10 Best RV Mattresses For Quality Sleeps

We spend about a third of our time sleeping, so the quality of our sleep is something we should all pay attention to. Especially, when you travel the world in an RV, and after a whole day exploring the outdoors, having a good night’s sleep would be even more important. The quality of your sleep is directly dependent on the quality of your mattress, thus it is a must to invest in the best RV mattress you can afford.

Whether you’re not happy with the stock mattress that comes with your RV or you need to replace an old mattress that’s no longer comfortable, this list of the 10 best RV mattress replacement will have something for your budget and needs. There is something for every camper, including the side sleepers, back or stomach sleepers, the heavy and hot sleepers, or those suffering from neck and back pain. 

You will also find other crucial information about mattresses for campers to make a worthy investment, including the difference between materials and how each is best suited for a certain sleeping position, buying criteria and how to choose the best RV mattress for special needs.

Our Top Picks

• Best For All Sleeping Position: Live and Sleep Resort Classic
• Best For Stomach Sleepers: DynastyMattress CoolBreeze
• Best RV Mattress for Back Pain: ZINUS RV Ultima
• Best For Heavy Sleepers: Best Price Mattress Green Tea
• Best For Side Sleepers: LUCID 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Motion Isolation Mattress: Serenia Sleep RV Short Queen

RV Mattress Basics

What is The Difference between RV Mattresses vs Regular Mattresses?

It is very important that you keep in mind that RV mattresses are different from standard mattresses used in the homes, particularly in two aspects: they are smaller and more lightweight. This is because space is extremely valuable in RVs of any class and size, while load is also limited to the tow vehicle’s gross trailer weight rating (GTWR). 

Therefore, mattresses made for recreational vehicles will have slightly different measurements, particularly smaller width. For instance, a “king” mattress for an RV will typically be slightly narrower than the king bed you have at home, although the RV mattress is also called “king” size. 

In addition to size, they would also feel different compared to a residential mattress made from the same material, as they are made using less materials and fewer components, be it innersprings, foam or gel. 

Why You Should Invest In The Best RV Mattress?

Firstly, you should always get a mattress specifically made for use in a recreational vehicle. While you might be tempted to try to squeeze in the existing king mattress you have in your home on your RV king bed frame, even the tiny mismatch in size would most likely result in the mattress sliding around on the frame, thus affecting your good night’s sleep.

Secondly, you should get the most comfortable RV mattress for your particular sleeping position or body condition that you can afford. After all, you spend a third of your days on the bed, and a good night’s sleep will restore your stamina so that you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest the next day.

Furthermore, a mattress is a long-term investment; you would live with it for, on average, at least 10 years, so it’s wiser to invest in something good and durable that would keep you healthy and happy for all those years. 

Types of RV Mattress

RV Innerspring Mattress

Mattresses have seen some major inventions and improvements, but the traditional innerspring mattresses are still loved by many till today, thanks to their unique bounciness. Innerspring mattresses are made from a metal wire system combined with metal coils or springs to create the main support frame, and this frame is padded with cushioning materials on top for extra support and comfort. This is the oldest and cheapest type of mattress, so they are popular with the budget campers and first time RV owners. 

The major downsides of this type of mattress is that the metal frame has the potential to rust, and the metal springs produce that squeaking sound every time you lay down on the mattress or come off of it, which can be really annoying for many.

Furthermore, this type of mattress will worsen any bodily pain, despite the seemingly comfortable and bouncy feel. If you suffer from back, neck and joint pain, you should not be tempted by the affordability of innerspring mattresses.

RV Foam Mattress

A later invention is regular foam mattresses, an improvement from the conventional innerspring type but not as advanced and not as expensive as memory foam mattresses. Foam contours to your body to help relieve pressure, thus offer reasonable comfort and support.

Foam, particularly high density foam, can provide good spinal alignment and reduce neck and back pain. If you’re prone to bodily pain but do want an affordable option for your rig, a regular foam mattress might be the best RV mattress for you. 

RV Memory Foam Mattress

All types of foam, including regular foam, memory foam and gel foam, are made from petroleum. Memory foam consists mainly of polyurethane with additional chemicals that increase its viscosity and density.

A way to identify memory foam is to press your hand on it; this should leave a clear impression on the surface and memory foam will not spring back to its original shape immediately but will recover slowly. 

If you are willing to pay more money for the highest level of comfort and support, then the best RV mattress is generally agreed on to be memory foam mattresses. An RV memory foam mattress is unmatched in the way that it “remembers” the weight and shape of the sleeper and shapes itself accordingly.

This is partly thanks to the matrix of open foam bubbles through which air can move. With time, it will fit with your body more snugly like a Lego piece to a Lego piece, thus giving you joint support and spinal alignment just where you need it. 

Another benefit of memory foam is motion isolation. Due to its slow recovery nature, if you tumbles on your side of the bed, a memory foam mattress will dampen your movement, thus leaving your loved one almost unaffected. 

Compared to an innerspring mattress that might immediately feel heavenly when you first bounce on it but give some sleepers bodily aches when time passes, memory foam mattresses are best for your spinal and joint health in the long term.

They are also very comfortable, not too soft but not too firm. You will see many mattresses that add extra layers of firmer high-density non-memory foam under a layer of memory foam to increase firmness and support, or add innerspring, like the hybrid mattresses below.

RV Hybrid Mattress (Memory Foam & Innerspring)

A “hybrid” mattress is often a combination of a metal frame with innersprings padded with a layer of memory foam on top. What you get is the best of both worlds: the unique bounciness of the good old innerspring mattresses that the previous generation grew up with, and the superior comfort and body support of a memory foam mattress.

The best RV mattress of the category also eliminates the annoying squeaking sound of a conventional innerspring mattress. It should be noted that a hybrid mattress would weigh considerably more than a foam-only mattress, due to the weight of the metal frame. 

Most buyers would generally agree that all else being equal, the most comfortable RV mattress is memory foam mattresses (either purely memory foam or consist of a base layer of high-density regular foam under a layer of memory foam), followed by hybrid foam-innerspring mattresses. 

RV Gel Foam Mattress

Another version of memory foam mattresses is gel foam mattresses. Gel foam is memory foam that’s been infused with gel microbeads. These gel microbeads draw heat away from the body, thus creating a cooling effect and are ideal for hot sleepers or those having night sweats and for use in hot, humid weather.

RV Latex Mattress

Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, and is a naturally antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and mildew-resistant material. This makes 100% natural Latex foam mattresses the best RV mattress for extra sensitive shoppers who might react to synthetic materials in other types of mattresses or for those who often camp in more humid weather. 

Latex foam mattresses can use 100% natural rubber tree sap, or 100% synthetic materials from petroleum, or a combination of the two, which is most common. All-natural latex mattresses are more expensive, but  they offer better pressure relief and body contouring.

Synthetic latex mattresses are cheaper but more durable, and better resists softening, aging and abrasion. A combination mattress meanwhile can offer a better balance of comfort, support, durability and price. The more natural rubber is used in the blend, the more expensive a latex mattress will be. 

Latex foam is firmer than memory foam and regular foam, although this might not be a deal breaker for many sleepers, and they don’t offer the type of support like memory foam. That said, being firmer means Latex mattresses have enough support for heavier people.

RV Air Mattress

Air mattresses are, like what you expect, blown up with air using an air pump. These are the solution for really tight RVs, typically with beds that fold up flush against the wall when not in use. These beds very often have air mattresses that can be deflated once morning comes and inflated when it’s time for sleep again.

They are the least comfortable, but you can add thick mattress toppers to help with that, and they are compact and versatile. You can customize the firmness, and they can serve as extra sleeping arrangements for guests. The best RV mattresses of the type often come with a battery-powered air pump so you won’t have to inflate it manually. In the rare case of yours don’t, or if you need a better pump, there are ample air pumps sold separately.

10 Best RV Mattresses: In-depth Reviews

No	Best RV Mattresses	Price	Our Rating	Review
1	Live and Sleep Resort Classic	$$	95	Read Our Review
2	DynastyMattress CoolBreeze	$$$$	98	Read Our Review
3	ZINUS RV Ultima	$$	98	Read Our Review
4	Best Price Mattress Green Tea	$$	96	Read Our Review
5	Lucid 10 Inch	$$$	96	Read Our Review

#1. Best For All Sleeping Position: Live and Sleep Resort Classic RV Memory Foam Mattress  

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At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2” memory foam + 2″  convoluted Air Flow foam + 4” to 8” high density support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty, 30 day trial

What it’s best for: Side, back and stomach sleepers, heavy sleepers, hot sleepers

Why we love it:

If you have a spacious Class A or Class C motorhome with a California King or King bed, then it’s worth it to buy an extra thick and luxurious residential grade RV mattress so that you don’t have to compromise one bit when it comes to quality bedtime, even when you’re away from home.

Available in 8 inches, 10 inches and 12 inches, the Live and Sleep Resort Classic RV Memory Foam Mattress Body is one of the best RV mattress in all aspects. It consists of a 2-inch top layer of memory foam, a 2-inch middle layer of convoluted air flow foam, and a high density foam base. The firm base provides support and enhance structural integrity, while the memory foam top layer conforms to your body for ultimate comfort and pressure relief. 

What caught my attention is actually the middle layer of convoluted Air Flow foam. This is a unique material used by many hospitals with burn patients. It complements memory foam to create a cooler and plusher mattress that allows air to circulate and dissipates body heat away from your body. This makes this Live and Sleep Resort Classic the best RV mattress for hot sleepers and heavy people who tend to sink deep into the mattress. 

Convoluted Air Flow material is designed to alleviate pressure points and reduce neck and back pains, adding to the pain-relief property of the memory foam top layer of this mattress, making it ideal for people who tend to get morning aches. 

The firm foam base together with the two layers or plusher foam creates a medium firmness, making this mattress a versatile option for any camper, regardless of sleeping position. While the 8-inch and 10-inch version should provide ample support and comfort for most average campers, heavy sleepers plus back and stomach sleepers might prefer the 12-inch version, which has a thick 8-inch high density foam base.

The extra firmness will prevent you from sinking too deep into the mattress, thus keeping you cool all night long. The icing on the cake is that this CertiPUR-US certified mattress comes with a luxurious soft linen cover.

Read our expert review of the Live and Sleep Resort Classic RV Mattress now!

 As Comfortable As Our Bed At Home!

After a ten day road trip with our little travel trailer last year we had to make a change. The original mattress almost killed our backs. So, before thanking our first trip this year we ordered the Resort Sleep RV Short queen. It is as comfortable as our memory foam mattress we have at home. When we do our next ten day road trip we will sleep as good as we do at home! Oh, and when you do get yours, be sure and buy a waterproof cover to go under your regular mattress pad. That’s insurance for your investment should your RV spring a leak.

Shared by L. Bishop

Pros

• Economical
• High endurance
• Cleaning is a cinch

Cons

• RVers sometimes notice inconsistent expansion
• Lingering odor

#2. Best For Stomach Sleepers: DynastyMattress CoolBreeze RV Mattress

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At a glance:

• Sizes: Full, Queen, Short King, King
• Thickness: 10-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2.5” gel infused high density memory foam + 7.5”  memory foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 30 year warranty

What it’s best for: Stomach sleepers

Why we love it:

If you tend to sleep on your stomach, or if you tend to have night sweats, you will love this cooling gel infused memory foam mattress from Dynasty. The top 2.5-inch layer is made of high density gel infused memory foam with an open-cell composition that is engineered to run cooler than conventional memory foam, keeping you cool even in the summer.

In addition, this mattress comes with a luxurious silk cover with zipper closure, further contributing to its breathability and cooling effect.

The base layer is a 7.5-inch support core made of memory foam. The two layers together gives this mattress a medium firmness that is slightly firmer than other similar mattresses made of memory foam and poly foam. This perfect firmness makes this mattress the best RV mattress for those who weigh up to 250 pounds as well as the back and stomach sleepers. The firmness provides sufficient support to keep your body flat and your spine aligned all night long. 

This mattress is antimicrobial and resistant to allergens, mold, bacteria and dust mites. What I love is the unmatched 30 year warranty, which speaks volumes about this product’s durability.

There are ample campers who have used this mattress for over 15 years and reported that theirs is holding up exceedingly well without any loss in comfort and body support. Considering such a long service life, this mattress is very affordable.  

I highly recommend reading our expert review of the DynastyMattress RV Queen Mattress CoolBreeze.

I bought this for our RV and I’m glad I did. I sleep as well on it as I do on my expensive Tempurpedic at home. It’s firm yet the memory foam cushions my tender hips and shoulders from RA and fibromyalgia. I sleep alone on it so I don’t know how it is with a person on each side. I read many reviews from RV web pages and this mattress was in the top three of at least four sites. I’ve slept on it for at least six weeks and there is nothing to complain about. No problems with odors when we first opened it.

Shared by Mysteryfan

Pros

• Resilient
• Comfort level is fantastic
• Instantaneous installation

Cons

• RVers notice sporadic troughs on the foam
• Sagging is not uncommon

#3. Best For Back Pain: ZINUS 10 Inch RV Ultima

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At a glance:

• Sizes: Short Queen
• Thickness: 8 inch, 10 inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Construction: 2” green-tea and charcoal infused memory foam + 2” airflow-boosting comfort foam + 4” to 6” high-density foam support base 
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

What it’s best for: Those who suffer back pain from muscle strain, disk damage,…

Why we love it:

This mattress is medium firm, making it a best RV mattress for back pain. It supports my spine at every point. The green tea-infused foam contours to my curves for a weightless feel without sagging. My back has room to rest in a natural alignment.

What I love more about this mattress, and what is also its unique selling point, is its top layer which is made from plush and supportive memory foam and infused with anti-odor green tea and moisture-absorbing charcoal. This mattress smells like wonders, unlike so many mattresses out there with a strong synthetic new-mattress smell.

Thanks to the addition of green tea and charcoal, it would stay fresh even in hot and humid weather, and this unique feature also makes this Zinus Ultima perfect for hot sleepers who tend to sweat at night. The 2-inch middle layer of airflow-boosting comfort also contributes to the breathability and cooling effect of this mattress.

The 10-inch version of this Zinus mattress is also a good RV mattress option for heavy sleepers, being able to support up to 500 pounds while still holding up well over the years without any loss in comfort and support, thanks to a thick 6-inch support base layer of durable high density foam.

We bought our RV last spring and took it our for a 2 night stay in April. After a horrible sleepless night on the mattress that came with the RV from the factory, we had to pack it up and head home. I searched all over for short queen mattress and they all ran about $800 and up. When I came across this one I kept scrolling because of the price. It was so low it had to a piece of junk, right? But then I got frustrated with all the others with mixed reviews and trying to decide what’s best I came back to this one and said what the heck. I saw the reviews for this were pretty good and thought if I try it and don’t like it, I’m not out that much money. Well I’m glad I did! I took it out of the box in my basement and gave it more than the recommended time to expand. Then my wife and I laid down on it and wow. This felt as comfortable as our $2000 mattress in our bedroom at home. Several camping trips later and this mattress never disappoints!

Shared by Da Guy

Pros

• Outstanding comfort
• Quick shipping
• Nice price

Cons

• A few units fail to expand properly
• Several users report about sinking foam

#4. Best RV Mattress For Heavy Sleepers: Best Price Green Tea Infused

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Deluxe Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Variety: Green tea infused memory foam and premium memory foam
• Firmness: Medium firm to firm
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Construction: 

• 6 inch: 1” memory foam + 2″ super soft pressure relief foam + 3” high density foam base
• 8 inch: 2” memory foam + 2″ super soft pressure relief foam + 4” high density foam base
• 10 inch: 2” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 5” high density foam base
• 12 inch: 2.5” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 6.5” high density foam base
• 14 inch: 2.5” memory foam + 3″ super soft pressure relief foam + 8.5” high density foam base

What it’s best for: The extra thick 12-inch and 14-inch versions are ideal for heavy sleepers.

Why we love it:

This green tea infused memory foam mattress from Best Price Mattress also offers that anti-odor property like the Zinus Ultima above, which is ideal for sleepers who tend to sweat and thus wish for a special mattress that can stay fresh. It is one of the rare extra thick mattresses, available in 12-inch and 14-inch versions in addition to the more common 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch. 

The green tea mattress is one of the best RV mattresses out there for heavy sleepers, and also the one of the most affordable of its category. A 14-inch RV California King only costs $490, which is hard to find, especially when you consider how comfortable and supportive this mattress is. It’s clear that the manufacturer did not skimp on quality to cut down on price.

All varieties from the 6-inch to the 14-inch consist of 3 layers: a top layer made from body-conforming and breathable memory foam, a middle layer of super soft pressure relief foam and the thickest bottom layer of high density foam for a balanced base support. The result is the perfect blend of comfort, spinal alignment, pressure relief, support and durability under an extra heavy weight.

Even the thinnest 6-inch version can support up to 250 pounds, and the 14-inch version can support up to 650 pounds without sustaining permanent deformation. While the 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch mattresses are medium firm, the 12-inch and 14-inch versions lean towards firm, due to the thicker base layer of high density foam.  That said, rest assured that even the firmer 14-inch mattress will still feel heavenly as you lay on it, as it’s the most comfortable kind of firm that mattresses can get. 

Back and stomach sleepers as well as hot sleepers would love these thicker and firmer mattresses too, as they won’t sink too deep into the mattress and thus will stay cool all night long. The thicker high density foam base also provides a balanced support to keep your body flat and your spine aligned. Despite being economical, this Best Buy Green Tea Infused Memory Foam Mattress is CertiPUR-US certified and come with a decent 10 year warranty.

See why the Best Price Mattress RV Mattress is the best choice for overweight people.

Pros

• Plenty of support
• No sagging
• Firm but not hard

Cons

• Several RVers complain about sinking
• Fire sock consists of fiberglass

#5. Best For Side Sleepers: LUCID Gel Memory Foam Mattress 

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 10 inch
• Firmness: Medium firm 
• Construction: 2.5” gel infused memory foam + 7.5” high density foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

What it’s best for: Side sleepers

Why we love it:

Having amassed raving reviews from almost 20,000 buyers on Amazon alone, this LUCID mattress is a best seller and one of the best RV mattresses out there, especially for those sleep on their side.

The 2.5-inch top layer of body conforming and breathable memory foam is infused with cooling gel beads to draw heat away from your body, while the 7.5-inch thick base layer of high density foam provides a balance support, spinal alignment and excellent pressure point relief, so you won’t have to worry about waking up with back and neck pains from sleeping in the same position for too long.

Another thing that makes this mattress loved by so many people is its ability to maintain its original level of comfort and support after around a decade of extensive use, even in the case of heavy couples weighing over 200 pounds each.

The LUCID memory foam RV mattress employs high-density base foam that delivers a medium level of firmness. Hence, as I change between sleeping positions, the level of support available to my body remains reasonable. The presence of base foam in the construction results in a high weight capacity as well. Usually, I could drop myself on top of this mattress and sleep peacefully without sinking into the foam. 

Introduced at a cheap price, the Lucid mattress is held in high esteem by cost-conscious RV owners including me. As proof of confidence, Lucid offers a warranty that lasts for twenty five years to everyone that picks up its mattress which speaks volumes. 

Pros

• Customer service is responsive
• Odorless

Cons

• Reports of mold show up from time to time
• Irregular sagging

#6. Best Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress: Classic Brands 8-Inch Cool Gel

At a glance:

• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 8-inch
• Firmness: Medium firm 
• Construction: 2” gel infused memory foam + 6” high density foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

What it’s best for: Hot sleepers

Why we love it:

This 8-inch Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress from Class Brands is one of the best RV mattress for hot sleepers and campers who travel in hotter climates. It is constructed from 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam on top for superb body conformation, breathability and temperature regulation and a base layer of 6 inches of durable high density foam for proper spinal alignment and excellent pressure point relief. This medium firm mattress is heavenly comfortable to even the most picky sleepers, and is a versatile option for any sleeping position.

With the infusion of cooling gel, the Class Brands camper mattress consistently maintains the temperature at an acceptable level and disperse heat build-ups. Hence, by sleeping on this mattress, I could avoid excessive sweating as I attempt to get some shut-eye on summer nights. Once it comes to support, this mattress seldom lets me down too thanks to the use of high-density base foam. From relieving the pressure points to aligning the spine, this mattress can do everything to save me from the sores and aches in the morning.

In addition to body support and comfort, another perk that almost 9,000 buyers on Amazon all agreed on is its excellent motion isolation property. The memory foam quickly “fills in” to reshape itself to your new sleeping position as you tumbles about in your sleep, thus cradling every part of your body for a sleeping-on-clouds feeling without disturbing your partner.

The mattress from Classic Brands easily handles me and my partner simultaneously. Compared to its market contemporaries, this mattress restricts the spread of motion well which is advantageous. Even as I toss and turn, I could rest assured knowing that I don’t disrupt the sleep of my spouse. Because of that, if you need a bit of time to get into the optimal sleeping posture like me, this mattress is for you. 

Before delivery, Classic Brands compressed its mattress to facilitate transportation. I’m pleasantly surprised when this mattress expanded to 90% of its size in a couple of minutes. The expansion concluded by the next day and I was able to use the mattress in earnest. 

Pros

• Fast foam expansion
• Affordable
• Commendable level of comfort

Cons

• Strong chemical smells when unrolled
• RVers occasionally detect bugs on new mattresses

#7. Best Motion Isolation Mattress: Serenia Sleep Memory Foam Mattress 

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At a glance:

• Sizes: Short Queen
• Thickness: 8 inch
• Firmness: Firm
• Construction: 2” high density memory foam + 6” foam support base
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified

What it’s best for: Those who tumbles about and wake up for a bathroom visit during the night

Why we love it:

Although the best RV mattress for heavy sleepers weighing over 250 pounds is generally something that is 12 inches thick, getting a thick mattress in a sleeping quarter with limited headroom is not ideal. If you don’t want to make your space too cramped but want enough support for your weight, this short queen mattress from Serenia Sleep will have you covered, despite being only 8 inches thick.

This mattress consists of a 2-inch top layer of 2.5-pound high density memory foam on a 6-inch firm foam supportive base. In addition to providing superb pressure relief and body support, this mattress is quite firm without being uncomfortable, thus giving the heavy stomach and back sleepers enough spinal alignment and overall body support. 

This is also the right firmness for optimal motion isolation in case you weigh more than 200 pounds. Many reviewers claim that they don’t feel a thing when their partners, who weigh between 200 and 300 pounds, wake up at night. This cannot be said for many 8-inch RV mattresses out there and is why this is also the best RV mattress for couples who tend to wake up during the night for a bathroom visit, or those who tumbles about but do not want to disturb their partner.

This mattress is insanely comfortable, and doesn’t transfer motion. We are going on 7 months with it, not a single sign of wear. I highly recommend! We bought the RV king for our 377MBS Grand Design Solitude RV which we live in full time, but I plan to order this same mattress, regular king size, once we are back in a house. Super soft mattresses give me back pain. This one is not overly firm by any means, but just perfect. I sleep like a baby on it.

Shared by BrazeB

Pros

• Adaptable
• Long-lasting
• Installation is child’s play

Cons

• Certain units develop grooves over time
• Too firm for some people

#8. Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Mattress

At a glance:

• Size: Narrow Twin, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
• Thickness: 6 Inch, 8 Inch, 10 Inch, 12 Inch
• Firmness: Medium
• Certification: CertiPUR-US certified
• Warranty: 10 year

Why we love it:

Despite the fact that it could use some work here and there, Zinus OLB-GTFM-6SQ still deserves second place on the list. Offering quite a few features at a reasonable price, this mattress is the best value for the money in my opinion. Moreover, upon purchase, it’s accompanied by a ten-year warranty with comprehensive coverage. Because of that, if this mattress fails due to manufacturing defects within the warranty period, I would be able to claim a free replacement. 

One of the things I like about the mattress made by Zinus is that it incorporates green tea extract into the foam. As a person that desires a fresh atmosphere in the bedroom, I truly enjoy sleeping on this green tea-infused mattress. Also, owing to the presence of activated charcoal, it is good at absorbing moisture in the surrounding. Following the purchase of this mattress, I rarely feel stuffy even as I travel through areas with high levels of humidity. 

About support, I’m pleased to report that the foam of OLB-GTFM-6SQ holds up well in a wide range of conditions. Consisting of one inch of pressure-relieving memory foam and five inches of high-density base foam, this mattress cradles my body from head to toe. Hence, sores and aches no longer bother me and I can get the most out of my outdoor experience. Lastly, since this mattress is CertiPUR-US-certified, I don’t have to be too anxious about my allergies. 

In terms of setup, I managed to move Zinus OLB-GTFM-6SQ to my bed in a blink of an eye as a result of the outstanding packaging. Being compressed prior to delivery, it smoothly squeezed through the interior of my rig. After I finished orienting it on the bed, I simply allowed this mattress to unroll and that concluded the installation. In my case, the Zinus mattress expanded back to its original specifications in less than three days. 

For cleaning, I only have to spot-clean OLB-GTFM-6SQ from time to time to keep it in top shape. Countless cleaning products for mattresses exist but I like mixing my own solution with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dish soap. It’s important to point out that the cover is not to be removed under any circumstances. The cover is not washable so there is no need to add it to your laundry. 

I purchased the 8 inch mattress for my RV and let me tell you it’s a major improvement from the stock foam mattress that came with the RV. It’s firm but gives enough to be comfortable. I slept well on it and I think it’s better than my home mattress. I find myself wanting to go camping more so I can sleep on it.

Shared by Dwayne E Seeley

Pros

• Generous support
• Clean safety records
• No-nonsense setup process

Cons

• Complains about mold appear on occasions
• Customer service requires improvements

#9. ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

At a glance:

• Size: Twin, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King
• Thickness: 6 Inch, 8 Inch, 10 Inch, 12 Inch
• Firmness: Medium firm
• Certification: CertiPUR US Certified
• Warranty: 10 year warranty

Why we love it:

Designed with attention to heat dissipation, Zinus OLB-FGM-0800Q is capable of preempting the appearance of hotspots around the clock. That is why in my opinion, this mattress is the best mattress for hot sleepers in its price range. Additionally, the foam it uses is certified by CertiPUR and that guarantees a superb level of safety. Despite being someone with certain sensitivity issues, I have yet to find anything that makes me feel uncomfortable while sleeping on this mattress.

Owing to the incorporation of ultra-cooling gel in its top foam layer, the Zinus mattress consistently regulates temperature. As the outside temperature increases, this mattress still ensures that I won’t sweat like crazy during the night. Besides that, the conforming characteristics of the foam allow it to provide relief to the weary joints of my body after a long day on the road. Ever since I bought it, I have been sleeping soundly even in the dog days of summer. 

For softness, from what I have seen, OLB-FGM-0800Q is going to cradle people up to a total weight of 500 pounds. This mattress archives that by including one point five inches of comfort foam in its construction. It’s worth pointing out that the foam not only holds on to my body but also facilitates air circulation. Needless to say, with this mattress in the bedroom, I rarely have to get worked up over issues such as smell, mold, etc.

In terms of support, Zinus OLB-FGM-0800Q makes extensive use of high-density base foam at the bottom. As a result, regardless of my sleeping style, I still wake up in the morning free of joint pains. For an RVer, being able to start a day without pain in the joints is a big plus and that is why I think of this mattress as a wise investment. Last but not least, the 500-pound weight capacity of this mattress is more than enough for me and my spouse. 

As soon as the packaging is out of the way, the mattress from Zinus is going to expand back to size. The time it takes for the expansion to complete varies from case to case but my mattress reached the original specifications within seventy two hours. Afterward, I could use it in any way I see fit and the jacquard knit cover helps a lot as well. To reassure customers, Zinus backs its mattress with a ten-year warranty and I find that reassuring. 

Our old RV mattress was starting to get slumps in it where we sleep so we bought this queen mattress, 8″ thick, firm version. The width and length size is exactly what is described. Very fast delivery, box was creased on one side and indented into the mattress itself. But we took it out of the box and plastic, unwrapped it and let it sit on another mattress at a friends house and let it fill out for 48hrs. It rose up to 7.75″. Just 1/4″ shy of a full 8″ tall. No smell at all like others have said, and the corners filled out perfect. My wife and I are very happy with this purchase. Firm does mean firm and we like it that way. We didn’t realize how shot our old mattress was until we slept on this new one. VERY HAPPY.

Shared by MJ

Pros

• Resilient
• Snug fit
• No hotspots

Cons

• Quality control still leaves something to be desired
• People complain about squashed corners every now and then

#10. Travel Happy Mattress For Campers, RVs

At a glance:

• Size: Short Queen
• Thickness: 8 Inch
• Firmness: Firm
• Warranty: 10 year warranty
• 100% hand made in the USA
• No fiberglass or harmful materials.

Why we love it:

For your information, many mattresses nowadays use fiberglass as a flame retardant and despite the capability of the material, it’s a health hazard. Hence, when I learned that Travel Happy USRV0850SQ is free of fiberglass, I instantly had a positive impression of it. Owing to the absence of fiberglass, I could manipulate this mattress in whatever way I see fit on the road. Moreover, since it’s CertiPUR-US-certified, I don’t need to worry about my allergies while sleeping on this mattress.  

Instead of placing traditional memory foam on the top layer like its competitors, the Travel Happy mattress incorporates gel memory foam. Because of that, this travel trailer mattress cradles my body every night and keeps me cool at the same time. Noteworthily, as a medium-firm product, it delivers an excellent amount of support to my body but never to the point of being stiff. Following the purchase of this mattress, sores and aches rarely visit me in the morning which is nice. 

To ensure that more than one person could sleep on this mattress any time, USRV0850SQ is made to limit the reach of motion. As a result, even if I sleep next to my partner and our children, I barely notice a thing when they twist and tumble. Besides that, boasting an open-cell construction, this mattress not only prevents odor but also keeps humidity in check. With this mattress keeping the atmosphere fresh, I can sleep comfortably. 

I’m pleased to report that Travel Happy USRV0850SQ released no odor out of the box. Additionally, the foam expanded at a fast pace and that permitted me to put this mattress to use within days. On arrival, it came alongside a cover so there was no need to spend more money for a mattress cover. As the cover is simple to clean, I don’t have to do much to keep it in top shape.

About safety, the mattress made by Travel Happy is an emission-free product with zero off-gassing. It passes/exceeds a wide range of fire safety standards for mattresses too and that puts me at ease. 

Pros

• Sturdy and stable
• Ample body support
• Superb post-purchase support

Cons

• A number of mattresses show up damaged
• Firmness degrade as time passes by

How to Choose The Best RV Mattress

As mentioned above, if you don’t take into account the price difference, and if you don’t have a particular need, then in most cases, most sleepers would think of a memory foam mattress as the most comfortable mattress.

That said, it’s not a one size fits all. If you tend to sleep in a specific position and if you have special needs, say, if you are larger and heavier than average, if you suffer from neck and back aches or if you sweat a lot at night, you might need something else.

Keep in mind the following criteria to select the best RV mattress for your specific needs and budget:

Size

In any case, the best mattress for RV must fit snugly with your bed frames. Even a slight mismatch in size might cause your mattress to slide around instead of being secured in place, causing discomforts and annoyance.

Many campers might make the mistake of not measuring the bed in their home on wheels and look for an RV mattress advertised as, for example, a king, and find that it does not fit their existing king bed frame. 

This is because while some RV beds have the same size as the standard ones in your home, in most cases this is not true. One dimension, typically the width, is usually slightly smaller than the regular mattresses made for residential use. In addition, there are also some odd sizes that are unique to recreational vehicles.

Therefore, to avoid confusion and wrong decisions, always make sure you measure your RV bed frames twice before looking for the best RV mattress for your home on wheels instead of relying on what the mattress manufacturer chooses to call their products.  

Below are the most popular sizes for RV mattresses, from king down to twin:

• RV California King: 72” x 84” (same as regular California king)
• RV King: 72” x 80” (vs regular king measures 76” x 80”)
• RV Short King: 72″ x 75″ (unique to RVs)
• RV Olympic Queen: 66″ x 80″ (unique to RVs)
• RV Queen: 60″ x 80″ (same as a regular queen)
• RV Short Queen: 60” x 75” (unique to RVs, sometimes 60″ x 74″)
• Full: 53″ x 75″ (vs regular full measures 54″ x 75″)
• Three-quarter: 48” x 75” (unique to RVs)
• Narrow Twin: 30″ x 75″ (unique to RVs)
• Twin: 28″ x 80″ (sometimes 28″ x 75″, vs regular twin 38″ x 75″)

Bunk: The bunk mattresses for RV in particular have a variety of sizes:

• 28″ x 75″
• 30″ x 75″
• 30″ x 80″

Less common sizes for RV bunk mattresses might even be slightly bigger than an RV twin:

• 32″ x 74″
• 34″ x 75″
• 35″ x 79″
• 42″ x 80″

You may also like: Best RV Short Queen Mattresses

Firmness Level

Mattresses have a firmness scale of 10 as follows:

• 1-2: extra soft
• 3-4: soft
• 5-6: medium
• 7-8: firm
• 9-10: extra firm

The firmness of a mattress is not just a matter of personal preference, but of science too. In general, heavy and/or hot sleepers and anyone who suffers from back and neck or joint pain should choose firmer mattresses.

Meanwhile, side sleepers should opt for a softer or medium mattress to avoid having numb limbs. More on how to choose the best type of mattress for different sleeping positions and special needs further down below.

Thickness

If you don’t have to worry too much about the extra load that a mattress will add to your rig, then when it comes to thickness, it is universally agreed that thicker mattresses are more comfortable.

Remember that RV mattresses are typically made with less material in order to minimize weight, so many campers intentionally opt for the thickest mattresses they can find to ensure superb comfort and sufficient support. 

Thickness is mostly a matter of personal preference. However, as a rule of thumb, heavier sleepers need thicker mattresses, and firmer ones at that, which can withstand their weight without being deformed too soon. 

Another important consideration that many buyers overlook when determining the ideal thickness for a mattress is where the bed is. If it is a bed platform with limited headroom, going for an extra thick mattress for extra support might make your sleeping environment feel a lot more cramped and inhibited. 

Materials & Support

The level of body support and spinal alignment partly comes from the thickness of the mattress, and the rest comes from the material.

While a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress generally offers the best support for most average sleepers, in case you need extra support either due to your weight or because you suffer from neck and back pain, a better option is a mattress with a base of firmer high-density foam and a layer of memory foam on top.

Such a mattress would be firmer and more supportive than a pure memory foam mattress. If you need an even firmer mattress, go for a latex mattress. 

Temperature Control

If you typically travel in winter months or in cooler climates, a softer mattress will generally feel warmer and cozier, as your body sinks deeper into it and it wraps around you better like a blanket.

In contrast, such a mattress would feel very hot and stuffy in hot weather, or if you tend to sweat at night. The best RV mattress in this case would be a gel infused memory foam mattress, followed by a Latex foam mattress.

Motion Isolation

In general, a mattress that is too bouncy or springy will have little motion isolation property.

Meanwhile, a mattress that takes some time to recover when pressed down, like a memory foam mattress, or a firmer mattress like a latex foam mattress, will provide better motion isolation so that your partner won’t be woken up at night every time you need to visit the bathroom.

* How To Choose The Best RV Mattress For Different Sleeping Positions & Special Needs

Here’s a general guide for choosing the best RV mattress, in terms of material, firmness and thickness, that would be most comfortable for a specific sleeping position or special needs: 

Best RV mattress for back and stomach sleeper: If you sleep on your back or stomach, you’d be lying flat and spread out on top of your mattress instead of sinking into it like side sleepers, so a firmer mattress would offer even support to your body parts. A firmer mattress would prevent you from sinking deep into the mattress and thus you would not feel too hot, whereas a softer mattress would hug around you, which is not ideal for those who tend to sweat a lot. A latex mattress might be a good option, or a mattress with memory foam on top and a base layer of firmer foam. 

Best RV mattress for side sleeper: Meanwhile, if you are a side sleeper, a firm mattress wouldn’t be comfortable. The best RV mattress for side sleepers is memory foam mattresses, since they are less firm, and importantly, they have the unique ability to contour and support the side profile of your body, so your side will settle well into the mattress. It’d feel that the mattress is custom-made just for you, like a pair of custom shoes. 

Best RV mattress for combination: If you tumble in your sleep and don’t settle for one dominant sleeping position, the most comfortable mattress in most cases would be a memory foam mattress of medium firmness. 

Best RV mattress for heavy people: Both body support and the superb capacity to stay cool are very important to heavy folks, since the weight would mean that your body would sink deeper into the mattress, and the better the mattress can conform to your body, the better support and thus comfort you will get. A top layer of gel-infused beads would be ideal for that extra cooling effect, while a firm and extra thick foam base of at least 12 inches would provide the required support.

Best RV mattress for back and neck pain: For campers who suffer from back and neck pain, the best RV mattress would be something that’s not too soft or too firm either. In most cases, a the best RV mattress for bodily pains should have a layer of high-density support foam at the base and a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam on top, together providing a moderate level of firmness, relieving pressure point as well as offering better spinal alignment and superb back and neck support.

Best RV mattress for hot sleepers: If you travel in warmer climates and/or if you tend to have night sweat, the best RV mattress would be one with the top layer made from cooling gel-infused memory foam. The base layer might be memory foam or high-density foam, depending on how much support you need.

Durability

The best RV mattresses on the market often come with a 10 year warranty, while others might offer anywhere from 5 years to 10 years, with top-of-the-class products offering a 15 year to 20 year warranty. The length of the warranty does speak something about the durability of a particular product, and the rest depends on the materials and the construction of the mattress. 

When we’re talking about mattresses, the lifespan of a mattress refers to how long the mattress can maintain its original level of body comfort and body support across its surface area, without sustaining permanent dents or unevenness that would reduce comfort. In general, an innerspring mattress and an extra soft mattress would be the first ones to lose their structural integrity and evenness in terms of comfort.

A firmer mattress like a Latex mattress, or one with a firmer base layer at the bottom, would last longer. And of course, how you treat your mattress also affects its lifespan. You can make your mattress in tip top shape for a little while longer with periodic rotation (more on this in the next section).

Brands and Cost

There are decent RV mattresses by lesser known brands out there with good reviews and warranty that might suit your needs and budget. But of course, it’s always a good idea to start your search by looking at the best selling products by leading brands.

The most renowned manufacturers in this arena include Zinus, Brooklyn Bedding, Dynasty, Lucid, Tochta, Serenia, Live & Sleep, Bear, and DreamCloud. 

As for price, the price for RV mattresses of the same size can vary widely depending on the type, material and thickness. For instance, an RV innerspring king mattress might cost a little under $200 but a gel infused memory foam king mattress might easily cost north of $1,000.

Also, the same model of memory foam mattress might ask for a few hundred dollars extra if you want an extra thick mattress. So to get the most value for your money, know what you need in terms of comfort, support, pressure relief, temperature control and motion isolation so that you won’t unnecessarily pay more money for an overkill product.

That said, when it comes to a mattress that you will sleep on every night for at least the next decade, do not feel tempted to buy something that is too cheap with too short a warranty. 

Essential Tips For Using & Maintaining Your RV Mattress

Off-Gassing When Unboxing

If you choose a polyurethane foam mattress, be aware of the off-gassing or that strong “new mattress smell” you often get when unboxing. CertiPUR-US certified mattresses are healthier than non-certified mattresses in this regard, however, it’s always a good idea to unbox your new mattress in an open, ventilated room and leave it alone for at least two days before moving it into your home on wheels. 

You might choose to unbox it inside the rig and let it inflate on its dedicated bed for easy logistics, but make sure to leave the doors and windows open and probably turn on the vent to chase the fumes out.

The unboxing gas might be overwhelming for some campers, and the sensitive ones might even experience  side effects like headaches, dizziness, and nausea.

How To Ensure Long Lasting Comfort

When you sleep on a mattress day after day, year after year, even the most durable material would suffer some degree of wear and tear under your weight. The comfort fillings might be distributed unevenly, and especially in case you’re heavier than average and tend to sleep on the same spot every day, over time you will notice a slight but permanent dent in that spot. 

Rotate: To keep your mattress in great condition for longer, you should rotate it at least once every three months, that is moving your mattress from the head of your bed to the foot. This will ensure more even wear to your mattress, thus maximizing its lifespan. This is very similar to periodically rotating the tires on your car to ensure even tread wear.  

But do not flip: As for flipping, you can only do so if the manufacturer specifically recommends it. Usually you can flip your mattress if it is made of a single material throughout, for instance regular high-density foam, so that when you flip it, you’re still sleeping on the same material. 

However, most mattresses these days, either for residential use or RV use, are made of more than one layer or material and are designed to be one-sided. The most common example of a multi-layer mattress is one with a firm base layer made from high-density foam for spinal support, and a top layer of memory foam for contour and comfort. There might be a third layer on top with gel infused foam for better temperature control. 

Another example is a hybrid mattress, with a base and frame made from metal coils and a layer of memory foam on top. Such a multi-layer construction means these mattresses are not conducive to flipping. If you choose to flip a multi-layer mattress, you will end up sleeping on a very firm and not so comfortable layer of base foam.

Also, the softer layers on top now lay at the bottom and have to bear the weight of not just you but also the firmer and heavier base layer, which would shorten the lifespan of your mattress.

How To Prevent Sliding

As mentioned above, the majority of RV mattresses these days are designed to be one-sided and are not meant to be flipped. One-sided mattresses typically feature a non-skid bottom, so that they won’t be sliding around on your bed frame or platform even if you tumble about in your sleep.

A perfect match in size between your bed frame and mattress is also the best way to prevent your mattress from sliding around, which would affect your bedtime quality. However, in the case that your mattress is double-sided, or somehow it still doesn’t rest securely on top of your bed frame, you can apply the easy and cheap fixes below: 

Use a rubber pad: Due to the nature of the material, a memory foam or latex mattress will typically have less gripping friction to the bed base, even if the bottom is designed to be non-skid. A thin and thus lightweight foam mattress will slide even more on a slippery metal bed frame. 

The best solution in this case, or actually in most cases of sliding mattresses, is to put a rubber mat under your mattress. This is the same as what is used to keep rugs and carpets in place by adding friction. You can buy a standard-size rubber mat to fit your RV mattress, or get one that is slightly bigger than the mattress bottom so you could always trim it down. 

Add side and end rails to the bed: In addition to adding a rubber mat to increase friction, when you’re dealing with a wooden or metal bed frame, you can install side and end rails to simply trap the mattress in place. However, it’s not possible to add side rails on a box spring bed frame. In this case, on top of the non-slip pad, you can use a mattress encasement, which would also preserve the mattress’ integrity at the same time.

Heavy Duty Velcro Strips: In case you have some large size, high performance velcro strips at hand, they can serve as a cheap temporary solution. Just peel the paper, stick one strip to the mattress and the corresponding strip to the bed base. Similarly, double-sided carpet tape can also work as a temporary solution. Both however are just temporary fixes, and are by far less effective than using a rubber pad.

How To Prevent Mold

A common problem that many RVers face is condensation buildup under the mattress, causing mold, mildew and very unpleasant odors. This is especially true if you often cook in your RV and take hot showers, which produce a lot of steam within the confined space.

Condensation under the mattress happens because the floor or bed base that the mattress sits on is often cool to cold, while the mattress gets warmed up from your body warmth  when you rest on it.

This temperature difference between the bottom of the warm mattress and the cold surface it’s laying on causes moisture from the air to condense there. This does not happen over time though. To prevent mold, you can use a combination of the methods below:

Add a dehumidifier: No matter what methods you choose to apply, if you camp in humid climates, it’s always wise to add a compact dehumidifier in your bedroom. 

Add a fan: A quick fix until you buy a dehumidifier is to occasionally point the fans at the mattress to provide extra air circulation.

Put the mattress on a slatted bed base: Condensation is more common in mattresses that are placed on the floor or on a solid bed base. A permanent solution to combat moisture buildup in this case is to put your mattress on a slatted base, which will allow for air circulation under the mattress. 

Add an absorbent sheet: If you don’t want to invest in a new slatted bed base, a cheap fix is to add an absorbent layer under your mattress. This layer will act as add insulation, lessening the temperature difference between the RV mattress and the cold surface underneath, thus reducing condensation. This solution is not permanent, but is affordable, so it is popular for the budget campers and first-time RV owners. Many DIYers even try to save more money by making their own absorbent sheets from cotton or cotton flannel. 

The major drawback of this quick fix is that you need to take the sheet out from under the mattress to replace it with a fresh one every few days. This means that this trick will only make sense if you’re using the absorbent sheets for a small, thin and super lightweight mattress, and if you’re only using it temporarily for the most humid weeks of the year. Without regular rotation, these sheets will develop mold themselves. 

Use an anti-condensation ventilation underlay: Another effective and permanent method is to place an anti-condensation ventilation mattress underlay under your mattress. Constructed from strong weaves of spun polymer and plastic, these underlays create a firm structure that holds up your mattress to let air circulate underneath the mattress.

One or two layers of cardboard: Another temporary, budget-friendly fix is to add one or two layers of cardboard under your RV mattress. Note that this will only work in moderately humid climates. While a cotton absorbent sheet is more effective in very humid climates, cardboard insulators require less maintenance, although you do need to check them regularly to make sure they don’t develop mold themselves. Cardboard insulators only need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months or as needed in moderately humid climates.

RV Bedroom Accessories For Quality Sleeps

Mattress topper

If you want to upgrade your not-so-comfortable mattress but do not want to invest in a new one, a time tested method is getting a camper mattress topper. For most sleepers, a 3-inch thick memory foam topper will add a supportive and comfortable cushioning layer that might provide you with sufficient pressure relief for a good night’s sleep.

You can buy toppers of standard sizes, or there are options that can be easily cut and shaped to any mattress size. You can use suspenders to secure the mattress topper, and another way is to make sure you use a tight fitted, deep pocket sheet on top of the mattress topper.

Mattress pad

A mattress pad is not a thick layer of foam like a topper and thus does not offer the same level of comfort and body support. A mattress pad is like a bed sheet with elastic hems and deep pockets, so it looks like a mattress protector, but with a quilted layer of padding materials like microfiber for added comfort.

There are even cooling options for the hot sleepers. This design and construction means a mattress pad will make an extra firm mattress more comfortable and cozy with more body contouring, which keeps you warm in cold weather. 

Camper Mattress FAQs