RV Mattress

RV Mattress Guide

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A Guide to Replacement RV Mattresses

One of the greatest perks when it comes to camping in an RV is having the ability to store and sleep on a mattress instead of in a sleeping bag. Nothing beats A/C!

However, if you’ve ever slept on an RV mattress, then you might know that they aren’t all known to be super comfortable. However, that doesn’t have to be the case! 

Read on to find out what you should look for in a replacement RV mattress to help you rest comfortably on all of your camping adventures.

Mattress Material

When you’re trying to buy any mattress, it’s important to check to see what materials it’s made out of. Certain mattresses are made from materials that are known to shed off hazardous compounds, also known as VOCs, that can be harmful to breathe in. This process, known as off-gassing, is usually associated with synthetic materials like memory foam, or polyfoam. 

RV Mattress material
Getting the right mattress material for you.

To ensure that you avoid a mattress that’s known to do this, you need to make sure that the mattress you’re getting has a certification from an independent agency, proving that it does not release VOCs into the air. There are a wide variety of mattress certifications a mattress can have, some of which include:

  • CertiPUR-US
  • USDA Certified Organic
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
  • Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

Aside from that, you should try to find a mattress that suits your preferences and your body type. You may wind up with a mattress that has memory foam, springs, or a combination of both.

RV Mattress sizing
RV’s often require special mattress sizes

Mattress Sizing

RV mattresses tend to be smaller than your typical mattress because they need to be able to fit into your RV. While some RV models have easier dimensions to work with, such as the general Fleetwood mattress sizes, others have more peculiar sizing and don’t fit typical RV mattresses. Below are the general sizing standards for RV mattresses:

  • Twin: 38”x74”
  •       Twin XL: 38”x80”
  •       Full: 53”x74”
  •       Full XL: 53”x80”
  •       Queen: 60”x80”
  •       RV Short Queen: 60”x75”
  •       King: 76”x80”
  •       RV Short King: 72”x75”
  •       RV King: 70”x74” or 70”x80”
  •       California King: 72”x84”
  •       RV Bunk Bed: ranges 28”x75” to 42”x80”

A king-size RV mattress, for example, is going to be smaller than your typical king-size mattress. You’re going to want to choose a mattress size that can accommodate your height, and before you commit to size, you’re going to need to know how many people will be sleeping in the bed. 

If you plan on camping with your partner, and you’re going to share the bed, then you’re going to need to find a mattress size that can fit both of you comfortably. Of course, you’re also going to need to ensure that whichever size you choose can comfortably fit inside your vehicle.

Mattress Thickness

The thickness of your mattress goes hand in hand with its size. As mentioned before, your RV is already limited in space, and that includes the space from your floor to your ceiling. 

Having a mattress that reaches too far off the ground could put you too close to the ceiling, especially in a more compact RV model. Having a thinner mattress may allow you to store things under it too, giving you another storage location in your RV if needed. 

Though you should try and find a mattress with a thickness that’s comfortable for you, it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t take up too much of the space in your vehicle.

Mattress Cost

The first thing on everyone’s mind, when they go to make a purchase, is the cost. RV mattresses can vary in cost depending on their size, thickness, and materials. 

Of course, more premium models with higher-quality features, like multiple layers of memory foam and better spring systems are going to set you back more than a basic model. 

Once you work out a budget, you’ll be able to figure out which features are a must in your new mattress and which you can forego.

RV Mattress cover
Don’t forget the mattress cover

Mattress Cover

One thing that many people tend to forget about when they buy a new mattress is a mattress cover. A nice mattress cover can help protect your mattress from allergens, bacteria, and spills. 

When you’re out camping it’s no secret that there are many harmful things that you can expose yourself to. Having a cover on your RV mattress can help prevent those things from getting into your mattress and causing problems. 

They’re also very helpful for simply protecting your mattress from getting dirty just from being slept on. Many people sweat while they sleep, which will inevitably stain your mattress after enough has gone by. A good cover will protect your mattress from getting any sweat on it, and it should still promote airflow, so you shouldn’t feel any warmer at night with a mattress cover. Though a cover isn’t necessary all the time, it should still be something that you consider.

Mattress Shopping

Though mattress shopping in general can be quite a hassle, if you keep all of the information from this blog in mind when looking for your new mattress, you should be able to find a comfy RV mattress with ease. Good luck with your shopping, and have fun on your next RV journey!

More RVing Resources

See our calendar of Best RV Shows for 2023

See our recommended RV & Scenic Travel Guides.

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