Written by Melanie Kassel, Performance Editor
RV mattresses are notoriously hard, flimsy, and uncomfortable. But when you’re spending the night away from a traditional bedroom, you shouldn’t have to compromise on the quality of your sleep. Whether you’ve temporarily caught the travel bug or you’ve embraced the carefree lifestyle of RV living, you’ll want the best RV mattress available for your vehicle or camper.
Thankfully, many of the most trusted mattress brands now make their acclaimed beds in RV-friendly sizes. We’ll go over our favorites here, as well as highlight which RV and camper mattresses are best for certain preferences and situations.
Our Top Pick for Best RV Mattress
We picked the Dreamfoam Essential as our top pick because of its versatility, affordability, and quality construction.
Best RV Mattresses
- Dreamfoam Essential – Editor’s Pick
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling RV Mattress
- Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Value RV Mattress
- Helix Midnight – Best RV Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Heavy People
- Nolah Original Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear Original – Best Eco-Friendly RV Mattress
Compare The Best RV Mattresses
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| Dreamfoam Essential RV | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress | Dreamfoam Hybrid RV | Helix Midnight Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress | Nolah Original Hybrid | Bear Original Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium: 5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Couples, Back Sleepers, Seniors | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
For those shopping for an RV mattress, we also look for components like sizing (this can be unique for RVs), customization, overall support, and trial period.
Learn more about our product review process here.
Our Picks for The Best Mattresses for Campers
Dreamfoam Essential – Editor’s Pick
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
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Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV
An RV mattress available in multiple sizes, the Essential (formerly the Wanderlust) balances convenience with comfort.
Read Dreamfoam Essential RV Review
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Formerly known as the Wanderlust, the Dreamfoam Essential mattress has earned our Editor’s Pick title for its versatility, affordability, and quality construction. With multiple RV Bunk, RV King, and Short Queen sizes available, this bed should accommodate many types of RV setups. You can also pick from five different thickness levels, ranging from 6 to 14 inches.
These customization options allow you to tailor your RV mattress to your and your family’s needs, resulting in optimal sleep on the road. The Dreamfoam Essential is also budget-friendly, as it’s priced well below its competitors.
What else should you know?
- The mattress is a memory foam bed with two layers. The first layer is gel swirl memory foam and the bottom layer is a high-density support foam. However, the 12 and 14-inch modles also include a middle layer of VariFlex™ transition foam.
Customer Reviews of the Dreamfoam Essential
On DreamFoam’s website, the DreamFoam Essential ranks 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers noted a potential downside of the DreamFoam Essential mattress is that it may not be as durable as some higher-end mattresses, but it offers an affordable option with decent comfort and support.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review or check out our Best Mattress 2024 picks for more options.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling RV Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
The Aurora Luxe is a cooling mattress with TitanCool™ Technology, copper and gel infusions, and a temperature-regulating coil layer working together to provide exceptional comfort for those who sleep hot.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
A cooling mattress can come in handy during those warm summer months when you’re camping, especially if you’re prone to overheating during the night. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe should provide sufficient cooling for sleepers, earning its spot as our ‘Best Cooling RV Mattress.’
First, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe has TitanCool™ technology in the cover and the first foam layer. Second, the company infuses the memory foam layer with gel to keep the material from overheating, a common complaint of memory foam. Third, the coils in this hybrid mattress foster extra airflow in the bed’s center.
Why should you buy it?
- The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe comes in several RV-friendly sizes, including RV King, RV Bunk, and Short Queen.
- The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is made by Brooklyn Bedding, an American company based in Phoenix. All their products are manufactured in the U.S.
- You can try out this mattress for up to 120 nights to decide if you like it.
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
On Brooklyn Bedding’s site, the Aurora Luxe has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress for its advanced cooling features, but some have mentioned that it is relatively expensive compared to other options.
Looking to learn more? Read our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review or check out our expert recommended best cooling mattresses.
Dreamfoam Hybrid – Best Value RV Mattress
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
It can be difficult to find a hybrid on a budget, let alone one that’ll work for your RV. Thankfully, Brooklyn Bedding offers an affordable option that brings plenty of bang for its buck: the Dreamfoam Hybrid. This mattress packs a lot into 10-inches, and offers RV models in bunk and king-size.
It boasts a quilted top (infused with Phase Change Material), a layer of gel memory foam, and sturdy pocketed coils. All of these also work to keep the surface cool and allow air to flow through the mattress.
What stands out?
- The Dreamfoam Hybrid comes with a 120-night trial. It’s important to note that if you want to return your bed within this window, though, it’ll cost you $99. But if you choose to keep your mattress, it comes with a 10-year warranty.
- This bed can support up to 950 pounds, a boon for plus-size sleepers.
Customer Reviews of the Dreamfoam Hybrid
On the Dreamfoam website, this mattress has over 2,250 reviews and is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress for its comfortable blend of foam and coils at an affordable price, but some report that it may lack the long-term durability of more expensive brands.
Need to know more? Check out our Dreamfoam Hybrid review or the best mattresses for the money.
Helix Midnight – Best RV Mattress for Back Pain
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
Part of Helix’s core line of mattresses, the Midnight has a hybrid construction that’s particularly suited to back and side sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Back pain can put a damper on a vacation, but the good news is that a quality mattress can help alleviate or prevent this pain. The key to this is a highly supportive bed. A mattress with firm support layers can help ensure your spine stays aligned, which is important for mitigating back pain.
The Helix Midnight has a true medium-firm feel that should work well for most sleepers. The Midnight’s supportive layers include an 8-inch thick pocketed coil system and a highly-dense foam at the base.
Why we think you’ll love it
- The Helix Midnight also comes with helpful cooling features to keep you comfortable for those summer camping trips, including a breathable cover and airflow from the coils.
- You can try out the Helix Midnight for as many as 100 nights to be sure it is the best fit.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on Helix’s website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
Want to learn more? Check out our Helix Midnight review or check out our best picks for the best mattresses for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Heavy People
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re a heavier person, it’s important to have a firm, supportive enough bed to ensure your body remains in a healthy alignment. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress comes in three firmness levels, but we think their Firm model could be most beneficial for plus-size sleepers.
We also think Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid mattress offers consumers fantastic value for a hybrid model, especially since hybrids can be considerably more costly than innerspring and foam models. Emma, who tested this bed first-hand, also spoke about the quality of this bed. “If you’re looking for an affordable and durable mattress, you might just love this bed.”
What makes it special?
- We love that the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three firmness levels because it allows the bed to cater to more sleepers. However, it’s their Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid in Firm that we think heavier sleepers will like best.
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Signature has 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress receives praise from customers for its versatility with different firmness options, but some have mentioned that it may produce slight noise when bearing weight.
For more on this bed, visit our in-depth Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review.
Nolah Original Hybrid – Best RV Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
An affordable hybrid featuring luxury pressure-relieving foam and supportive coils.
Read Nolah Original Hybrid Review
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
A fresh take on Nolah’s all-foam Original bed, the Nolah Original Hybrid adds springs to the mix, but doesn’t sacrifice a focus on side-sleeper satisfaction.
Its primary comfort layer is made of AirFoam™—Nolah’s proprietary pressure-relieving foam—that’s been hole-punched in the shoulder area. This treatment gives your shoulders even more plush cushion when you lie on your side. Furthermore, your hips and lower back should stay lifted due to slightly firmer zones in the same foam layer.
The coil unit inside this bed is zoned as well, and syncs up with the AirFoam™ to provide specialized support to the areas that need it most.
Why do we love it?
- This mattress is available in a wide variety of sizes to suit your RV space. In addition to the standard sizes, you can also purchase it in a Twin XL, Short Queen, or Short King size.
- The cover on this hybrid is made from Tencel™, a textile derived from wood pulp that has noticeable breathability and and moisture-wicking properties.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Original Hybrid
This is a newer mattress from the Nolah brand so there are no customer reviews available yet on the Nolah website. However, the all-foam Nolah Original, another alternative we mentioned above, has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Some customers have noted that this Nolah Original mattress may have less edge support, yet many customers praise its superior pressure relief as a significant advantage.
Our in-depth review of the new Nolah Original Hybrid is coming soon.
Bear Original – Best Eco-Friendly RV Mattress
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
This flagship model was thoughtfully crafted and assembled to be an attractive all-foam option for athletes who need better rest.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Not only does the Bear Original boast an affordable price, it also features eco-friendly components in its 10-inch-thick design. You won’t find fiberglass in any Bear mattress, and that includes this hallmark model. The mattress itself is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low emissions, and the foams used in its construction are also Certi-PUR US certified to ensure they were formulated without harmful chemicals.
Underneath the Bear Original’s breathable cover, you’ll find cooling gel memory foam that works tirelessly to dissipate heat. Beneath that is another layer of responsive foam, followed by a foundation of high-density support form that keeps this portable mattress stable and durable.
What else stands out?
- As an extra add-on, you can get your Bear mattress with a Celliant® fiber cover, which reportedly helps active bodies to recover after exercise by transforming body heat into infrared energy.
- The Bear Original is made in America, and its lifetime warranty should put buyers at ease.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Original
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.
Want to know more? Check out our review of the Bear Original mattress and our Best Organic Mattresses for more options.
Benefits of Getting a Mattress Built for an RV
Being able to travel all over and know that you’ll be able to sleep in your own bed at night is comforting, and it makes any obstacle you may encounter during the day bearable.
With the numbers of RVs being sold in the US on a steady rise, the quality and availability of these mattresses have also increased. It used to be that people who bought campers and RVs were retiring and wanted to mobilize themselves to see the all the sights that our nation has to offer.
However, millennials have become the fastest growing segment of RV owners. Many of them also appreciate being flexible and mobile. They don’t want to be tied down, and of course, work-life balance is important to them. They tend not to be as attached to establishing roots, especially since they’ve delayed having children.
Again, these are generalities, but these circumstances have led to a dramatic increase in motorhome and RV sales. All of this translates into more choices and better options for quality in an RV mattress.
It used to be that since there were fewer of them made and they tend to require custom dimensions, the price would also be significantly higher. Fortunately, that’s not necessarily the case any longer as you’ll see in our reviews.
Camper and RV Mattress Buyer’s Guide
RV Mattress
If your camper didn’t come with a mattress, you’ll definitely need to get one! Alternatively, if it did have one included but will lead you to an uncomfortable night of sleep on it, you’ll probably want a whole new set up.
Keep in mind that you might need to get a custom size, especially if there are rounded corners or indents to allow for placements of other structures or areas, like a bathroom or a closet door.
Check out our Best Mattresses for 2024
RV Mattress Topper
A topper can be a life saver, and also breathe new life into a bed that is somewhat uncomfortable. Typically, toppers work to make a firm surface soft, but they aren’t supposed to replace a sagging mattress to make it more supportive.
Want to know more? Visit our full best mattress topper guide.
For Sofa Beds
For an RV with a pullout or sofa bed, your choices are more limited. The bed needs to be able to fold in and out, so toppers are usually the best choice. Be careful not to fold the topper into the sofa bed when not in use. Instead, store it on a flat surface or on top of the main bed.
For Pop-ups
Pop-up campers have less vertical space, so you need to be careful when selecting your sleeping apparatus. Steer away from thicker profile bedding. Instead, you can get a narrow topper that’s comfortable enough for a restful night of sleep but won’t get in the way. Some people might recommend an eggshell topper because they’re easier to store, but not everyone finds them comfortable.
For Motorhomes
Many motorhomes have space and flexibility for you to buy a traditional mattress if you desire. Double check your measurements to see if this is the case.
Alternatively, some motorhomes have built-ins that can’t be replaced easily. If that’s the case, the only viable option is to add a mattress topper for comfort.
Types of Beds for RVs and Campers
Foam Mattress
This material is typically what comes standard in RVs and campers. It’s usually thin, firm, uncomfortable and not durable. The advantage is that they’re only about five to six inches thick, so they don’t take up a lot of space. If you don’t have room for something taller, look into getting a higher quality foam or a thin mattress topper.
Memory Foam Mattress
How much time you spend on your camper mattress will dictate the amount you’ll probably want to spend. A decent memory foam bed can cost anywhere from $300 to $800, though you can find some quality options at the lower end of the pricing spectrum.
These beds are typically constructed of a layer of soft memory foam and a sturdy foam base for support.
Latex Mattress
Similar to memory foam, latex offers a lot of comfort combined with support. Natural latex is made from a rubber tree. It’s more natural than synthetic and will last you a lot longer. In addition, this material is known to be antimicrobial and dust-mite resistant, both important for furniture that is exposed to more of the elements.
Get More Info: Top Rated Latex Mattress
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are known for being high quality and providing superior comfort, but they’re not always the best bet for mobile living. For example, they can be heavier, which means you might be able to use them in a pop-up camper. Plus, they contain metal, which increases the risk of rust and condensation inside the core of the bed.
Gel Mattress
If you’re on the road in warmer climates, consider getting a gel-infused mattress. Manufacturers typically place cooling gel beads into the foam for an overall cooler sleeping experience. Trust me when I tell you, this makes a huge difference on those hot nights.
Air Mattress
These vary widely in price, so if you’re going to go down this route, make sure you get an air mattress that’s specifically designed for RVs. Some choices are particularly durable and often shaped to fit the environment better. Higher end brands allow you to adjust the amount of air on each side, which is fantastic if you’re sleeping with a partner who prefers a different firmness level.
While you’re out exploring, if you decide to take a side excursion into the wilderness, you might consider taking a highly durable product geared for the outdoors and pick up an air bed for camping. Then, you can use it both outside and in the camper.
Bed Sizes for RV Mattresses
Twin
A standard twin bed is 38 x 75 inches, but RV mattresses come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 28 x 75 to 40 x 80. This size is common in campers and is the standard for pop-ups.
Bunk
Bunks are common in recreational vehicles designed for families. Again, there’s variation in the sizes you’ll find. The standard length is 75 inches, but the width can be either 28 or 35 inches. Every once in awhile, we run into a non-standard size. In that case, look for a truck bed. Those dimensions tend to be both longer and slightly wider.
Full
You’ll find full, also referred to as double, mattresses in many RVs and on the fold out sofas. The only difference between these and regular beds is that the RV versions are one inch wider. Explore the best full mattresses here.
Three Quarter
As the name suggests, these beds are 75% the width of a standard queen size bed. Instead of the traditional 60-inch width, a three quarter is 48 inches. They’re often found in RVs or sections that are narrow or oddly shaped.
Queen
Despite their reputation for having cramped quarters, many RVs and pop-ups feature queen-sized mattresses, which are 60 x 80 inches. If the vehicle has multiple sleeping areas, you’ll usually find a queen in the main one.
Short Queen
These beds are five inches shorter, so they’re 75 inches long instead of 80 inches. This size is ideal when you need to accommodate multiple sleepers, but your square footage is lacking in length.
Olympic Queen
Olympic Queens are wider than a standard queen. Instead of 60 inches across, the Olympic version is 66 inches.
King
King-size beds are surprisingly common in RVs and campers. The standard size is 76 x 80 inches in homes but tend to be slimmed down for mobility. You’ll usually find RV sizes are 72 x 75 inches or 72 x 80 inches.
Explore More: Best King Mattress
Eastern King
Eastern King beds in RVs are becoming more common. They’re a little wider than a regular King, measuring 76 inches across instead of 72. They’re ideal for couples who want extra room or those who are traveling with children but only have one bed.
Cali King
You’ll find this size bed more frequently in homes than in an RV. It’s a longer mattress than a standard king, but slightly narrower. Instead of 76 x 80 inches, it’s 72 x 80 inches. If you’ve got a longer mobile abode, you’ll find this size can work well. Find California king beds here.
Trailer Beds
Life doesn’t get much better than lying in the back of a pickup truck and falling asleep while looking at the stars. Trailer, or truck beds, come in two sizes: either 35 x 79 or 42 x 80 inches.
Our Considerations When Buying a Mattress for a Camper
Firmness
Since RV mattresses are known for being firmer than average, you’ll want to take that into consideration when finding the one that’s best for you. Many are made of memory foam now, and that will provide extra softness.
Before making your choice, consider how often you’ll be sleeping on it. The more nights you spend in your RV, the more durable the bed should be. If you get something that’s slightly firm now, it will likely soften up over time.
Find Out More: Mattress Firmness Guide
Comfort
There’s no sense in compromising comfort, even if you don’t plan on spending a substantial amount of time in your RV. In our opinion, just one single night of torturous sleep isn’t worth saving a few bucks. While you can’t necessarily test out these mattresses before you buy, refer to our reviews above to see which bed best fits your needs.
RV Mattress FAQs
Can RV mattresses be replaced?
For the most part, yes, they can be replaced. Every now and then, you might encounter a built-in, and your only option will be adding a mattress topper to make it more comfortable.
However, usually you can get a new one with no problems whatsoever. Make sure you take careful measurements before buying anything and double or triple check the website you’re buying from to ensure the dimensions match what you need.
Can you use a regular mattress in an RV?
No, many regular mattress sizes are not compatible with the available space in RVs and Campers. Before purchasing a mattress you intend to use in an RV, we recommend measuring the space.
What if I want a RV mattress for two people?
Have you met that one person that you want to hit the road with? There’s nothing better than sharing your life and your travels with the one you love, but what if your sleep needs don’t line up as well as your thirst for adventure? You wouldn’t be alone, as around 80% of couples have different body shapes and sleep preferences.
Shopping for mattresses as a twosome doesn’t have to be a nightmare because there are many brands that are looking out for you by offering features like dual-sided firmness or greater versatility that can adapt to support different shapes.
Find Out More: Best Mattresses for Couples
Compare Prices of the Best RV Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Editor’s Pick | $524 | Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $1,874 | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress Review |
| Dreamfoam Hybrid | Value | $799 | Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight | Back Pain | $1,199 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Heavy People | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Nolah Original Hybrid | Side Sleepers | $1,749 | Pending |
| Bear Original | Eco-Friendly | $999 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
Conclusion
Bet you didn’t know there were so many choices and sizes, did you? Hopefully, you found this guide useful, and you’ve got a clearer picture of the mattress that will work best for your RV or camper. Remember, even though you spend about a third of your life sleeping, don’t forget to get out there and explore!
Melanie Kassel
Performance Editor
About Author
As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.
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