Best RV Mattress For A Great Night’s Sleep: Hit the Road in Cozy Bliss

Sleep is good. It’s arguably the most important thing we can do for our health and mental clarity.

The problem is that many people aren’t getting enough sleep, not even when they’re on an RV vacation. If you’re one of them, it’s probably because you’re sleeping on a crummy old mattress, maybe even one that came with your motorhome.

For better sleep, comfort, and a luxurious feeling, we’ve spent tons of time researching and testing these five fantastic RV mattresses.

Let’s look at what you should really be sleeping on.

Here’s Our Top Pick

Dynasty Mattress RV Mattress

Why is it the best?

• Cooling gel memory foam RV mattress
• RV king size
• Washable cover
• 30-year limited warranty

5 Best RV Mattress

With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.

Let’s dive into the specifics and review each RV mattress individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models or you can read along and go through all the information.

Best Overall: Dynasty Mattress RV Mattress

To be honest, placing a king-sized mattress in an RV or other mobile living arrangement is rare, but if you’ve got the room and are looking for maximum bed luxury during your road trips, you’ll find it with DynastyMattress’ CoolBreeze technology.

The combination of memory foam and gel creates a very comfortable surface to fall asleep on. You’ll also enjoy the increased durability and support from one of the thicker RV mattresses in this buying guide.

Pros

• 3 inches of gel memory foam create comfortable body support and provide pressure relief
• State-of-the-art cooling technology reduces body heat
• Washable cover with zipper closure
• 9 inches of high-density foam for ultimate support base

Cons

• This is the heaviest mattress we tested, which can make installing or removing in/from your RV a serious task
• It’s also one of the more expensive mattresses on our list, at around $650

Features

• Medium firm mattress made to hold up to 500 pounds
• Cooling memory foam gel is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals
• 30-year limited warranty brings peace of mind for your mattress investment

Product Information

• 80” x 72” x 12”
• Gel-infused memory foam
• 99.8 lbs.
• 30-year limited warranty
• 4-layer foam construction
• Zippered, washable cover included
• Medium firm feel

Zinus RV Mattress

With an incredible price, memory foam comfort, and excellent customer reviews, it really is hard to find fault with the Zinus 8-Inch Ultima Memory Foam Mattress.

Consider the 10-inch version if you have the space for additional support, durability, and comfort.

Regardless of which version you’ll buy, there will never be a need to settle for a poor night’s rest just because you’re away from home.

Pros

• 3-layer foam provides the ultimate balance between support and pressure-relieving comfort
• Ideal for average-weight and stomach sleepers
• The use of BioFoam, where natural plant oil supplements some of the traditional petroleum, helps prevent the chemical smell often associated with foam mattresses
• Affordable price and easy shipping solutions allow for maximum convenience in receiving your new mattress

Cons

• 8-inch thickness is less than many popular mattress options
• This mattress may sleep warm without any cooling gel effect

Features

• The use of green tea extract and charcoal helps keep this mattress smelling fresh and prevents moisture from absorbing into the foam
• 10-year worry-free limited warranty protects your investment against material defects or mistakes in craftsmanship
• All foam used by Zinus is CertiPUR-US certified for maximum durability and performance

Product Information

• 74” x 60” x 8”
• Short queen size
• Memory foam – BioFoam
• 42.2 lbs.
• 10-year warranty (limited)
• 3 layers of foam
• Overall feel = medium firm

Zinus Deluxe RV Mattress

Honestly, had this mattress included a cooling gel-infused memory foam, it likely would have taken our top prize.

The Zinus Deluxe Memory Foam Trailer Mattress is incredibly comfortable and you won’t find a higher-quality mattress at this price point.

It’s safe to say this one is an excellent choice considering both usability and cost.

Pros

• Affordability – it’s one of the most affordable mattresses we reviewed
• Top layer is 2-inch memory foam that provides body-contouring support without causing you to sink too much
• Contains certified flexible polyurethane foam (no harsh chemical ingredients)

Cons

• No cooling effect

Features

• Foam includes activated charcoal and green tea extract to minimize moisture and reduce odors
• BioFoam has less petrochemical makeup than traditional foams

Product information

• 60” x 74” x 8”
• Memory foam
• 42.2 lbs.
• 3-layer foam design
• 10-year limited warranty
• Knitted jacquard cover included
• Plush feel

Dynasty Mattress Memory Foam RV Mattress

This is our top choice for RV owners who want maximum comfort but tend to sleep warm.

The gel memory foam layer is incredibly comfortable while maintaining a nice, cool feel.

We also love how this mattress eliminates the need to buy a separate cooling topper, which is a common strategy for those with a memory foam option.

Pros

• 2.5-inch gel memory foam combines with 4-inch airflow foam to help maintain a cool, comfortable feel to the mattress with maximum air exchange
• 3-pound gel-infused foam is among the highest offered in RV mattresses

Cons

• Memory foam can lose its ability to fully rebound over time
• Cost – one of the most expensive mattresses on our list

Features

• 30-year limited warranty provides solid peace of mind for your investment
• Machine washable cover and easy 2-step setup

Product Information

• 75” x 60” x 10”
• Gel-infused memory foam
• 55 lbs.
• 30-year limited warranty
• 4-layer design
• Zippered, washable cover included
• Medium firm feel

Live & Sleep Resort Classic RV Short Queen Mattress

If you want to share in the convenience of the mattress-in-a-box revolution, then the Live & Sleep Resort Classic Memory Foam Mattress should definitely be on your to-consider list.

However, we’ve found some inconsistency in the preference of users on whether they consider the mattress too firm or too soft.

Pros

• Air-infused foam adds a cooling effect to the mattress while remaining at an affordable price
• Memory foam has been shown to relieve pressure points and reduce the amount of tossing and turning throughout the night
• Thickest base layer of high-density foam of all mattresses we tested = increased durability and support
• Plush and breathable ingredients

Cons

• Heavy at 60 pounds
• No cooling gel infused into the foam

Features

• Memory foam pillow is included in the purchase of this mattress
• Smart packaging used for the shipment of the mattress helps reduce the overall carbon footprint of the manufacturer’s shipping process
• Poly-cotton blend cover is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic

Product Information

• 75” x 60” x 10”
• Memory foam combined with traditional support foam
• 60 lbs.
• 20-year warranty
• 2-layer design
• Knit fabric cover included
• Medium firmness

RV Mattresses – What To Look For

A good night’s sleep is essential for a happy life, especially while traveling.

Surprisingly, RV mattresses are frequently overlooked by RVers who spend more time focused on the living area in their recreational vehicle.

Forgetting to ensure that your mattress is of high quality and suitable for your RV’s bedroom space can result in poor sleep, sore joints, and/or back pain.

Upgrading or replacing an old mattress should be one of the key considerations for creating a comfortable environment while living in your RV, regardless of whether you’re an experienced RVer or a beginner.

Many RV manufacturer-provided mattresses are hard as a rock, of poor quality, and may offer little comfort and/or support.

Unfortunately, shopping for an RV-specific mattress can be a bit intimidating when you consider the multiple size constraints of most mobile living situations.

Before you begin shopping for your next RV mattress, you should be aware of a few key differences between regular mattresses and mattresses made specifically for travel trailers and RVs.

DIMENSION DISCREPANCIES

If you’re only used to buying traditional mattresses for use at home where sizes and dimensions are more standardized, you may be in for a surprise when shopping for the perfect RV mattress.

The ‘standard’ sizes for RV mattresses often differ from those of typical, residential mattresses.

For example, many king and queen mattresses used in RVs are actually 5 inches shorter than those used elsewhere.

You may also need to be mindful of rounded corners, potential impacts on space organization, and/or proximity to drawers, doors, and cabinets — features that are less important for standard mattress purchases but vital for those being placed in RVs.

Never assume that an extra hybrid mattress from your guest bedroom will work in your motorhome, camper, pop-up trailer, or truck.

MINIMAL HEIGHT ALLOWANCES

A thick mattress completed with a bed frame and box springs is a common setup in many bedrooms across the USA, but it’s an arrangement that’s rarely seen in RVs.

If you were to place both a mattress and box springs onto the bed platform in your recreational vehicle, you’d likely be within feet, or even inches, of the ceiling.

Unless you like slamming your head on fiberglass, you’ll need to consider this aspect when shopping for an RV mattress. Good mattresses for RV use are 12 inches or less in total thickness, with the most commonly used being around 8 inches.

A quality RV mattress needs to provide adequate support without the use of box springs.

What Is A Truck Mattress?

If you’ve already begun shopping for your next RV mattress, you may have noticed that there are numerous models described as truck-specific.

Before hitting the purchase button, be confident in what this term is describing.

Many mattress websites specific to the design needs of mobile mattresses use this term to describe the popular sizes seen in the cab compartments of semi-trucks and tractor trailers.

Others apply the above-mentioned term to mattresses that can work in the beds of pickup trucks or similar truck build-outs and RVs.

REMEMBER TO CONSIDER WHEEL WELLS

If you’re shopping for a more comfortable mattress for car camping (sleeping inside your vehicle), remember to consider the wheel well impact on your allowable width.

This applies whether you’re planning to put the mattress in the bed of a truck or inside an SUV or hatchback that has foldable rear seats.

If you have a custom-built shelf platform in your vehicle that elevates the surface where your mattress will lie to be above the interior wheel wells, you might be able to get a wider mattress suitable for couples sleeping together.

However, this strategy will make height more of a concern.

Without the added height of a shelf or platform, your maximum mattress width will be the distance between the wheel wells, not the advertised cargo space width that’s shown with your vehicle.

Common RV Mattress Sizes

• Short King (also referred to as RV King) – 72” x 75” / 72” x 80”
• Short Queen – 60” x 75”
• RV Full – 53” x 75”
• Three Quarter – 48” x 75”
• RV Bunk – 28” x 75” or 34” x 75”
• RV Twin – 28” x 75”

Note: While these are the most common sizes, many more exist. The exact dimensions of your RV’s bed, sofa sleeper, or table-bed conversion will depend on the make and model of your vehicle.

MEASURING THE SPACE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR RV MATTRESS

Obviously, before you can shop for a better mattress for your RV, truck, or campervan, you’ll need to determine what size you should be looking for.

The best way to ensure you end up with a mattress that perfectly fits its intended space is to measure the plywood platform on which it will lay, not the mattress itself.

Measuring the old mattress you want to replace will likely work in most cases, but keep in mind that, due to the foam shape change over time and the fact they are man-made, there will be a greater chance for inconsistency.

Material Options For Your RV Mattress

What type of mattress to opt for? This will help you decide.

FOAM

Standard polyurethane foam is the most popular option used in today’s RV mattresses.

Offering respectable comfort at an affordable price, traditional foam is a great bedding option for casual mobile homes or spare beds in RVs that don’t see consistent use.

MEMORY FOAM

Memory foam is gaining popularity in recent years for its unmatched comfort and ability to eliminate pressure points while sleeping.

The term ‘memory foam’ is typically used to describe a polyurethane foam that’s been infused with additional chemical compounds that inherently change the way the foam feels and reacts.

You’re probably familiar with the well-known retention capabilities of memory foam, as it is commonly on display in mattress commercials, where an employee’s handprint remains visible in the foam for several seconds after it’s removed.

Memory foam does come at a higher price point and so it may make more sense for your RV mattress if you’re a full-time RVer, have sensitive joint or spine issues, or someone who plans to spend an extended period of time on the road.

GEL-INFUSED MEMORY FOAM

Do you plan to camp frequently in areas with hot climates?

Or perhaps you just tend to sleep hot?

If you answered ‘yes’ to one or both of the questions, consider a mattress that’s been infused with gel beads, which can combine the comfort of memory foam with the cooling effect of lying on gel.

AIR SUPPORTED MATTRESSES

Chamber mattresses are great options for couples with drastically different firmness preferences, which can make selecting an RV mattress a challenge.

Many high-end air mattresses allow complete customizable support via separate air chambers on either half of the mattress.

However, durability can be a concern with some air mattresses. The biggest problem is their tendency to leak air throughout the night or condense, especially in cold environments.

LATEX

A long-time staple in the construction of mattresses, latex foam has traditionally been associated with providing some of the best support available for a good night’s sleep.

It’s also among the most environmentally friendly mattress options for your home away from home.

Unlike the foams mentioned above, latex is a naturally occurring, milky substance harvested from rubber trees.

Latex foam is also more durable than polyurethane and memory foams, and it doesn’t have the common chemical smell of many other foam mattresses.

Coils Vs. Memory Foam: What’s The Difference?

Ah, the great mattress material debate!

Just about every mattress that’s been produced over the last 5 decades has been constructed with one of the above-mentioned options as the main element of support.

Knowing your personal sleep preferences will help you decide which is best for you.

MEMORY FOAM

Benefits

• Complete body-contouring support; foam adapts to your body position
• Maximum pressure point relief
• Minimal motion transfer – your partner doesn’t feel it when you move

Drawbacks

• They are highly heat-reactive, which means the foam continues to soften as you lie on it, and they often feel hot or sticky to many folks
• You may not like the sinking feeling of lying on memory foam
• Changing positions can be a challenge as the foam takes time to rebound

COILS

Benefits

• Consistent and firm support
• Strong rebound which aids in sitting up or changing positions while on the mattress
• Better airflow for a cooler feel

Drawbacks

• Lack of responsive support can result in pressure points for side sleepers
• Less durable than their foam counterparts as springs are prone to breaking or losing their full rebound capabilities
• Motion transfer – your partner tends to feel it when you move

Why don’t you see coils in RV mattresses?

Very few RV mattresses contain a traditional inner coil construction, and there are a few key reasons why.

Coil supported mattresses are typically too thick for use in most RVs and other camping rigs.

Additionally, the lack of durability (consider the vibrations that everything in your RV experiences while barreling down the road at 60 mph) makes them a poor choice for life on the road.

Finally, just as with an air mattress, you cannot customize the size or shape of a coil mattress like you can with foam alternatives.

RV Mattress Accessories

MATTRESS TOPPERS

Forgo the cost and effort of a full replacement, or simply add a layer of comfort to your new mattress, with a mattress topper.

These mattress pads are typically 2-4 inches thick and designed to lie directly on top of a thicker, supporting mattress.

Toppers are our favorite way to add comfort to a mattress without breaking the bank.

Get creative with material options to eliminate any shortcoming with your main mattress. Love the support of your latex mattress but wish it had a softer feel? Consider adding a foam mattress topper to complement the existing support.

Love the comfort of your memory foam mattress but wish it slept cooler? Check out a topper that features gel-infused layers to add a cooling effect to your already comfortable mattress!

MATTRESS COVERS

Extend the life of your mattress with a simple protective cover that wraps or zippers around its circumference.

Look for a waterproof material that can not only protect against dust mites and bed bugs but can also save your mattress from bed wetting or animal accidents.

DUVET INSERTS

A nice duvet or comforter is a great way to add warmth and style to your new RV mattress, particularly if you spend a lot of time camping in cold weather.

Duvet inserts are most often filled with natural goose feathers. Newer alternatives may include synthetic down, which handles moisture significantly better.

Cleaning Your RV Mattress

The most comfortable mattress in the world won’t be much fun to sleep on if it smells like mold and mildew.

As with most things in life, a little bit of love goes a long way toward making your mattress last, and quality mattresses are certainly not cheap.

Giving your RV mattress a basic clean after a long season of use (or extended storage time) is a great way to extend its life and keep it looking and feeling fresh.

CLEANING YOUR MATTRESS COVER

One of the best ways to keep your mattress clean throughout its use is to enclose it within a waterproof, hypoallergenic mattress protector.

Not only do these covers prevent serious stains, but they are also easy to clean.

Simply launder them according to the instructions received with them if they are in need of rejuvenation.

CLEANING THE MAIN MATTRESS

The overall size and thickness of a quality mattress can make the concept of a thorough clean a bit intimidating. In reality, though, it’s quite an easy process.

Just remember that all you’re really trying to do is remove any excess dust/dirt/skin cells from the surface, while eliminating any trapped moisture from within.

Finally, a good mattress clean should leave the mattress with a fresh scent, making it an inviting spot to lay your head each night. Here are some basic steps we’d recommend:

1. Begin by pulling off your bed sheets and mattress cover. Now is a great time to throw those in the washing machine while you work on the mattress.
2. You’ll want to vacuum the entire mattress surface to remove any dust mites, food crumbs (I guess those late night snack sessions really do add up), or bugs.
3. Next, it’s time to focus on any necessary spot cleaning. There are numerous cleaning solutions to help with this, but here are a couple of our healthy favorites:
   • 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap with 8 oz of warm water in a spray bottle
   • Hydrogen peroxide solutions, mixed with water and soap, can help aid in stain removal
   • Plant-based, enzyme reactive stain sprays
4. Always blot with a dry cloth or paper towel after any scrubbing or work with a damp cloth during spot cleaning.
5. Finally, it’s time to deodorize the mattress and pull out any lingering moisture. Baking soda is the old standby for getting the job done here. Simply sprinkle an even layer over the entirety of your mattress and let it sit for a minimum of 1 hour, preferably 2-3.
6. Adding 7-10 drops of essential oils, to 1 cup of  baking soda is a great way to leave your mattress smelling fresh
7. Use a vacuum to suck up all remaining baking soda.
8. Remember to protect your mattress from future stains with a quality cover.
9. Replace your newly cleaned sheets and enjoy many nights of peaceful sleep on your freshly rejuvenated mattress.

CLEANING TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Never soak your entire mattress with liquid of any kind in an attempt to clean it. You can ruin the interior structure and the absorbent nature of most foam types would make it almost impossible to dry out, which is a perfect recipe for future mold and mildew growth.
• Don’t forget the surfaces surrounding the mattress or the plywood support on which it lies. We recommend moving the mattress at least once every other season in order to wipe down these surfaces which rarely get a chance to receive airflow.

Custom-Sized RV Mattresses

You may have noticed by now that the short queen (or RV queen) is the most common mattress size for mobile users in motorhomes, travel trailers, and 5th wheels.

While the 60” x 75” bed frame size in RVs is popular, it’s far from being the only option.

More and more RVs, especially the popular airstreams, pop-up trailers, trucks, and van conversions, require custom fit mattresses due to their unique interior dimension constraints.

What factors could prevent a standard, residential, or RV mattress from fitting in your space?

• Height Considerations – If you own a pop-up trailer, truck bed conversion, or campervan with an elevated platform bed, you may not be able to use a mattress more than 4-5 inches thick due to the reduced ceiling height. Don’t learn this lesson the hard way by slamming your head into the ceiling when you try to sit up in the middle of the night.
• Nearby Furniture Positioning – Tightly spaced furniture is usually a necessity for life in an RV. A shorter mattress with unique dimensions may be needed so that bathroom or wardrobe doors can open properly.
• Weight – Your RV living space has been engineered for minimum weight. While larger, standard residential mattresses are more comfortable, they also come at a significant weight penalty. In a world where every ounce matters, a lighter mattress may be the way to go.

HOW DO I FIT A CUSTOM-SIZED MATTRESS INTO MY RV?

Thankfully, as RV-ing continues to grow in popularity, there are more options than ever before for mattress shoppers with motorhome, travel trailer, pop-up, and 5th wheel mattress specifications.

Here are some of our recommended options for obtaining the right fit for your RV bed if a standard size won’t work.

CUTTING A FOAM MATTRESS TO SIZE

This is a great option for frugal, do-it-yourself folks who would like to repurpose an existing mattress for use in their RV.

It’s also a suitable solution for people who were able to get a good deal on a quality mattress, only to find that it didn’t fit within their intended camper space.

*Important: This strategy will only work with foam mattresses. You won’t be able to cut or reshape a coil-supported or chamber-style air mattress.

1. Remove the zippered cover that gives the mattress its finished look, revealing the actual foam inside.
2. Precisely measure (measure twice, cut once!) the frame dimensions where the mattress will lie in your motorhome, truck, or van.
3. Based on these measurements, create your cut line on the foam. Black Sharpie makes easy-to-follow marks on most foam. A yardstick or other long, straight edge will help in creating a clean line to follow.
4. Grab a long, serrated blade or electric knife (works best) to cut the foam along the line you’ve drawn.
5. You may need to purchase a different mattress cover to properly house the newly sized foam.

PURCHASING A CUSTOM-SIZED RV MATTRESS ONLINE

If you’re not up to the task of measuring and cutting the inner foam comprising your ill-fitting mattress, consider having a custom-sized one built for you.

This is also a great way to customize not just the length and width of your mattress, but the desired thickness as well.

Additional RV Mattress Shopping Tips

EXCHANGES ARE NEVER AS EASY AS THEY SOUND

Many mattress manufacturers tout a trial period for sleeping on their mattresses, typically anywhere from 60-120 days, where you can receive a full refund if you sleep on it and don’t like it.

On its face, this seems like a highly marketable perk, considering it’s often difficult to know exactly how you’re going to sleep on a given mattress until, well, you actually sleep on it for several nights.

The catch, however, comes with the hassle and cost of how you go about returning that mattress.

The rise of online mattress shopping, where you can’t just drop it off at the local store, creates some unique challenges in trying to ship back a mattress.

You’ll often be forced to learn the magic of fitting a mattress back into a box. While numerous YouTube videos and online articles can guide you to purchase vacuum sealed mattress bags, compressing, sealing, and rolling your mattress, nothing makes the process easy.

Plus, there are numerous instances where the shipping expense for returning such a large package essentially makes the offer of the return no longer cost-effective.

There are some mattress companies, like Purple, that will send a team to retrieve your mattress for donation if it didn’t work out, which is a convenient perk.

Ultimately, make sure to confirm the specific process of a potential return BEFORE you purchase your next RV mattress, especially if it’s from an online retailer.

GETTING YOUR MATTRESS THROUGH THE DOOR

It may be a good idea to confirm the width of your RV’s entrance and bedroom doors before deciding on a mattress.

This will allow you to analyze whether the box your mattress is being shipped in will fit through the space.

If not, you may want to ensure that your mattress is made of a lightweight foam material, which will be easy to compress in and around the tight areas between the door and bedroom.