We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site. See our disclosure page for more information.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief and more. Learn more.
In This Roundup
Weโll be discussing our top picks for the best RV mattresses that not only fit into the motorhome space, but also have as much support and comfort as other types of mattresses.
Finding the best RV mattress can allow you to go on a cross-country adventure without sacrificing comfort. Many bed-in-a-box brands have begun creating mattresses specifically for this purpose, and some of them have already-existing products that will fit easily into a motorhome. Weโll go over all of these different types of best RV mattresses and more in the following roundup. So put the keys in the ignition and letโs get rolling!
Our Verdict: Whatโs the Best RV Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Dreamfoam Essentialas the best RV mattress for its cooling and contouring features as well as its variety of sizes and heights to fit your space.
Our team of sleep specialists has reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
How We Chose Our Top Picks
For this roundup, we focused on mattresses that either come in specific RV sizes or offer smaller sizes that will fit an RV. In addition, we chose mattresses that are not extremely thick, as thick mattresses will not work well in an RV. Hereโs a bit more on the weightiest factors for this lineup:
Mattress Dimensions
When compiling buying options for RV mattresses, the first thing we considered was size. Most of the mattresses on this lineup are furnished in shorter, narrower RV-specific sizes, like โshort queen.โ Be sure to measure for yourself the space in your RV to find a mattress thatโs the ideal fit. With the low clearance of RVs, we also chose mattresses that veer on the less thick side, but again, this is something youโll want to double check for yourself. Think: Measure twice, buy once.
Durability and Comfort
Durability and comfort mattered a lot when it came to choosing RV mattresses, as a mattress on the road needs to handle the unique conditions of life in any given environment, including temperature fluctuations and bumps in the road. Durable, high-density memory foam, latex and hybrid mattresses can withstand these conditions while offering considerable comfort. You may also want a mattress thatโs especially cozy if it serves a general hang out spot within your space-limited living quarters.
Cooling Abilities
A lot of road warriors hit the highway during warmer months, so we sought to include mattresses with cooling properties. Materials like gel-infused memory foam and innerspring coils help to dissipate heat and circulate air. Natural latex is also a good option for RVs, as latex tends to be more breathable and naturally cool. Additionally, these mattresses are swaddled in breathable covers or moisture-wicking fabrics like cotton and Tencel.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Dreamfoam Essential is an all-foam bed. The number of foam layers depends on which height you order.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the 12โณ version of this mattress 7/10. This is slightly firmer than average. However, the firmness will depend on the height of the model you pick.
Price
$274-$1,149 (before discounts)
Size
22 sizes available, including multiple traditional and RV bunk sizes
Back Sleepers
Lightweight and average-weight back sleepers should enjoy the firmness of this bed.
Lightweight Sleepers
Because this bed is available in relatively thin profiles, itโs well-suited to lightweight sleepers who wonโt โbottom outโ through the layers.
Budget Shoppers
Many models of this bed are available for hundreds less than $1,000.
Pros
With so many sizes and heights to choose from, this is one of the most customizable beds youโll find for saleโperfect for finding the right match for your RV specs.
The price is right for a travel-ready bed. Itโll cost you more than a sleeping bag, but less than most traditional mattresses.
Its foam layers are quite firm, so light- to average-weight back sleepers should be all set.
Cons
This bed is not designed for heavyweight folks; plus-size sleepers should check out the best mattresses for heavy people instead.
Given its simple construction, it likely wonโt last as long as a more expensive bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
$99 return fee
A versatile traveling companion, the Dreamfoam Essential can be customized to fit almost any vehicle: itโs available in 22 sizes and 5 different heights. Its all-foam design is fairly firm, though the feel will change depending on which height you choose. We donโt recommend it for heavy people, but lightweight folks and average-weight back sleepers should snooze comfortably.
Our Expertโs Take
The all-foam Dreamfoam Essential has been so successful in the bedroom that Brooklyn Bedding is now taking it on the road. Sleepers can expect all of the mattressโ cooling and contouring features, but in a wider variety of sizes specifically designed for RVs. Short Queen, RV King, RV Bunk โ the list goes on and on and on.
What the testers say: โReviewing the Dreamfoam Essential, I loved how it came in different thicknesses and sizes to give me options. I reviewed the 12โณ model, and it had a very good balance of comfort and support for back sleeping.โ โ Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Dreamfoam Essential
In addition to being available in RV sizes, the Dreamfoam Essential comes in five height options. Each model has a slightly different construction, so they have slightly different feels and firmnesses.
The Dreamfoam Essential is made with a layer of gel-infused memory foam to help regulate temperature. This layer also gives the mattress a slow-moving foam feel.
The 12โ model of the Dreamfoam Essential feels slightly firmer than average and is most comfortable for back sleeping.
What to Keep in Mind About the Dreamfoam Essential
We noticed that the Dreamfoam Essential collapsed a bit when we sat or lied on the edge.
The Dreamfoam Essential is a value mattress, so itโs not made with long-lasting materials and will probably only last five to seven years.
Other User Reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Dreamfoam Essential has earned a 4.7/5 star rating from 4,135 customer reviews. Many customers found this mattress to be a great value for an RV. A few negative reviews found the Dreamfoam Essential too firm for their comfort preferences.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options available.
Price
$1,199 โ $2,665 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, split California king, RV king, RV bunk
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bedโs cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Available in a large variety of sizes. Whether youโre looking to add this to your bedroom or fit it in your RV, you should be able to find the right size.
This bed performed well on our cooling tests, making it a good fit for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
This bed isnโt supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Heavyweight sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs wonโt find enough support on this bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers a responsive surface great for combination sleepers. Itโs also a good choice for hot sleepers looking for a bed that can keep them cool but thatโs available in a wide array of sizes. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expertโs Take
Brooklyn Bedding has become a major player in the mattress industry, with the Aurora Luxe being their most popular model. And itโs now available in several RV sizes, including Short Queen, RV King, and RV Bunk. Structurally, itโs a hybrid mattress with supportive coils at the bottom and patented CopperFlex foam up top. This layer creates a responsive kind of contouring, allowing you to move around easily while still getting some pressure relief. This makes this a good mattress for back sleepers who need a slight lift and combination sleepers who need to switch positions at night.
What the testers say: โThe Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is easily one of my favorite hybrid mattresses. When I tried the mattress for myself, I experienced fantastic cooling and comfort.โ โ Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Aurora Luxe is built with 8โ innerspring coils with zoned lumbar support. This feature helps keep sleeperโs spines in neutral alignment.
Its comfort layers feature different cooling infusions including copper and phase change material. The Aurora Luxe regulates temperature well and does a great job of keeping you cool.
All three models of the Aurora Luxe provide sleepers with great body contouring and pressure relief. You can also add a Cloud Pillow Top for additional pressure relief and a luxurious feel.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Aurora Luxeโs edges collapse quite a bit when you sat and lie down near its perimeter.
Lightweight sleepers should find enough support under their hips while stomach sleeping on the Medium model. But if you weigh over 130 lb, you should check out the Firm model for stomach sleeping.
Other User Reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Aurora Luxe has a 4.7/5 star rating based on 3,504 reviews. Reviewers were impressed with the bedโs cooling features and its balance of comfort and support. Some customers who purchased the Medium model found it to be too soft and not supportive enough. This can be subjective depending on your sleep position and body type.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Unless theyโre petite, stomach sleepers will probably need a bed that provides more lift under their hips.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
$99 return fee
The Dreamfoam Hybrid is springy and supportive enough for most back and side sleepers. Its medium-firm feel, array of size options, and low price make it a very crowd-pleasing bed, though stomach sleepers and heavyweight folks should probably steer clear.
Our Expertโs Take
The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress has a cozy cover with a cooling, gel-infused foam that molds to your body, helping you on those sweaty nights sans AC in your camper. Supporting you is a layer of coils atop a solid foam base, keeping everything supported and ventilated. And at 10โ tall, the low profile of the bed can slip into many sleep situations. And if youโre a lightweight sleeper who tends to float off into dreamland in all sorts of positions, this mattress has your back โ literally. Lightweight (<140 lbs) back, side and stomach sleepers can all get proper spinal alignment on this bed, testers said. And like our top pick, the Dreamfoam Essential, the Dreamfoam Hybrid comes in an unusually robust array of sizes adapted to RVs.
What the testers say: โThe Dreamfoam Hybrid is a bang-for-your-buck hybrid with a balanced feel. I canโt say Iโd recommend the bed for heavier sleepers, however, lightweight and average sleepers should sink in just enough.โ โ Elisa, Reviewer
What We Love About the Dreamfoam Hybrid
The Dreamfoam Hybrid offers a great balance of comfort and support for back sleepers. Side sleepers of average weight can also find enough support and pressure relief on this mattress.
The bed has a highly cooling feel, thanks to gel-infused foam and breathable coils that circulate hot air away from sleepers who tend to overheat at night.
All Dreamfoam beds are made in the USA in a factory owned by the brand (Brooklyn Bedding), allowing savings to be passed on to the customers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Dreamfoam Hybrid
Despite the coil layer, the mattress is not designed for heavyweight sleepers. These sleepers should opt for a more durable mattress with a double-coil build, like the Saatva.
Couples be wary: We felt the edge collapse a decent amount when we sat or lied down near the perimeter, and the bed lacks solid motion isolation. A top memory foam mattress like the Bear will be a better match for couples who need minimal disruption across the sleep surface.
Other User Reviews
On the Dreamfoam website, the bed has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from over 2,000 customer reviews. Many RV owners praised the mattress as an upgrade from their old, and loved the affordable price ($599 when we last checked for a queen). Some RV mattress buyers found the bed to be too soft.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldnโt notice their partnerโs movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. Itโs a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldnโt trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, itโs still a hybrid. If you donโt want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helixโs most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It wonโt trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expertโs Take
If youโre a road-tripping couple, youโll want to make sure your RV has a bed thatโs able to isolate motion well and keep you from disturbing one another. We think the medium-firm Helix Midnight more than fits the bill. Itโs a hybrid mattress, meaning it has a construction of several different materials. A layer of individually wrapped coils at the bottom of the bed creates plenty of support, while a comfort layer of Memory Plus foam up top works to contour the body and minimize movement. This allows lovebirds to move around without waking each other up.
What the testers say: โI tested the Helix Midnight to see how well it isolated motion to each side of the mattress. I saw very little disturbances during my tests. This lets me know that it should be a good choice for couples.โ โ Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight isolates motion very well for a hybrid mattress. But it still has an overall balanced hybrid feel that makes it easy to move around on for sex.
This mattress feels like a 7/10 on our firmness scale, which is slightly firmer than medium-firm. Its balanced foam feel is ideal for most back and combination sleepers.
Its hybrid construction allows for ample airflow through its wrapped coil layer. Hot sleepers can also upgrade the Helix Midnightโs Breathe Knit cover to a GlacioTex cooling cover.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
You might notice some slight creaking noises from its innerspring coils when moving around on the Helix Midnight. This is something to keep in mind if you are a light sleeper.
Sleepers who weigh over 300 lb wonโt find enough support from the Helix Midnight. These people should consider getting one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight has a 4.5/5 star rating based on 6,718 customer reviews on the Helix website. Most users thought the Helix Midnight offered a perfect balance of comfort and support while back or side sleeping. A few users found the Helix Midnight was too soft, which led to some people experiencing neck or back pain over time.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
Itโs the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because itโs made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period.
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers wonโt get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
Our Expertโs Take
Heavy people over 230 lb tend to need a firm and supportive mattress so they can stay elevated and keep their spines in a neutral alignment. This is even more important on the road, where they may be contending with a smaller space and the motion of a vehicle. We think the all-foam Plank Firm might be the answer for these folks, as it was designed by Brooklyn Bedding to be an exceptionally firm and stable mattress.
What the testers say: โAs a heavier person, I usually require a firmer, more supportive mattress. The Plank Firm is definitely one of the firmest mattresses I have ever reviewed and kept me supported while back and stomach sleeping.โ โ Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm mattress is flippable with two firmness options. The Firm side feels like an 8/10 on our firmness scale and the Extra-firm side feels like a 9/10.
Hot sleepers can choose to upgrade the Plank Firm to include a GlacioTex cooling cover for an additional price.
Both sides of the Plank Firm mattress are way too firm for side sleepers. This bed offers little to no pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.
Its high-density foam support layer gives the Plank Firm a slightly bouncy foam feel. The Plank Firm doesnโt do a great job of absorbing motion transfer.
Other User Reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Plank Firm mattress has an impressive 4.8/5 star rating from 3,110 customer reviews. Fans of an extra firm mattress love the Plank Firm bed and many reviewers said the mattress helped relieve their back pain. Some negative reviews mention the Plank Firm feeling uncomfortable because of its firmness.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress reviewto learn more. If you arenโt interested in the Plank mattress, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bedโs cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bearโs gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
Itโs an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isnโt a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely wonโt find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Youโll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day โbreak-inโ period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isnโt firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expertโs Take
Bear has made a name for itself in the mattress industry for its beds that cater to athletes. While traveling and camping arenโt exactly sports, theyโre still part of an active lifestyle, so it only makes sense that the Bear Original, a bed made with materials that help with muscle recovery would make our list of the best RV mattresses. The Bear comes with a breathable Tencel cover, gel-infused foam, and an optional Celliant cover that helps with recovery. Best of all, even before discounts, you can get a Queen size mattress for under $1000, making the Bear one of the best-value RV mattresses out there.
What the testers say: โThe Bear mattress offers a great balance of comfort and support, which is great news for back sleepers, and when I rested on my side, I felt great pressure relief along my hips and shoulders.โ โ Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
The Bear Originalโs optional Celliant cover is designed to regulate body temperature and promote muscle recovery and blood circulation.
Its top layer of memory foam is pressure-relieving and does an excellent job at reducing motion transfer. Itโs also infused with cooling gel to draw heat away from your body.
The Bear mattress is made entirely from CertiPUR-US certified foams and is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meeting strict standards for low emissions.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
The Bear Original is easy to move around on, but does not have a traditional innerspring feel. Fans of a bouncy mattress should consider looking for an innerspring or hybrid bed.
Unless you are a lightweight sleeper, you wonโt find enough support under your hips while stomach sleeping.
Other User Reviews
On Bearโs website, the Bear Original mattress has a 4.7/5 star rating from over 10,000 user reviews. Several positive reviews mention that the Bear Originalโs great value exceeded their expectations. Some customers wish the Bear mattress was softer and offered more pressure point relief.
To put it bluntly, an RV mattress is any mattress that can fit inside an RV. This can be an already-existing mattress thatโs available in RV-compatible sizes (more on that in a bit) or a mattress that was created specifically with RVs in mind.
What Size Is an RV Mattress?
Of the traditional mattress sizes, both Twin and Twin XL should fit into most RV bed frames. So any mattress thatโs available in those sizes might be a good fit for your motorized home.
But there are many additional mattress sizes out there created specifically for the unique dimensions of an RV bed frame, including Short Queen, RV Bunk, and RV King. Hereโs a rundown of all of them:
Size
Measurements
Twin
38โณ x 75โณ
Twin XL
38โณ x 80โณ
RV Bunk
28โ x 75โ 30โ x 75โ 30โ x 80โ 34โ x 75โ 35โ x 79โ
RV Full
53โ x 75โ 54โ x 75โ 55โ x 75โณ
Three-Quarter
48โ x 75โ 48โ x 80โ
RV Short Queen
60โ x 74โ 60โ x 75โ
RV Queen
60โณ x 80โณ
RV Short King
72โณ x 75โณ
RV King
72โณ x 80โณ
Eastern King
76โณ x 80โณ
RV California King
72โณ x 84โณ
Itโs important to note that not every mattress (including some of the ones on this list) are going to be available in all of these sizes. Before you make a purchase, learn what size bed frame is already in your RV. If youโre not sure, take its measurements so you can decide which sizes will fit.
Differences Between RV Mattresses and Traditional Mattresses
This section is a bit of a misnomer since many traditional mattresses are RV mattresses. But if weโre talking about mattresses specifically designed for RVs versus mattresses that will fit in an RV (again, anything that comes in Twin and Twin XL sizes), there are a few key differences:
Size: Weโve already mentioned how any RV mattress is going to come in a variety of RV-specific sizes. That being said, many traditional mattresses are now being manufactured in RV sizes.
Thickness: Because of the limited amount of space, RV mattresses tend to be a little thinner/shorter than traditional mattresses. Most RV mattresses are going to be between 4โ and 8โ thick, although if youโre putting a traditional mattress inside an RV, it will likely be thicker.
Price: While there are of course exceptions, RV mattresses are generally going to be cheaper than traditional mattresses because there are less materials involved in the production.
Types of RV Mattresses
Whether youโre putting a traditional mattress in your RV or purchasing an RV-specific mattress, they come in many different styles and constructions. Here are some of the most common types of beds and who they might be good for.
RV Innerspring Mattresses
The term โinnerspring mattressโ is interesting since itโs rare to find a true innerspring mattress these days. Most beds that contain a foundation of springs still have a decent bit of foam up top. But there are a good number of beds with an innerspring feel, such as the Saatva and the WinkBed. These mattresses are usually firm, springy, and supportive, and tend to be a good match for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers. Theyโre also a good mattress for heavy sleepers over 230 lb who need more support.
RV Foam Mattresses
Many mattresses are made entirely of foam. Memory foam is an especially popular material, and usually appeals to side sleepers because of its slow-sinking feeling that relieves pressure on the shoulders and hips. Then again, itโs also possible for an all-foam bed to be firm and supportive, which tends to be a better fit for back sleepers.
A kind of middle ground between innerspring and foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses are made from a combination of different materials. The most common blend is a layer of pocketed coils on the bottom of the mattress for support and some kind of foam up top for pressure relief and contouring, with maybe some denser transitional foam in the middle. Hybrid mattresses tend to have a good blend of comfort and support, making them natural choices for side sleepers and back sleepers. Because of their versatility, there are also a decent number of beds for combination sleepers and stomach sleepers, too.
RV Latex Mattresses
Latex foam is an environmentally friendly alternative thatโs bouncier and more responsive than memory foam. These mattresses can derive their foam from either Talalay or Dunlop latex, and tend to be a good fit for combination sleepers, who need a responsive bed so they can easily switch positions at night. And because latex is naturally cooling, a latex mattress is also a good fit for hot sleepers.
RV Air Mattresses
Although we didnโt include any in this roundup, air mattresses are compatible with RV bed frames, as long as they have the right dimensions. However, theyโre going to be less durable than a non-inflatable RV mattress.
Types of RVs
Oftentimes, the type of RV you have will dictate the size of mattress you can get. While there are of course exceptions to every rule, here are some of the most common types of motorhomes youโll see.
Motorhomes
This is what most people think of when they hear the word โRV.โ It describes a vehicle where the driverโs seat and passenger seat are connected to the interior. Theyโre divided into three classes, each of which has a different size. Class A motorhomes are the largest and can usually accommodate any of the RV mattress sizes weโve discussed. The next largest size is Class B, which usually has bunk beds or bed frames with RV Bunk sizes. Finally, thereโs Class C, which doesnโt always have room for a new mattress. Instead, many of them are equipped with pull-out couches.
Pop-Up Trailers
These are separate vehicles towed behind a truck or car, and are often used for camping. They usually come with mattresses already installed that you canโt remove, so you might be better off going with a mattress topper if youโre looking to customize your sleeping experience.
Travel Trailers
These are a lot longer than pop-up trailers, but also tend to be narrower. They usually come with pull-out couches that can be customized with a mattress topper. But itโs rare that youโll be able to bring in a new RV mattress.
Caring For Your RV Mattress
With any mattress, you should look at the care instructions for specifics on how to best maintain your mattress. But here are some general tips to help your RV bed last as long as possible.
Use a dehumidifier: RVs can get pretty stuffy, especially when theyโre not in use. So if youโre planning on keeping the mattress in there at all times, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the materials fresh and dry.
Crack a window: As long as itโs safe to do so, keeping the windows open can allow fresh air into the RV and keep your RV mattress from accumulating mold.
Store thoughtfully: If you only use your RV seasonally, consider keeping your RV mattress indoors, or at least placing it on some kind of elevated platform inside the vehicle. This will also help it last longer and keep humidity and mold at bay.
Yes! A mattress topper is a great way to extend the life of your RV mattress. Just make sure you have the right size. Many mattress toppers are even available in RV-specific dimensions.
Can you use an RV mattress in all RVs?
No. Some RVs come with mattresses already installed that are unmovable. See our buying guide above for specific details, and make sure you know what kind of motorhome you have and what it can accommodate before making a purchase.
How can I make my RV mattress more comfortable?
Your best bet is to add a mattress topper, which can make your mattress feel softer or firmer. You can also try rotating your mattress or adding bedding that fits your sleep preferences.
Subscribe to Mattress Clarity!
Get special coupons, discounts, and giveaways!
Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Martenโs reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, itโs been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. Heโs especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Martenโs also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy nightโs sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelorโs degree in Film Production from Denison University and his masterโs degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
