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Touring is never boring.
Especially when you’re driving your own RV and hitting the road to new horizons every day.
Despite all the joys of traveling, even the most hardcore adepts of RV lifestyle agree that a lack of proper sleep can easily ruin the experience.
In this post, I’ve come up with some shopping tips to help you choose the best bed for your vehicle along with our reviews of 3 best RV mattresses we tested ourselves.
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Pick Brooklyn Wanderlust | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Customized Sizing Plushbeds | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Hybrid RV Mattress Brooklyn Aurora | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Value for Money Bear RV Mattress | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Memory Foam RV Mattress DynastyMattress CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of 5 Best RV Mattresses
Best Overall – Editor’s Pick — Brooklyn Wanderlust
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Highlights
- multiple RV size options available to work for different types of vehicles;
- 120-night trial for your comfort guarantee;
- open-cell foam design for improved air circulation and cooler sleep;
- stain-resistant cover fabric to help you maintain a clean sleeping environment in your RV;
- multiple thickness variations, would work for a wide range of sleepers.
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.
Recommended for:
- Those who would appreciate a variety of options. This mattress was designed with almost every sleeper in mind. So, if you want multiple options to choose from and prefer to pick size and thickness combinations to your personal liking, the Wanderlust might be your perfect match.
- RV users who enjoy breakfasts in bed. Since this mattress has a stain-resistant cover, you won’t have to worry if you make a mess in bed. Such a smart design will help you keep your RV bed fresh and clean longer.
- Hot sleepers. The Wanderlust has an open-cell design that makes this mattress rather breathable (for a memory foam model). Therefore, it’s not very likely to make you sleep hot.
Best for Customized Sizing —Plushbeds
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Highlights
- breathable bamboo cover for improved temperature regulation;
- Greenguard certified for your safe and healthy sleep;
- open-cell construction for cooler sleep;
- extra-dense foam to deliver unparalleled support;
- extended warranty for your protection as a customer.
The next contestant for the right to be called one of the best RV mattresses is the 8-inch deluxe model by Plushbeds. This mattress is nicely made and can make any of your travels feel more comfortable. But here’s the best part: the company offers custom orders and can make a mattress of pretty much any size. Whether your RV bed is not standard or you prefer a particular size for whatever reason, the Plushbeds got you covered.
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.
You might also appreciate the fact that this model comes with a 20-year warranty. 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.
Recommended for:
- Owners of non-standard RV beds. The company can offer a custom size for your new RV mattress, so you can get a suitable option for pretty much any type of RV.
- Those who require reliable support. This mattress uses dense foams to maintain sturdy support. It won’t allow for any unwanted sinkage, thus keeping your spine aligned and you – comfortable.
- Sensitive and allergy-prone users. The Plushbeds mattress is hypoallergenic and doesn’t have noticeable off-gassing upon arrival. It is safe to use from day one.
Best Hybrid RV Mattress —Brooklyn Aurora
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Highlights
- three firmness options to accommodate more types of sleepers;
- sturdy coil base to provide uniform support;
- phase-change comfort layer for cooler sleep;
- individually wrapped coils to minimize motion transfer;
- cooling cover for a temperature-neutral sleeping environment.
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).
Recommended for:
- All sleeping positions. Since the Aurora comes in three firmness options (Soft, Medium, and Firm), it would work for any sleeping position as you are free to pick your optimal comfort level.
- Hot sleepers. This model is packed with cooling materials, so the Aurora isn’t likely to make you sleep hot. It might even work for those users who experience night sweats or hot flashes.
- Those who enjoy bouncier support. If you don’t like the cradling feel of foam and prefer to sleep on your mattress rather than “in” it, the Aurora would be a perfect pick. Even though this mattress has multiple comfort layers, it does not feel restricting in any way. However, keep in mind that it may not deliver as much pressure relief as some users might need.
Best Value for Money — Bear RV Mattress
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Highlights
- multiple sizes available to work for more types of RVs;
- high-density support foam for super motion isolation;
- breathable cover for cooler sleep;
- close conforming to aid faster relaxation and pressure relief;
- gel-infused comfort layer for temperature regulation.
Another model that deserves to be called one of the best RV mattresses is the Bear. It’s an affordable option for those users who don’t want to pay too much for their new RV mattress but don’t wish to sacrifice their comfort either. The Bear is a nicely made mattress that offers reliable support and high comfort levels for a good price.
It is an all-foam mattress. The comfort layer is infused with gel and graphite for temperature regulation. The transition layer is quite responsive and serves to protect you from feeling stuck. This mattress can conform closely and adapt to the shape of one’s body, delivering effective pressure relief.
You might also appreciate the fact that this model uses a Celliant cover. Not only is it breathable but also helps with faster recovery (thanks to the special infrared technology). Therefore, even when you don’t sleep in your regular bed, the Bear will help you wake up feeling rested and fresh.
Recommended for:
- Shoppers on a budget. The Bear offers great value for money, so it would be an awesome pick for someone who wants to save a few bucks but still wishes to get a comfortable, quality RV mattress.
- Average and heavy sleepers. The Bear might seem too stiff to lightweight individuals (less than 130 pounds) and may not provide decent pressure relief in this case. As it’s a medium-firm mattress, the weight of a lightweight sleeper simply might not be enough to compress the foam (and hence, not enough to enjoy the cradling properties of the mattress).
- Couples. The Bear absorbs shock from motion quite well. So, if you share your bed with a significant other, chances are you won’t feel a thing if they move on the other side of the bed.
Best Memory Foam RV Mattress – DynastyMattress CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress
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Check Current Price on Amazon Read our detailed reviewHighlights
- close conforming and precise contouring for pressure relief;
- breathable design to provide a cooling effect;
- luxurious, quality materials for reliable, long-lasting performance;
- removable cover for easy cleaning;
- extended warranty for your peace of mind.
Last, but not least. Everyone is familiar with the most common memory foam mattress issue: they sleep hot, which directly affects the quality of your rest. So, for everyone traveling somewhere around Arizona deserts and not excited about drowning in sweat every night, I present this memory foam RV mattress by DynastyMattress.
The CoolBreeze model literally stands for its name, providing you the comfort level we’re describing as ‘Mediterranean villa vibes’.
How is this possible?
Well, the model has a 2.5’’ layer of open-cell CoolBreeze gel memory foam. The open cell structure is perfect for heat withdrawal, so you will never have the feeling like you’re boiling alive. Furthermore, two 2’’ layers of Cool AirFlow foam provide great air circulation thanks to their convoluted design. The base foam is sturdy and supportive. The overall feel of the mattress is medium, which is optimal for most people.
The cover is removable and washable and looks really luxurious due to the brown suede design.
The DynastyMattress CoolBreeze is literally worth every dollar. If you’re looking for a comfy RV mattress that has a more similar feeling to your regular bed, go with this one. Especially if you tend to sleep cool.
Recommended for:
- Hot sleepers. The CoolBreeze features gel-infused open-cell foams and a breathable cover for better heat removal, so you can sleep cooler even if you travel through southern regions.
- Those who are prone to aches and pains. Memory foam has incredible contouring properties and can relax your stiff muscles in minutes.
- Fans of the memory foam feel. If you prefer a mattress with a pronounced memory foam hug but no thermoregulation issues, then the CoolBreeze can make a decent pick for you.
What Are the Differences Between a Mattress for RV and a Regular One?
Commercial mattresses with their variety of sizes, materials, layers and firmness gradations are really hard to beat. And if you’re seriously concerned about the quality of your rest, you’ve probably already wondered:
Can I just put my regular mattress inside the vehicle?
The answer is:
Of course, yes, if you want to.
But there’s always a ’but’.
An RV mattress differs from a regular one in a number of important ways.
And you should bear these small differences in mind, while you’re choosing the right bedding for your mobile home.
First of all, mattresses for RV tend to be lighter than the regular ones. This has a direct connection to the GTWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GTWR is the total mass of your vehicle when it’s loaded to capacity, including the weight of the trailer itself. So, if you’re driving an RV that has the low class of GTWR, you certainly will notice that а 90-pound mattress is a significant fraction of your load.
And what if you’re traveling with a family of four people, and each of them needs a mattress?
Think about it.
Now, before buying your mattress, consider how you’ll swap them with the old one. The thing is, if you have a small RV, it was probably built around the bed, as it occupies most of the space. And the only way to change the bed is to cut the old mattress in half.
Getting rid of your old mattress can become an issue in older RVs or smaller vehicles that have I or II GTWR class.
Or — and this is where another RV mattress advantage comes in handy — you can choose the “bed in a box” memory foam mattress. These models are usually folded up in a small case, which will easily come through tiny corridors of your trailer and fit in your bed frame.
Note that they usually need from 48 to 72 hours to completely decompress and unfold after you put them in place.
Will It Fit? Choosing the Right RV Mattress Size for Your Mobile Bed
Let’s talk size.
Most vehicle mattresses, obviously, are built to fit RV bed frames. That means, the familiar Queen or Twin beds will more likely be shorter or narrower. To ease your shopping, let me list the most popular RV mattress sizes for you:
- RV Bunk (or Narrow Twin): 28” x 75”, 30” x 75”, or 30” x 80”
- Twin: 39” x 75” or 39” x 80”
- Full: 53” x 75” or 53” x 80”
- Short Queen: 60” x 75”
- ¾ Queen: 48” x 75” or 48” x 80”
- Queen: 60” x 80”
If you have a vehicle that comes with a king-sized bed, there are two options for you. Most manufacturers offer RV King mattresses with 75 or full 80 inches length, but the width will more likely be only 72 inches instead of 76 inches in regular mattresses.
Bottom line?
Measure your RV mattress size by hand before you go shopping so that you would know exactly what you’re looking for.
What Materials Are the Top-Rated RV Mattresses Made Of?
Whatever size you will end up shopping for, you will most likely choose between the following options:
Foam mattresses
These are the cheapest and easiest to modify. I mean, in many cases, if a mattress doesn’t fit, you can simply cut it with an electric knife to adjust to the dimensions of the bed frame.
But there’s one major drawback:
Most models are made from petroleum, so the air circulation is poor. This means a cooling mattress topper is a must-have, and it costs money. Besides, poor airflow promotes mildew development, which leads to allergies.
Note that if you dig into the topic, you can always find some eco-friendly mattresses.
Now, RV Memory Foam mattresses are a bit different from other types of foam mattresses. Although having the same thermoregulation issue, they usually are more durable and resilient. And they offer you that “sinking” feeling, which some users adore and others hate.
Innerspring mattresses
Another option for you if you’re on a budget, these beds have a coil base and one comfort layer (mostly foam). They usually offer decent support and good bounce. But their biggest disadvantage is poor movement isolation, meaning they are not the best choice for couples. Plus, the coils are prone to rust and might start making squeaky sounds over time.
Innerspring mattresses are somewhat heavy, so fitting them in your tiny trailer space might become a problem.
Latex mattresses
In terms of feel, these are the opposite to foam mattresses. Latex has a quicker response time and is very bouncy. So, if you’re not a fan of that hugging memory foam feel, this is your option. Some latex models are 100% organic. Because latex usually has an open-cell structure that helps withdraw body heat evenly, mattresses made of this material sleep naturally cooler.
The most significant drawbacks of latex beds for RVers are high price and heavy weight.
Hybrid mattresses
These models combine different materials, e.g. latex, memory foam, and coils. This allows for better performance in all respects, starting from thermoregulation and up to pain and pressure relief. So, a hybrid bed will be a worthy choice when it comes to the level of comfort on the road, especially if you’re traveling long distance. Keep in mind, though, that it will also cost more.
Plus, in order to provide you with the best features of every material used, hybrid mattresses usually are comprised of at least 4 layers (and up to 8!). This means they are quite thick and heavy.
Air mattresses
This option will suit occasional travelers. Car air mattresses can be deflated when not used, so they won’t take up much space in your RV. They are usually firmer and not very comfortable, so be prepared for sore back and other minor inconveniences the next morning. But again, if you’re an occasional camper, this might be a bed of choice for you. They are significantly cheaper than other mattresses.
F.A.Q.
Can I use a regular mattress in my RV?
It would depend on your RV. Some use sleeping slide-outs or beds that can fit standard-sized mattresses, others can often run smaller.
What is the difference between RV Queen and regular Queen?
RV Queen mattresses are typically 5 inches shorter than regular Queen models.
What thickness should I choose for my RV mattress?
It depends on your body type, preferences, and your RV (some can’t accommodate thicker mattresses). For instance, a standard 8-inch mattress might not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers. It may not work for petite individuals either (as such models typically don’t use thick-enough comfort layers). Usually, 10- or 12-inch RV mattresses can deliver a good combination of support and cushioning, so they are among the most popular ones.
What is the best RV mattress type?
Most users choose memory foam RV mattresses because they can mold to one’s body and usually aid fast relaxation and pressure relief. However, if you prefer bouncier support, you can consider a hybrid RV mattress. Latex models are quite springy too but offer better pressure relief than hybrid or innerspring beds.
How can I make my RV mattress more comfortable?
You can add a topper or a pad to adjust the feel of your RV mattress. However, in most cases, that’s a temporary solution. If your RV mattress is old and can’t support your body properly (or simply feels lumpy), it might be a better idea to invest in a new one.
Conclusion
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.Additional Resources
Our research
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Mattresses Considered
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Hours of Research
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Sleep Experts Consulted