Donβt Get A New RV Mattress (Until You Do This)
RV camping should be a peaceful retreat from ordinary life. But if you wake up with back pain on every excursion, itβs time to get a new RV mattress. However, donβt begin your search until you follow these four (and money-saving) tips.
Donβt get a new RV mattress until you:
1. Consider how youβll swap mattresses
Many smaller RVs are constructed around the sleeping quarters. Manufacturers put the mattress in place and then build the RV. Some RVers must cut a mattress in half to get it through the doorway and replace it with their only option, which is a foam mattress to fit inside.
2. Prepare to shop around
When youβre shopping to get a new RV mattress, it isnβt as easy as driving to the local furniture store. RV mattresses donβt have the same exact dimensions as domestic mattresses, even though manufacturers still label them βKingβ or βQueenβ sizes.
In addition, when you`re looking to get a new RV mattress, remember many RV bedrooms have a corner of the bed lopped off in order to accommodate interior shelves or doors. If your RV mattress needs to be an odd shape, youβll spend even more time shopping around.
3. Measure the RV bed platform (and the mattress)
If youβve tried to put queen-size fitted sheets on an RV mattress, you know they donβt fit. Thatβs because RV mattress sizes are different from standard ones. Look at these dimensions from Mattress Insider:
- RV Full: 53β³ x 75β³
- Short Queen: 60β³ x 75β³
- RV Queen: 60β³ x 80β³
- RV King: 72β³ x 75β³
- RV King: 72β³ x 80β³
Simply, measure the platform for the size, then measure the air space between the mattress and walls.
Budget determines RV mattress material. Photo: Pixabay.com ebowalker
4. Select RV mattress material
When shopping for the typical RV queen mattress, expect to choose between:
Coil Spring Mattresses: These replicate the feel of traditional mattresses. Their structure is supported by interior coils and a thick layer of foam creates comfort without adding weight. Quality and longevity varies depending on use and materials. Cost: $300+
Foam Mattresses: Foam mattresses are the least expensive, and easiest to modify. Simply, use an electric cutting knife so it can fit the platform. These are made of 100 percent petroleum and unless you line it with an air circulation liner, the underside can build up mildew. Cost: $100-$800
Memory Foam: By constructing memory foam mattresses with multiple layers of differing densities, manufacturers of memory foam mattresses can provide better support. Further, the drawback is that memory foam mattresses are usually made from petroleum. Theyβre also a mildew breeding ground. Cost: $400 β $800
RV Air Mattress: Two types of air mattresses for RVs exist. These include typical camping air mattress and costlier adjustable bed air mattress like those made for traditional homes. The first is a good choice for occasional RVers with strong backs. The second is a wise investment for full-time RVers. The drawbacks? Cost and altitude β youβll need to adjust it for high altitudes. An air camping mattress sets you back less than $100. High-end versions exceed $800.
If cost is a major concern, donβt get a new RV mattress until you try some simple RV hacks. For instance, a futon mattress, foam RV mattress topper, a goose down feather bed topper, or a new hi-density mattress topper, are all great temporary measures to get a better nightβs sleep. In the meantime, keep shopping around until you find one of the best RV mattress that works for your rig and wallet.
Read more about some of our favorite RV mattresses in this article. You may also want to upgrade your RV bed sheets.
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
Great information here! When you are on vacation you definitely don’t want a poor mattress. Finding something that works well in your RV is a must so you can enjoy yourself to the fullest!
I bought a My Pillow mattress topper and it has made a lot of difference. It is really comfortable.
Also you may have enough room to put in a regular size mattress like we did.
It’s good to make people aware that many RVs use non-standard mattress sizes, but it is not correct to say that that they are ALL non-standard. We have two RVs (a fifth-wheel and a motorhome) which came with completely normal (not special RV) sized mattresses – one Queen and one King. Just check…
As you suggest, toppers are a good alternative to a complete mattress replacement. We completely transformed our RV mattress with a ViSpring Heaven Luxury Supreme topper.
You are looking the wrong way at rv mattress success. Put slatted Ikea bed frame under a hybrid coil/ gel memory foam mattress is the answer .Bought slat frame from Ikea and modified to hinge to raise bed.Then Sleep Country for hybrid coil/ gel memory foam mattress 8 in thick. Sleep like a baby camping. π Big Ben Canadain RV ers π¨π¦ …
I found a mattress pad with gel. Found it at Lands End, but there may be other retailers. It made all the difference. Suggested it to a friend for her boat. She loved out too. Neither of us had to buy new mattresses.
When I needed to replace the mattress in the house and having just gotten a new rv I put the same mattress in the rv that I had in the house. What a difference it makes having the same in both. There is no adjusting to sleeping on two different mattresses. Yes the rv has a standard size Queen. The only drawback is that because Winnebago has a higher platform in the 30T and the mattress is thicker than an rv one, I have to use a higher step stool to get in and of bed. The advantages of having the same mattress in both places out weights the minor issue of height in the rv.
I put a 4″ memory foam topper on ours. Problem solved. Did it at home too! They work great!
When we purchase a new truck camper we plan on purchasing a new mattress, that said, we will be going to Verlo mattress, they will customize the mattress for us.
So glad you demonstrated the mattress in a box. After going through seven or eight $8air mattresses, with various toppers, I reluctantly bought a mattress in a box to use in the fold down table bed in my Class C. The air mattresses were cheap, but dependable a letdown in the end. And, I was constantly monitoring my cat to protect the mattress. I had very low expectations if the mattress in a box, however, it had been unexpectedly very comfortable, and I plan to get a Queen to replace the very disgusting, back killing 30 year old, standard equipment, piece of trash in the cabover.
It was a bit scary releasing the Genie from its bottle, and the instructions really should be more specific and reassuring about that process, but I took my time with it and was careful not to cut it, and it all worked out quite well.
Initially, I thought it was a bit over priced, even for Wal-Mart, however, it’s very eco friendly, and it’s a mattress I actually look forward to sleeping on. And, the cat approves!
Thanks for a great article/video on a much neglected, but extremely important subject.
BTW: I believe these mattresses come in a couple of thicknesses. I plan to get the thickest when I purchase my Queen.
Caveat Emptor: Do not expect to get the Genie back into the bottle – it ain’t going to happen. Bring it inside the vehicle to set it free, and expect it to be there until you are done with it.?ππ± Galen
Awesome! Thank you for your helpful information, It can help me a lot. Thanks
Very well written article Rene. You pointed out many important things regarding buying a mattress for RV – like the number 1 to consider is how one will swap the mattress with limited space inside and smaller doors. Also an important thing to consider, is as u mentioned in the article – the size of space for the mattress in RV and if there are any elements that might block the mattress. Had it happen to me, we bought a new mattress but forgot to first check if it would fit the camper and had to return it to get a different one, no big deal but that time could be spent camping, not going back and forth to the shop.
With 2015 Winnebago View 24V, I have a flex bed (two twins with a filler in between to convert to a king). The gaps between the pads made it uncomfortable. Tried foam top and gel top but no luck. Recently bought a California King pillow topper from MyPillow and it was a perfect fit A small gap on driver’s side but it accommodates the cutout on that side. Not inexpensive (get the 30% off and two free pillows with code) but worth every penny! Sleep like at home now!
I am converting a shuttle bus into an RV. I agree that my bed was the first priority. But I did not get a unique size (RV sized) mattress. I will be traveling by myself so I am installing a standard twin mattress. It backs up to the back of the bus so I have a wall to snuggle up to and still have room for my 2 cats to sleep with me. I did not purchase a box springs mattress bottom. The upper mattress is 12 inches deep (gel foam). I slept on it for a year at home to make sure it was comfortable; it is.
We had a foam topper (cheap way)on our Queen and it keep shifting along with mattress when you lift the bed up to get in the compartment underneath. It only masked the problem of sore back. RV Mattresses that come with your rig are cheaply made unless you order a better quality one.
We had gone to Mattress/Mattress and bought a new Queen firm pillow top one like we have in our house and so now we get a better night sleep. Our bed is at the front and we have a secondary door that made it easy to put it in.
You are looking the wrong way at rv mattress success. Put slatted Ikea bed frame under a hybrid coil/ gel memory foam mattress is the answer .Bought slat frame from Ikea and modified to hinge to raise bed.Then Sleep Country for hybrid coil/ gel memory foam mattress 8 in thick. Sleep like a baby camping. π Big Ben Canadain RV ers π¨π¦ …
Engineered Sleep of Greenville SC. They will work with you to build the custom mattress that is right for you. They have all the various forms and will stack them to build the perfect mattress. You get to try before you buy. Then, see it built right there in their magic factory. It’s worth the trip to get it right the first time. You won’t be sorry. Very reasonable prices compared to mail-order. They will roll your old foam mattress on site for easy storage and you’re sleeping on your new mattress that night.
Thank you! Great tips for RV sleeping comfort…
BUT…My short queen bed mattress folds up into the ends of my Shamrock hybrid,,..I’m not so sure I can add a foam topper and get it to fold up easily, as well as losing the cozy heated mattress feature that I have now.. Maybe just a 2 inch foam topper might do..?
My old Rockwood Roo had a full-size queen on each end..My new Shamrock shorted me! Being 6’6″ tall, I kinda miss the full queen on each end. where now, my feet and head press against the cold vinyl “tent” walls in cool weather….Other than a knit cap and wool socks, does anyone have a solution for me??
Thanks..
Our head of our bed raises so that is another consideration to include in your mattress search. Good Article!
We have a memory foam replacement mattress and it improved comfort dramatically. I am concerned about the mildew warning. What is an air circulation liner and where can I find one?
Iβm concerned about the mildew issue as well, canβt be healthy. I see developing other health issues.
Let me know if youβve heard of a solution. Thanx.
I purchased a queen-sized bed in a box for our replacement mattress. Made it super easy to install and it has made us happy sleepers.
What is the typical size of a RV Twin mattress?
We put a 3″ memory foam top on ours, Worst mistake ever. We felt like a bug stuck to a glue trap.
I went to the manufacture who made the mattress we have at home and had them make one just like it for the motorhome ..so it is just like sleeping at home.
what s the problem with the mattress being made from petroleum products ? what does your motorhome or tow vehicle run on ?
After 3 1/2 years of sleeping on the OEM cushions of our twin bed floorplan, I could no longer take the poor support and 33″ widths. We had an RV builder remove the two twin beds and put in one 74″-77″L x 84″W king platform. We then went to an RV mattress maker and had two mattresses, approximately 74″ x 42 and 77″ x 42″, made to the individual memory foam density comfort of my wife and myself. This alternative came out fantastic and even freed up critical storage room in our rear basement.
I am looking to replace an air mattress that came in our Silverback by Cedar Creek RV 5th wheel . It is for the sofa bed. It has a bag the air bed attach to the frame of the couch and folds up in it when deflated. Queen size I have had no luck in replacement.
I am looking for a replacement airbed for my Innomax Foreveraire short queen, 60″x75″. I has to be able to fold up inside my sleeper sofa, no foam or other non-foldable structure. Any help is appreciated.