Cruising in an RV can be a great way to escape the rigors of everyday life, but a relaxing getaway requires a comfortable place to sleep and recharge. We’ve broken down our favorite RV mattresses across a variety of categories to help you choose the one that’s best for you.
If your RV’s bed frame is not compatible with standard mattress sizes, you may need to invest in an RV mattress. These models tend to be slightly thinner, shorter, and narrower than their bedroom-friendly counterparts. Many RV mattresses are also constructed to withstand the elements, and resist mold and mildew buildup.
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Presidents’ Day is a great time to purchase a new mattress. Many leading brands offer major sales and discounts throughout the month of February. Check out our list of Presidents’ Day mattress sales for details about the biggest deals.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Brooklyn Bedding Dreamfoam Essential
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Dreamfoam Essential is available in five different profiles and a wide range of RV-friendly sizes, all of which carry approachable price-points and should appeal to budget-conscious shoppers. The surface is treated with a special agent to protect against stains and liquid damage.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Combination Sleepers
Range from Medium Soft to Firm
Great Value
Full Surface
Pros
- Available in five different profiles and firmness levels
- Stain- and water-resistant finish meant to increase durability
- High-density polyfoam reinforces mattress perimeter
Cons
- Foam layers may sink and hinder movement across the surface
- Surface is likely to develop indentations after a few years of use
Why We Like It
Because of the wide range of firmness options, the Dreamfoam Essential is suitable for almost all sleepers. However, due to height limitations in certain RVs, some people may have to choose a thinner, firmer mattress.
The combination of gel infusions and open-cell foam construction allows the Wanderlust to sleep cooler than many memory foam competitors. Our testing team singled out the bed’s above-average edge support — a useful quality given the tight fit in many RVs.
How Does It Feel?
While Brooklyn Bedding is a popular manufacturer of standard-sized beds, the company also sells RV-sized offerings that are designed with a variety of unique features. The Dreamfoam Essential has five thickness options — 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 inches — which get progressively softer as the height increases. They range from medium soft (4) to firm (8), allowing customers to choose the firmness that is ideal for their weight and preferred sleep position.
The 6-, 8-, and 10-inch models consist of a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer and a sturdy high-density polyfoam support core. The 12- and 14-inch models pair these layers with a flexible polyfoam transition layer that prevents sleepers from sinking into the firmer core. Each of the models comes in 22 sizes, including numerous iterations that are designed specifically for RVs. Additionally, the Dreamfoam Essential has a stain- and water-resistant finish that improves its already considerable durability.
Most Comfortable
PlushBeds MobilePlush Original RV Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The MobilePlush RV Mattress from PlushBeds uses adaptive, open-cell foam that promotes even alignment and cushions your sore spots. Thanks to the slim profile and multiple size options, this all-foam model should meet the needs of a wide range of RV owners.
Buy From PlushBedsPros
- Ultra-dense memory foam relieves pressure buildup
- Low profile appeals to RV areas with limited space in sleeping area
- Hypoallergenic, with CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certifications
Cons
- Slim profile may not bear enough weight for people over 230 pounds
- Lack of reinforcement can cause perimeter to sink deeply
Why We Like It
We found that the MobilePlush’s pressure-relieving capabilities made it particularly suitable for the side sleepers on our testing team. People who sleep on their side can develop pressure points at their hips and shoulders unless their mattress contours around these vulnerable areas, but the MobilePlush distributes weight evenly to avoid this problem. Stomach and back sleepers may also enjoy the MobilePlush, but the mattress’ medium (5) firmness and deep contouring may lack the support required by those over 230 pounds.
How Does It Feel?
Most RV mattresses have a noticeably different feel than standard beds, which is partially due to the low profile required by many RVs. It’s a top choice for RV owners who require a low-profile mattress, while still being comfortable enough to also be a popular pick for shoppers who are able to consider a thicker bed.
The MobilePlush uses a proprietary ultra-dense memory foam that we found provides deep contouring and excellent pressure relief despite the bed’s 6-inch profile. Although the MobilePlush uses synthetic foams, it may still appeal to people interested in an eco-conscious design. PlushBeds uses soy-based polyols in its memory foam, and its products are both GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring the mattress is free of harmful materials and harsh chemical emissions.
Best Cooling
Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam features open-cell layers infused with cooling materials and a breathable cotton-blend cover. These components should allow the mattress to resist heat buildup and maintain a comfortable temperature any night of the year.
Buy From Dynasty
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Full Surface
Pros
- High-density gel-infused memory foam with open-cell construction
- Breathable, machine-washable cover
- 30-year limited warranty
Cons
- All-foam design may sag along the edges
- Foam layers are likely to sink and restrict movement
Why We Like It
The CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam has a medium firm (6) feel that should appeal to most side and back sleepers, though our testers who weigh under 230 pounds and sleep on their stomach also found it to be a comfortable choice. The memory foam comfort system effectively isolates motion and is nearly silent, making it a good pick for light sleepers who tend to wake up when their partner shifts in bed.
How Does It Feel?
Memory foam beds tend to sleep warm, particularly those with thicker, more highly contouring comfort systems. The CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam Mattress by Dynasty bucks these trends with a temperature regulation system that is more complex than those usually found in RV mattresses.
A breathable cover and fire barrier are paired with open-cell memory foam for better airflow, and the foam’s high-density gel infusion is designed to prevent heat retention. Together, we found that these features offer a much cooler sleep than most mattress competitors. The foam layers also offer a close body hug, alleviating pressure buildup in the joints.
Best for Back Pain
Off-Road Bedding Cooling Hybrid Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The ORB Essential Cooling Hybrid is one of the most RV-friendly coil mattresses we’ve tested. Adaptive foam, a sturdy support system, and two firmness options — medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) — make the mattress suitable for different body types and sleep positions.
Buy From Off-Road Bedding
Hot Sleepers
Medium Soft, Medium Firm Options
Good Value
Full Surface
Pros
- Medium soft and medium firm options
- High-density foam beneath the core offers durability and support
- Lower profile than most hybrid mattresses
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support
- Sticker price is somewhat expensive for an RV mattress
Why We Like It
While most of the side sleepers on our testing team preferred the medium soft version, those over 230 pounds felt they needed the extra support of the medium firm option. The medium firm mattress is also the better choice for back and stomach sleepers, as well as most people with back pain, as it provides extra lumbar support to keep the spine correctly aligned and in a neutral position.
People who wake easily should appreciate the bed’s superb motion isolation, which prevents disturbances when a sleep partner changes position during the night. The Essential Cooling Hybrid also performs well in categories such as pressure relief and temperature regulation, making it a well-rounded choice for many types of sleepers. However, as a hybrid mattress, its price range is on the higher end for an RV mattress.
How Does It Feel?
The Off-Road Bedding Essential Cooling Hybrid has a 10-inch profile, making it a good choice for people with limited headspace in their RV who want the support offered by a pocketed coil support core.
In the Essential Cooling Hybrid’s case, the pocketed coil core is paired with a quilted top made with a breathable knit weave and a base of high-density polyfoam that allows the coils to better support your weight. The adaptive foam layers contour closely to your body and relieve pressure, while the robust coil system keeps your body on an even plane. Shoppers can choose between medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) options.
Why You Should Trust Us
With decades of combined experience in the sleep and mattress industry, we know how difficult it can be to choose a mattress.
To help our readers choose what’s best for their needs, we’ve put a wide range of RV mattresses through our rigorous testing process, including sleep testing by people with varying body types and preferred sleep positions. All of our recommendations are made using the information we gather ourselves about how a mattress performs under different conditions.
