TOP 5 Best RV Mattresses in 2022 [Guide about camper mattresses]

Our Reviews of 5 Best RV Mattresses (Short Queen and Short King sizes)

Best Overall - Editor’s Pick — Brooklyn Wanderlust

I want to start with one of the best RV mattresses that can easily meet almost any user’s requirements. The Wanderlust by Brooklyn Bedding is a memory foam mattress that has a smart construction and comes in a variety of sizes. Chances are, there’s a suitable option for almost any RV. However, the Wanderlust can boast of more than that.

This mattress uses high-density foam for support and gel-infused memory foam for comfort. Thicker models (12- and 14-inch) also have an extra layer of transition foam for a smoother experience. 

And get this: there are 5 thickness options available, each of which offers a specific firmness level. It means that the Wanderlust would work for any sleeper regardless of their weight or favorite sleep position. For instance, if you want a soft bed for your RV, you can get a 14-inch Wanderlust mattress. For a medium-firm feel, pick the 10-inch model. And if you prefer extra-firm mattresses, the 6-inch Wanderlust would do.

Looking for the best RV mattress that could deliver the comfort of an expensive hotel? Then you might want to consider this memory foam model by GhostBed. This mattress feels adaptive, cradling, and supportive at the same time, allowing it to deliver fast and effective pressure relief. In my opinion, the GhostBed RV mattress is a bit more on the firmer side. That’s why it can also guarantee proper spinal alignment. 

As a combination sleeper, I also appreciate that the GhostBed RV mattress does not restrict movement. This has to do with the company’s proprietary Ghost Bounce layer. To me, it’s like a latex mattress. Its responsiveness nicely balances the cradling feel of the mattress, allowing you to move and shift in bed as much as you want.

It’s also worth mentioning that the GhostBed RV mattress absorbs shock from motion well (despite the bouncy top layer).

Best Hybrid RV Mattress —Brooklyn Aurora

If you are looking for a cooler, bouncier option than foam, this hybrid mattress by Brooklyn Bedding might be your guy. The Aurora responds fast to pressure, which means you won’t feel stuck when sleeping on this bed (which is a rather common issue with foam models). Additionally, thanks to the system of wrapped coils, the mattress offers reliable support all across the surface, including the edges. This means even more sleeping space and legroom for your comfortable rest.

Another great thing about the Aurora is this mattress’s cooling properties. Guys at Brooklyn Bedding really made sure that even hot sleepers would feel comfortable on this mattress. The coils are quite breathable and contribute greatly to thermoregulation during sleep. However, let’s not forget about the cover and the comfort layer. Both use phase-change materials, plus the comfort foam is infused with copper for extra cooling. Additionally, the foam is quite resilient and doesn’t have that deep hugging feel (which, again, guarantees zero night sweats).

Best RV Mattress for Partnered Sleep — Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

Looking for the best RV mattress that could make you and your partner happy? Then you might want to consider the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding. 

First of all, this model is ideal for undisturbed partnered sleep. The Brooklyn Signature uses wrapped coils for support. Each coil adapts to pressure independently and without affecting the coils nearby. This means shock from motion won’t travel to the other side of the bed when one sleeper moves. And multiple foam comfort layers only enhance this effect. My wife and I felt it ourselves, as she is a light sleeper, and I tend to toss a lot. With the Brooklyn Signature, I did not wake her during the night even once.

Another great thing about this mattress is the comfort variations it offers. The Brooklyn Signature comes in 3 firmness options. Therefore, it can work for a wide range of sleepers. Such a variety also allows couples to find the middle ground easier (comfort-wise). For instance, my wife and I were sleeping on the Medium model. It was perfect for me, an average combination sleeper. And my wife, a petite stomach sleeper, also received optimal support. 

Best Camper Mattress for Couples — Plushbeds

The next contestant for the right to be called one of the best RV mattresses is the 8-inch deluxe model by Plushbeds. And while it does come with several perks, the biggest one is its ability to absorb shock from motion. The PlushBeds doesn’t send waves of movement when one sleeper tosses in bed (my wife can attest to that, as I didn’t disturb her even once). Therefore, this mattress is ideal for couples who want to enjoy undisturbed sleep.

Additionally, this model comes with some extra perks. It uses a soft, breathable bamboo cover that allows for unobstructed air circulation. Combined with open-cell foam, it makes the Plushbeds RV mattress temperature-neutral and suited for cooler sleep.

Also, it feels very sturdy, so I am sure the mattress uses quality components and won’t be likely to develop premature sagging. It’s also hypoallergenic, which is always a nice bonus. After all, no one wants to suffer from allergies when traveling or camping.

Shopping for a Good RV Mattress: Does Your Sleeping Style Matter?

The short answer is yes.

Picking a mattress that does not work for one’s favorite sleeping position can lead to some unpleasant consequences. 

For instance, lying on an overly stiff mattress will cause the body to kind of crush against the surface, which can lead to painful pressure points. Additionally, when the protruding body parts don’t sink in, the spine cannot remain in a healthy, neutral position.

Or, sleeping on a very soft mattress will allow too much sinkage for the heavier body parts. This, in its turn, will cause the spine to curve. As a result, tension can accumulate in some of its parts, leading to pain.

Therefore, to maintain a proper sleep posture, users need to pick RV mattresses based on their preferred sleeping style.

Here are the most common ones, plus mattress firmness recommendations:

• Side sleepers. For side sleepers, generous cushioning is important. It will help prevent sharp pressure points. Therefore, side sleepers usually feel the most comfortable when using softer mattresses.
• Back sleepers. Back sleepers don’t require that much cushioning, just a moderate amount to cradle the buttocks and the hips. That’s why medium mattresses are considered the best option for this sleeping style.
• Stomach sleepers. When sleeping on your stomach, you need sturdy support. As for sinkage, it should be prevented in this sleep position. So, for strict stomach sleepers, the best solution is to use firmer mattresses.
• Combination sleepers. Combo sleepers are the ones that tend to switch sleep positions frequently. For them, a good RV mattress has to be responsive enough to make shifting in bed easy. In most cases, combination sleepers feel their best when using medium-firm mattresses.

How to Pick the Most Suitable RV Mattress for Your Body Type

The sleeper’s weight is one of the most frequently overlooked factors when it comes to RV mattress shopping.

Nonetheless, this aspect is extremely important.

The thing is, each mattress would respond differently to different body types. Heavier users will sink in deeper (often way too deep), and lightweight sleepers won’t be able to compress the comfort layers to enjoy proper cradling. This often leads to spinal misalignment during sleep and consequently, back pain.

That’s why shoppers need to account for both their sleeping style and weight.

Larger folks (those who weigh more than 230 pounds) are advised to choose slightly firmer mattresses for each of the sleep positions described above. This way, they will be able to receive optimal support without excessive sinkage.

As for petite users (those who weigh less than 130 pounds), they are recommended to go with slightly softer mattresses for each sleeping style. In this case, lightweight sleepers can enjoy the needed cushioning without developing sharp pressure points.

Other Considerations When Searching for the Best RV Mattress

When it comes to RV mattress shopping, there are certain aspects that can be real game-changers. Taking them into account can help users make the best choice they can. So, here are the key considerations:

• Thickness. Trying to fit a thicker mattress into an RV interior can be tricky, even when the vehicle is quite large. That’s why most RV mattresses do not exceed 10 inches in height. And that should be enough for most users. Even a 6-inch mattress (a quality one) should offer enough support and cradling for average sleepers. However, for those who want more comfort layers (or heavier users who require more support), 8- and 10-inch mattresses would do a better job.
• Weight. RVs typically have a weight limit, and the mattress’s weight should be accounted for in order to meet the RV requirements. Now, the heaviest mattress types are considered hybrid and latex models. So, with these mattresses, it might be a good idea to double-check the RV weight capacity before finalizing the purchase.
• Durability. Naturally, RV mattresses are often used in extreme conditions. Therefore, a good mattress has to use quality materials that could withstand that. For shoppers looking to buy an innerspring RV mattress, it’s better to choose the ones with a lower coil gauge (which means thicker and more durable coils). For foam fans, it’s crucial to choose high-density models. As for latex mattresses, they are considered to be the most durable ones on the market (hence, the higher price point).
• Cover. Again, because RV mattresses often have to deal with different conditions, a removable cover would be a huge bonus. This way, users can wash it regularly to keep their RV sleeping area clean. Some manufacturers offer waterproof and stain-resistant mattress covers, which would also come in handy when camping.
• Thermoregulation. The most popular season for RV use is, of course, summer. And since it can get pretty warm inside, it might be a good idea to pick an RV mattress that could contribute to thermoregulation during sleep. Now, spring mattresses are famous for their breathability, which makes them sleep cool. Latex models also tend to be temperature-neutral. As for foam models, only the ones that use gel infusion or have an open-cell structure can aid thermoregulation. As for hybrids, their breathable coil core is usually enough to keep sleepers cool. But for enhanced performance, shoppers may want to consider models that use cooling gel foam or latex for the comfort layers.
• Intended use. Frequent camping means that shoppers need to invest in a more expensive, quality RV mattress. After all, cheaper models don’t usually withstand exposure to elements. Thus, cheaper foam can sag faster due to moisture accumulation. Just like that, cheaper spring mattresses are often associated with rusted coils. That’s why for avid campers, it’s better to choose slightly expensive foam or even latex RV mattresses.
• Partnered sleep. Planning to go camping with a significant other involves taking care of their restful sleep. In this case, a good RV mattress has to absorb shock from motion. This way, one of the sleepers can move in bed without disturbing their partner. Memory foam shows the best results in this field, followed by hybrid models that have extra-thick comfort layers. Stronger edges may also come in handy, as they will give partners more space to find comfortable sleep positions. Typically, innerspring and hybrid mattresses can offer the best edge support.
• Warranty. Typically, RV mattresses have shorter warranty periods. Most offer 5-10 years of coverage. And the number can be an indication of the quality. The bigger it is, the better quality shoppers may expect. That’s why a warranty is an extremely important aspect to consider.
• Sleep trial. To be frank, sleep trials are relatively rare for RV mattresses. Still, there are models that come with around 90-120 nights of sleep trial. This aspect is crucial for hesitant shoppers. It would allow them to test the mattress and return it in case they aren’t 100% satisfied with its performance.
• Preferences. Your preferences should be of utmost consideration when searching for the best RV mattress for you. How do you like to sleep? Are you a hot or cold sleeper? Getting the right answers to these questions will help you to know which RV mattress is best for you. As they are all made with different specifications and purposes.

F.A.Q.

Conclusion

I know, the vast range of the vehicle mattresses can easily make your head spinning. So, when you’re shopping, I recommend that you start with finding the right proportion between cost and quality.

All the models I reviewed offer very good value for money.

As for me, I have narrowed my options down to my most favorite model - the Wanderlust by Brooklyn Bedding. Seems like this mattress was designed with every user in mind, as it comes in an impressive variety of sizes and firmness options. It’s a quality mattress that has a simple yet effective construction. The Wanderlust offers close conforming to aid proper weight distribution and to allow for more comfortable, restful sleep. And of course, it’s well-made, which means the Wanderlust is very likely to serve you for years.

How often do you travel in your RV? What mattress size do you think will fit into your vehicle best? Please feel free to comment below and share your thoughts!