/

The Best RV Mattress in 2023

17 mins read
The Best RV Mattress in 2023
The Best RV Mattress in 2023

Most people aren’t able to get a good night’s sleep unless they’re tucked in their own bed at their own home. I agree with this statement for the most part, but I also think that you can get pretty cozy in your recreational vehicle if you have the right mattress.

Modern technology allowed mat manufacturing brands to go a step beyond, allowing us to sleep ever so soundly, whenever, wherever.

With that in mind, I would like to share with you my Best RV Mattress Reviews that the current market has to offer. Without any further ado, let’s dive straight into the reviews:


1. Live and Sleep Ultra RV Mattress, Short Queen Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Live and Sleep Ultra RV Mattress, Short Queen Gel Memory Foam Mattress - 12 Inch - Cool Bed in a Box - Premium Foam Pillow - Camper, Trailer, Truck - RV Short Queen Size

Our rating: 5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 75 inches by 60 inches by 12 inches
  • Weight: 60 pounds
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King
  • Medium thickness
  • Gel memory foam
  • Gratis memory-foam pillow

Quick overview:

Let’s start off with Live & Sleep’s Ultra RV Mattress. I’ve been using this mat for a while, and I must say it exceeded all of my expectations. Given the fact that I’m a combination sleeper, I’ve found that it’s been able to accommodate all of my needs, regardless of which position I’ve been sleeping in.

Its dimensions measure 75 inches by 60 inches by 12 inches, and it’s one of the heavier mattresses on the list, with 60 pounds of weight. Even so, I attribute its weight to the fact that it packs a 12-inch memory foam construction.

In terms of thickness, it’s a bit better balanced than most mattresses I’ve slept on. You won’t sink too much if you sleep on your back, it won’t feel as rugged and stiff if you sleep on the sides, and it offers excellent neck & back support for people who sleep on their stomach.

Even though this particular mat is available in numerous size variants, they offer some of the best RV Queen mattress models out there. Even though it’s just a bit more expensive than you’d bargain for, it packs a massive punch for the buck.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Optimal thickness and comfort

  • Remarkable limb and joint support

  • Gel-infused memory foam layer

  • Gratis memory-foam pillow

  • Exceptionally sturdy construction

Cons
  • Fairly expensive

  • All size variants are a tad bigger than average


2. Live and Sleep Elite RV Queen Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Live & Sleep Elite - RV Short Queen Memory Foam Mattress - Cooling Bed in a Box - Firm Support, Bonus Pillow, CertiPUR Certified - Trailer/Camper/Trailer, Motorhome, RV Short Queen Size

 

Our rating: 4/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 75 inches by 60 inches by 8 inches
  • Weight: 53.2 pounds
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King
  • 8-inch memory foam layer
  • Moderately thick and firm

Quick overview:

I must admit I was immensely impressed by Live & Sleep catalog; in that light, I wanted to give my take on their Elite RV Mattress-in-a-box, which bears a lot of semblance to the Ultra RV model we’ve just seen.

Its dimensions measure 75 inches by 60 inches by 8 inches while weighing 53.2 pounds; that being said, it’s just a bit shorter and lighter than my top pick, but it feels just as comfortable while being available at a slightly more approachable price.

In essence, the Elite RV Mattress is a 8-inch memory foam mat that packs advanced air-flow technology, which offers adequate cooling; its supportive capacity is identical to that of Live and Sleep Ultra RV Mattress, with the most notable differences being the price tag and somewhat reduced thickness of the Elite RV Mat model.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Portable mattress-in-a-box

  • Decently affordable

  • Excellent quality memory foam layer

  • Optimal passive cooling

Cons
  • Heavy


3. Cushy Form Folding Mattress

Cushy Form Folding Mattress - 4-Inch Portable Tri-Fold Floor Bed for Travel, Camping, Guest - Foldable 4 Inch Foam Sleeping Pad w/Carry Case for Adults & Kids

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 75 inches by 31 inches by 4 inches
  • Weight: 14.87 pounds
  • Available sizes:  Unique size
  • Foldable design
  • Gratis storage case
  • Memory foam construction

Quick overview:

In my humble opinion, Cushy Form’s tri-folding mat may be the best camper mattress that the current market has to offer. It is remarkably simple, yet so exquisitely versatile in many regards – it packs a foldable design, it packs anti-microbial properties, and its rugged construction ensures its longevity.

Now, I would recommend this particular model if you’re looking for comfort more so than for back supports; back sleepers will invariably sink a bit more in it while side sleepers probably won’t need another mattress in their lifetime.

The thing that stands out the most about this mattress is that it is several times lighter than average. Namely, it’s one of the finest portable RV mattresses I’ve ever used, plus it’s an excellent backup choice for situations where you plan on having additional passengers onboard.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Fairly big, yet remarkably compact

  • One of the lightest RV mattresses on the market

  • Decently affordable

  • Excellent comfort rating

Cons
  • Slightly inferior durability

  • Not ideal for back sleepers


4. DynastyMattress 10-inch CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress for RV

DynastyMattress 10-Inch CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress for RV, Camper-Short Queen Size

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 75 inches by 60 inches by 10 inches
  • Weight: 55 pounds
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King RV, Short King RV
  • Moderate firmness
  • Machine-washable cover included
  • Memory foam-infused construction

Quick overview:

Here we are looking at a beautiful mid-range RV mattress that is as versatile as it is gorgeous. Even though it’s slightly heavier than average, it’s available in a plethora of size options, each being slightly larger than their ‘traditional’ counterparts.

This model offers moderate firmness, which makes it perfect for all types of sleepers, especially combination sleepers. Furthermore, the DynastyMattress Cool Breeze model packs the Sleep-Cool technology, which contours its edges, offering exceptional comfort and full-body support at the same time.

One of the things I liked the most about it is the fact that it can be folded; this ‘mat-in-a-box’ can be wrapped up, reducing it to half the size, which will allow you to easily move it from place to place or save up quite a bit of room whenever needed.

As far as maintenance is of concern, the DynastyMattress Cool Breeze mat packs a machine-washable cover and premium quality hardware; I would even dare to say that it’s among the sturdiest mattresses I’ve had the pleasure of owning for quite some time now.

Sadly, it may not be such a perfect choice for stomach sleepers. Namely, it’s just a bit softer than normal mats, so you may want to look for models that offer a tinge of extra neck support. At the end of the day, it’s a highly versatile model that could easily cater to the needs of side and back sleepers.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Highly portable

  • Gel-infused memory foam construction

  • Exceptional level of comfort

  • Fairly affordable

  • Superb sturdiness

Cons
  • Not ideal for people who sleep on their stomach

  • Insufficient neck support


5. LineSpa 8-Inch Memory Foam and INnerspring Hybrid Mattress

Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress-Medium Feel-RV Queen, White

Our rating: 4/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 74 inches by 59 inches by 8 inches
  • Weight: 55 pounds
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
  • 8-inch thick
  • Hybrid mattress design

Quick overview:

Linespa’s model is not my go-to RV mat, but it’s certainly in the top five. If you’re not overly familiar with hybrid mattresses, I would say that this particular one is a schoolbook example of a quality one – it packs several layers, each bringing a different set of benefits to the table; in a nutshell, it’s moderately firm, moderately thick, exceptionally comfortable, and beyond exemplary in terms of supportive capacity.

Frankly, I would say it excels in the field of comfort a bit more so than in the field of back, shoulder & neck support, but overall, its performance can easily be described as ‘highly versatile’.

I would recommend it to all kinds of sleepers, although combination sleepers would be able to get a bit of extra value from it. Additionally, it’s available in seven different sizes, and as far as weight goes it’s just a tinge beyond the bar.

Money-wise, Linespa’s Memory Foam mattress is one of the most affordable models on the list, which speaks volumes about its quality; its ability to stand its ground when pitted against strikingly more expensive models tells you it’s a valuable choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Adequate supports

  • Available in a plethora of size options

  • Robust construction

  • Hypoallergenic properties

  • Excellent choice for both in-home and outdoor scenarios

Cons
  • Slightly heavier than average

  • Feels a bit different than most mats due to its hybrid design


6. Lucid 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress LU10RQMD30GF

LUCID 10 Inch 2020 Gel Memory Foam Mattress - Medium Plush Feel - CertiPUR-US Certified - Hypoallergenic Bamboo Charcoal (Short Queen),LU10RQMD30GF,White

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 75 inches by 60 inches by 10 inches
  • Weight: 43.3 pounds
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King, Split King
  • 10-inch thick
  • Medium Firmness
  • Bamboo charcoal-infused foam support layers

Quick overview:

Lucid’s one of my favorite mat-making brands, and here we have their LU10RQMD30GF – a bamboo-charcoal infused memory foam mattress that is my personal recommendation for side sleepers. It’s decently firm and offers an outstanding level of comfort, which are just some of the numerous benefits it brings to the table.

Furthermore, it’s built to last, and I have been using it for several years before I even thought about upgrading to a bit fresher Lucid mat.

It also packs passive cooling technology, and even though I’ve had mattresses that perform a bit better in this field, I have no qualms about LU10RQMD30GF.

Generally, the main reason why I would recommend this mattress revolves around its supportive strength. Namely, it performs superbly great straight out of the box, even before you upgrade it with sheets and bedding.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Built to withstand years of use

  • High comfort rating

  • Superb supportive capacity and optimal firmness

  • Terrific value for the back

  • Perfect for side sleepers

Cons
  • Inferior passive cooling

  • Fairly heavy


7. Zinus 8-Inch Foam and Spring RV Mattress

Zinus 8 Inch Foam and Spring RV Mattress / Short Queen Size for RVs, Campers & Trailers / Mattress-in-a-Box

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 74 inches by 60 inches by 8 inches
  • Weight: 61 pounds
  • Available sizes: Narrow Twin, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, California King
  • Four thickness variants
  • Medium firmness
  • Three separate layers

Quick overview:

Zinus’s mat is a hybrid one, sporting three supportive layers – the 0.5-inch foam layer, a 1-inch Visco Latex foam layer, as well as a six-inch base heavy-duty layer equipped with sturdy steel coils. In a nutshell, its supportive capacity is tremendous, but it’s also remarkably comfortable at the same time.

Even though it’s not a typical mat-in-a-box, it can be compressed for enhanced portability. The downside is that it will take approximately three days for it to come to full size during that time.

This is my main recommendation for children and lighter people, as Zinus’s mattress can support up to 250 pounds only. It’s absolutely ideal for side and stomach sleepers, although it wouldn’t be my first-choice pick for back and combination sleepers.

I was also thrilled to find that Zinus offers multiple versions with different levels of thickness; this way you will be able to compensate for some of its built-in shortcomings and even make it into a supremely comfortable all-purpose mattress.

Finally, it’s just a bit more expensive than average, but that’s only obvious given the fact that it’s also much sturdier when compared to similarly priced hybrid mattresses.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Perfect for children and relatively shorter people

  • Ideal for side and stomach sleepers

  • Multiple high-quality layers with tremendous, supportive capacity

  • High comfort rating; selectable levels of thickness

  • Available in a myriad of size variants

Cons
  • Not perfectly suited for back and combination sleepers

  • Slightly more expensive than average


8. MotorHome InnerSpace Travel Comfort 5.5-inch RV Mattress

MotorHome InnerSpace Travel Comfort 5.5" RV - Mattress-In-A-Box

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 72 inches by 80 inches by 5.5 inches
  • Weight: N/A
  • Available sizes: Twin, Full, Short Queen, RV King
  • 5-inch Polyurethane foam
  • Mattress-in-a-box design
  • Rapid expansion technology
  • Stain-resistant cover

Quick overview:

MotorHome’s InnerSpace Travel Mat is one of the finest pop-up camper mattress models on the current market. It’s available in several size variants, each sporting a layer of 5.5-inch polyurethane foam, which offers much in terms of comfort and full body support.

The main reason why this mattress is so great for RV owners is that it requires so little in terms of maintenance. Namely, it’s equipped with a sturdy stain-resistant cover that is easy to clean (either by hand or washing machine).

It also packs quilted top, bottom & sides and hypoallergenic properties, which makes it an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin. Additionally, it’s fairly cheap, and if you ask me, it offers considerably more value for the buck when compared to most entry-level RV mattresses.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Highly affordable

  • Requires little maintenance

  • Sturdy construction

  • Portable and compact

Cons
  • Certain parts are irreplaceable

  • Decently large


9. Brooklyn Wanderlust Memory Foam RV Mattress

 

Our rating: 4.5/5

Highlighted features:

  • Dimensions: 39 inches by 75 inches by 6 inches
  • Weight: N/A
  • Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Full, Queen, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, King, Short King, RV King, California King, RV Bunk
  • Open-Cell technology
  • Nano-Stain Terminator technology

Quick overview:

The final model on my list is Brooklyn’s Wanderlust, and it’s more than safe to say that it’s the most versatile model as far as sizing is of concern. Namely, it’s available in 20 unique size variants, including multiple RV Bunks, several Twin options, and a plethora of Kings and Queens.

One of the most unique features of this mattress is the Nano-Stain terminator varnish, which will protect you against spills and stains, significantly reducing the effort you’ll need to put in its cleaning and maintenance.

As far as thickness is at stake, you’ll be able to pick and choose a model in the range between 6-14 inches. Moreover, this mat model boasts the exquisite Open-Cell technology, reinforcing each layer with enhanced breathability.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Versatile size and thickness options

  • Open-Cell technology

  • Mattress-in-a-box design

  • Relatively affordable

Cons
  • Mediocre durability


What to look for in RV Mattresses


You’ve probably watched enough movies to notice that every Bad, Bath & Beyond has a ‘tour guide’ of sorts. Mattress salesmen are a thing; you’d normally walk into a shop, tell your ‘guide’ your preferences, and they would show you a couple of models that fit the bill for you to test out.

Now, since you’ve opted for online shopping, picking a mattress (specifically for your recreational vehicle) alone, you should have a couple of things in mind before making the final decision:

Proper Size

Room is something most RV owners are struggling with before eventually growing content with the lack thereof. Your bed will take up more than half of your remaining space, and that’s where you will spend a good chunk of your nights, so finding a mattress of a proper size is the first thing you should keep in mind.

Now, before you get to the point of deciding how big (or small) the mattress is going to be, you should be aware that RV-mat models are not sized the same as regular mattresses. I’ve listed some of the most popular RV mattress sizes in a section a while below, so let’s focus on the matter at hand for the time being.

The first part of finding a properly-sized mat is taking measurements – length, width, and depth all play a certain role. Wider mattresses can accommodate more people; the length determines your sleeping position (comfortable outstretched or curled-up if it’s shorter) while the depth determines comfort.

After you’ve taken the measurements of the spot you intend to place your mattress in, make sure there’s at least a bit of space for you to be able to walk around it. That being said, you’ll have slightly less room than you may initially think.

Adequate firmness

The firmness of the mattress is important for several reasons. Simply put, we all have our preferred sleeping positions, and we’ll need adequately firm support for our limbs and joints for each situation.

Sleep science is a thing, and it has categorized people according their preferred sleeping positions as follows:

  1. Stomach sleepers – the spine of stomach sleepers is normally in a peculiar and to some degree unnatural position, and the same can be said for their neck. I would strongly suggest going for a mattress that can evenly distribute your weight, as these are the sleepers that are most prone to Scoliosis (drastically curved spine).
  2. Side sleepers – while stomach sleepers struggle to relieve the pressure from their spine, side sleepers put their hips & shoulders at risk. Typical problems side sleepers face if they choose an inadequate mattress involve stiff shoulders, neck and hip pain.
  3. Back sleepers – back sleepers typically ‘sink’ in the mat after falling asleep and their body becomes heavier. They need full body support, especially in the spinal area.
  4. Combination sleepers – people who do not show any patterns regarding their preferred sleeping positions are called combination sleepers. They’ll need a bit of everything, including adequate support, cushioning, and weight distribution.

With that in mind, it’s vital that you choose the mattress of adequate firmness that can support you properly as you’re sleeping.

When in doubt, I recommend opting for a moderately firm mat. It offers decent full-body support, prevents excess sinkage, and it can be really beneficial to people who are suffering from back pain and Scoliosis.

Finally, I would strongly suggest that you avoid firm mattress models if you are a side sleeper. Basically, in this situation you would feel like you’re sleeping on a concrete floor, and you will inevitably feel unnecessary pain, not to mention that the quality of your sleep would degrade considerably.

Mattress type

We could categorize mattresses in several types according to different criteria; we’ve talked already about different mattress size types (for example, Queen, King, and so on), so now I’d like to touch on the categorization based on performance.

Essentially, this group consists of foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses. Foam mattresses are perfect for RVs because they’re substantially more flexible; spring mats are sturdier and firmer, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for outdoor use.

Hybrid mattresses aren’t exactly the combination of the aforementioned two; basically, these mattresses sport a higher number of layers. Finding the right combination of layers is pretty hard, but if you stick with popular and best-selling brands you can’t really make a mistake.


Frequently Asked Questions


What is the best RV mattress?

In my humble opinion, Live and Sleep’s Ultra RV is the best RV mattress on the current market. It’s superior in almost every aspect of performance to most mid-range models, so unless you’re prepared to spend a small fortune on a mat, this is the way to go.

Starting with its size variants, there’s enough variety to cherry pick a model regardless of how much room you have at your disposal – you’ll be able to choose between Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, and California King.

It’s stuffed with top-shelf memory foam, which is as durable as it is supportive. Furthermore, its passive cooling capabilities are absolutely wonderful, especially for RVs that aren’t equipped with top-grade ventilation systems.

How can I make my RV Mattress more comfortable?

Obviously, the easiest way is to spend a small fortune on a boutique mattress. However, most RV owners have quite a bit of expenses on their hands, so this is usually not the best way to go.

I would suggest opting for a quality model, and depending on your remaining budget, you should invest in mattress accessories; toppers, beddings, and sheets all make a difference, and these typically cost substantially less than actual mats.

While the beddings & toppers are mainly oriented around providing a speck of extra convenience, it’s the sheets that have the most impact on the comfort you’ll be able to get out of your mattress. Models with a strong thread-count coupled with appropriate pillows will significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

Can you put a regular mattress in an RV?

To put it simply, you can put any kind of mattress in your RV, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend it. First and foremost, ‘standard’ mats are typically big, bulky, and they weigh a ton. Once put inside a recreational vehicle, you won’t exactly be able to store them away if you happen to realize they’re not as useful as you initially thought.

That’s why models with the ‘mattress-in-a-box’ design are far better-suited for use in RVs. These mattresses are foldable and generally much lighter than average.

Even if certain ‘regular’ mattress models may feel a bit more comfortably, portable RV mattresses are substantially more practical solutions.

Does Purple make RV Mattresses?

In short – yes, Purple manufactures RV mattresses. However, their models are not specifically designed for use in recreational vehicles. Basically, this is a brand that specializes in producing top-shelf hybrid mats, most of which are a bit better-suited for home use than the other way around.

Another argument that supports this statement revolves around the average price tag of a Purple mattress. Essentially, this brand’s catalog is mainly comprised of boutique models, most of which cost well above a grand.

Given the fact that most RV owners already have dozens of unavoidable expenses, I wouldn’t strictly recommend opting for a luxurious mattress; this is also one of the main reasons why I didn’t include any Purple-made mattresses in my review.

What size is an RV Mattress?

First of all, each RV is different, so it’s pretty much obvious that a ‘standard’ size of RV mattresses doesn’t really exist. Secondly, there are numerous types of mattresses (both regular & and those for RV), so I’ll have to break this question down a bit.

Typical types of mattresses include Twin, Full, Queen, Olympic Queen, California King, Regular King, and Bunk. Now, the average dimensions of these ‘standard’ types adapted to RV settings are:

  1. RV Twin measures 38 inches by 75-80 inches
  2. RV Full measures 53 inches by 75 inches
  3. RV Queen measures 60 inches by 80 inches
  4. RV Olympic Queen measures 66 inches by 80 inches
  5. RV California King measures 72 inches by 84 inches
  6. RV Regular King measures 76 inches by 80 inches
  7. RV Bunk Mattress measures 28-35 inches by 75-80 inches

Are RV Mattresses different than regular mattresses?

RV mattresses are different than regular mattress models in terms of size and weight; the former aren’t packed to the brim, which results in reduced thickness, volume, and weight.

However, certain hybrid mats are closer to ‘regular’ mattresses than typical ‘RV mats’, but at the same time they are equally suited for home and RV use.

How much does a RV Queen Mattress Weigh?

The average weight of a RV Queen mattress is in the range of 50 to 60 pounds. The overall weight mainly depends on the type and quantity of filling, so different models may be a bit lighter or heavier in turn.

Can you use regular furniture in an RV?

Again, you can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. You should try your best to keep the weight of in-RV items to a minimum or you may destabilize the vehicle. Furniture is typically heavier than most items you would otherwise pack when going on a trip, which is a good-enough reason to not have it onboard.

Conclusion

As we wrap things up, I’d like to proclaim Live and Sleep’s Ultra RV Mattress as the victor of today’s bout. It’s simply more comfortable and better-rounded than most RV mat models, and that comes from a strictly objective point of view.

The runner-up is Elite RV Memory Foam Mattress-in-a-Box from the same brand; again, the same technologies and features were used, so you can expect the same type of quality and similarities in terms of comfort and firmness.

Finally, I would settle for DynastyMattress’s Cool Breeze RV Mat if I had a bit more space in my recreational vehicle. It’s decently affordable, and its performance level is fairly close to Live and Sleep models, so I’d warmly recommend checking this one out as well.

Agnese is an Italian author and researcher. She has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has written several books on various subjects. Her latest work is a research project on the history of the book in Italy. Agnese is also a regular contributor to several journals and magazines.

Previous Story

The Best Travel Trailers in 2023 & Buying Guide

Next Story

How To Harvest Oregano

Latest from Blog

Can Cats Smell Mice?

Mice and cats are typically fierce rivals. Even though cats enjoy chasing and catching mice, possessing…