Written by Logan Block, Mattress Reviewer
Sleeping while traveling once meant tent-camping, taking a trailer, or staying in a hotel. The recreational vehicle, or RV, has changed all that. Millions of Americans now own RVs, which have made sleeping on the road not just comfortable, but luxurious.
If it’s time to furnish your RV with a new mattress, take a look at our top picks for RV mattresses. We’ve tested some great models in different price ranges and materials to help you find a RV mattress that rivals the comforts of home.
Our Top Pick for RV Mattresses
The Dreamfoam Essential earned our top spot on the Best RV mattress page because it’s not only a comfortable bed to rest on after a long day of adventuring, but also a fantastic budget option.
Best RV Mattress 2024
- Best Overall – Dreamfoam Essential
- Best Luxury RV Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best Hybrid RV Mattress – Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Best Value RV Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best RV Mattress for Couples – Nolah Original Hybrid
- Best Firm RV Mattress – Plank Firm
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| Dreamfoam Essential RV Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress | Dreamfoam Hybrid RV | Helix Midnight Mattress | Nolah Original Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach |
Best Overall – Dreamfoam Essential
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
The Dreamfoam Essential is a very affordable memory foam mattress that is available in multiple heights.
Dreamfoam Essential RV Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential RV Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
Available in several unique sizes to accommodate vehicles, the Dreamfoam Essential (formerly known as the Wanderlust) is the first RV mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. It’s made entirely of foam, with a top comfort layer of cooling gel memory foam over a support layer of high-density poly foam. When we laid down on the mattress, we experienced a little contouring and some nice pressure relief. It also has a Nano Stain Terminator finish, which should make for easy cleanup whenever there’s a spill on the road.
Mattresses are expensive as it is, so the Dreamfoam Essential is a great option for those not wanting to shell out too much cash. For a twin, the Essential is $274 before discounts. For a queen, it’s $524 before discounts.
What our tester says: “When I was on my back my weight felt evenly distributed. I sunk into the memory foam comfort layer just a touch and enjoyed some body-contouring, while the firmer support layer ensured my hips stayed elevated and aligned with my spine.” — Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
Who the Dreamfoam Essential is Best for
- All sleeping positions: The Dreamfoam Essential is available in several different heights, including 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, and 14-inch, so there’s something here for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers alike.
- Combination sleepers: For a foam bed, this is a fairly responsive mattress, so combo sleepers should be able to change positions with ease.
- Travelers with different vehicle sizes: The RV-specific sizes of this bed include several different measurements of RV Bunk, RV King, and many more.
Who Should Avoid the Dreamfoam Essential
- Some hot sleepers: There’s a chance that the memory foam could lead to the Dreamfoam Essential sleeping hot in certain environments, but you can remedy this with a set of cooling sheets.
Think the Dreamfoam Essential is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses.
Best Luxury RV Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress. It comes in three firmness levels and with an optional Cloud Pillow Top, so sleepers can pick the best model for their needs. It also has cooling tech in nearly every layer, which means it sleeps super cool!
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe RV Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
Just because you can’t fit a king size bed in your RV doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury. That’s where the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe comes in; it’s a hybrid mattress with several luxurious features and multiple firmness options. Its premium cooling cover provides a plush and cool-to-the-touch feel, its special cooling memory foam comfort layer gives pressure relief, and its coils increase the bed’s overall support.
When we tested out this luxury hybrid, we felt like we were sleeping on the type of mattress you’d find in a high-end hotel. On their website, Brooklyn Bedding does offer sizes specifically for an RV. The Aurora Luxe comes in an RV King (72″ x 80″) and an RV Bunk (42″ x 80″).
What our tester says: “I also appreciate how soft and cuddly this bed is. It feels similar to a lot of luxury hybrids on the market right now, but is a little cheaper than these beds. Back sleepers should enjoy a balanced feel that promotes spinal alignment and maximum comfort. Most side sleepers should appreciate the pressure-relieving sinkage this mattress offers in the Soft model.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is Best for
- Back sleepers: They should get a lift from the support layer’s strong coils, which can assist with a neutral spinal alignment. While testing the Medium option in our lab, the pressure map also showed plenty of relief and contouring at the lower back from the soft memory foam up top.
- Combination sleepers: The responsive coils make it easy for combo sleepers to switch positions and move around.
- Hot sleepers: It has Phase Change Material (designed for thermoregulation) featured in its cover and comfort layer, along with a cooling gel-infused transition layer and breathable coils. It’s no surprise this bed commonly appears on our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Heavy sleepers: Even while sleeping on the Firm option, folks over 250 pounds still may not receive the desired amount of support. We recommend the Titan Plus instead, also by Brooklyn Bedding.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. See our roundup of the best luxury mattresses for more options.
Best Hybrid RV Mattress – Dreamfoam Hybrid
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
If you’re shopping on a budget or looking to snag a spare bed for a guest room, this could be a nice pick for you. One standout feature of this is that it’s a cooling mattress. Folks who sleep hot might benefit from this great value mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
If you’re shopping on a budget or looking to snag a spare bed for a guest room, this could be a nice pick for you. One standout feature of this is that it’s a cooling mattress. Folks who sleep hot might benefit from this great value mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Hybrid RV
If you’re shopping on a budget or looking to snag a spare bed for a guest room, this could be a nice pick for you. One standout feature of this is that it’s a cooling mattress. Folks who sleep hot might benefit from this great value mattress.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
Not everyone is partial to a slow-sinking memory foam feel. Some folks like a balance between plush foams and sturdy coils. If you’re one of those people, we can’t recommend the Dreamfoam Hybrid enough. It has a simple construction: a quilted cooling cover, gel-infused memory foam, and a layer of support coils. This gives it an overall balanced feel that should appeal greatly to many back sleepers and some side sleepers who like a firmer feel. RV users can choose between standard size options as well as an RV bunk size and two variations of an RV king.
While testing the Dreamfoam Hybrid bed, we found that true to the hybrid stereotype, it offers some great cooling. Each of its three layers incorporate cooling properties, from its cooling cover, cooling gel-infused memory foam, and breathable coils.
What our tester says:“The Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress is an affordable model that will likely work best for college students or those on a budget. It could be a good new mattress for a guest bedroom as well.” – Logan Block, former content director
Who the Dreamfoam Hybrid is Best for
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers of all body types should get the lumbar cushioning and spinal support they need from the Dreamfoam Hybrid.
- Some couples: During testing, we found that the Dreamfoam Hybrid was responsive (a great quality for sex) and cooling enough to combat the body heat of folks sharing a bed.
- Budget shoppers: A queen size can often be found for under $799 after discounts.
Who Should Avoid the Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Stomach sleepers and most heavy sleepers: They may not receive the support they need. We recommend they opt for a firmer mattress.
Think the Dreamfoam Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or see our Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses.
Best Value RV Mattress – Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress RV
The Helix Midnight has a medium support level and bounce that will appeal to a wide range of sleep preferences. The Midnight also does an exceptional job of isolating motion, making it a great choice for couples that move around at night.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Expert Opinion
Helix started off designing custom hybrid mattresses for the home, with the Helix Midnight being their most popular bed. Made with a combination of cushy memory foam and wrapped coils, it creates a great balance of comfort and support. But you can now bring that same comfort on the road, thanks to the brand recently unveiling a collection of RV sizes. You can currently find a short queen size for under $1,000 after discounts. There’s also an RV king option for under $1,500 after discounts. Both of these prices are affordable for their sizes, which is why we’ve dubbed the Helix Midnight our best value RV mattress.
When we tested out the Midnight, we experienced pressure relief, along with a slight lift. It also has low motion transfer results, meaning that it’s great for couples — especially if they’ll be resting in an environment that moves around. They’re unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning, or the motion of the RV itself.
What our tester says: “I love that the Helix Midnight offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed! It also has great motion isolation, which makes it a nice option for couples.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Who the Helix Midnight is Best for
- Back sleepers: The Midnight is slightly softer than medium firm, which should accommodate back sleepers who need both cushioning and spinal support.
- Side sleepers: They should get the pressure relief they need at the shoulders and hips from the Helix Midnight.
- Hot sleepers: Between the airflow-promoting coils and a light, stretchy cover, this mattress sleeps cool — a crucial factor when there are two bodies to a bed instead of one.
Who Should Avoid the Helix Midnight
- Heavy sleepers: Folks over 250 pounds will probably want something with more support and firmness (for context, we rated the Midnight a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, meaning it’s slightly softer than medium firm). They should check out the Helix Plus, the brand’s bed built specifically for heavy people. Although it’s only available in standard mattress sizes, it still could fit in some RVs.
Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best value mattresses.
Best RV Mattress for Couples – Nolah Original Hybrid
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress made with Nolah's proprietary AirFoam and individually wrapped coils.
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress made with Nolah's proprietary AirFoam and individually wrapped coils.
The Nolah Original Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress made with Nolah's proprietary AirFoam and individually wrapped coils.
Nolah Original Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
If your RV just so happens to fit a mattress for two, there are a number of factors to consider. When purchasing the best RV mattress for couples, pay attention to its cooling abilities, the strength of its edge support, its level of responsiveness, and how well it isolates motion. Depending on your preferences, one of these factors might mean more to you than the others. But with the Nolah Original Hybrid, you get a well-rounded mattress that does pretty darn well in all four.
We put each to the test in our mattress lab to ensure that our recommendation is founded on expert opinions. The Nolah Original Hybrid scored a 4 out of 5 in edge support, so you and your partner should feel secure on the edges of this bed. It also received a 4 out of 5 in motion isolation and felt responsive enough to move around on freely, so it’s good for sex but traps enough movement to prevent disruption while you sleep. Lastly, it scored a 3.5 out of 5 in cooling, which isn’t spectacular, but should be enough for most folks who don’t find themselves overheating a lot at night.
Note: The short queen and short king size options on Nolah’s site are RV sizes, so make sure to select one of those at checkout.
What our tester says: “The cooling capabilities on this bed are only decent, but I think it should still be cooling enough for most couples, unless they have major heat concerns. Additionally, this bed’s medium-firm feel could make it a good choice for couples, as medium-firm is often a good middle ground firmness for two people with different preferences.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Who the Nolah Original Hybrid is Best for
- Back sleepers: This is the sleeping position we think would be most comfortable on the Nolah Original Hybrid. The bed’s medium firmness and balance of comfort and support should keep the hips lifted into alignment. Our pressure map showed exceptional results for relief at the lumbar region in this position.
- Combination sleepers: This mattress should suit back sleepers who find themselves changing positions throughout the night. The springy coils and general responsive nature of the mattress allow sleepers to move freely without feeling stuck in the comfort layer.
- Value shoppers: This mattress scored a 4 out of 5 for value, as it’s a quality option priced at about $1,500 after discounts.
Who Should Avoid the Nolah Original Hybrid
- Strict side or stomach sleepers: The Nolah Original Hybrid’s balanced feel means it’s not quite soft enough for people who only sleep on their sides, and not quite firm enough for folks on their stomachs.
Think the Nolah Original Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah Original Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for couples.
Best Firm RV Mattress – Plank Firm
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
While many do seek the soft pressure relief of cushioning memory foam, it’s not for everyone. Some, like heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers, like a much firmer feel. And especially when it comes to RV mattresses, these are harder to come across.
Luckily, we have the solution; you can’t get much firmer than the all-foam Plank Firm. It offers three different king size RV beds, which is unique. But the most special thing about this mattress is that it’s flippable, with a Firm side (7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5 out of 10). So, you can flip the mattress to whichever firm side best matches your preferences.
What our tester says: “We found the extra firm side of the Plank to be about an 8.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which begins at 1 for the softest and ends at 10 for the firmest. This means the Plank is definitely a firm mattress. I hardly felt any sinkage on this bed, and as the name suggests, it almost felt as if I was sleeping on a Plank. Though this isn’t my particular preference, (I’m a side sleeper who prefers a soft hybrid mattress) I do think this firmness level can work wonders for those who suffer from back pain (more on that later).” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Who the Plank Firm is Best for
- Back sleepers: As long as they enjoy a firmer feel, back sleepers should get the mixture of comfort and support they need, as the Plank Firm tested relatively well for pressure relief in this position.
- Stomach sleepers: With two different firm sides, stomach sleepers should, of course, receive plenty of firmness to support the hips throughout the night.
- Heavy sleepers: The durable construction should support heavy sleepers of all types. Even the Firm side should suit side sleepers, as heavier folks feel mattresses a bit softer than the average sleeper. However, if you have joint pain, we recommend a mattress with better pressure relief.
Who Should Avoid the Plank Firm
- Most side sleepers: Anyone looking for plush pressure relief, especially lightweight and average-weight side sleepers, won’t find what they’re looking for on such a firm mattress.
Think the Plank Firm is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best firm mattresses.
How We Picked Our Best RV Mattresses
The mattress you choose for your RV will be determined by the firmness, support, and size you usually prefer. Price is also a factor for many folks. When choosing RV mattresses to review, we focused on a few key metrics that are important to consider, regardless of the mattress brand or model. These points can help guide you through the buying process and help you select the perfect mattress for your next road trip.
Materials
The majority of RV mattresses are made from memory foam, latex foam, or poly foam. All-foam mattresses do not contain steel coils as hybrid and innerspring mattresses do. This can make them lighter, more flexible, and less bulky — all features that make for a great RV mattress.
Latex, poly, and memory foams differ in terms of feel and support. Let’s take a look at the unique features of each type of material.
- Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane that reduces motion transfer and has a slow response to pressure. As a mattress material, memory foam is best known for sinkage and contouring to the body. Memory foam comes in a range of firmness options, from extra soft to extra-firm. To counteract memory foam’s tendency to retain body heat, many RV mattresses infuse this material with gel, copper, or other cooling material to improve ventilation and comfort.
- Poly foam is made from a type of polyurethane that lacks the viscoelastic properties of memory foam. Poly foam has a quick response to pressure and is typically used to complement memory foam or latex as a support or transition layer. It’s generally one of the more affordable materials used in mattresses.
- Latex foam is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. A mattress made from latex will provide bounce, quick responsiveness to pressure, and cooling properties. Comfort layers made from latex can be cooler and cause less sinkage than memory foam or poly foam.
What Are Hybrid Mattresses?
While most RV mattresses are all-foam and don’t contain springs, you certainly could use a hybrid mattress in some RVs. A hybrid mattress simply uses more than one material, such as coils and memory foam or coils and latex foam. Coils add lots of durability, support, and general sturdiness to a bed, but also make them heavier and more expensive. Depending on how much time you spend in your RV, the extra cost and weight may or may not be worth it.
Firmness
Firmness describes how a mattress feels when you lie down on it. A firmer mattress provides more pushback against the body and has a level sleeping surface. RV mattresses are typically thinner than traditional mattresses and may feel firmer. Plush memory foam or poly foam comfort layers can improve the cushioning of RV mattresses and make them more comfortable to those who prefer a softer sleeping surface.
Mattress firmness is rated on a 1 to 10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. We use 6.5 as the standard for medium firmness. The best firmness level for you will depend on your sleeping position, weight, and personal preferences.
How Weight Affects Perception of Firmness
Firmness is highly subjective — while we give beds a rating, we understand that rating is not the definitive firmness level, as other sleepers may experience the bed differently than we did. Weight is one factor that can affect your perception of a bed’s firmness. For example, lightweight sleepers (who weigh 130 pounds or less) tend to perceive a bed as firmer than average or heavy people, since they won’t sink into the material as much. Heavyweight sleepers (who weigh 250 pounds or more) may find beds softer than average if they sink in more, but also may find them firmer than average if they sink through the comfort layers and “bottom out” on the support layers.
Support
Firmness and support refer to different mattress characteristics. Firmness describes the degree of pushback of the mattress surface, while support refers to features that help keep the spine aligned and the neck in a neutral position. In a RV mattress, these features typically include high-density foam support layers. A supportive mattress also prevents excessive sinkage or “bottoming out” of the materials under body weight.
Heavier folks and stomach sleepers usually sleep best on a mattress with more support and firmer surface layers. Back and side sleepers are often most comfortable on a soft to medium-firm mattress that cushions their joints and helps keep the spine aligned.
RV Mattresses Vs. Traditional Mattresses
Though many RV mattresses utilize materials found in traditional mattresses, let’s take a look at the differences between the two types of models.
- Size: RV mattresses are typically smaller to fit into a more condensed sleeping space. RV mattresses may be described as “short,” which means they are a standard width for their size, but somewhat shorter depending on the brand and model. The majority of RV mattresses are approximately five inches shorter than their standard counterparts.
- Thickness: The thickness of an RV mattress may also be different from a traditional mattress. Most RV mattresses are between four inches and eight inches thick, though some luxury models may be thicker.
- Weight: While the average mattress intended for home use weighs between 50 and 150 pounds depending on size and material, the average RV mattress weighs no more than 75 pounds.
- Price: Their reduced size often means that RV mattresses cost less, but higher-end models can rival standard mattresses in terms of cost. Materials like latex that typically cost more when used in a traditional mattress can bump up the cost of an RV mattress as well.
- Toppers Vs. Mattresses: Some RVs may not provide space large enough for a mattress. In this case, a one-inch to three-inch mattress topper can fit well into small compartments or on a sofa or bunk bed. When shopping for a topper, look for models made of the same materials as quality RV mattresses.
Buying Tips
Still on the fence about which RV mattress is best for you and your family? Keep these tips in mind to help demystify the shopping process.
- Know how often you’ll use it: Some folks use their RV beds only on occasion while others live in their RVs year round. The more you plan to use your mattress, the more durable and supportive it should be.
- Go with what you know: If you love the mattress you use at home, look for similar features and materials when browsing for a model for your RV.
- Shop sales: If price is a factor, shop when RV mattresses are on sale. This may be during traditional holiday mattress sales or off-season when fewer folks are outfitting their RVs.
- Grab the measuring tape: RV bedding compartments differ widely, as do RV mattresses. Make sure you know how much available space you have and the mattress size and thickness you need.
FAQs
What sizes are available for RV mattresses?
Although they often have the same size names as standard mattresses (twin, queen, king, etc.), RV mattresses tend to have slightly different dimensions — usually shorter and/or narrower. And even within RV sizes, there may be some slight variation. For instance, the Dreamfoam Essential has three different RV king sizes (70 inches by 74 inches, 70 inches by 80 inches, and 72 inches by 80 inches). Then there are several different RV bunk sizes, short queen, short king, and so on. So the short answer is, there are many different RV mattress sizes, depending on the bed.
Can you use a standard-sized mattress in an RV?
Possibly! Every vehicle is different, so you’ll want to measure the dimensions of all of the beds in your RV before making a purchase. While there’s a good chance that a standard full, twin, queen, or king could fit in your RV, there’s also a chance you’ll need an RV-specific size.
Can you use a mattress topper on an RV mattress?
Absolutely! A topper can help adjust the firmness of an RV mattress and give it some added height. Once again, make sure you’re getting something that can accommodate the often unique dimensions of an RV mattress.
What’s the proper way to care for an RV mattress?
In terms of construction and materials, RV mattresses aren’t all that different from regular mattresses. The biggest difference comes from the size and the environment that the mattress is kept in, as RVs tend to have less ventilation than a regular bedroom. To make matters worse, many sleeping platforms in RVs don’t have as much room for airflow as a standard box spring or platform bed. This makes it easier for mold to form, which you can prevent by 1) putting a dehumidifier in the RV, 2) keeping the windows of the vehicle open when you can, and 3) storing the mattress on an elevated platform when you’re not using it — either inside the vehicle or somewhere else.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give each bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best RV Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Overall | $524 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Luxury | $2,265 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Dreamfoam Hybrid | Queen | $799 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Affordable | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Original Hybrid | Couples | $1,749 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
