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 Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid 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 it’s also incredibly supportive. It’s a well-rounded option that promotes a balanced feel, so our testers love this bed for a variety of different sleepers and circumstances.
Best RV Mattresses 2024
- Best Overall – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Value RV Mattress – Dreamfoam Essential
- Best Luxury RV Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Best Hybrid RV Mattress – Dreamfoam Hybrid
- Best Cooling RV Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best RV Mattress for Couples – Nolah Original Hybrid
- Best Firm RV Mattress – Plank Firm
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| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV Mattress | 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 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Sleepers |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
What We Look For In The Best RV Mattress
Durability
When looking for the best RV mattress, one thing we are looking out for is durability. You want to be sure your mattress can survive camping trips, road trips, and everything in between. We tested each of these mattresses for their durability by examining the quality of their materials and their construction. To help their durability scores, we also checked out their warranty policies to help you find the most durable RV mattresses.
Temperature Regulation
When you are spending the night in your RV, you want to make sure you are staying cool, and we want to help you do that, so we tested the cooling properties of each of these beds. To do so we first considered the materials they are made of and checked for cooling foams or breathability. We then used a thermal gun to test the change in temperature of the mattress after five minutes of laying on it to help you find a cooling and regulated RV mattress.
Comfort
If you are opting for an RV over traditional methods of camping, we know comfort is important to you. It is important to us too, so we made sure to examine the comfort of each of these mattresses by testing them out ourselves and laying on them in various sleeping positions. We also looked out for various types of mattresses, like foam and hybrid, to help you find the most comfortable mattress for you. We also tested each against our firmness scale, which ranks mattresses from 1-10, with 10 being the most firm, to help you find = your perfect RV mattress.
Best Overall – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Available in several unique sizes to accommodate vehicles, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is perhaps Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular model. When analyzing this mattress’s construction, our testers found five distinct layers, from a quilted cover and cushioning memory foam to sturdy individually wrapped coils. This resulted in an extremely balanced feel, which we put at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Keep in mind that this was for the Signature Hybrid’s Medium version. And when you’re selecting your own RV mattress, you can choose between three different firmness options depending on your body type and overall preferences.
To ensure we provided an accurate recommendation of who the Signature Hybrid is best for, we put its Medium model through our pressure map test, which uses thermal imaging to determine areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. While back sleeping, we saw almost no pressure buildup, making it an excellent option for back sleepers who need contouring at the lumbar region. And for side sleeping, we had some good results as well, but we did see some pressure buildup, so it’s not the best for those with shoulder and/or hip pain. For more plushness, we recommend the Soft model. For stomach sleepers out there, we recommend the Firm model.
What our tester says: “This mattress has a bouncy, innerspring feel to it, so I felt lifted and very “on top” of the Signature Hybrid. I think this feel would work especially well for combination sleepers. No matter which positions they cycle through during the night, sleepers should feel supported by this bed, and it should be easy to roll over and switch positions during the night.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress is Best for
- Couples: One of the other reasons why the Signature Hybrid deserves our top position on this roundup is because of how well it caters to couples. The Medium model scored incredibly well in motion isolation, cooling, edge support, and responsiveness. All of these are categories crucial to most couples.
- Budget shoppers: Our testers scored this mattress a 5 out of 5 for value, as it’s a high-quality option offered for a lower price.
- Travelers with different vehicle sizes: On the RV Mattress website that Brooklyn Bedding owns, the Signature Hybrid is offered in a plethora of sizes, from RV Bunk to RV King.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Some stomach sleepers: While the Firm model should accommodate many stomach sleepers out there, they might want a more supportive option like the Plank Firm, especially if they’re a heavier sleeper.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses.
Best Value RV Mattress – Dreamfoam Essential
The Dreamfoam Essential is a high-quality budget option, with enough firmness levels, height options, and price points to suit a wide variety of sleepers. We think RV-specific sizes make it especially good for travelers. Learn more in our Dreamfoam Essential video review.
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
Expert Opinion
The Dreamfoam Essential is Brooklyn Bedding’s very first mattress, and definitely one of it’s most budget-friendly models. Traveling can quickly become expensive, but RV-goers should fall in love with the Essential’s price. For a twin, the Essential is $274 before discounts. For a queen, it’s $524 before discounts. Most mattresses out there cost anywhere from $1,000–$2,000, sometimes even more. And while the Essential isn’t the most durable, high-quality option out there, our testers felt it was a fantastic mattress for the price and thus deserving of its place as the best value RV mattress.
To determine if the Dreamfoam Essential is truly a quality mattress with consideration for its price, we did what we do with all of the mattresses that come into our studio: put them through a large series of tests. We cut open the side of the Essential mattress to reveal its construction, and found that it’s made entirely of foam. We were surprised to find top comfort layer of cooling gel memory foam, since extra features aren’t typically present in such low-cost beds. For support, there’s a super thick layer of high-density poly foam. And at the top of the mattress, there’s a cover with a Nano Stain Terminator finish, which should make for easy cleanup whenever there’s a spill on the road.
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 Mattress 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 Mattress
- 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 for the money.
Best Luxury RV Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It’s got a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate all of the sleeping positions. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“First and foremost, I’d recommend this mattress to hot sleepers. This bed sleeps nice and cool thanks to special phase change technology and gel infusions. The Aurora Luxe is also a nice pick for back sleepers. This mattress in the Medium model is medium-soft, so it should contour the hips while also lifting them into alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 Mattress 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 Mattress
- 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
The Dreamfoam Hybrid is a high-quality budget option that includes cooling technology great for hot sleepers. We think RV-specific sizes make it especially good for travelers. Learn more in our Dreamfoam Hybrid video review.
What our tester says:
“Side sleepers who switch between their back and side should be happy here, but strict side sleepers will likely find their hips and shoulders sinking too far into this bed.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
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 Mattress 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 Mattress
- 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 Cooling RV Mattress – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 an excellent balance of comfort and support. We’ve also determined this mattress to be a fantastic cooling option. Luckily, you can now bring that same comfort on the road, thanks to the brand recently unveiling a collection of RV sizes. If you’re traveling during warmer months, you can rest assured that the Midnight’s cooling top cover and breathable coils should keep those night sweats at bay. And if you want to be on the safe side, the brand also offers an optional GlacioTex cooling top for a fee.
When we tested out the Midnight, we put it through our thermal gun test to assess its true cooling level. First, we took the mattress’s initial temperature, which was 65.3ºF. Then, we had our tester lie down on the mattress for 15 minutes, and promptly took its new temperature, which was 70.5ºF. This mattress only heated up about five degrees after lying on it, and based on our scale, that means the Helix Midnight is certainly an effective cooling mattress.
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 Mattress 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.
- Value shoppers: 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.
Who Should Avoid the Helix Midnight Mattress
- 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 cooling mattresses.
Best RV Mattress for Couples – Nolah Original Hybrid
The Nolah Original Hybrid contains a cooling Tencel cover, breathable AirFoam, and sturdy HDMax Tri-Zone coils to provide a balanced sleeping surface. This bed is a great choice for couples due to it’s strong edge support, responsiveness, cooling, and motion isolation. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I thought the bed did a good job of isolating most of the motion at the source. I think you can expect to feel larger movements, such as someone hopping on the bed, but you aren’t likely to be disturbed by a partner simply tossing and turning.” – Amelia Jerden, former senior staff writer
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 Mattress 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 Mattress
- 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 Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
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 Mattress 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 Mattress
- 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.
What to Look for in the 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.
Can I Use a Standard 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. Measuring your space and considering the dimensions of regular-size mattresses is the best way to find out.
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 mattresses come 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 About 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.
Quality and Durability
The quality and durability of your mattress are important to consider when buying an RV mattress because they will determine how long the mattress can last as well as how well it will hold up. You may use your RV for camping, traveling, or regular commuting, but either way you want your mattress to hold up for any and all activities you use it for. We recommend looking for quality materials like strong foams, solid construction, and reliable brands to ensure that your mattress will last.
You may also want to buy from retailers that offer a warranty period. These periods can ensure that your mattress is built to last and that you can replace your mattress if something happens to it. We suggest buying from brands that offer at least a 10-year warranty.
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.
In general, we recommend stomach sleepers find a softer mattress, and back and side sleepers to look for medium-firm and firmer mattresses.
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.
Cooling
When sleeping in an RV, a priority of yours may be staying cool. Because RVs do not have the same cooling capacity as a home or apartment with an AC unit, a mattress that can stay cool may be especially important.
A lot of people also use their RVs more in the summer, when the temperature outside is warmer, so a cooling mattress may be even more important. We recommend looking for cooling materials like gel-infused foams or cooling covers.
Our thermal gun test is one of the best ways to test for cooling. We use a thermal gun that can read the temperature of a specific location and register body heat. We use this tool by having one of our expert testers measure the temperature of the mattress normally and then measure it again after laying on it for 5 to 10 minutes. We consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-degree difference to be great cooling.
Size and Thickness
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. This is something to keep in mind when you are purchasing an RV mattress, as if you are a taller person, or need more space, you may want to look into specially made RV mattresses that offer more space.
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. This can make the mattress less comfortable than a traditional mattress, however, foam materials, mattress toppers, or blankets can still offer comfort and contouring in an RV mattress.
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, like comfortable foams.
Tips for Making your RV Mattress more Comfortable
Making your RV mattress comfy is important when you are using it for travel or recreation of any kind. We recommend comfortable bed sheets, mattress toppers, and quality pillows to make sure you are comfortable throughout the night and getting quality sleep even when you are not at home. This can also be important if you have long, activity-filled days that you want to be sure you are recovering from when sleeping.
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. This is important to consider when thinking about how you use your RV. If you are planning to move the mattress a lot into different vehicles or tents when traveling or camping, a lighter-weight mattress may be a better option. However, it is worth considering that a light mattress may also be less supportive and thinner, which may feel less comfortable.
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. When deciding the right price point for you, considering how often you will be sleeping on the mattress is a good place to start. If you use your RV frequently, and are sleeping on it after long days of driving, camping, or outdoor activities, then a more supportive, thicker, and comfortable mattress that costs a bit more may be important for you. If you plan to use this mattress for a long time or consistently, then a more durable construction that costs more may also be a good idea.
Air Mattresses: $30–$150
RV Mattresses/Regular Mattresses: $200–$700
Camping Pads (inflatable): $75–$150
Camping Mats: $30–$50
How Much Should I Spend on an RV Mattress?
This depends entirely on what you want out of your RV mattress. We recommend setting a budget before you start shopping. This can help you ensure that you are looking within your price range. However, standard mattresses generally cost between $800 and $1,200, so this is a good price range to consider when starting your mattress hunt.
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.
RV Camping Mattress Types
Here are the sleeping surfaces we most recommend for RV camping:
Cots: In a pinch, these sleeping surfaces can really come in handy as an extra sleeping spot for guests.
Air Mattress: If you’ve got the room, air mattresses are an RV camping option. However, we wouldn’t recommend sleeping on one if you’re sleeping in an RV for more than a few nights. RV mattresses should be far more durable than air mattresses and an ideal long-term sleeping option.
RV Mattresses: No surprise here! Of course, we recommend utilizing an RV mattress. There are a number of different models and sizes offered out there, and we suggest finding one that suits your lifestyle.
Mattress Care Guide
You’ve set up your sleeping surface and you’ve spent a night under the stars. Now what? Don’t dread the cleaning process. We’ve got you.
RV Mattresses
For RV mattresses, it’s important to keep the material in good condition even if it isn’t camping season. One of the most common issues campers run into is the trapping of moisture in the mattress.
We recommend monitoring the environment’s humidity; having the atmosphere at a low humidity can prevent mold and odor. Another way to prevent trapping moisture in the mattress is by airing out the bottom. This can be done by rotating the mattress from head to foot (only if advised by the manufacturer), or it can be done by using a mattress underlay, which should allow for sufficient airflow.
Air Mattresses
After using an air mattress while camping, there’s a high likelihood that it’s not going to be anywhere near as clean as you left it. But don’t let the outdoors discourage you. The easiest place to clean your mattress is probably going to be outside. While every air mattress is different (rely on your air mattress’s care instructions first), here a few tips if you’re in a pinch:
First, you should take care of the larger messes on the air mattresses. A lot of times, loose dirt and dust accumulates on the mattress and within crevices. We’ve found that utilizing a vacuum hose attachment or a small brush can take care of these larger particles.
Mold should be taken care of by applying a ratio of one part water and one part rubbing alcohol to the affected area. Odors can normally be tackled with a sifting of baking soda (let sit for five minutes), then a mixture of one part water and one part vinegar (gently rub on the surface).
For general cleaning purposes, mild dish soap and cold to warm water can be used to wash, not soak, an air mattress. Afterwards, we recommend drying the bed in indirect sunlight.
Camping Cot
Again, materials differ from company to company, so we suggest checking out the manufacturer’s care advice before resorting to these general rules.
When it comes to camping cots, we recommend cleaning after every camping trip and on dry days where you can care for it outdoors. Like an air mattress, you should vacuum with a hose attachment or use a small brush to take care of larger dirt and dust particles.
You may use cold water only to clean the surface, or you can add mild soap or detergent for super dirty areas of the cot. A scrubbing brush may be used gently on tougher spots. The cot’s frame, however, can be cleaned with disinfectant wipes.
Once the cleaning process is over, it’s best to dry away from direct sunlight.
Camping Mat and Pads
For loose dirt and dust, you can use small brush or vacuum hose. We recommend cleaning with water, mild dish soap, and a cloth. For inflatable camping pads, it’s best to keep the valves shut to prevent water from entering the interior of the pad.
When finished, we recommend drying indirect sunlight. For inflatable pads, leave the valves open to keep the interior from gathering any moisture. We also suggest leaving the valves open when you store it and keeping it in a cooler place until the next time you need it.
RV Mattress Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What size mattress fits in a semi truck?
There’s a bit of variability here, but most semi truck mattresses have an 80” length and 40” width. Of course, this can change depending on the bed or space available, but this is the typical size.
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 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Overall | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Dreamfoam Essential | Value | $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 | Cooling | $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 |
Logan Block
Former Content Director
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
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