Top 5 Best RV Mattresses (Short Queen & More)
Last Updated:December, 2024 | This Post May Contain Affiliate Links
If you're shopping for a new RV mattress, you may be having a hard time deciding which is the best model for you. There are several options to choose from, and knowing which bed is the pick of the litter isn't always a straightforward process.
Remember, choosing the best brand partly depends on your personal preferences. Some campers require a bed with excellent pressure relief, while others want a mattress to help soothe persistent back pains. You can also decide to make your own custom mattress topper. So, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing the best RV mattress.
To help you come up with the ideal mattress choice for your trip, we researched and tested hundreds of RV mattresses, whittling them down to our favorites based on their construction, performance, and value.
A Quick Look at Our Best RV Mattresses of 2022
Best RV Mattress Overall - GhostBed RV Mattress
The GhostBed mattress is an all-foam bed that combines the bouncy feel of latex with the contouring properties of memory foam. The result is an RV mattress that offers excellent pressure relief for travelers who experience painful pressure buildup while sleeping. Its hybrid model offers additional pressure relief and support, distributing your body weight and insulating the bed's coils.
Best RV Mattress for Couples - Brooklyn Wanderlust Mattress - RV
If you've been on the hunt for an RV bed that can accommodate both you and your partner, the Brooklyn Wanderlust is all you need. It's available in 20 different sizes and boasts an all-foam construction that's good at isolating motion, making it the best RV mattress for couples, friends, and families traveling together.
Best Cooling RV Mattress - Dynasty Mattress
The Dynasty Mattress is a 10-inch RV mattress that provides exceptional contouring for campers who need pressure relief or prefer well-cushioned sleep surfaces. It's designed to minimize heat retention, hence ideal for hot sleepers who prefer the feel of memory foam mattresses but overheat in them.
Best Short Queen RV Mattress - Zinus 8 Inch Memory Foam and Spring RV Mattress
Tired of waking up feeling grumpy? The Zinus 8 Inch Mattress boasts comfort innovations and top-shelf materials that give you a restful sleep even when on the go.
Best Luxury RV Mattress - Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid
If you've been looking for a luxurious RV mattress that can help you and your partner sleep cool, the Aurora Hybrid has got you covered. It comes with cooling technology built into every comfort layer, starting with the topmost layer that uses TitanCool beads to regulate body temperature.
What We Like;
What We Don't Like;
Overall Thoughts
Designed with a 6-inch high-density foam that's topped with 2 foam layers, the GhostBed RV Mattress brings you hotel-like luxury and comfort right in the comfort of your RV. If you've been looking for a camper mattress that combines the bounce of latex and the contouring support of memory foam, it's time to give the GhostBed RV Mattress a try. Its Dunlop latex layer will provide you with the bounce you need, while its gel-infused memory foam will contour perfectly to your body for maximum comfort and support. However, for sleepers struggling with back pain, the GhostBed RV Hybrid is a worthwhile investment as it boasts the needed balance of robust support and pressure relief to give you a pain-free night.
Build and Construction
The GhostBed RV all-foam mattress begins with a plush cover designed with a stretchy and durable blend of polyester and viscose for a soft and cozy feel. Beneath it lies a proprietary layer of Ghost Bounce foam which boasts latex-like responsiveness but can still conform to your body. So, you can rest assured of getting maximum rest from camping activities.
Next is a 2-inch layer of open-cell, gel-infused memory foam specially designed to contour to your body and relieve pressure. This layer also helps wick body heat away, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the night.
Lastly, you'll find a long-lasting, high-density memory foam core that offers excellent support, ensuring maximum spinal alignment and durability of your entire bed for years to come.
Mattress Performance
Generally, mattresses made of memory foam and latex are well-known for performing excellently when it comes to motion isolation, and the GhostBed RV Mattress is no exception. The combination of latex and memory foam layers traps movement, allowing bed sharers to comfortably turn on the sleep surface without disturbing their partners.
With a slightly firm (7.5) feel, this mattress has a firmer rating than most RV mattresses. This is due to the responsiveness offered by the company's Bounce layer. This makes it suitable for campers who prioritize the balance of cushioning and support. Back sleepers should also find this mattress comfortable as it provides some contouring along the spine and strong support to keep the entire body on an even plane.
Unlike other foam mattresses that tend to retain heat, the GhostBed RV Mattress helps maintain cooler temperatures, thanks to its comfort layers designed with gel-infused memory foam and aerated latex.
While the GhostBed RV hybrid and all-foam model are known for their pressure-relieving and body contouring properties, they also have slight differences in performance. They all perform well in terms of ease of movement and temperature regulation, but the GhostBed RV Hybrid excels in these categories. The hybrid option also performs better in edge support, making it a perfect choice for individuals who have difficulty getting in and out of bed. Sleepers with lower back pain or sharp pressure points may benefit from this mattress.
The camper bed is available in two mattress sizes - Short King and Short Queen. Although the Short Queen is the most popular size, you should consider measuring your bed frame to find the best size for your RV. GhostBed offers free shipping to shoppers residing in the contiguous U.S. You also get to enjoy a 101-night sleep trial and a 20- year warranty. GhostBed is also known for manufacturing adjustable beds. Feel free to check out our post on the best mattress for an adjustable bed.
What We Like;
What We Don't Like;
Overall Thoughts
The Brooklyn Wanderlust Memory Foam Mattress - RV comes in various RV sizes and offers cooling comfort thanks to its gel memory foam. This bed also boasts a wide variety of height alternatives, ranging from 6-14 inches that correspond with bed firmness, 6 inches being firm, whereas 14 inches being soft-medium.
This memory foam RV mattress is constructed with multiple foam layers, including stain-resistant top layers of fabric. Most RV owners rank the Brooklyn Wanderlust Foam Mattress as one of the best RV mattresses on the market in terms of quality and comfort and say that it's a perfect fit for an RV. However, you need to pay close attention to the height that you opt for to ensure you choose your ideal firmness.
What Does the Brooklyn Bedding Wanderlust Mattress Feel Like?
To help you decide whether this mattress might be a viable fix to your sleep problems while on the road, we evaluated its firmness level and how it feels. Remember, firmness is somehow subjective. Your shape, size, body weight, and personal preferences affect how firm your bed will feel.
The Wanderlust RV mattress ranks at around 7.5/10 on the firmness scale. A 6.5 firmness level is the mattress industry standard for medium firmness, so this is a firm bed. This firm feel will appeal to most back and stomach sleepers as it helps support spinal alignment. However, it's worth noting that heavier sleepers might feel like this all-foam mattress is slightly firmer and less supportive.
Mattress Performance
The Brooklyn Wanderlust is ideal for isolating motion transfer, meaning RV campers who share their beds with their partners will experience minimal to no disruptions. When it comes to temperature regulation, the gel-infused memory foam comfort layer and the bed's open-cell technology work together to give a cooler and sweat-free sleep experience.
With the Brooklyn Wanderlust Memory Foam bed, you get a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
What We Like;
What We Don't Like;
Overall Thoughts
If you're looking for an affordable memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel that offers a cool sleep experience, you might want to check out the Short Queen Memory Foam Dynasty Mattress. Considered the best Amazon mattress for RVs by many campers, this cooling mattress is an ideal pick for couples on a budget. It's also good at relieving pressure and contouring to the sleeper's body shape for comfort and support.
Design and Performance
Dynasty RV Mattresses are encased in machine-washable covers made of polyester and cotton. They feature comfort layers that have high-density foam with an open-cell composition engineered to run cooler than traditional memory foam. Underneath this layer lies a 7.5-inch support core designed with memory foam that offers sturdy support to your mattress.
In terms of performance, memory foam RV mattresses are typically well-suited for campers who prefer sleeping on their sides, and the Dynasty Mattress is no exception. The all-foam comfort layers cradle the shoulders and hips, sections where side sleepers exert a lot of pressure. Because this mattress is slightly firmer than other foam models, it's also a viable option for back sleepers, especially those who weigh about 230 pounds. If you are sleeping on your back during your trip, this bed should give you the right balance of cushion and support needed to keep your back flat while also cushioning your spine.
Temperature Regulation
The Short Queen Dynasty Memory Foam Mattress features 2 airflow foam layers between the high-density base and the cooling gel. This is an ideal layout for regulating temperature. If you sleep hot during the night and long for a luxurious memory foam bed that offers pressure relief, the Dynasty Mattress might be all you need.
Unlike other foam RV mattresses that retain body heat, the Dynasty Mattress features cooling comfort layers that wick away body heat, keeping you cool all night long. This mattress also works well at absorbing disturbances, so you won't be disturbed when your pet or partner tosses and turns in bed. For a sensor-driven and temperature-regulating property, consider going for the best smart beds on the market.
Related Content: Best mattresses for a platform bed
What We Like;
What We Don't Like;
Overall Thoughts
The Zinus 8 Inch Truck Mattress is a perfect solution for travelers looking for comfort and a good night's sleep on the road. Getting restful sleep is vital, and thus, investing in a Camper bed like this is worth the money, especially when you consider how pocket-friendly the price is. Overall, this mattress offers the right comfort and support that will make RV owners feel like they're sleeping at home.
Build and Construction
The Zinus Memory Foam Trailer bed is 8 inches thick and features three layers. The topmost layer is a 2-inch layer of foam that allows campers to sink slightly into the surface and get the most out of the bed's comfort and support.
Next, you'll find an additional 2-inch layer of comfort foam that also acts as a pressure-relieving layer. The third layer, which is also the thickest one, is a 4-inch layer of base support foam.
These three foam layers offer great comfort and support to back sleepers, average-weight sleepers, and side sleepers. They're good at cradling the joints, contouring to the body, and keeping the spine aligned.
The Quality of Materials Used
Like all the other Zinus mattresses, this 8 Inch model is made of CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. So, besides being durable, it performs exceptionally well and offers great quality. The Zinus Mattress is specially designed for truck use, but it performs just as good as any top-quality mattress made for bedrooms.
This 8-inch model features BIO foam, which instead of dangerous chemicals and petroleum, only contains natural components like green tea extract and plant oil. Such materials reduce off-gassing and ensure the freshness of your RV mattress.
Overall Sleep Experience
The Zinus RV mattress offers excellent comfort and support and gives travelers a good night's sleep, irrespective of the sleep position. It offers great quality and won't sag over time because it's quite long-lasting. It's available in short RV queen mattress size, which is a bit shorter in length but just as wide as any regular queen-size mattress on the market.
And since it's only 8 inches thick, it won't provide much softness, so if you've been on the hunt for a soft RV mattress that can conform to your body shape, this isn't it. Plus, the edge support of this bed is quite average, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, you might want to consider other alternatives, such as the Brooklyn Wanderlust or GhostBed RV mattress.
With this Zinus mattress, campers should expect little to no off-gassing, but the smell should disappear quickly as the bed is CertiPUR-US certified. As far as temperature regulation goes, this Short Queen-size RV mattress lacks cooling layers, but its breathable knitted Jacquard cover helps reduce body heat retention, making heat regulation average.
What We Like;
What We Don't Like;
Overall Thoughts
Brooklyn Bedding is a "mattress-in-a-box" brand that launched in 2009. Since then, this online company has manufactured a handful of different mattress models, including the Aurora, a luxury hybrid RV mattress introduced in 2018. Mostly ranked as the best RV mattress by RV owners, the Aurora Hybrid is a high-profile bed measuring 13.5 inches thick.
It's designed with a top comfort layer made of Energex polyfoam infused with phase-change material and copper. This layer is followed by a TitanFlex polyfoam comfort layer. The two comfort layers conform closely to your body, though Aurora's sleep surface has some bounce, and the Polyfoam is somehow responsive. The cover is also woven with phase-change material to help reduce body heat absorption, keeping you cool and comfortable throughout your road trip.
Like most luxurious RV mattresses, the Aurora Hybrid also features a gel memory foam transitional layer and a zoned, pocketed coil base layer reinforced with high-density base polyfoam. Brooklyn Bedding gives RV shoppers who opt for their Aurora model the opportunity to choose from three different feels. Each comes with a unique corresponding number on the firmness scale: firm (7), medium-firm (6), and medium-soft.
Choose firm if you're a stomach sleeper or a heavy sleeper weighing more than 230 pounds. This firmness level protects you from sinking excessively in the surface and offers a more supportive overall feel.
The medium-firm option is ideal for back and stomach sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds. RV owners will experience some sinkage but won't sag excessively around the waist, torso, and other body sections where weight is concentrated.
Choose soft if you want an RV mattress that conforms closely to your body. This firmness level will work best for side sleepers and individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Buyers Guide for Finding the Best RV Mattress
Before you go ahead and purchase an RV mattress, it's crucial to determine what exactly you want in a mattress. RV beds come in a wide range of sizes, heights, prices, and firmness levels. So, when deciding what type of mattress to purchase, shoppers want to first themselves questions like;
- Why am I purchasing an RV mattress?
- Is my trailer my home or simply for travel?
- How many people will be using this mattress?
Once you answer these questions, you'll have a clear understanding of the amount of money you're willing to spend and what other things that can make or break your purchase. If you're looking for cheaper options with world-class quality, consider checking out our posts on Tempurpedic alternatives.
The factors to keep in mind when making a decision include:
Type of RV
The type of mattress you opt for is highly dependent on the kind of RV you'll be using during your trip. For instance, some small RVs feature small RV bunk beds that can't even fit an RV Queen size mattress. Alternatively, other trucks will do well with a mattress topper rather than an RV bed.
Here's how the type of RV you'll have for your forthcoming trip can impact your purchase decision:
Motorhome. These are the largest RVs on the market and are divided into three:
- Class A - They have ample space and can measure about 50 feet long. Most sleep surfaces in these RVs fit mattresses of any size.
- Class B - These RVs can measure up to 40 feet in length. They feature smaller interiors, meaning most of them either come with built-in beds or bunk beds that perform exceptionally well with mattress toppers. However, other models in this category can accommodate larger RV beds.
- Class C - The smallest motorhomes available. These models are constructed onto the chassis of RVs with doors to provide access. Measuring about 30 feet in length, most Class C models lack enough room for full beds, so shoppers can invest in mattress toppers instead.
Travel Trailers. These RVs are relatively long and boast built-in convenience features. The only problem with these models is that they're more narrow than others. So, most of them will feature fold-out beds that can fit mattress toppers.
Pop-up Trailers. These are the smallest towable RVs with sleeping areas, and they don't have many added features. If you have a pop-up trailer, consider purchasing a mattress topper as these models aren't meant to house RV beds.
Material and Construction
Material composition is also a vital factor to consider before making a purchase decision. Generally, most RV mattress shoppers tend to gravitate towards polyurethane foam mattresses because they're thin, lightweight, and come at a low price point.
However, if you tend to use your trailer more frequently and want a good night's sleep, you may want to go for latex mattresses or hybrid mattresses. While these models are expensive, they're more durable, comfortable, and supportive.
Mattress Sizes
One of the best things about RV mattresses is that, unlike standard mattresses, they come in various shapes and sizes. You can find short, narrow, and thin ones, though most have irregular shapes.
These mattresses are primarily sold in 8 sizes and can be categorized into two:
- Beds that sleep multiple people
- Those that sleep one person
Generally, the Queen, RV King, Eastern King, California King, and the split king mattress sizes can be used by more than one person. Smaller beds include the bunk, full, truck, and twin sizes. It's worth noting that RV mattress sizes do not correlate with the sizes of regular mattresses. Make sure you measure the mattress frame in your RV and confirm whether the dimensions match before settling for a specific bed.
Related Content: How to clean a memory foam mattress topper
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, a lot of thought goes into choosing the right RV mattress for your forthcoming road trip. First, you want to ensure that an RV mattress is what will work perfectly for your RV. Then, set up a budget for it, which should narrow down your options when it comes to features, size, and material. Lastly, consider your personal preferences and sleeping positions.
We hope that this RV mattress guide was helpful in your search! It's now time you go out there, grab yourself a mattress and go camping.