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Written by
Daniel Noyed
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Recreational vehicles, or RVs, are a popular choice for many Americans. An estimated 9 million U.S. households own an RV. The interest in RVs spans generations. These vehicles can be used recreationally, allowing users to take the amenities of home on the road. They can also be used as a primary residence.
Part of the appeal of an RV is having the comfort of home while traveling. This includes a comfortable mattress that helps RV owners get a good night’s rest. For the adventurous folks who are out hiking all day before returning to the RV, or for those who have been driving between destinations, getting quality sleep is something to look forward to.
Most people will want their RV mattresses to have the qualities of their mattresses at home, sometimes with improved features. Temperature regulation, motion isolation, pressure relief, and durability should all be considered when selecting an RV mattress. We’ll cover our top picks for the best RV mattresses, including what to consider when shopping for one. Our comprehensive guide has everything you need to know before shopping for an RV mattress.
The Brooklyn Bedding Wanderlust mattress stands out with three profile options, multiple sizes, and contouring memory foam.
The Brooklyn Bedding Wanderlust mattress has multiple options available that allow it to accommodate different RVs. The mattress is available in six-, eight-, and ten-inch profiles, and twenty different sizes. It has an all-foam construction that isolates motion, making it one of the best RV mattresses for couples and families traveling together.
The stretch knit cover ensures sleepers feel the benefits of the foam construction. A comfort layer of gel memory foam has an open-cell structure for better airflow. This layer conforms to the shape of the body and relieves pressure points. This is beneficial for RV owners with active lifestyles. The high-density polyfoam base improves the durability of the mattress, another essential consideration for RV owners.
The firmness of the Brooklyn Bedding Wanderlust depends on the height of the mattress. The six-inch profile has a firm (7-8) rating, which is best for side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. The eight- and ten-inch profiles are considered medium firm (6). This firmness is better for those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
The Wanderlust mattress lacks edge support, which is to be expected for an all-foam mattress. That being said, couples who prioritize motion isolation will appreciate that the foam construction absorbs movements and prevents sleep disturbances.
Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial, which includes a 30-night mandatory break-in period. The Wanderlust mattress is covered by a 10-year warranty.
The Bear RV mattress has a low profile that is ideal for RVs and a Celliant cover that regulates temperature and improves recovery.
The Bear RV Mattress has a low profile designed with RVs in mind. The Celliant cover enhances recovery, temperature regulation, and overall wellness with infrared technology. This makes it one of the best RV mattresses for those who lead active lifestyles.
Beneath the breathable Celliant cover is a one-inch layer of graphite-infused memory foam. This conductive layer draws heat away from the body. A second layer of memory foam relieves pressure points and adds support to the Bear mattress. The high-density polyfoam base improves the durability of the mattress. The foam construction lacks a reinforced perimeter for edge support, so those who sleep or sit on the edge of the bed may notice some compression.
The all-foam construction of the Bear RV Mattress results in top-notch motion isolation. For couples, families, or those with pets, this means fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night. The mattress also offers standout pressure relief. Paired with the Celliant cover, the Bear mattress improves rest and recovery for avid hikers.
The medium firm (6) rating of the Bear mattress may be too firm for side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds, but it offers comfort and support for most other sleeping positions and body types.
The Bear RV Mattress is available in RV sizes bunk, queen, and king. The company offers a 100-night sleep trial. The Bear RV Mattress includes a 10-year warranty, which covers defects in materials and manufacturing.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora is a luxury RV mattress with top-notch pressure relief and a durable construction.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora is a luxury mattress for RV owners. The hybrid construction regulates temperature, which is beneficial for those traveling to warmer climates.
The cover of the Aurora mattress includes phase-change material, which draws heat away from the body and regulates temperature. A layer of CopperFlex polyfoam relieves pressure points. Copper is antimicrobial, which is beneficial for traveling. The layer of gel swirl memory foam beneath offers deep compression support. The base of the Aurora mattress is eight inches of pocketed coils, which respond to pressure for full-body support.
Each layer of the Aurora mattress helps isolate motion and prevents sleep disturbances. This is ideal for couples and families sharing an RV. The temperature neutrality of the mattress prevents sleeping hot. The Aurora mattress is an investment, but the hybrid construction is durable and should have a longer than average lifespan.
There are three firmness options to choose from: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7-8). The softest option is best for side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds. Stomach and back sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds may prefer the medium firm choice. The firm option offers ample support for stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds.
The Aurora mattress is available in short queen and RV king size, in addition to standard mattress sizes. The mattress includes a 120-night sleep trial, with a mandatory 30-night break-in period. Brooklyn Bedding covers the mattress with a 10-year warranty.
The CoolBreeze RV mattress provides contouring and cushioning for pressure relief, with a lower profile matched to the dimensions of an RV.
The CoolBreeze from Dynasty Mattress is an all-foam mattress built with thick, pressure-relieving memory foam over layers of breathable, convoluted memory foam. The foams are all Certi-Pur US Certified, meaning they are made without the use of ozone depleters and a number of other harmful chemicals. The RV model is slightly thinner in order to better fit into an RV space, so it may feel a bit firmer than the standard version of the CoolBreeze.
The bed starts with high-density, gel-infused memory foam. The density of the foam gives it a firmer, more supportive feel, while the gel-infusion works to absorb excess heat and dissipate it away through the mattress. Underneath the memory foam are two layers of Airflow memory foam, which are made with a convoluted shape. The curves and ridges of these Airflow layers allow plenty of room for air to flow through the bed, helping to keep it sleeping cool. The whole mattress rests on a base layer of supportive, high-density polyfoam.
The CoolBreeze excels at relieving pressure points thanks to the deep contouring provided by its top layer of memory foam. The bed has a medium firm (6) feel that provides a bit more pushback than a typical all-foam bed, making it suitable for sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds.
The gel-infused memory foam and convoluted layers work to combat the typical heat retention of memory foam, and many will be comfortable on the CoolBreeze. That being said, people who tend to sleep very hot may want to consider other options.
The CoolBreeze is available at a very accessible price compared to the average memory foam mattress and comes in multiple standard and RV sizes from RV full through RV king. The bed is backed by a 30-night sleep trial as well as a 30-year limited warranty.
The Zinus Green Tea Mattress is an affordable RV mattress infused with green tea and charcoal to neutralize odors.
The Zinus Green Tea Mattress is available in several height options, including six- and eight-inch profiles that are ideal for RVs. Its affordable price point makes it a great choice for value-minded shoppers.
The cover of the Zinus mattress is made with a breathable cotton and polyester blend. Green tea- and charcoal-infused memory foam minimizes odors for a clean environment. The memory foam also conforms to the shape of the body and relieves pressure points. This is beneficial for those with sharp pressure points or joint pain.
All options except the six-inch mattress have a transition layer of polyfoam that prevents sinking into the support foam base. The high-density polyfoam base adds durability to the mattress. The all-foam construction absorbs movement and prevents it from transferring across the bed.
The six- and eight-inch Zinus mattresses have a medium (5) firmness, while the ten- and twelve-inch options are considered medium soft (4). Both firmness ratings are ideal for sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds.
Zinus offers a 100-night sleep trial for the Green Tea Mattress. The Zinus mattress is covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
RVs generally come with a mattress already in the sleeping area. These mattresses are often overly firm, thin, and otherwise uncomfortable. To customize the RV experience and make it feel like home, many RV owners choose to upgrade their RV mattresses. This ensures the mattress meets their unique needs and preferences.
The layout of each 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.
There are unique mattress shopping considerations for RV owners. Qualities like pressure relief and temperature regulation become more important for those who are traveling, hiking, and staying in warmer climates. Those who share an RV may find that noise and motion isolation are 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, it is important to keep these factors in mind.
The following factors are the most important things to look for when purchasing an RV mattress. Mattress companies will sometimes use misleading terminology or exaggerated marketing claims to sell mattresses. This can be confusing and overwhelming for customers looking for an RV mattress. Focusing on the basic details of the mattress and how it performs will help shoppers pick a high-quality mattress that best suits their needs and RV lifestyles.
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 the bed frame or foundation. The size of the bed depends on the RV 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” |
Common mattress types include foam, latex, hybrid, innerspring, and airbeds. Though any mattress type will technically work in an 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, which is ideal for spaces that require lifting the mattress overhead. It also avoids adding too much weight to the RV. Since foam mattresses have a simple construction, most are lower profile. That being said, there are benefits and drawbacks to each type of mattress, which we will break down here.
Definition: A foam mattress is made entirely of foam. This can include memory foam, a responsive viscoelastic foam that conforms to the shape of the body and relieves pressure. It usually includes polyfoam too. Foam is often infused with gel, graphite, or copper to prevent heat retention. A high-density core improves the durability of the mattress. 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. For RV owners who hike, climb, or lead otherwise active lifestyles, this type of mattress can prevent aches and pains and improve sleep quality.
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 than an innerspring mattress for better pressure relief. The comfort layers may include memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex. Some hybrid mattresses include a transition layer of micro coils.
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.
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 are appealing to value-minded shoppers who may not want to invest in a more expensive mattress.
Definition: A latex 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.
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.
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.
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.
Consider how much time will be spent in the RV, as this will determine how important the durability of the mattress will be. How often a mattress is used affects its lifespan. Those who use the RV as a primary residence and those who travel in it the majority of the year will want to invest in a durable mattress. A durable mattress will be able to withstand the elements, especially in an RV that is not weather-tight.
How many mattresses the 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. Those replacing multiple mattresses in an RV might need to budget accordingly, especially when buying them all at once.
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 is worth considering. A mattress 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.
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.
