A comfortable RV mattress helps you wake up refreshed for each camping adventure. Considering size, weight, firmness and durability before purchasing a new mattress is key to finding the perfect match.
When Is It Time for a New RV Mattress?
It is time to replace your RV mattress when you notice any of the following signs:
- Persistent back pain, stiffness or discomfort
- Deep mattress indentations or sagging
- Respiratory complications or increased allergic reactions
Many people find the mattress that comes with their RV unsatisfactory — so you can also search for a new mattress if the one you have is not up to your standards!
5 Tips for Buying an RV Mattress
Consider the following tips for selecting an RV mattress for a great night’s rest on every vacation and road trip.
1. Determine the Right Weight and Size
First things first, you need your RV mattress to fit your space. Before investing in a new mattress, determine the precise length, width and height to ensure a perfect fit. RV beds come in odd sizes, so this should be your first consideration — more on determining the right size mattress later.
Your RV mattress should also be lightweight to prevent it from weighing down your RV. Since a heavier mattress can decrease your miles per gallon and increase fuel costs, RV mattresses are typically under 120 pounds. Mattress weight is also important for towable campers where the primary bedroom is in the front because keeping control of the tongue weight is essential.
2. Consider Your Comfort and Support Level
Whether fishing, hiking, kayaking or exploring a nearby city, nothing is better than snoozing on a comfy mattress after an adventure-filled day. The following mattress types offer different levels of comfort:
- Foam: A foam mattress is very soft and offers excellent pressure point relief. It has a high-density foam layer and multiple memory foam layers for comfort.
- Innerspring: An innerspring mattress features a thin padding layer over a steel coil core. It offers less softness than other options.
- Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines foam and innerspring mattress features, providing you with a steel coil core and thick comfort foam layers for softness. Hybrid mattresses are thicker for increased support and allow more airflow through their core for enhanced temperature regulation.
- Latex: Latex mattresses feature latex comfort foam, usually on top of a steel coil core.
RVs often come with innerspring or thin foam mattresses, but you can upgrade to any type of RV mattress as long as its dimensions match the bed frame — and as long as it fits through the door.
3. Choose the Ideal Firmness
You can choose between light, medium and heavy mattress firmness based on your weight and typical sleep position:
- Back sleeper 230 pounds or less: A mattress with medium firmness is ideal if you weigh 230 pounds or less and prefer sleeping on your back.
- Stomach sleeper 230 pounds or less: If you weigh 230 pounds or less and sleep on your stomach, a medium or firm mattress will offer the most comfort.
- Side sleeper 230 pounds or less: A soft or medium mattress firmness is the best option if you sleep on your side and weigh 230 pounds or less.
- Back or stomach sleeper over 230 pounds: A firm mattress is the most comfortable option if you weigh over 230 pounds and prefer sleeping on your back or stomach.
- Side sleeper over 230 pounds: Choose a mattress with medium firmness if you weigh over 230 pounds and prefer sleeping on your side.
4. Ensure Durability
Camping exposes your RV mattress to more dust, moisture and dirt than you expose your bedroom mattress to at home. A hypoallergenic mattress is ideal because it wicks away moisture to prevent mold and grime buildup. You can also invest in a removable, washable cover to prevent damage and keep your mattress looking like new for longer.
5. Consider Health and Sustainability
Choosing a sustainable mattress can help you decrease your carbon footprint. Eco-conscious companies manufacture mattresses with organic materials that are better for the environment and your health. An organic mattress lacks potentially harmful chemicals and materials, such as fiberglass, that could affect your health.
What Size RV Mattress Do You Need?
The mattress size you need depends on the type of bed space your RV features. If it features standard mattress dimensions, such as king, queen, full or twin, you can choose a mattress with those dimensions from any brand. However, you will need a special RV mattress with specific dimensions if your bed space is irregular.
Here are some other factors to keep in mind when choosing an RV mattress:
- Overhead space: If you choose a plush mattress and then load it with fluffy pillows and blankets, you might notice the space between your mattress and the ceiling becoming more and more cramped. If your bed space is open, you can opt for a slightly higher, 8-to-12-inch mattress for increased comfort.
- Walkways, doorways and fixed furniture: Your new mattress must be flexible enough to squeeze through hallways and doorways. Plus, if your RV features fixed bedroom furniture, you will have to navigate that, as well.
- Oddly shaped bunk beds: Some RV bunk beds have cut or rounded corners, so the dimensions will be more specific.
The best course of action is to measure the space to determine the precise dimensions you need.
Where Can You Buy a New RV Mattress?
If you are wondering where to buy a new RV mattress, many stores and websites offer fantastic options. Popular furniture and mattress stores, such as Mattress Firm and GhostBed, feature selections of RV mattresses, but you can also find mattresses at RV-specific stores like Camping World.
Top RV Mattresses of 2024
The following RV mattresses are some top picks for 2024.
Best Overall
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV mattress is an excellent option due to the following features:
- Premium cooling top for temperature regulation
- Ascension® individually encased coils for compression support and decreased motion transfer
- Variflex™ transition foam for optimal breathability and buoyancy
- Customizable firmness to meet your comfort level
Best Cooling Mattress
If staying cool is your top priority, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a fantastic option. This hybrid mattress features 8-inch coils for optimal airflow. It also features antimicrobial comfort layers with copper and gel infusions that wick away moisture and a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover that draws heat from your body and releases it.
Best Sustainable Mattress
Plushbeds makes RV mattresses with organic materials, making them comfortable for you and good for the environment. Their memory foam has received CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certification, so you can feel confident in your choice.
A Plushbed mattress’s resilient materials and fiberglass-free fire barrier provide a healthy, long-lasting sleeping surface after a day of exploring.
RV Camping at Kampgrounds of America
After choosing the best mattress for your RV, you are ready to embark on some camping adventures. When you camp at KOA, you can enjoy some of North America’s top attractions, explore beautiful outdoor locations and sit around cozy campfires under the stars.
Why Trust KOA?
You can trust KOA to provide a fun, comfortable and convenient RV camping experience. With over 500 locations across North America, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and high-quality standards, you can plan unforgettable RV adventures when you stay at KOA. Each KOA location prioritizes camper comfort and experiences. You can enjoy the conveniences of home in the great outdoors when you take advantage of modern, innovative amenities such as the following:
- Pull-Thru and Back-In RV Site options
- Level sites
- Full sewer and 30- and 50-amp electric hookups
- Waste disposal
- Clean bathrooms with hot water
- Laundry facilities
- Playgrounds
- Fun campground-specific recreational activities
- Delicious campground-specific food options
- Pet-friendly RV Sites and special pet areas at select locations
- KOA stores
Learn More About RV Camping at KOA
You can have a fantastic camping experience with a comfortable RV mattress and a fun, relaxing campground. KOA offers full-hookup Pull-Thru and Back-In RV Sites, convenient amenities and exciting activities to ensure you have the best time. Learn more about RV camping or reserve a stay at KOA to start making memories!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
