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Find The Best RV Mattress (2024): Reviews Of Our Top 3 Picks

(Camp Addict does NOT accept payment from any company to review or endorse their products.)

Marshall Headshot

By Marshall Wendler

Why is it that every RV mattress that came stock feels like laying on a sack of rocks?

It's no secret that whatever RV mattress came with your new rig is most likely cheap and uncomfortable. Beds are often the victim of RV manufacturer cost-cutting measures.

This leaves recreational vehicle owners to find a new camper bed mattress that won't leave them with a horrible night's sleep.

But how do you find a new one? You've probably wondered the following:

  • What is the difference between an RV mattress and a regular mattress?
  • Can you put a regular mattress in an RV?
  • Do you need a special mattress for an RV?
  • How can you make an existing bed more comfortable?
  • Where can you buy an RV mattress?

You'll get the answers to these questions and our picks (yes, we USED the reviewed products, each for over a year at a time, so we know what we are talking about.) in this article.

Best Foam Mattress

Best Innerspring Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding logo

Brooklyn Bedding

Best Lightweight Mattress

Is An RV Mattress So Bad?

Absolutely, yes. So why are travel trailer or motorhome mattresses often a laughable excuse for a bed?

Most camper companies have one goal in mind - build campers as quickly and cheaply as possible, thus increasing their profit.

If you ever closely look at the build quality of most recreational vehicles built today, you'll be appalled at how cheap they look and ARE.

The material choices are greatly influenced by cost.

This is why they are typically so bad. 

A secondary consideration is weight. Installing a cheap, lightweight bed kills two birds with one stone - costs and weight stay low.

Too bad that cheap, light beds often mean a poor sleep experience.

Jessica's Airstream trailer bedroom

What Is The Difference Between An RV Mattress And A Regular Mattress?

Is a camper mattress the same as a regular mattress, or do they build them differently? (Comparing RV and regular mattresses.)

For the most part, a mattress for an RV is made the same as a regular one you'd find in a house. That said, there are sometimes two types of differences:

  1. Some RV mattress sizes are different than residential beds. The length of some RV beds are shorter than their residential counterparts.
  2. The shape of a camper mattress may be odd- some have cut corners or radius corners.

A third, less common difference, is that a mattress in an RV may fold up. 

Some bedrooms are designed so that when the bedroom slide-out is in the retracted position, there isn't enough room for it, so it must fold up.

Can You Put A Regular Mattress In An RV?

Sometimes you can use a regular mattress in an RV. It just needs to fit.

The space available for the bed is the determining factor of whether or not a traditional residential one works.

Measure the existing bed (also measure the actual bed platform itself) to know what size you need.

If the dimensions match a regular mattress, you can use a standard residential bed.

So the answer to the question of, "Do you need a special mattress for an RV?" is "maybe."

It all depends on the dimensions of the bed platform.

Mattress... In A Box?

Yep!

Foam mattresses AND spring mattresses that you purchase online are shipped this way these days.

SO much more convenient and cheaper than sending one full-sized!

Tochta custom RV mattress box

Tochta mattress in a box

Mattress companies as a whole are 'springing' up EVERYWHERE these days. (heh)

You can order online from any store and have it shipped right to your door, vacuum-sealed, in a box. 

We live in fantastic times, friends!

Just open the RV bed-in-a-box, roll it out in an area where it can off-gas, carefully cut open the plastic wrapping, and watch it expand like magic!

Top-Rated Camper Mattress Brands:

  • Tochta
  • Brooklyn Bedding
  • SleepDog
  • Mattress Insider

The above brands are the Camp Addict best-rated mattress brands for an RV. They are based on our personal experience, as in we tried them all. 

We slept many nights on mattresses from these four companies in both RV and residential settings.

While many RV websites will recommend mattresses for you, many have zero experience using them. We only recommened those we have tried and liked.

RV Mattress Reviews

Below you will find RV mattress reviews for beds that we have personally used (and continue to use to this day).

Here are the companies we HAVE SLEPT ON/USED (we slept on them for months and years, not just once) and recommend:

Best Foam RV Mattress: Tochta

Best Runner Up Foam: Mattress Insider

Best Innerspring (hybrid) Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding

Best Lightweight RV Mattress: SleepDog

Below the RV mattress reviews, you will find a buyer's guide.

It covers what you might want to pay attention to when shopping for a new bed.

FULL DISCLOSURE- All mattress companies reviewed on this page provided Camp Addict with a sample for review. 

This doesn't prevent us from telling it like it is in the best RV mattress reviews that you will find below. 

Nor did we agree that we would do a review in exchange for receiving the mattresses, in the event we did not care for them.

Best Foam Camper Mattress

Tochta RV Mattress logo

Tochta

Pros

  • 100-night money-back trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam
  • Made in the USA (California)
  • Free shipping
  • Custom sizes available
  • Outstanding customer service

Cons

  • Refund policy isn't the best

As a company, Tochta has been around since 1980, and the owners have experience RVing. (Tochta is Gaelic for 'mattress.')

Camp Addict co-founder Kelly has been sleeping on a Tochta foam mattress (the Utopia) since April 2019, and she has zero desire to have another bed in her RV.

Kelly can attest that this is a VERY comfortable mattress that feels like you're floating on a cloud.

The gel memory foam top layer feels like a pillow top or the perfect form-fitting mattress.

Tochta custom RV mattress installed

Kelly's Tochta Utopia RV Mattress

Models:

Tochta offers three foam RV mattresses:

  • Journey
  • Utopia
  • Divini

The Journey is their cost-conscious model that is 10 inches thick and constructed of 3 foam layers.

The Utopia is the mattress that Kelly loves and is their best-selling model. It is 10 inches thick and made from 4 layers of different foam.

The Divini is available in 8 and 10-inch thicknesses and allows you to choose a different firmness level for the left and right sides.

Tochta custom RV mattress corner detail

Sleeping

Kelly LOVES her Tochta Utopia camper mattress. Seriously. She will go on and on about how comfortable it is at any opportunity.

It cradles her just right whether she is sleeping on her back or side.

It is the most comfortable mattress she has ever slept on.

Fully Customizable

Tochta offers a custom mattress builder that allows you to create a bed to your exact dimensions and receive an instant quote online.

This includes cut corner RV mattresses and any other odd shape you can think of.

Customer Support

Tochta's customer service and support are exceptional.

We spoke to and emailed the owner, Brian Gargalis, at length.

He was always very open with us and very happy to chat on the phone about any questions we had about Tochta.

He seems excited and passionate about what he does. And he knows RVs and how bad the mattresses they usually come with are.

He saw a problem and developed the solution.

Return Policy

The one negative about Tochta is their return policy. While they offer a 100-night money-back guarantee, they require you to ship the mattress back to them at your cost.

Good luck getting the mattress small enough to ship back economically.

Tochta uses a special vacuum pack machine that rolls it up into a very compact package, and probably not something you have access to.

Fortunately, they will work with you to find a solution to your problem, so you may not have to ship it back if there is another possible resolution.

Runner-Up Best Foam Mattress

Mattress Insider

Mattress Insider Luxury gel foam RV mattress

Kelly (I) started sleeping on Mattress Insider's Luxury Gel mattress in my home base bedroom in May of 2022 (today is 9/19/22).

It came as most do, rolled up, deflated inside a bag for easier shipping and handling.

I ordered, for testing, the Mattress Insider Luxury Foam gel mattress (8-inches thick), which also happens to be their most popular mattress.

They supplied the mattress, but Camp Addict paid $50 to have it shipped.

This is the second most comfortable mattress I have tested, over the Sleep Dog and Brooklyn Bedding.

Personally, the Tochta is still my favorite of all.

I slept on the Sleep Dog for about eight months, and I've laid on Marshall's Brooklyn Bedding. His has coils, and I am not a fan of mattresses with springs.

So, this mattress with cooling gel foam, feels ALMOST as comfy as the Tochta, and I'd say it's just a touch firmer. But it does have the quality of wrapping you up and mostly removing any pressure points. It's soft and sort of 'hugs' your body.

That said, as my number one, I still prefer the snuggly way the Tochta conforms to me and takes off all pressure.

This luxury gel one has the same type of comfy snugs, but again, it's a touch firmer. It comes with a 20-year warranty (standard size, 10-year if custom size). It's priced very similar to Tochta.

Last note, the cover fits a little goofy to me. It's a touch too big. But it doesn't make much difference once the sheets are on it.

So, this is the next best mattress to the Tochta, in my opinion.

If you like a little more of a 'feel' of firmness, then Mattress Insider's foam mattress is your pick.

Best Innerspring (hybrid) Mattress

Brookly Bedding full logo

Brooklyn Bedding

Pros

  • 120-night money-back trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam
  • Made in the USA (Arizona)
  • Free shipping
  • Affordable hybrid options

Cons

  • None that we could find

The founders of Brooklyn Bedding have been in the mattress business since 1995 and operate the RVmattress.com website. They were pioneers of the bed in a box concept when they started shipping beds this way in 2008.

Their state-of-the-art factory in Phoenix, Arizona, builds beds on-demand, which helps reduce cost and ensures you get what you ordered.

I've been sleeping on my Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress since December 2019 and find that it is a HUGE improvement over the stock bed that came in my travel trailer.

Models:

Brooklyn Bedding offers four models. Three hybrid and one foam mattress.

  • Brooklyn Dreamfoam Essential (all foam)
  • Brooklyn Dreamfoam Hybrid
  • Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
  • Brooklyn Aurora Lux (hybrid)
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid RV mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Hybrid Signature Mattress

The Brooklyn Dreamfoam Essential is their only all foam mattress offering. It is available in thicknesses from 6 to 14 inches and comes in either dual or triple layer construction (depending on thickness). 

The thicker the mattress, the softer it is.

The Brooklyn Dreamfoam Hybrid is their entry-level hybrid mattress that consists of a top gel memory foam layer on top of individually encased coils (10.24" inches thick).

The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress I sleep on is available in soft, medium, and firm options. Their top-selling model consists of two top layers of two different synthetic latex foams (combines the benefits of regular latex and memory foam) over a layer of individually encased coils (11 inches thick).

The Brooklyn Aurora Luxe is their luxury offering with cooling properties to help maintain the optimal sleep temperature.

Available in three levels of firmness (soft, medium, firm), there are three layers of different synthetic latex foams on top of 8-inches of individually encased coils (13.5 inches thick).

Sleeping

The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress that I have is medium firmness. Initially, I thought it was too firm, but I fell in love with the mattress after a week or two.

(This is a good reason why they require you to sleep on it for 30 days before initiating a return - you need to have sufficient time to adapt to a new bed.)

When I inquired why the mattress seemed firm, Brooklyn Bedding told me that with a hybrid mattress, you tend to sleep "on top" of the mattress instead of being contoured (or cradled) by a pure foam mattress.

As a side sleeper, this mattress doesn't irritate my hips as my stock mattress did. Though a quality RV memory foam mattress should also be kind to my hips.

Brooklyn Bedding camper mattress handle

Convenient grab handle

Return Policy

Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial but requires you to sleep at least 30 nights on it before initiating a return.

As I explained above, it took me close to 2 weeks before I got used to sleeping on my Signature Hybrid, so I understand this 30-night requirement entirely.

The company covers return shipping, and they will exchange your mattress for another model to make you a comfortable sleeper.

Several other options are available, including modifying a too firm mattress with a mattress topper or issuing you a full refund.

Best Lightweight RV Mattress

SleepDog mattress logo

SleepDog

Pros

  • 120-night money-back trial
  • 10-year warranty
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam
  • Made in the USA (North Carolina)
  • Free shipping
  • Lightweight mattress for RV use
  • Great return policy (except as noted in the cons)

Cons

  • Thinner mattresses can be less comfortable
  • Return policy requires trying the mattress for 60 days

SleepDog is a brand that is specifically tailored to the RV and commercial trucking market.

As such, they make thinner, lighter-weight mattresses, as weight is a significant consideration in RVing (and trucking).

The parent company has been in business since 2004. They claim to be the only major US-based e-commerce mattress brand that handles all aspects of manufacturing - from foam pouring to making the beds.

We received one of their BigDawg mattresses in March 2021 and have been sleeping on it ever since.

Models:

SleepDog offers two all-foam mattresses.

  • SleepDog
  • BigDawg

The SleepDog mattress is 7 inches thick and has a top layer of gel memory foam over a high-density support foam base. It has a medium-firm feel.

The BigDawg mattress is the one we have tested and is 9 inches thick. It has two top memory foam layers and can be flipped over. One side has softer support while the other side is firm.

Both mattresses have a claimed weight of 39 pounds for an RV queen-sized mattress, which is considerably less than other mattresses (including the other two brands we review on this page).

There is less material in a SleepDog mattress (and therefore is thinner), so the weight is kept down.

Weight is a big issue for many campers, so having a lower-weight option that is still comfortable is a big deal.

Either model can be had in RV bunk mattress sizes (specifically, sizes for commercial trucks that may fit your bunk) and make an excellent lightweight option for this bed area.

SleepDog BigDawg RV mattress

BigDawg Camper Mattress

Sleeping

While the BigDawg mattress we have for testing has 4 inches total of memory foam on the softer side (in addition to the foundation foam), I found it too firm for my liking.

More firmness is a trait of thinner mattresses, and while I wasn't ultra-comfortable with this mattress, Kelly has been sleeping on it for many months without complaint.

If you need a light mattress, consider a SleepDog mattress.

Also, if your RV has bunks that fit the dimensions that SleepDog offers, it's a great lightweight option for your kids.

Return Policy

SleepDog offers a 120-night sleep trial but requires you to sleep at least 60 nights on it before initiating a return.

Sixty nights seem a bit long, though I understand it can take a couple/few weeks to adjust to a new bed.

If you want a refund, SleepDog will arrange to have your mattress picked up (contiguous US only) at no cost to you.

They reserve the right not to sell you another bed if you return one.

CertiPUR-US Certified Mattresses

All mattress manufacturers we feature on this page use CertiPUR-US certified foams.

Meaning the foams used are independently certified to be healthier for you and the environment than mattresses are are not certified.

CertiPUR-US certifies foams are made without heavy metals, ozone depleters, certain harmful fire retardants, and low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions which help with indoor air quality.

(Just know that all new mattresses will off-gas for the first 24 hours or so, which means open them outside or in a properly ventilated area.)

Learn more about different RV mattress certifications.

RV Mattress Size

Recreational vehicles come in many sizes. Meaning the bed sizes also vary wildly.

Not only do some come with traditional-sized mattresses, but they also come with their own 'personal' set of custom sizes.

As a result, they can all vary by width and length as WELL as depth (thickness).

Therefore, be sure to note what will or won't fit your rig.

The easiest way to do this is by measuring the existing mattress.

Better yet, by measure the bed platform itself.

Pay particular attention to how high (thick) your mattress area allows.

Some bed areas may have very little headroom (for example, a truck bed camper), so you'll need a thinner mattress, or there may be some structure that the mattress itself fits under.

Below are some of the most common RV mattress sizes.

Listing standard residential sizes here helps to know if you can buy an off-the-shelf mattress or if you need a custom one made to fit the sleeping area.

Common sizes include (noted dimensions in inches):

  • To learn more about the wonky world of RV mattress sizes, visit our mattress size page, where you will be turned into a bed dimension expert (OK, that might be a stretch)

Need A Special Size?

If your camper doesn't match the measurements of one of the camper mattresses we mentioned above, you need a custom-sized unit.

Don't let the word 'custom' scare you off, as all this means is that your rig needs a bed with measurements that differ from standard mattresses.

Yes, you will pay a bit more for a bed made to your exact dimensions, but it's not crazy stupid money.

Please note that custom beds are all foam camper mattresses. It is much easier to customize this type of material than a bed with innersprings.

Some manufacturers make it simple to get a bed of almost any dimension, with easy-to-use custom mattress configurators.

Our favorites are:

In addition to specifying the length and width, you can usually also choose mattress thickness.

Another common customization available with camper bed mattresses is an odd shape on one or more ends.

This includes a cut corner RV mattress or beds with radiuses on the end.

Marshall's trailer with twin mattress on queen bed platform

You may want a bigger RV mattress

Popular RV Mattress Types

Today's camper mattresses consist of various types of materials. Most are a hybrid of two or more of the following:

  • Innerspring
  • Latex
  • Memory foam
  • Polyurethane foam

Often a mix of the above materials are used to make an RV camper mattress, known as hybrid beds.

Innerspring

The innerspring mattress is the old-school style that has been around since the late 19th century.

About 60% of mattresses sold are still traditional innerspring mattresses.

These mattresses consist of steel coil springs as a base with many different topper configurations.

Tops may be covered by various foam types or pillow tops, or any given combination of these materials.

The biggest downfall of the innerspring mattress is that if you sleep with a partner, your sleep gets disturbed by their movements.

Most foam mattresses (foam base, no springs) are superior to innerspring mattresses in this regard. Motion transference in a foam mattress is usually less than a spring mattress.

One way companies overcome this issue is to have the spring coils individually wrapped in fabric.

They are called 'pocket coils'.

The More Coils, The Better?

RV mattress pocketed coils

Nope.

More coils don't always mean higher quality. In fact, the opposite is often true.

If a manufacturer uses more coils and cheaper foam on top, you will still get that sag after a while. Look for an average of about 800-1000 coils.

More importantly, look for excellent quality foam covering the springs.

Latex Foam

Latex foam comes in two varieties - natural and synthetic (artificial). Latex mattresses most commonly use a combination of both for various reasons.

Natural latex (made from the rubber tree) is more expensive and less durable than its synthetic counterpart. But offers excellent pressure relief and contouring.

Synthetic latex is made from petroleum and resists abrasion, softening, and aging from exposure to heat.

It offers various firmness levels, giving great flexibility for foam RV mattress construction.

By combining synthetic and natural latex, mattresses become more affordable.

The more natural rubber that's used in a 'blend,' the more expensive the product.

Latex Manufacturing Processes

Latex is made using a couple of different manufacturing processes: Dunlap and Talalay.

Dunlop Latex

Dunlop latex mattresses are made by filling up a mold with the product, and it is then 'cooked' in a vulcanization oven.

After the vulcanization process is complete, the foam is washed of soap and excess material.

It is then dried at high temperatures to ensure that the mattress gets thoroughly dried.

This latex method produces a denser foam with a springier feel than Talalay latex. Dunlop also uses less energy to manufacture while costing less overall.

Latex foam

Talalay Latex

The Dunlop is a more straightforward process, and the Talalay process is more involved. What's the difference?

The Talalay mattress foam will have open vertical columns in the material, allowing for airflow in the mattress, creating a somewhat cooler product.

Most would call the Talalay foam 'springier' than the Dunlop foam. Talalay comes in different firmness levels.

Because there is more of a manufacturing process involved in making Talalay, if you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, Dunlop is the way to go.

If you are a hot sleeper, the Talalay is a better choice for you if it's the top layer. Because of the extra processing, Talalay mattresses are more expensive than Dunlop.

The Dunlop mattress is the more affordable option.

Memory Foam

Developed in the 1960s by NASA, memory foam is a viscoelastic foam that responds to body heat and weight to conform to the person's shape.

This makes memory foam mattresses an excellent option for pressure point relief.

Another benefit of memory foam is it dampens movement to lessen the motion caused by your partner moving around.

You can quickly identify traditional memory foam by pressing your hand down and seeing if an impression is left.

Memory foam doesn't go back to its normal shape immediately but is a slow recovery foam.

RV memory foam mattress

Traditional Memory Foam Doesn't 'Snap Back'

Memory foam can sleep hot and take a while to respond (conform to your body).

However, both of these issues are addressed with these newer technologies:

Gel Memory Foam: Cooling gel is infused into the memory foam to help draw heat away from your body as you sleep.

Quick Response Foam: An advancement in synthetic latex that shares specific properties with memory foam, quick response foam conforms to the body but doesn't hold heat like traditional memory foam. It also springs back into shape quicker than true memory foam.

You won't find a 100% memory foam camper mattress, but rather a bed made primarily of other materials with an upper layer consisting of memory foam.

This is true of most mattresses.

Polyurethane Foams

Polyurethane foam or 'poly' foams are among the most inexpensive and lowest quality mattress foams (but they do have their place in camper mattress construction).

It is made with, you guessed it, chemicals.

Polyurethane foams are derived from petroleum products with many added fillers.

Higher quality poly foams are often used as the base material for a foam RV mattress as this material makes a great foundation core to build a comfortable bed on.

When high-quality memory or latex foam is layered on top of a quality poly foam foundation, you get a bed that is tailored to either side or back sleepers or those that suffer from back pain. (How to select an RV mattress for back pain relief.)

On the other end of the quality spectrum is a cheap RV mattress made from only a layer of polyurethane foam.

Generally, these cheap beds are found only on really low-end campers or possibly as bunk mattresses for kids.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine two or more of the above materials - typically spring coils with one or more layers of foam on the top. (What is a hybrid RV mattress?)

Hybrids allow manufacturers to create comfort layers tailored to the type of sleeper you are.

Side sleepers have different pressure points from back sleepers, and hot sleepers could benefit from a cooler foam. And so forth.

The different bed options available are truly amazing (and sometimes overwhelming), with something for any preference.

Like a firm mattress? Prefer a medium-firm bed? Side sleeper? Stomach sleeper? Suffer from back pain? Like to be cradled like a baby when you sleep?

You'll find whatever you need these days.

Mattress Off-Gassing

ALL of these products, even those made ENTIRELY of organic products, off-gas

However, the amount of chemicals they off-gas varies depending on how many chemicals were used to process the product.

Let it air out for 24-48 hours after you unpackaged it. Know that even if you let it air out, it will continue to off-gas for years to come.

Yet the most significant percentage dissipates when you first unpackage your mattress.

It's best to let it off-gas out-of-doors. 

The fascinating video below shows you how much MORE off-gassing occurs in the first 24 hours of unboxing.

What To Look For In Recreational Vehicle Mattresses

Whether you need a motor home mattress a new travel trailer mattress, you need to consider several factors.

Size And Weight

The size is relatively self-explanatory. 

Your recreational vehicle has a bed platform. Buy a bed that fits this area. Easy peasy.

Weight is an issue that you might not think of when shopping for new mattresses for campers.

All recreational vehicles have a maximum weight (called the GVWR).

GVWR is the max weight the camper can legally be (Camper weight plus what you put into it. Never go over your GVWR).

The difference between the empty and max weights is your cargo carrying capacity (CCC).

It is sad how low of a cargo-carrying capacity many RVs have. This means you can't add much weight, so every pound counts.

Guess what can be a heavy item? The bed!

Mattresses for RVs can range from lightweight (and uncomfortable) to pretty darn heavy (yet soooo comfy!).

Keep weight in mind when you are shopping.

Kelly's trailer's mattress made

Material

As we covered above, motorhome or travel trailer beds are often made from several materials. 

Most use multiple materials to create the perfect comfort combination.

Material selection is a personal preference.

Some sleepers don't like the feel of memory foam.

Others will swear that they must have coils in their bed, or it isn't an actual mattress.

Side sleepers like a different firmness than back sleepers. And on and on it goes.

You probably have an idea of what you like in a bed, so shop the materials you are familiar with and that you have experienced sleeping on.

Dog yawning lying on Casper foam mattress

Firmness

Some people like a firm mattress, while others like it medium-firm. 

You either like to sink into a bed, or you hate that feeling.

Fortunately, companies offer different firmness levels, often within the same mattress model.

Look at the information on the website to get an idea of what you want, and when in doubt, talk to a representative to get expert advice.

Comfort

While firmness (discussed above) has a lot to do with overall comfort, there is more to the topic. 

What is comfortable to you might feel like sleeping on a marble slab to me or vice versa.

Man sleeping on bench

Some people find this comfortable!

Another major factor in overall comfort is how it is put together. 

Does it have a coil spring base, or is the mattress all foam construction? More importantly, how good quality is the foundation (price may be an indicator here). 

If you are happy with a particular style of residential bed, stick with that type for your camper.

Sleep Temperature

Each of us has our own sleep temperature preference.

The material used to make a new RV mattress influences how warm a bed 'sleeps.'

For example, when memory foam became popular, some people discovered that it made them hot at night.

This is because standard memory foam retains heat.

Woman in shorts lying on bed

One solution to this was to add cooling gel beads to the foam, which serve to 'pull' the heat away from your body.

Another advancement in material that made for a cooler sleeping bed is latex alternatives that combined the positives of both latex and memory foam while cutting back on the negatives.

When shopping for a new bed, pay attention to how a particular brand or model discusses temperature to understand your options.

Get one that fits your sleeping temperature and you will be much happier!

Durability

Let's talk about how well a mattress for travel trailer or motorhome will hold up.

Decide if it needs to last hundreds of nights of sleep and years of us.

Or are you just a two weeks per month owner?

If you're the latter, you may not need the best quality.

This is one area where price makes a difference. A cheap RV mattress made from inferior materials won't hold up over time.

This is OK if you only occasionally use this bed. But if you live in your RV full-time, you may want to pay for the one you can afford.

Thankfully a top-rated mattress isn't all that expensive.

Learn about the various materials used to make a mattresses to have a better understanding of quality vs. cheap.

Man & women in bed looking at each other

Number Of Sleep Surfaces

Most mattresses for motorhome or trailer use come with a single sleeping surface.

Meaning it doesn't matter where you lay, the firmness and comfort level is the same.

But some mattresses come with two sleeping surfaces or 'zones.' A popular residential mattress with dual sleeping surfaces is the Sleep Number.

You can buy a Sleep Number mattress for RVs if you are interested (though we don't review them).

If you want a foam RV mattress with multiple zones, look at the Tochta Divini Mattress. 

They offer different firmness levels for either side and can change them as you see fit. 

Be prepared to pay for this luxury, as double sleep zone beds are a little pricier.

Sleep Trial

Most RV mattress companies will offer RV mattress trial periods, which means you can try out your new bed for a certain number of nights. 

If you are not satisfied, you can get your money back (or get a different mattress that might work better for you).

Sleep trials typically last in the 100 to the 120-night range, giving you at least three months to decide if your new RV bed works.

Be aware that some manufacturers have a rather big 'gotcha' where they require you to ship the mattress back.

Tochta custom RV mattress in box

Good luck getting it back in the box!

Um, good luck with that!

You will never be able to compress it to fit in the original shipping box. 

And shipping a fully expanded bed might cost more than the item is worth.

Warranty

How long a company stands behind its product is something to consider.

In other words, how long of a warranty do the camper mattresses have?

Typical Warranty Coverage

A 10-year warranty is typical with top RV mattresses, but others offer from 5 to 20 years.

A cheap mattress will have a shorter RV mattress warranty, while a pricier bed will have a more extended warranty.

It comes down to the quality of material used in the construction. Cheap materials don't last as long as quality materials; therefore, the warranty reflects this.

Ten years is a reasonable warranty period.

Chances are you won't have your camper for longer than ten years anyhow, and unless you plan on keeping the mattress, you will be rid of it long before the warranty is up.

Know The Warranty!

Keep in mind that a warranty will spell out what is and isn't covered. For example, a depression must be of a certain depth to fall under warranty.

Read the warranty to see how restrictive it is before choosing which new mattress you will purchase.

Female legs under sheets on bed

What About RV Sheets?

What do you do about RV sheets once you have that new mattress? 

Are special sheets required, or will standard sheets do the trick?

It depends on the size and shape of the bed. Have a standard size without any fancy cutouts? Then you can buy standard sheets.

Have some weird dimensions or have a corner cut from one end? Then you need custom sheets or you must MacGyver the ones you get.

Other Bedding

What about other RV bedding solutions? Do you need a special blanket or comforter? Probably not, unless you have a peculiar situation.

There is a lot more leeway with bedding since it doesn't have to fit perfectly.

Most recreational vehicle mattresses don't require anything custom or fancy.

You should be able to find off-the-shelf bedding or sheet sets that fit your needs unless you have a 'unicorn' bed that requires something custom.

Read our RV sheets page and our RV bedding page for more information.

You'll come away being an expert! (OK, maybe not, but you will come away knowing a little more than you did. Hopefully.)

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Most Comfortable RV Mattress?

The most comfortable RV mattress is the one you will sleep most peacefully on.

Yes, that is very much a non-answer, but it has to be.

Everyone has a different opinion on what comfortable means.

Sleep style will directly influence what makes a comfortable bed for you. Side sleepers have one set of requirements, while back sleepers will have another.

When shopping for a new RV bed, look for one that closely matches the bed in your home.

Don't suddenly change the type you use just because you are camping. 

Stick with what you know you like.

What Can I Do To Make An RV Bed More Comfortable?

The truth is most stock RV beds are pretty bad.

Here's how to make it more comfortable.

  • You can purchase an RV mattress topper, which directly provides an additional layer of support on top of your mattress.
  • Use use pillows and bedding to create a cocoon-like environment to sleep in. This will only work if your current bed isn't horrible and if you don't mind being wrapped up in bedding (not an option for hot sleepers).
  • Buy a new one. If all else fails, you may have to bite the bullet and spend the money on RV mattress replacement.
Cass and Gregg's Airstream trailers in Sedona Arizona

What Is The Best Mattress For A Camper?

The best camper mattress is the one that works best for you. 

Not trying to be flippant here, but buying a bed is a personal experience.

The best one will fit the area that is made for it, not be too heavy for the bed platform, and is comfortable.

The first two variables are easily determined, and the third is where personal preference comes in.

To determine the best one for you, find a mattress that fits your RV. 

Then decide whether you think it meets your criteria for firmness and overall comfort.

Who Makes The Best RV Mattress?

This is like asking who makes the best candy bar. Everyone will have an opinion, especially with the vast number of choices available today.

Buying a mattress for ANY bed is a very personal decision. 

So all we can do is tell you what manufacturers we have experience with (and like) and point you in their direction.

Kelly's Tochta mattress with bedding peeled back from corner

Here are manufacturers we have personal experience with:

Where Can I Buy An RV Mattress?

Nowadays, there are plenty of places to buy a mattress, especially since you don't necessarily need to buy an RV-specific one.

This means that you have plenty of options online and local stores you can purchase from (especially if you don't need a custom size).

Here are a few places you can buy RV specific mattresses, as well as regular residential sizes:

Measuring RV mattress thickness

How Thick Should An RV Mattress Be?

The thickness of an RV mattress depends on a couple factors:

Room on the bed platform - Some RVs have limited headroom where the mattress goes, so a thinner one is ideal.

For example, a truck bed camper or Class C camper will not have much room between the platform and the ceiling in the cabover sleeping area.

Or a thick one may not fit in the designated area when an RV tip out is in the retracted position, so pay attention to thickness in this situation.

Comfort level - Generally, the thicker the mattress the more support and comfort it provides. If you are particular about how comfy your bed is, pay attention to its thickness.

What Do I Put Under My RV Mattress?

You might need to put some sort of layer under your mattress to allow airflow if you stay in humid environments.

Most RV beds are set directly on a wooden platform, disallowing air to circulate underneath. 

If there is a lot of humidity in the air, mold and mildew form underneath.

The solution is a moisture protection barrier underneath. It allows air to circulate, minimizing mold and mildew growth.

Here are a couple of products specifically designed for this purpose:

Can You Put A Memory Foam Mattress In A Camper?

Yes, you can use this a camper, travel trailer, motorhome, van, etc.

That is the type that Camp Addict co-founder Kelly has in her rig, and she FRIGGING loves it.

You can purchase a memory foam mattress for camper use that is the right size and shape for the bed platform in your RV.

It's that simple!

How Long Do RV Mattresses Last?

How long an RV mattress lasts depends on several factors, such as:

  • Quality of materials used to make it.
  • How often it is slept on.
  • How well it was treated. 

Like most things in life, the better you treat something, the longer it will last.

All things being equal, the two factors that have the most significant impact on the life of a mattress are how frequently it is slept on and how well it was made (quality).

To get an idea of how long a manufacturer thinks theirs should last, consider the warranty length.

A bed that isn't abused should last at least that long.

Conclusion

Finding a mattress that works with your RV is easy. Stock mattresses are often pretty terrible. Therefore, replacing it is one of the first modifications new owners do.

All you need is to make sure it is the right size and thickness. Or, you could get a topper to make everything more comfortable.

If you have a cut-corner mattress, there are a couple of places where you can order a custom mattress. OR, cut a foam mattress to fit. 

If your current camper sleep is awful, stress not. This page armed you with all you need to know to get yourself a quick and easy replacement.

  • If you found this information useful, check out our other RVing content we have on Camp Addict. We appreciate it!
Marshall Headshot

As the co-founder of Camp Addict, Marshall Wendler is a seasoned expert in the world of RVing, with years of hands-on experience living the full-time RV life in his travel trailer. From 2014 to 2020, Marshall learned the ins and outs of the lifestyle and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. After a brief hiatus as a part-time RVer in 2021 and 2022, Marshall is back on the road full-time, embracing the vanlife and all the exciting possibilities it brings. He particularly enjoys the freedom and flexibility of boondocking and is excited to share his technical insights with the Camp Addict community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the RV world, Marshall has valuable insights and information to share, and is here to help you navigate the exciting world of RVing with confidence and ease.

  • We put our old Sleep Number bed in our 5th Wheel. Its a bit long (Queen) but a standard Queen came outta it. We hada replace it from our home cause sleepin on it ever night just wasnt doin us any good. But, not bein full time and only sleepin on it maybe a week ata time or so, its not so bad. Plus. I like my side really firm and my wife, not so much. I even actually raised the head part up 3″ by buildin a ramp type incline on the existin base. Helps her sleep apnea and she says it helps my snorin. Anyway. Thats what we did for ours and so far we dont have too many complaints. The first night or 2 sleepin on anythin for us aint the best sleep we ever got. Guess its just the old bodys tryin to get used to somethin different to begin with again. If we change it for somethin else, its gonna be a tuff sell. We didnt like the Temper-pedic (Memory Foam) mattress we had, and shes allergic to latex so that leaves that out also. Maybe back to the old army cot for me by then. Time will tell. thanks for your articles guys. I have learned a lot and save them for future reference.

  • We own a camper van and the sofa converts into a 54in x 74in bed. It is uncomfortable. We installed a 2in thick foam topper and it didn’t help.
    Any suggestions ?

    • Hi Jude,

      Well, bummer to hear your topper didn’t help. Unfortunately, you aren’t left with many alternatives. You have three choices to make it more comfy:
      1. You can always leave the bed as a bed and replace it with a real mattress.
      2. You can try a different topper that might do a better job
      3. You can have the cushions re-stuffed with material better suited to your needs (Harder or softer, in your case)

      I know they aren’t super ideal answers, but that’s the reality of it unless someone reading has another idea.

      We hope this helps and hope you figure out how to get a good night’s sleep in your van!

  • When should you replace the mattress? Also, I heard heat creates a breeding zone for bugs and so does natural fibers like wool and cotton. Which is the best to avoid this issue since it sits for some time in direct sunlight.

    • Hi Tuan,

      If the mattress that came with your RV feels comfortable to you and it’s under 10 years old with no signs of mold/staining/smell, you can probably keep it without issue. However, be sure to check UNDERNEATH the mattress for mold. This is a common issue, especially in the east, when the underside is not ventilated with slats or a vent pad. Just keeping your mattress out of the elements will be fine to avoid bugs, long as you don’t have food in and around the bed. Direct sunlight is ok for your mattress, long as it’s dry.

    • Hi Dee,

      Marshall is currently testing that one! So far, he really likes it. Results soon to come. 😄 I’m still VERY partial to my Tochta. I’m also currently testing another brand, but am not enamored with it.

      Thanks for your input!

    • We currently have the 14″ “soft” version of the BB Wunderlust mattress and it’s still too firm. We are waiting for the arrival of our BB Signature Hybrid as we speak. Hopefully, that will be a better fit for us.

      • Hi Kelly,

        I have the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid and have been sleeping on it for quite some time. I have medium firmness. At first I thought it was too firm for me as a side sleeper. But now I love it! it is perfect for me.

        I need to update this page soon to reflect the Brooklyn Bedding option.

        Thanks for the comment and best of luck with your Signature Hybrid!

  • Twin size mattress is not the smallest non customized. Cot sized mattresses are 30″ wide and 75″ long. You can find this size all over online along with fitted sheet sets.
    I’m sleeping on a latex one in my Roadtrek class b motorhome.
    If you don’t cook why are you thinking of raising farm animals? 🤔

    • Hi Bob,

      True, mattresses do come in smaller sizes than twin.

      As far as the farm animals, I do cook a little. Certain things. But I would have animals only for the sake of having animals around. I love them! I don’t want them for food. Though, I wouldn’t mind some fresh chicken eggs now and again.

      Bring on the horses, cows, goats, and more! Though this won’t happen unless/until I have someone to watch them while I am away traveling.

      Thanks for the comment!

    • Ooooh, which one are you going to get?? I still haven’t found a rival to my Tochta mattress. Though it’s not Marshall’s favorite. He likes his current mattress. It’s so hard to know what one will like. It’s pretty subjective.

      We hope you find one you love!

  • Just emailed Tochta after reading this post and they will make a hinged mattress! We have tried mattresses toppers because hinged mattresses are difficult to find. So excited to try an actual mattress!

    • Hi Tiff,

      Wow, that’s great news! I was not aware that they did offer hinged mattresses! Thank you for informing us. We will update that in our mattress review.

      Would love to hear an update on how you like it after you’ve used it a little while.

      Thanks again!

      • Hello, we just bought our first RV a 5th wheel and are going to replace the mattress what may I ask is a hinged mattress and how does that work please?

        Thanks soo much I have a lot to learn! 😀

        • Hi Michele,

          Welcome to the world of RVing! Congrats on the purchase of your first RV.

          A hinged mattress is one that folds up (hinges to fold). This is used when an RV has the bed in a slide-out and when the slide-out is closed, there isn’t room for the mattress to be fully out. So you would have to fold the mattress over on itself (using the hinge) before closing the slide-out.

          I hope that helps and thanks for checking out Camp Addict! Feel free to poke around the site as there is a lot of great information for RVers, both newbies and experienced.

    • That’s great. The one big downside of our bed in the slide is the crazy folded mattress. Will have to give them a ring.

  • Need a regular queen-size adjustable bed (platform and room availability already measured and will accommodate). This RV will not be towed. Being used as mother-in-law quarters. She has been using adjustable queen in her home and needs one for her RV. She is a long time RVer. Where can we find one with a quality mattress?

    • Hi Dee,

      While we do not know much about adjustable mattresses/beds, have you considered tearing out the existing bed and installing her adjustable bed? (Might not be able to get it inside the RV)

      This may be a good option for her.

  • Did you happen to review Wilderness RV Mattresses? I LOVE the fact they want you to donate any returns rather than send them back. I am wondering how the mattress itself stacks up to Tochta.

    • Hey Amy,

      We have not reviewed the mattress you mention.

      I’ve heard of that type of return policy before. Of course finding someplace to donate the mattress is tricky. I’ve tried to do it in the past and was unable to find anyplace that actually accepted used mattresses.

      So while it’s a good idea, the execution is a bit harder depending on exactly where you live.

    • Hi Joy,

      What type of mattress is in there right now? One that folds via a ‘hinge’?

      If so, then that’s probably the style that you need to replace it with. Unfortunately those aren’t really common so it’s harder to find someone that does that. None of the mattress manufacturers that we list on this page make this style of mattress, to the best of my knowledge.

      You may need to do a Google search for ‘folding RV mattress’. Also might want to check out Mattress Insider, give them a call and see if they are able to make this kind of custom RV mattress.

  • Hello I was wondering about a particular mattress that I may get but can’t find out any info on. Can you help me plz?! Evergreen KING (I can only find queen) 70×80 1S-QT Lindsay Marble Michianna Mattress 9/30/19 and it has a number on the label 712676. Thank you for helping me with any info you can about its thickness and whats it made with. And well, really worth getting for two 50 year olds lol who are not by any means skinny minis hahah
    Thanks
    Sam

    • Hi Samantha,

      Hey, I’m not far from 50 myself! ZOIKS!!!! How, like, how even??? Oh well.

      Anyway, first observation when I looked up that mattress online was WHY THIS MATTRESS? It looks rather awful!! Looks flat and like it is not very beefy aka you would feel the platform underneath. Yikes.

      I’m serious.

      I tried calling the company but they were away from phone. I didn’t leave them a message. You can try calling them: their number is 866-880-3093.

      Ask if they DO make a king.

      But in all honesty, I would look around for another mattress. That thing… maybe you’re looking to replace what it currently in your RV? Are you aware you can get ANY brand mattress as long as it fits in the bed area? And that you can get custom sizes?

      Hope this helps!

  • Do you have a recommendation for a mattress replacement for a Murphy bed in a Leisure Unity Motorhome? Weight is a concern.

    • Hi Kate,

      You will have to know how heavy of a mattress your Murphy bed platform can handle, and then figure out how heavy the prospective replacement RV mattress will be.

      We can help with the second part: The mattress website should list approximate weights for the size and type of mattress you are considering. For example, Tochta has a FAQ section of their website that gives approximate weights for a 10″ mattress in different sizes. They say that weight will vary with mattress thickness, which is pretty obvious, but the weights they list will give you a good idea.

      If you don’t know how much weight you are allowed to have on your Murphy bed, you should contact Leisure Travel Vans. I’m confident they have that information.

      BTW, you have a great RV! I’d love to have a Leisure Travel Van. They make a great product and are a top RV brand.

  • Hey Kelly & Marshall!
    You’ve inspired me to get a brand new Lance 1685. Bought it 3 weeks ago. I noticed that the standard issue mattress in the Lance was rather blah (i.e. nothing to write home about). After measuring the Lance mattress, I noticed that my comfy home mattress is practically the same dimensions. Although my home mattress is considerably heavier/thicker and lots more comfortable than the standard issue in my travel trailer, I’d like to use my home mattress in my new LANCE.
    How much would this effect my new trailer? Too heavy? Okay?
    Since we’re both Lance 1685 owners, what’s your take on this? Thanks in advance for your professional advice.
    Cheers!

    • Hey Malcom!

      Congrats on your new Lance! I’ve had mine for 5.5+ years and it has been very good to me.

      Just a slight clarification – I’ve got the 1995, so it’s a bit larger than your 1685.

      I’m not sure how the heavier mattress will affect your trailer weight (overall). It all depends on how you’ve got your trailer loaded. I.e., where you have stuff stashed and how much stuff you have.

      Putting a heavier mattress in front of your trailer will affect the tongue weight. But so will sticking things in the forward pass-thru compartment or under the bed.

      The only way you will know what will happen if you put a heavier mattress in your new rig is to load it up like you normally will use it and then weigh it.

      Weighing you travel trailer is the only way to know what happens when you add weight. Anything else will just be guessing.

      How’s that for a solid non-answer! But it’s the best I can do since it all depends on how your trailer is loaded.

      Enjoy your new rig! I hope it brings you many years of enjoyment!

      • Hi Marshall!
        A colossal thanks for your reply. Most appreciated. Your advice on your site has been a Godsend as I’m just starting out. Still pairing down but hope to be on the road full-time by the end of the year or beginning of 2020. By the by, what’s your take on insurance for full-timers? Are there any links you like that cover this topic?
        Once again, many thanks for your guidance, help and professionalism. Wishing you & Kelly more fun adventures ahead.
        Cheers!
        Malcolm

        • Hey Malcolm,

          Great to hear that you have found Camp Addict to be so valuable. That’s our goal, and we have a lot more content to put up on the site (eventually) that will continue with this.

          Insurance… Do you mean RV/vehicle insurance, or do you mean health insurance. Health insurance can be a fiasco, but a great source for full-time RV insurance is the RVer Insurance Exchange.

          For all things to do with full-time RVing, including how to find vehicle insurance (I personally have full-timer insurance thru Progressive) we highly recommend joining the Escapees if you already haven’t. We’ve found the Xscapers group within Escapees to be an incredibly valuable way to find our ‘tribe’ on the road.

          Best of luck with your launch to full-time RVing. It’s a freaking great lifestyle that Kelly and I both love!

  • We found your review while researching Tochta reviews. Our concern is over the thickness they recommend on their site vs what we need. We need a custom mattress for our hard-sided A frame, and have to keep the thickness to 7”. What thickness are you sleeping on? Also, have they shared a coupon code with you that you can share for promoting them? Thanks for the feedback,
    @heidiinhi

    • Hi Heidi!

      I freaking LOVE my mattress. I can’t tell you how hard it is to get out of bed every day. I’m dead serious.

      I don’t recall what height I asked for, but it came out right. Mine is 7.5″ high. It fits PERFECTLY under the shelf at the head of my bed area like I wanted it to.

      They make them anywhere from 4-10″ in height, so you can customize it exactly to your specifications.

      As far as a coupon code (thank you for caring!), there’s nothing for you to enter. We simply get a little kickback from them as long as you order by clicking through the link on our site to order. (This way they also know that we referred you.) That’s it!

      As far as YOU getting a discount… try googling ‘Tochta coupon code’. I don’t know if they have any out there at the moment.

      Please let us know if you DO order one, and what you do and/or don’t like about it. We would love to hear!

      I simply don’t think I will ever have a regular spring mattress again in my life. It’s all foam for me from here on out!

      Camp on (in comfort), girlie!

  • We might have to try that Tochta mattress when we get back to the US. Probably a lot lighter than our current innerspring. We had a Tempurpedic for a while in California and it got mold on the bottom, so I’m a little hesitant to buy another foam mattress.

    • Hey Scott!

      It’s hard for me to get out of bed every day because my Tochta mattress is so comfortable. The struggle is real! The bad news is that ANY type of mattress can mold underneath in the right conditions. It’s best to get some sort of lift for the mattress so that air flow can reach the underside.

      Some people put wood slats under their mattress.

      There is a material called Hypervent, used in boats for preventing moisture build-up under mattresses. Sometimes it is available at home improvement stores.

      You could also possibly use bubble wrap. I just thought of that one. But seems like it might work if you got the large size bubbles. ?

      Let us know what you go with, will ya? We’d all love to hear what you get and how it worked out.

  • We decided to sell the 35′ Class A Motorhome and go to a pull behind. Yea, moving everything from the motorhome to a 20′ trailer is a challenge. We had just bought a mattress for the rig. My wife decided we needed to keep it for the new trailer, but it didn’t fit. We ended up ordering one from Casper mattress. We went with the cheapest model, but it still is pricey. It also is a little heavy. I like your suggestions, wish I would’ve found the site before we ordered!

    • Hi Ken,

      Awe maaan! There are a lot of great mattress companies out there, and we hope you do enjoy your mattress. We wish you would have found us sooner as well, but not you know about us. Next time you are looking for answers on a product, you know where to find us. Thanks for the kind comment and Camp On, Ken!!

  • Kelly if you wrote this…I loved the humor. It’s refreshing. Thanks for all the hard work. We need a mattress bad and the 1st option looks perfect.

    • Hi Stacy- I did! Glad you enjoyed. : ) I LOVE my Tochta mattress- it’s definitely the most comfortable mattress/sleep I have ever had. I can lay on my back in the evening and I will wake up that way in the morning. THAT’S comfort!

      • Tried repeatedly to go to Tochta website but had to fight off all the Amazon prize popups. Never did get to check out the rv mattresses. Any suggestions?

        • Hi Irene,
          Amazon Prize Popups? Weird! Doesn’t sound like you are attempting to go to the correct website, or there is some sort of issue with the browser you are using.

          Are you clicking on the “Shop Tochta” button in the Tochta Mattress Review? If so, please try in another browser.

          I’m not getting any Amazon Proze Popups. Just the Tochta website as expected.

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