How To Pick An RV Mattress For Couples: Helping You Sleep Soundly On Your Trip

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By Kelly Beasley

Gone camping but the bed was miserable for both or one of you? You need a new camper mattress.

But knowing how to pick an RV mattress for couples that you both like is not an easy feat.

Yet having a comfortable camper mattress is essential to having restful nights.

Finding the perfect one can be overwhelming, with various mattress types, factors, and a partner to consider.

Hipster couple sitting on ground in front of van

But worry not! We'll show you how to pick a comfortable RV mattress for couples to help you navigate this process.

We cover everything from understanding your sleep needs as individuals to finding the best mattress types and customizations.

Key Takeaways

  • Be aware of your individual sleep needs and preferences when selecting a couples RV mattress.
  • Consider factors such as motion isolation, edge support, temperature regulation, and responsiveness before you buy.
  • Look for generous trial periods, warranties, and acceptable return policies.

Understanding Your Sleep Needs As A Camping Couple

First and foremost, know what you and your partner like regarding your sleep preferences.

Knowing your wants and differences is necessary for you to get a mattress that works for both of you.

Some key features to take into account when selecting your couple camper mattress include:

  • Firmness level
  • Customization and adjustability
  • Motion isolation
  • Height
  • Temperature regulation, such as a cooling mattress
Teddy bear sitting up against pillows

With a clear understanding of your sleep preferences, you'll make an informed decision in selecting the best mattress for your camping adventures.

Communication Is Key

Open communication is essential when selecting the best mattresses for couples in a camper; that way, both of you recognize what you prefer for sleep.

These preferences may include things like:

These factors can be influenced by the foam layers in the RV mattress.

To figure out your sleep preferences and needs, discuss things like how your body heat affects your sleep and the type and feel of mattress you prefer.

This will help you figure out if you need an innerspring mattress, a memory foam mattress, or a hybrid.

Identifying Sleep Preferences

Once you clearly understand your preferences, identify the specific factors that will keep you both comfortable.

What kind of firmness and support do you want? Do you sleep hot or cold? These factors make a big difference in how well you will sleep.

Be aware of these generalities: soft mattresses are optimal for side sleepers, medium beds are good for back sleepers, and firm mattresses are best for stomach sleepers.

Temperature regulation is a thing with mattresses. Different materials cause differences in how hot or cool they make you feel.

Options may include mattresses with cooling technology, breathable fabrics, and temperature-regulating foam, catering to softer and firmer mattress options.

Snow capped mountains and forest

How To Pick An RV Mattress For Couples: Factors To Consider

Now that you know your sleep preferences, it's time to decide what factors will help you choose the perfect RV mattress for couples. These factors include:

  • Motion isolation
  • Edge support
  • Temperature regulation
  • Responsiveness

These factors significantly contribute to whether you will be comfortable on any particular mattress or not.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation of an RV mattress is how much a mattress absorbs motion and impedes it from being transmitted to your partner, potentially waking them up.

A mattress with an abundance of memory foam is most conducive to motion isolation because it absorbs movements.

Light sleepers gain the most advantage from a mattress with this feature.

Edge Support

Edge support is another significant factor to contemplate when selecting a camper mattress for couples. It refers to the capability of a mattress to furnish support and steadiness around the boundaries of the bed.

Good edge support ensures both of you have adequate space to sleep comfortably without the edges sinking. This is especially helpful with smaller beds.

Pocketed coil inner springs provide enhanced edge support and pressure relief by reinforcing the steel perimeter. With an inner spring mattress, couples can confidently utilize the entire surface area of the mattress with no sagging or sinking.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature regulation is the mattress's ability to sustain a cozy and cool sleeping atmosphere.

It is particularly important for hot sleepers who may be disturbed by excessive body heat during the night.

One such technology is the use of cooling gel memory foam beds. The gel-infused foam absorbs heat when heat is high and releases heat when temps drop. This way your body stays at a nice comfy temp.

There are also mattress toppers with temperature control technologies.

Choosing an RV mattress with good temperature regulation helps you stay comfy during your camping trips.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness refers to how quickly a mattress adapts to the sleeper's shape to provide support.

This factor is particularly important if you both have different sleep positions and preferences. (Sleep position and RV bed selection.)

For instance, memory foam without gel usually takes pretty long to conform to your heat and body weight. If you both don't like that, steer clear.

Test as many mattress types as you can and figure out what level of 'squish' you both prefer before buying.

Single lane road winding down towards dry lake bed

Best RV Mattress Types For Couples

With a clear understanding of the factors to consider when choosing a camper mattress, let's explore the most common mattress types.

  • Memory foam
  • Innerspring
  • Latex
  • Hybrid mattresses

Every type has unique advantages and disadvantages, so you must consider these factors with your individual sleep preferences and needs to find the ideal match. (How to choose between innerspring and memory foam RV mattresses.)

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses tend to offer excellent motion isolation and contouring support. These are an ideal choice for couples who prioritize these two features.

However, one of the main disadvantages of memory foam mattresses is their potential to retain heat. So, if you're both hot sleepers, be sure to get a gel-infused memory foam mattress so you don't heat up.

Yes, these mattresses provide exceptional pressure relief, keep motion feel down, and have contouring support. Memory foam with cooling gel beads is good if you sleep hot.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring camper mattresses are characterized by:

  • Metal coils that provide support
  • Good choice for couples who move around frequently during the night
  • Offering good support and breathability
  • It may have too much motion transfer but has good contouring support compared to other types of mattresses

If you want a bed that offers both support and breathability, an inner spring might do the trick.

RV mattress pocket springs

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are a luxury mattress type that offers an amazing balance of support, motion isolation, and temperature regulation.

This makes them a versatile option if you have various sleep needs. That said, they are expensive and heavy, which may be a drawback for some RVers and RVing budgets.

If weight and price are not a problem, then a latex mattress could be the perfect choice for you both. (Considerations for RV mattress weight.)

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the benefits of multiple materials: springs and foam. They offer a versatile option for couples that are combination sleepers.

These mattresses typically suppress motion transfer and make minimal noise while being highly responsive, so they are an ideal choice for couples.

A hybrid RV bed is likely to be less soft and squishy than an all-foam mattress. Keep this in mind if you really enjoy sinking into your bed.

A hybrid mattress just might be the right supportive mattress for you as a couple.

Customization Options For Couples

Beyond selecting the correct type of couples RV mattress, you might also look into customization options if you have diverse sleep preferences.

Split firmness or adjustable firmness mattresses, for example, can provide the perfect solution for your differing wants.

You may be able to find mattresses with split designs, allowing each of you to adjust the firmness of your side of the bed OR making each side out of different materials.

Be aware most of the companies that make beds like this do not make custom-size RV mattresses. But if your camper's bed is a "regular" size, you could be in luck if the mattress fits.

Exploring various customization options is good if you and your partner cannot decide on one standard mattress type to purchase.

If all else fails, you can order two small mattresses custom and put them side by side on the RV bed platform. This way each of you get the exact mattress you want.

Couple sitting camp chairs toasting

Trial Periods, Warranties, And Returns

As you invest in a camper mattress for couples, considering aspects like trial periods for RV mattresses, warranties, and return policies is vital. Make sure you are protected and WILL love your mattress as you're spending a good chunk of change.

Make sure that you can test the mattress for an extended period and return it if it's not working for you.

Some common trial periods, RV mattress warranties, and return policies are a 120-night trial period and a lifetime or limited warranty, while some provide up to a one-year trial period.

Really pay attention to how the mattress gets returned. Avoid companies that want you to ship it back, as that can be nearly impossible. It'll also be quite expensive to ship back.

If you choose a mattress with a generous trial period, warranty, and return policy (not likely to get this with a custom purchase), you can be confident in your investment and ensure that you and your partner are satisfied with your new camper mattress.

Summary

So if you want to know how to pick a couple mattress for your camper mattress, there are a few things to keep in mind. Which is the best RV mattress for couples?

It's the bed that works best for you as a duo.

Finding the perfect camper mattress for couples involves understanding your individual sleep preferences.

Factor in your most common sleep positions, explore different mattress types, and consider customization options, trial periods, warranties, and return policies.

By taking the time to research and discuss these factors, you and your partner can make an informed decision and choose the best RV mattresses for couples that work the best for you.

Rocky Mountain fall foliage

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of RV Bed Is Good For Couples Who Can't Sleep Together?

For couples who can't sleep together, split mattresses, or memory foam mattresses are good options. If you can fit it in your recreational vehicle, split kings (or any two mattresses fitted next to each other) allow each partner to choose their firmness and materials, while memory foam mattresses help to isolate motion so one partner's tossing and turning doesn't disturb the other.

How Thick Should A Mattress Be For A Couple?

For a couple, the thickness of an RV mattress should be around 10 to 12 inches thick to provide durable support and prevent sagging. This may not be possible in your rig due to space or a slide. Hopefully, at a minimum, you can fit 10-12 inches in the area.

What Are The Primary Factors To Consider When Choosing A Camper Mattress For Couples?

When choosing RV mattresses for couples, it is crucial to consider the firmness level, ability to customize and adjust, motion isolation, height, and temperature regulation. If you can't agree on a mattress type of feel, you could go with two custom mattress sizes and fit them right next to each other on the platform.

What Is Motion Isolation And Why Is It Essential For Couples?

Keeping movement disturbance down is essential for couples. It provides the ability to reduce disturbances caused by a partner's movements during sleep. This is especially important for light sleepers that wake easily when the other person causes movement in the mattress.

Kelly Headshot

I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.

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