The Best Mattress for an RV
| Rank | Products | Highlights |
| #1 | 
Zinus Deluxe Memory Foam |
|
| #2 | 
Best Price Mattress |
|
| #3 | 
Serenia Sleep RV Mattress |
|
| #4 | 
DynastyMattress Deluxe |
|
| #5 | 
Live & Sleep Classic RV Mattress |
|
Ah yes, the RV. The dream of every free spirit that wants to roam the open roads with a mobile home and go wherever the road takes him. It’s what a lot of people dream of when they retire: to travel as much as they can in the comfort of their own wheeled-home. And since the RV is meant to act as a mobile home, it needs to mimic the comfort you get when you’re actually at home. Of course, this also implies giving you all the best sleeping conditions, so you be prepared for the next day of traveling. Today’s topic relies on helping you choose the best RV mattress, after understanding what the key points and deal breakers for such a product are.
You may want to check out: RV Mattress Toppers
RV Mattress 101
If you thought that things were complicated when buying a home bed, wait until you know everything there is to know about an RV mattress. First thing’s first: it’s a mandatory item. There are high chances that the RV already comes with a mattress, but it might not be the most comfortable choice. Hear your body out, listen to what it has to say. If you’re super lucky, you can just use the old mattress. If not, it’s time to shop. There are people who prefer to buy a topper instead of a bed, but this is one choice we definitely don’t recommend. A topper can never replace the comfort of a bed, but it can act as an additional layer that goes on top of it. That, we approve. As you can imagine, RV mattress now comes in pretty much all the same types as a regular mattress.
— Foam & Memory Foam
The foam will most likely be included in the bed that comes with your RV. We can give you about five reasons why this mattress needs to be replaced: it’s generally too firm, very thin, filled with chemicals, uncomfortable and not a long-term player. In fact, the only real advantage is they occupy less space because they are thinner. Should you have the room for a taller mattress, it most certainly deserves to be on your list.
Memory foam is a much better option. While there are many variations to memory foam mattresses, they typically have a top layer that’s made from softer foam and a thicker base, for added support. They are preferred by a tremendous amount of people because of the superior body contouring.
— Latex
We’ve always had a thing for latex mattresses, especially when they are combined with memory foam. Latex provides a great combination of support and comfort, not to mention that it’s the most durable material used in the construction of a mattress. Some other benefits of latex mattresses are that they are dust mite resistant and antimicrobial, making the overall product a lot more natural. You should consider the fact that an RV mattress will be more exposed to the elements compared to a regular bedroom one, so durability is definitely a plus.
— Innerspring
Also known as a coil bed, the innerspring products do bring their fair share of benefits to the table. Considering how much mattress technology has evolved, coil mattresses are not as uncomfortable as they use to be. In fact, most of the market’s innerspring mattresses have individually wrapped coils. This means less motion transfer and a lot more support. However, when it comes to purchasing a mattress for your RV, innerspring is not always the best choice. First off, the coils add a lot of weight to the product, which makes it harder to maneuver. A lighter bed is a better option for an RV. Second, you need to consider that the metal inside the mattress is subject to condensation, which is a risk you want to avoid.
Sizes to Consider
With RV mattresses, sizes are a bit different than for normal bed ones, in a sense that you have a wider variety of size options to choose from. We’re going to list them all, so you know what to expect:
- Twin beds normally measure 75 x 38 inches, but when it comes to RVs, sizes range from 75 x 28 inches and all the way up to 80 x 40 inches.
- Bunk beds are very common in RV mattresses designed for families with children because they take up less space. While the standard length for a bunk RV bed is 75 inches, the width can vary, being either 28 or 35 inches.
- Full mattresses (75 x 55 inches) are often referred to as doubles. They are often found in RVs, but also on extendable sofas. The RV versions of full beds are one inch wider.
- There is such a thing as a three-quarter bed, which is actually 75% of the size of a queen bed. A traditional queen mattress measure 60 inches in width, which means that the three-quarter sports only 48 inches. If they are found in RVs, they are traced to narrow sections.
- Queen is the most typical size for a mattress, even inside an RV. That’s pretty odd, considering that most RV designs are looking to cramp up as many things as possible in a tight space. A queen RV mattress measures the same as a normal one: 80 x 60 inches.
- Short queen mattresses are, in fact, five-inch shorter. That means that instead of an 80 x 60-inch mattress (the typical queen size), this one measure 75 x 60 inches. This size is suitable for narrow square footage.
- Olympic Queen mattresses are wider compared to the standard queen size, measuring 80 x 66 inches.
- You’d be surprised to find out that despite their large size, king-sized mattresses aren’t that uncommon in RVs. The standard size for a king bed is 80 x 76 inches, but RVs have variations (for obvious space purposes) of 75 x 72 inches or 80 x 72 inches.
- Eastern king beds are slowly making their way towards the RV market. They are typically regular than a king mattresses and are recommended for a couple who want the extra bit of space, but also for those who sleep with a child and don’t have an extra bed for him.
- Cal king beds are not that common on RVs because of the amount of space they occupy. The mattress for a cal king is typically longer compared to the standard model, but it’s a tad narrower, measuring 80 x 72 inches.
Best RV Mattresses
#1. Zinus Deluxe Memory Foam
SPECS
- Dimensions: 60 x 74 x 10 inches (for the Short Queen size)
- Weight: 52.6 pounds (for the Short Queen size)
- Height: 10 inches
Editor’s Pick
This is a top pick rated highly amongst RV enthusiasts everywhere. The bed is made entirely of memory foam, to the delight of people that are fans of the genre. While we’ve reviewed the 10-inch model, you can go for something shorter if needed, like the 8-inch model. The mattress starts off by supporting your body with 3 inches of memory foam on top so that you’ll feel comfortable within seconds of lying down. Then, you have two more inches of comfort foam, meant to alleviate pressure points and provide good body contouring. Then, there’s a 5-inch layer of support foam, which acts as a sturdy base for even weight distribution. Made with more natural materials, the Zinus Deluxe mattress is an affordable option for people looking to get the best bang for the buck. The mattress uses BioFoam, which means that petroleum has been replaced with plant-based oil. The absence of chemicals is reinforced by the fact that the mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. The top cover of the Zinus is made from knit jacquard which, aside from being pleasant to the touch, is also fairly easy to clean.
Pros
- Features three different layers of foam.
- Includes BioFoam, which is made from natural plant oil.
- The mattress is CertiPUR-US certified.
- Available in multiple thickness options.
Cons
- Runs a bit hot due to the overuse of memory foam.
#2. Best Price Mattress
SPECS
- Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 6 inches (for the Queen size)
- Weight: 35 pounds (for the Queen size)
- Height: 6 inches
Runner Up
This is the 6-inch version of the Best Price mattress, but you can also opt for thicker models, that measure 8, 10 or even 12 inches in height. But what makes this 6-inch mattress so good? It sports three different layers of memory foam, to make sure that they balanced enough to provide support despite its thinness. Underneath the cover lies a one-inch layer of memory foam, with a quick response. This gives the bed the softness you want to feel when lying down in bed. Second, there is a 2-inch layer of super soft foam. Aside from helping the top layer transition to the bottom one, this layer is also responsible for pressure point alleviation. The base layer is 3 inches thick and it’s made with high-density foam, to support the other two layer that lie above it. Another key feature of the Best Price mattress is the fact that it uses active charcoal in its construction. This gives the mattress moisture-absorbing properties, to make sure you sleep in good conditions regardless of what Mother Nature has in store for you and your RV.
Pros
- Preferred by both RV owners and people looking for a foam mattress for their home.
- Uses active charcoal for a moisture-wicking and fresher mattress.
- Available in four different height options.
- Very affordable.
Cons
- Despite all the memory foam used, mattress feels a little firm.
#3. Serenia Sleep RV Mattress
SPECS
- Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 6 inches (for the short Queen size)
- Weight: 36 pounds (for the Queen size)
- Height: 6 inches
Best Affordable
The Serenia mattress is a very popular choice among RV owners, as it provides a good combination of comfort and an affordable price tag. The mattress is dual-sided, which means it’s flippable. Due to its lightweight, it’s also easy to maneuver, which a feature you want to have in an RV mattress. The combination of memory foam layers is meant to provide good support and body contouring while making sure you get to choose the mattress’ thickness. The low-density foam layer placed on top should be softer than it actually is, but, as you know, it’s a matter of taste and personal preference. Thanks to the CertiPUR-US certification, the bed is non-toxic, so there shouldn’t be any unpleasant chemical odor upon unboxing. One of its main features is the open cell top layer. Normally, this feature would provide a mattress with decent airflow and better breathability for the sleeper.
Pros
- Available in different heights.
- Made with open cell technology, for higher breathability.
- The foam used in construction is dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic.
- Suitable for people who want a firm mattress.
Cons
- The cover can only be spot cleaned.
- A lot of registered complaints about the mattress being too firm.
#4. DynastyMattress Deluxe
SPECS
Dimensions: 75 x 60 x 10 inches (for the Queen size)
Weight: 60 pounds (for the Queen size)
Height: 10 inches
Best Luxury
The DynastyMattress is giving RV owners a lot to talk about. The 10 inches of height are wisely distributed amongst the 4 layers of foam that work together to provide support and cooling. The first 3 inches are dedicated to a high-density memory foam, to give you the relaxing feeling you should have before falling asleep. Then, we have two layers of AirFlow foam, measuring 2 inches each. These layers were added to maximize air circulation and allow the mattress and your skin to breathe. The base measures 3 inches of high-density polyurethane support foam. This provides the sturdiness every mattress needs. The cover can easily be removed and cleaned, which is another great feature for people on the go. The manufacturer takes pride in how much the mattress resembles the Tempur-Pedic mattresses, while still being able to sell them at a good price. Another feature you might be interested in is that this mattress is fully expandable in a minimal amount of time. This is especially good for people who want to sleep on the mattress from the first night they receive it.
Pros
- Features four different memory foam layer for better support.
- Two of the four layers are made with dual-sided AirFlow technology, for better breathability.
- The four-way zipped cover can easily be removed and cleaned.
- Comes with a 20-year warranty.
- Allows you to use the mattress for 120 nights of the free trial.
Cons
- Not comfortable enough for side sleepers.
#5. Live & Sleep Classic RV Mattress
SPECS
- Dimensions: 75 x 60 x 10 inches (for the Short Queen size)
- Weight: 60.8 pounds (for the Short Queen size)
- Height: 10 inches
Best Thick Choice
If you’re looking for something that’s more generous in terms of thickness, you just might like the Live & Sleep RV mattress. Twin, Full, Queen, Short Queen, Cal King, you name it. The manufacturer provides a lot of different sizes for you to choose from. What are some of the best features of this mattress, you ask? Let’s start off by talking about how qualitative the top cover feel since it’s soft and knit. It can be removed, washed and doesn’t allow your skin to run too hot. The 2.5 inches of memory foam are blended with the 7.5 support foam to provide you with a generous 10 inches in height. The top layer is infused with air, to ensure breathability. The mattress is hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, as it should be since it won’t always be exposed to the best conditions (it is an RV mattress, after all). The mattress is shipped with an included memory foam, but it doesn’t feel as comfortable and qualitative as the mattress itself.
Pros
- The knit cover is soft, removable and easy to clean.
- The mattress has hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties.
- Comes with an included memory foam pillow.
- The top memory foam layer is air-infused.
- Generous height for an RV mattress.
Cons
- Pillow is hard and almost doesn’t feel like memory foam.
- Edge support is very poor.
The Bottom Line
When shopping for the best RV mattress, you should think about the general rules of buying just any type of mattress. It needs to match the level of firmness your body needs while providing support for a good night sleep. But with RV mattresses, there’s always the available space consideration to keep in mind. It really depends on the size and type of RV you own. If you feel that the standard mattress that’s shipped with your RV is decent, but would like a different firmness level, there is always the option to buy a topper and adjust it. As far as firmness and comfort are concerned, you should put the same effort into picking an RV mattress as you would when buying a normal mattress if you spend more than a month per year sleeping in your RV. Never be afraid to invest in comfort!