Whether you’re a full-time RVer or a weekend warrior, it’s important to get a good night’s rest on the road. Most RV beds come with a mattress, but they’re often unsupportive and uncomfortable.
Outfitting a bed for a recreational vehicle has unique challenges you won’t find in a regular bedroom. RVs often have limited floor space, inflexible layouts, and restricted headroom, making it tough to find the right mattress.
Best RV Mattress Overall
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
When it comes to versatility, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is hard to beat. You can choose from three firmness levels and more than a dozen sizes, including eight RV-friendly options, and the sticker price is below-average for a hybrid of this caliber.
We’ll guide you on how to pick the best RV mattress and explain which models we think are worth considering. For a broader selection of beds, take a look at our picks for the best mattresses of 2024.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Mattress Overall
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid is very versatile thanks to a wide range of firmness and size options, making it suitable for most RV owners no matter what kind of bed frame they use in their vehicle. A below-average price-point further adds to the appeal, as does the optional cooling pillow-top.
Buy From RVMattress.com
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Great Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- High-quality hybrid design at an approachable price
- Available in three firmness levels and eight RV-friendly sizes
- Optional pillow-top layer adds plushness to the surface
Cons
- May feel overly responsive and create motion transfer for couples
- Firmness and size exchanges are not available during the trial period
- Initial off-gassing odor may be unpleasant
Why We Like It
Our team tested all three of the Signature Hybrid’s firmness levels. The medium soft (4) design provides close contouring, so it was well received by our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. Those seeking maximum support should consider the firm (8) model — back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds awarded the highest marks to this design. The medium firm (6) feel offers the best balance of cushioning, reinforcement, and responsiveness. We recommend this model to sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds no matter which sleep position they use.
Each firmness has distinct pros and cons. The medium soft design isolates motion well and conforms deeply enough to reduce pressure along the spine, but this model may sink along the edges and hinder movement across the surface. We also noticed some heat retention in the top foam layers. Conversely, the medium firm and firm models feel very sturdy along the perimeter and push back against your weight — but couples may find these options disruptive due to motion transfer, and pressure relief is somewhat limited.
How Does It Feel?
Medium soft and medium firm Signature Hybrids begin with a top layer of memory foam, creating a cushy surface that forms a cradle around your body’s unique contours. The firm model features TitanFlex polyfoam, a material that’s more responsive — this creates a light bounce when you get in and out of bed. VariFlex transitional foam creates a barrier between your body and the support core.
Pocketed coils and dense base foam make the mattress feel quite stable. The cover is composed of a breathable cotton-polyester blend, and quilted with soft foam to add some plushness on the surface. You can upgrade your mattress to include an additional foam layer encased in cooling GlacioTex fabric. A total of 15 sizes are available, including eight options specifically geared toward RV owners.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Midnight uses the reliable combo of adaptive foam comfort layers and robust coils, creating a nice balance of cushioning, support, and bounce. It’s no wonder this has long been one of Helix Sleep’s most popular mattresses.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Great Value
Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Balanced medium firm design with adaptive foam layers and sturdy pocketed coils
- Reinforced perimeter pushes back against your weight to reduce sinkage along the edges
- Below-average pricing for a hybrid
Cons
- Mattress may sleep somewhat hot without the cooling cover upgrade
- Coils may produce motion transfer and disturb sleep for couples
- Foam layers emit a strong off-gassing smell for the first couple nights
Why We Like It
The Helix Midnight was specifically designed for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our hands-on tests show the mattress is a good match for most side and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. If you fall outside this weight and sleep position range, another Helix mattress might be more suitable.
Edge support is solid thanks to the reinforced perimeter coils. Most of our testers had little trouble getting on and off the mattress. We also found the Midnight isolates motion and alleviates pressure better than most competing hybrids — this can be attributed to thick foam layers in the comfort system. You might feel some heat retention from the foam. If you’re a hot sleeper, the cooling GlacioTex cover upgrade may be worth the extra money.
How Does It Feel?
We’ve rated the Midnight as medium firm (6). You’ll notice a light bounce when you get into bed, followed by deep cradling from the memory foam as your body settles into the surface. Light contouring ensures you get the cushioning and cradling you need without too much sinkage. That said, people who weigh more than 230 pounds may need a firmer mattress.
Standard Midnight models come with covers made of knit polyester. For an extra fee, you can add a cover made of GlacioTex, a fabric engineered to dissipate body heat on contact. In addition to the six standard mattress sizes, the Midnight is available in short queen and RV king sizes.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Original Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
If you’re a side sleeper, it’s important to choose a mattress that supplies enough cushioning for your shoulders and hips — even when you’re on the road. Nolah’s Original Hybrid features two adaptive foam layers to cradle these pressure-prone areas, but an open-cell composition helps ensure the comfort layers won’t trap much heat.
Buy From Nolah
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Good Value
Plush and Responsive
Pros
- Open-cell foam layers cushion the body without retaining too much heat
- Zoned coils reinforce the midsection to minimize sinkage
- Cover is composed of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights after unboxing
- May not provide enough support for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Returns incur a $99 processing fee
Why We Like It
The Original Hybrid’s foam-over-coil design and medium firm (6) feel create a nice balance of cushioning, support, and bounce. Side sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds awarded the mattress very strong ratings, as did our back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but it was well-received throughout our testing team.
In terms of performance, we found the mattress provides sturdy edge support thanks to the reinforced perimeter coils. The surface is also fairly responsive, so most of our testers encountered little to no resistance when moving on the mattress. Another major strength is temperature control. The foam layers don’t absorb much heat due to their open-cell compositions, air flows freely through the coils, and the Tencel cover offers excellent breathability and moisture control.
How Does It Feel?
The Original Hybrid begins with a comfort layer of AirFoam, Nolah’s proprietary open-cell material designed with air pockets to promote air circulation and resist heat buildup. The foam adapts to your figure to alleviate pressure and soothe sore spots, but won’t hug as closely as traditional memory foam. Dense transitional foam provides additional cushioning while forming a thick buffer between your body and the support core.
The hybrid’s pocketed coils are divided into three zones, with stronger springs located beneath your chest and hips. This helps ensure the heaviest areas of your body are properly reinforced, which is key to maintaining even alignment. The perimeter coils are also thicker to push back against your weight when you lie or sit along the edges. A cooling Tencel cover encases the mattress. You can choose from short queen or short king sizes.
Best Value Mattress
Dreamfoam Essential
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Dreamfoam Essential is an affordable — and more importantly, reliable — all-foam mattress option for your RV. A wide range of profiles, firmness levels, and sizes helps ensure you’ll be able to find at least one suitable option regardless of how your vehicle is configured.
Buy From Dreamfoam
Side Sleepers
Medium Soft, Medium, Medium Firm, Firm
Excellent Value
Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- All-foam design contours evenly to distribute your weight and reduce pressure buildup
- Available in five profiles, each with a distinct firmness level
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
Cons
- Foam layers may absorb and trap heat, causing the surface to feel excessively warm
- Strong off-gassing smells may persist for several nights
- Firmness exchanges are not allowed during the trial period
Why We Like It
After testing all five of the Dreamfoam Essential’s profiles, our team concluded the 10-inch medium firm (6) model feels the most balanced. This model contours moderately and evenly with gentle cushioning and sturdy overall support. Our testers who enjoy exceptionally soft mattresses also felt comfortable on the 12-inch medium (5) and 14-inch medium soft (4) models, whereas those of us who prefer less conforming gave higher ratings to the 8-inch firm (7) and 6-inch firm (8) models.
There are pros and cons to each profile. The thinner options may feel firmer, but lack the robust support cores needed to provide consistent reinforcement — as a result, people over 230 pounds may still sink a bit. However, the softer models lack sturdy perimeters, so you may compress the edges when getting in and out of bed.
How Does It Feel?
Dreamfoam Essentials measuring 10, 12, and 14 inches thick feel quite plush. Their memory foam layers soften after coming into contact with body heat and form a close, pressure-relieving cradle. These models are a good match for side sleepers, especially those weighing 230 pounds or less. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper in this weight range, you should also receive adequate support from the 10-inch model.
The 6-inch and 8-inch Essentials don’t contour as deeply, but you’ll still notice some cushioning from their foam comfort layers. If these models ultimately prove too thin, you can build the profile by using a mattress topper. Keep in mind you won’t be able to exchange your mattress for a different profile during the 120-night trial period. A total of 22 sizes are available, most of which are specifically intended for RVs and campers.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
PlushBeds MobilePlush Original RV Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The MobilePlush RV Mattress from PlushBeds uses adaptive, open-cell foam that promotes even alignment and cushions your sore spots. Thanks to the slim profile and multiple size options, this all-foam model should meet the needs of a wide range of RV owners.
Buy From PlushBeds
Side Sleepers
Medium
Good Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Memory foam offers top-notch pressure relief, especially for a thin mattress
- Isolates motion well
- Comes in six sizes, including two designed for RVs
Cons
- Higher price-point than the average RV-specific model
- Heavier people may prefer a thicker or firmer bed
- May not have enough edge support for sleepers with mobility limitations
Why We Like It
We found that the MobilePlush’s pressure-relieving capabilities made it particularly suitable for the side sleepers on our testing team. People who sleep on their side can develop pressure points at their hips and shoulders unless their mattress contours around these vulnerable areas, but the MobilePlush distributes weight evenly to avoid this problem. Stomach and back sleepers may also enjoy the MobilePlush, but the mattress’ medium (5) firmness and deep contouring may lack the support required by those over 230 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
Most RV mattresses have a noticeably different feel than standard beds, which is partially due to the low profile required by many RVs. It’s a top choice for RV owners who require a low-profile mattress, while still being comfortable enough to also be a popular pick for shoppers who are able to consider a thicker bed.
The MobilePlush uses a proprietary ultra-dense memory foam that we found provides deep contouring and excellent pressure relief despite the bed’s 6-inch profile. Although the MobilePlush uses synthetic foams, it may still appeal to people interested in an eco-conscious design. PlushBeds uses soy-based polyols in its memory foam, and its products are both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring the mattress is free of harmful materials and harsh chemical emissions.
If your RV’s bed frame is not compatible with standard mattress sizes, you may need to invest in an RV mattress. These models tend to be slightly thinner, shorter, and narrower than their bedroom-friendly counterparts. Many RV mattresses are also constructed to withstand the elements, and resist mold and mildew buildup.
What to Keep in Mind When Buying an RV Mattress
When shopping for an RV mattress, you’ll need to keep a few important factors in mind so that you can get a model that’s comfortable and sized correctly for your space.
Mattress Type
Most RVs come with mattresses in place, but they’re chosen by the manufacturer and may not be the right fit for your needs. When searching for an RV mattress, bear in mind that certain mattress types that work well in a house or an apartment may not be practical fits for a RV. For example, some people like the buoyant feel of all-latex mattresses or the customizable firmness of an adjustable airbed, but these mattresses tend to be heavy and bulky and aren’t commonly found in RV-specific sizes.
The majority of mattresses made with RV owners in mind are either foam or hybrid models. While both of these mattress styles may use memory foam, polyfoam, or latex in the comfort system, hybrids have coils in the support core instead of dense polyfoam. Hybrid mattresses made for RVs are often more supportive, but they’re generally more expensive and they tend to have thicker profiles that may not fit in tight spaces.
Firmness and Thickness
When deciding on a firmness level, it’s important to consider your body weight, favorite sleeping position, and personal preferences. If you’re unsure of how firm you need your next bed to be, check out our team’s mattress firmness guide.
Bear in mind that while a very thin RV mattress may have a firmer feel, it may also lack sufficient support if you weigh more than 230 pounds. At the same time, you’ll also need to measure headspace, especially if you have a cab-over camper or a bunk bed. A standard-profile mattress may be too thick for these spaces and can leave you with very little headroom.
RV Mattress Sizes
Some RVs use standard bed frame dimensions, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing a specific RV mattress size. However, because of the unusual layouts and floor plans of many RVs, some RV beds are narrower or shorter than traditional sizes.
Luckily, there are manufacturers that make mattresses built according to common RV bed dimensions. Be sure to check your bed frame’s dimensions and weight rating to make sure that it can support the model you’re considering. It’s also important to measure doorways and halls to ensure you can get your new mattress inside your RV.
Mattress Size | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|
| RV Bunk | 28-35″ x 75-80″ |
| RV Twin | 28″ x 75″ or 28″ x 80″ |
| RV Full | 53-55″ x 75″ |
| RV Three-Quarter | 48″ x 75″ or 48″ x 80″ |
| RV Short Queen | 60″ x 74-75″ |
| RV Olympic Queen | 66″ x 80″ |
| RV Short King | 72″ x 75″ |
| RV King | 72″ x 80″ |
As illustrated above, certain RV mattress sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer, so we recommend checking the specific dimensions on the seller’s website. Also keep in mind that terminology may vary between retailers. For example, some companies market standard twin mattresses for RVs, but the standard size measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Similarly, some companies sell mattresses in RV queen size, which is the same size (60 by 80 inches) as a standard queen. Even more confusingly, some retailers sell RV queen mattresses that are actually the RV short queen size, which is 5 to 6 inches shorter than a regular queen.
Durability
RV beds can encounter significant temperature and humidity changes. They’re also prone to abrasion from being jostled around while driving. A durable mattress can help protect against wear and tear as well as mold and mildew.
Breathability
Choosing a breathable RV mattress can help protect against mold buildup. The pocketed coils found in hybrid mattresses can help increase airflow, as can materials like latex or open-cell foams. If you have a dense foam model, it may be wise to add a platform beneath your mattress that allows air to move beneath it.
Video: How to Pick the Best Mattress
When shopping for a suitable RV mattress, it’s helpful to keep certain criteria in mind to determine how comfortable the mattress will feel. In the video below, we explore important factors such as body weight, preferred sleeping position, and mattress materials.
How to Make Your RV Bed Comfier
It’s possible to make your home on wheels just as comfortable as your regular bed by adding several key pieces to your setup.
- Invest in cozy bedding: Comfortable bedding can make your RV mattress feel more like home. Choose blankets that work with the environment around you or consider all-weather bedding if you like to travel in every season. While sheets for RV-specific bed sizes are harder to find, some RV mattress companies also sell matching sheet sets.
- Get a temperature-adjusting pad: If you travel between hot and cold destinations, it may cost less in the long run to purchase a mattress pad that heats and cools on demand. While they may require power to run, they can prevent having to buy multiple sets of blankets for each season.
- Upgrade your bed’s feel with a topper: If you don’t spend significant amounts of time in your RV or don’t want to invest in an entirely new mattress, think about using a mattress topper. Adding a topper to your mattress is a simple way to change its pressure relief, firmness, responsiveness, and overall feel.
- Keep your mattress clean: One of the easiest ways to keep your mattress clean is to buy a mattress protector that safeguards against allergens, liquids, and mold. For stains on the mattress itself, follow the manufacturer’s directions or spot-clean with a gentle detergent. You can also help keep your mattress fresh by airing it out when it’s not in use.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
If you don’t live in your RV year-round and also need a mattress for your other residence, check out our testing team’s picks in several popular mattress categories.
How We Test
Our team personally tests every mattress we review in our sleep lab and puts each one through the same series of tests. To choose the best RV mattresses, we paid special attention to each model’s temperature regulation, edge support, durability, and size and height options. Our team includes testers from every sleeping position and weight group, which allows us to make recommendations based on a variety of sleepers’ needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some RVs need special mattresses because their bed frames don’t have standard dimensions. Before getting a new mattress for your RV, measure the length and width of your space. If the mattress is for a cab-over camper or a bunk bed, you’ll also need to take mattress height into account.
Since RV mattress dimensions are a little tougher to find than standard mattress sizes, you may have more luck buying one online or at an RV retailer than you would in a regular brick-and-mortar mattress store. Most online mattress retailers offer sleep trials that let you return the mattress within a set period if it isn’t a good fit.
While RV mattress prices vary widely depending on brand, model, and size, you can find many high-quality models for less than $1,000. Expect to pay more if you need a custom size or a mattress with a special shape or cutouts.
The best thickness for an RV mattress depends on how much headroom you have, but 8 to 10 inches thick is a good place to start. If you need a mattress for a bunk bed, you may want to go as thin as 6 inches, but a mattress this thin may lack sufficient support for heavier individuals.
Camper mattresses tend to go through more temperature changes than mattresses in a house or an apartment do, so choosing a model that circulates air can help safeguard against mold and mildew. It’s also important to make sure the mattress will fit your bed frame and that the door and hallways are large enough to move the mattress through.
You can prevent mold on an RV mattress by choosing a model with substantial airflow and by taking the mattress off the frame when it’s not in use. RV mattresses can trap moisture, especially if they’re made from dense materials like memory foam. If you want a lower-maintenance prevention method, choose a model that uses pocketed coils or latex, both of which encourage airflow.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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