wide range of firmness levels. Your personal preferences, sleeping position, and body weight will often dictate what firmness level to choose. Side sleepers and those weigh less than 130 pounds often opt for a soft to medium soft mattress. Back sleepers and people who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds may prefer a medium to medium firm mattress. Stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds often benefit from a firm mattress.
- Pressure Relief: After a day of hiking trails or exploring a new place, you may look forward to a mattress that relieves pressure points and reduces tension throughout the body. A mattress that cushions your hips, back, and shoulders can relieve aches and pains. Memory foam and latex mattresses are both known for their pressure-relieving properties.
- Temperature Regulation: Since an RV is often used for travel, especially in the summer months, temperature regulation is an essential consideration. A mattress that regulates your temperature can prevent you from overheating and keeps you comfortable. Some mattresses incorporate cooling graphite, gel, or phase change materials to dissipate body hear. Breathable covers wick away moisture for additional comfort.
A tester uses a heat gun on a mattress to measure heat buildup.
What Sizes of RV Mattresses are Available?
There are many more RV mattress sizes to choose from compared to standard mattress sizes. RV mattresses are often shorter and/or narrower than regular mattresses, so it is important to check the measurements of your vehicle’s bed frame or foundation. The size of the bed depends on your RV’s type and configuration.
Mattress sizes can vary between manufacturers, so in addition to double-checking the measurements of your space, be sure to read the product description and measurements before making a purchase. Common sizes and dimensions are listed below.
| Size |
Dimensions |
| RV Bunk |
28” x 75”
30” x 75”
30” x 80”
34” x 75”
35” x 79” |
| RV Twin |
38” x 75”
38 x 80”
39” x 75”
40” x 80” |
| RV Full |
53” x 75”
54” x 75”
55” x 75” |
| RV Three-Quarter |
48” x 75”
48” x 80” |
| RV Short Queen |
60” x 74”
60” x 75” |
| RV Queen |
60” x 80” |
| RV Olympic Queen |
66” x 80” |
| RV King |
72” x 75”
72” x 80” |
| RV California King |
72” x 84” |
What Types of RV Mattresses Are Available?
Common mattress types include foam, latex, hybrid, innerspring, and airbeds. Though any mattress type will technically work in your RV, some are much better suited than others. Due to the size and weight constrictions of an RV, a foam mattress is usually best. This type of mattress is lightweight, making it ideal for spaces that require lifting the mattress overhead. Foam models also help you avoid adding too much weight to the RV. That being said, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type of mattress, which we will break down here.
Foam
Definition: A foam mattress is made entirely of foam. This can include memory foam, a responsive viscoelastic material that conforms to the shape of the body and relieves pressure. Most of these mattresses also include denser polyfoam in their base layers. Foam can be infused with gel, graphite, or copper to prevent heat retention. The flexibility of foam makes it an ideal choice for RV owners.
Pressure Relief. Foam cushions pressure points and contours to the shape of the body to reduce tension. If you like to hike, climb, or otherwise lead an active lifestyle, this type of mattress can prevent aches and pains and improve sleep quality.
Hybrid
Definition: A hybrid mattress incorporates elements of an innerspring and latex or foam mattress. The pocketed coil base minimizes motion transfer and responds to pressure for a supportive feel. These mattresses typically have a thicker comfort system, ensuring better pressure relief compared to a traditional innerspring mattress. The comfort layers may include memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex. Some hybrid mattresses include a transition layer of microcoils.
Temperature Regulation. The coil support base of a hybrid mattress increases airflow and helps regulate temperature. The comfort layers are often made with breathable materials like latex or open-cell foam. This is beneficial for hot sleepers and RV owners staying in warmer climates.
Innerspring
Definition: An innerspring mattress has a coil support base. The comfort system is thinner than that of a hybrid mattress and is often made with foam, fiber, or other padding. These mattresses typically have a simple construction and lower profile, which is beneficial for RVs. The coils add airflow throughout the mattress.
Affordable. Innerspring mattresses are widely available. This traditional mattress style is often affordable, so they may be appealing if you don’t want to invest in an expensive mattress.
Latex
Definition: This type of mattress is made entirely of latex. This can include natural, synthetic, or blended latex. Natural latex is harvested from rubber trees and is processed in one of two ways. Dunlop latex is dense and heavy, while Talalay latex is lighter and more homogenous. Latex is more breathable than synthetic foam. It also offers moderate contouring for pressure relief.
Durability. Natural latex is highly durable with a long lifespan. For RVs that will be exposed to the elements, latex is designed to withstand different climates and provide consistent support. This means RV owners will have to replace the mattress less frequently.
Airbed
Definition: An airbed has air chambers in the support base. This means the mattress is adjustable, as the chambers can be inflated or deflated to change the overall firmness of the mattress. Airbeds are often adjusted with a remote or smartphone app, and most need electric power to operate. They are less commonly found in RVs, and tend to be quite expensive compared to other mattress types.
Adjustability. Users can set the airbed to their preferred firmness level. Some have dual chambers that allow couples with differing preferences to customize their side of the bed. For sleepers who are not sure what firmness level they prefer or for those with changing needs, the adjustability of an airbed is beneficial.
Last Things to Consider With an RV Mattress
There are plenty of factors to consider when shopping for an RV mattress. Everyone has unique needs and preferences. Additionally, RVs differ in configuration and usage. Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping for a new RV mattress.
Durability
Consider how much time you’ll spend in your RV, as this will determine how important the durability of your mattress will be. How often a mattress is used affects its lifespan. If you use the RV as a primary residence and travel during the majority of the year, you will want to invest in a durable mattress that can withstand the elements. This is especially important if your RV is not weather-tight.
Number of Sleep Surfaces
How many mattresses your RV needs should be taken into consideration. Some RVs only have one sleeping area, while others have bunks or multiple beds. Solo travelers and those who share a bed may be able to invest in a more expensive mattress. If you’re replacing multiple mattresses in an RV, we recommend creating a budget beforehand – especially if you plan to buy all of the mattresses at once.
Mattress Toppers
Many RVs come with a mattress already in place. For pull-out beds and mattresses that cannot be removed or easily placed, a mattress topper to provide extra cushioning is worth considering. A topper is an affordable way to customize the existing mattress. It acts as an additional comfort layer that changes the firmness and feel of the mattress. These are often made of latex, foam, down, or wool. Keep in mind that a topper will add height to the mattress profile.
Comfort Preferences
While the configuration of the RV sleeping area will determine the mattress size and profile needed, comfort preferences should also be considered when shopping for a mattress. Each person is unique and will have different needs and preferences. Sleeping position and body type often affect which firmness and mattress type will be most beneficial. Hot sleepers will need breathable materials that prevent overheating. Those with allergies will want to look for a mattress that resists dust mites and other allergens.
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