Let’s face it: most stock RV mattresses are pretty terrible. They’re too stiff, too thin, or just plain uncomfortable. If yours leaves you tossing and turning all night, it might be time for an upgrade.

If you’re thinking it might be time for a new RV mattress, this quick guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the perfect RV mattress so you can enjoy a restful night’s sleep whether you’re parked lakeside at an RV resort or boondocking in the desert.

First, When Should You Replace an RV Mattress?

Here’s when to purchase a new RV mattress for your motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or truck camper:

• Your new or used RV came with an uncomfortable mattress.
• Sagging, lumps, or an uneven mattress surface.
• Loss of support leaves you waking up sore or stiff.
• No longer provides proper pressure relief for your back or hips.
• Visible wear like tears, cracks, or exposed foam.
• Increased allergies or signs of dust mites.
• Evidence of mold or mildew buildup.
• Persistent odors trapped within the mattress.
• It has exceeded its lifespan (typically 5 to 8 years).

If any of these sound familiar, upgrading to a high-quality RV mattress, like those from RVmattress.com, can make all the difference in your comfort on the road.

10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect RV Mattress

Use these helpful tips to pick the right RV mattress for better sleep:

1. Know Your RV Mattress Materials

Not all RV mattresses are created equal. Some cradle you in softness with a plush pillow top, while others give you firm, no-nonsense support. Here are the most common RV mattress types:

• Memory Foam - Contours to your body and eases pressure points. Great for motion isolation, but can trap heat and be a bit heavy. Consider the Dreamfoam Essential for a budget-friendly option.
• Innerspring - Traditional coils give you bounce and airflow. Affordable but not ideal for contouring.
• Hybrid - Combines foam and coils. Offers balanced comfort and support, though they tend to be heavier and more expensive. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers a supportive design with multiple firmness options.​
• Latex - Naturally firm, breathable, and allergy-resistant. Long-lasting but comes with a higher price tag.
• Cooling Infused Foam - Designed to draw heat away from the body. Ideal for hot sleepers. The Aurora Luxe uses advanced cooling technology in a luxury hybrid mattress. 
• Air Mattress - Inflatable with adjustable firmness. Lightweight and customizable, but not the most durable.
• Polyurethane Foam (Polyfoam) - Lightweight and easy on the wallet. Loses shape more quickly than other types.

2. Consider Your Specific Needs 

When choosing an RV mattress, think about what your body needs to sleep well:

• Pain Relief - Sore back or joints? Go for memory foam or a hybrid RV mattress for better pressure relief.
• Body Weight - Heavier sleepers need firmer support like latex or hybrid models. Lighter folks may prefer the softness of memory foam.
• Allergies - Choose materials like latex or gel-infused foam that resist dust mites and mold.
• Sleeping Position - Side sleepers do well with softer memory foam. Back sleepers usually need medium-firm support. Stomach sleepers should look for something firmer to prevent sinking.
• Sharing a Bed: If you sleep with a partner, memory foam or hybrid mattresses help minimize motion transfer.

3. Budget for Your RV Mattress Based on Your Travel Lifestyle

How often you use your RV matters. Full-time RVers need a mattress that can stand up to nightly use. In that case, investing in a durable, high-quality memory foam, hybrid, or latex mattress is worth it. Options like the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid provide durability and comfort, making them ideal for those on the road year-round.

If you're a weekend warrior, a basic innerspring or budget-friendly memory foam might be just fine. The Dreamfoam Essential offers a cost-effective and comfortable choice for those who travel less frequently.

Boondocking more often than not? You’ll want something that will provide relief from all those rough back roads and help regulate temperature. A mattress with advanced cooling technology and pressure-soothing coils can help keep you cool and comfortable down the bumpiest of roads.

4. Find the Right Balance of Support and Softness

A mattress that’s too soft can leave you sinking and sore. Too firm, and you’ll wake up with pressure points. A good RV mattress should provide both comfort and proper support. Memory foam and hybrids often hit that sweet spot. Hybrids with individually wrapped coils are even better and adapt to your body while reducing motion transfer.

5. Make Sure It Regulates Temperature

RV insulation isn't always great, so your mattress needs to help with temperature control. Hot sleepers should look for cooling foam, latex, or innerspring mattresses that allow more airflow. 

Modern mattresses incorporate advanced cooling technologies to improve comfort, such as:

• GlacioTex™ Cooling Covers: Specially designed fibers that draw away excess heat for a consistently cool surface.
• Cooling-Infused Foam: Evenly infused with cooling agents to absorb and release heat.
• Hybrid Airflow Systems: Open-cell foams and breathable coil layers improve airflow.
• Copper & Gel Infusions: Materials like copper and cooling gel beads actively pull heat away from the body.

Mattresses like the Aurora Luxe feature advanced cooling technologies to maintain a comfortable sleep environment.

Cold sleeper? Stick to traditional memory foam or dense hybrids that retain warmth. If you love to boondock in colder climates, consider a mattress with dense foam layers to help trap warmth.

6. Invest in an RV Mattress With Natural and Non-Toxic Materials

Choosing an RV mattress made from organic and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) materials can help reduce indoor air pollution and chemical exposure. Latex, organic cotton, and wool are great natural options. 

Before you buy an RV mattress, confirm if the product has certifications proving it’s chemical-free. Websites like RVmattress.com offer GREENGUARD Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US certified foam mattresses, which guarantee low chemical emissions.

7. Don’t Overlook Durability

Comfort is key, but so is long-term durability. If you're living or traveling in your RV frequently, you'll want a mattress that holds its shape and support for years. Higher-quality foam and hybrid options usually last longer than cheaper polyfoam varieties. In the long run, choosing a durable RV mattress means replacing it less frequently and saving more money.

8. Measure Your Bed (Carefully)

RV mattresses often don’t follow standard mattress dimensions. Take accurate measurements before you order. Main bedrooms usually fit sizes like RV queen, short RV queen, and RV king, while bunks or convertible sleeping areas might have cut corners or unusual shapes. For extra unusual shapes, you might consider ordering an all-foam mattress and cutting it to your custom shape. 

9. Keep Your RV’s Weight Capacity in Mind

Another key factor is your RV’s weight limit. Choosing a heavy mattress can reduce your cargo-carrying capacity, leaving less room for essentials like gear, water, and supplies. 

More concerning, a heavy mattress increases the risk of exceeding your RV’s maximum allowable weight when fully loaded. If you own a compact motorhome, trailer, or teardrop, opt for a lightweight yet durable option. A lighter mattress also makes it easier to access under-bed storage.

10. Factor in Mattress Flexibility

Will the RV mattress you want fit through the door? Can you maneuver it into the bedroom past a tight hallway? RVMattress.com ships mattresses in a box designed to fit through any RV door, making it easy to get the box into the desired location before opening the mattress. 

Depending on your motorhome or trailer’s layout, pick a mattress that can flex without losing its shape or comfort. Keep in mind that some RV floor plans require the mattress to bend when slide-outs are in.

Final Thoughts: Buying a Mattress for Your RV

Choosing the right RV mattress means thinking about your comfort, travel habits, budget, and layout. Try to test out different types, if possible, or look for brands that offer trial periods. And before spending the big bucks, read customer reviews to learn from real experiences and avoid common pitfalls.

Ready to upgrade your RV mattress? Explore high-quality options at RV Mattress and experience better sleep on the road!