Nomads, there’s nothing better than sleeping under the stars. Well…
Except for sleeping on one of the best RV mattress replacements on the market!
Buying a mattress for your RV isn’t hard. HOWEVER, buying a mattress is
Mattresses are big, expensive, long-time purchases. Heck, getting rid of your old mattress can feel like letting go of a great love! But that’s why you’re here.
As a connoisseur of all things nomadic naptime, I know what YOU need. And I know the best RV mattress replacement. Put simply, it’s the Helix Midnight for its incredible merging of comfort, durability, and value.
But that’s hardly the only choice. We have budget mattresses, premium buys, and everything else!
Maybe buying an expensive spine-supporting long-term purchase isn’t hard. But it is daunting.
So let’s take the pressure off. Lose no more sleep over this looming decision. RVProperly has your back!
And so will your new mattress.
The Best RV Mattress Replacements: Our Top 7 Picks
- Helix Midnight [Best Overall]
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe [Best Splurge]
- Dreamfoam Essential Mattress [Best Budget]
- Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress [Best Mid-Range]
- PlushBeds EcoGreen 8-Inch [Best Organic]
- Leesa Studio [Best Breathability]
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid [Best Longevity]
What We Look For In a Replacement RV Mattresses?
A good mattress should be resilient. Durable. Supportive. And, of course, comfortable.
You might think I’m describing a successful marriage, and you wouldn’t be far off! Much like a good marriage, a good mattress has you sleeping soundly at night. While a bad one can ruin your (road)life.
But just like the best marriage, the best mattress will meet the needs of those in its confines. RV mattresses come with a slew of nuances tailored for RV living. Let’s dive into them here.
That way, you’re guaranteed to buy a mattress that doesn’t leave you worse off than when you met it!
Durability and the Product’s Lifespan
RV mattresses get A LOT of wear and tear. All the jostling, folding, and sharp changes in climate will really test its longevity.
That means you need a mattress built to last! High-density foam or hybrid materials are ideal. They’re much better equipped to withstand the constant moving and shaking of an RV.
Memory foam mattresses, in particular, tend, to hold up well. Often you’ll find ones rated for up to 7-10 years of use.
Temperature Regulation And Breathability
Ugh, those sweaty summer nights camping. Personally, I’m a fan of winter RV camping in an abundance of blankets. But another antidote to those stuffy nights in muggy motorhomes is a mattress with bang-on temperature regulation.
RVlife needs a mattress that won’t trap body heat. Gel-infused memory foam or latex mattresses are quite adept at keeping things cool, especially in warmer climates. I’ve also had good fortune with hybrid mattresses that combine foam and breathable coils to keep things easy and breezy.
The Mattress’s Comfort and Overall Sleeping Experience
Comfort is subjective. Some like soft-bois, some like hard-bois, some like medium-bois with rugged exteriors and gooey caramel centers. After years on the road, I’ve personally found that medium-firm mattresses hit the sweet spot for my vehicular travels.
Preferences aside, I’d say you ideally want a mattress that strikes a balance between soft and supportive. Orrrrr you can try a firmer mattress with a memory foam topper. That way, you can have a rugged interior with a caramel top layer instead!
The Support of the Sleeping Surface
A good mattress should have your back. And your spine. Shoulders, hips, necks, glutes—the whole package! While a mattress is clearly a must-have item for RVing, one that actually feels supportive is downright indispensable.
RV mattresses often sag over time, so it’s good to buy one with strong edge support and consistent firmness throughout. For example, hybrid mattresses with pocketed coils and foam layers offer top-notch support. They’re a top pick for side sleepers or anybody with back pain.
The 7 Best Mattress Replacements for RVs Reviewed
The better you sleep, the safer you’ll drive!
Mattresses last a long time. Your new mattress is going to be your daily base of operations, 8+ hours a night, for maybe a decade to come.
Long story short, don’t skimp out on your RV’s mattress. Not unless you like back pain.
Best Overall
1. Helix Midnight
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 11.5″
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Material: Hybrid (Memory Foam + Pocketed Coils)
The Helix Midnight earns the top spot on our list for its perfect balance of comfort, support, and durability. Altogether, this seals the Helix as the best VALUE mattress for RVs.
This hybrid mattress combines memory foam and pocketed coils in its design. As such, it offers the contouring comfort of foam with the bounce of coils. This offers a beautiful arrangement for side and combination sleepers alike. Throw in some zoned lumbar support (you can never have too much lumbar), and you’re guaranteed an aligned spine no matter how much you toss and turn.
A small downside to the Helix comes with that hybrid design. This layered build makes the mattress heavier than all-foam options. It’s also not strictly a cheap mattress compared to other similar options. This larger mattress size and price could prove overkill for lighter or smaller rigs, depending on the class and category of RV you drive.
But for more modest or budget-leaning RVers, we have other low- and mid-end options. For everybody else, particularly Class A megastars, you just can’t beat this mattress’s combination of support and motion isolation!
Well… except maybe with the premium option.
Best Splurge
2. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 13″
- Firmness: Soft / Medium / Firm
- Material: Hybrid (Memory Foam + Pocketed Coils)
Much like anything else in Brooklyn, the Aurora Luxe will cost you. But your reward is the best luxury-buy mattress on this list. The Luxe offers high-end comfort and state-of-the-art cooling perfect for anybody with larger-than-life Class A expectations.
The mattress features custom TitanCool technology that actively regulates your body’s temperature. Meanwhile, the mattress’s cooling gel foam build provides a plush and airy sleeping surface. Top this off with pocketed coils for top-tier support and you have a splurge buy of a mattress that’s worth every penny!
That total penny-count is the downside though. This mattress is as expensive as the Helix in its base form. If you want any accessories or something larger than a queen, it’s only going to shoot up more.
But that’s just the price you pay for sleeping in Brooklyn! And unlike Brooklyn, you’ll actually sleep. It’s pricey and grand, but the Aurora Luxe is perfect for any RVers who value comfort and ache-free bones while fitting this level of opulence inside their rig. If you’re tearing up highways in style, livin’ large in a compact Class A motorhome or grandiose fifth-wheel trailer, you need a mattress to match that luxury.
Otherwise, we have the budget choice!
Best Budget
3. Dreamfoam Essential Mattress
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 6-14″
- Firmness: Soft-medium to Firm
- Material: Gel Memory Foam
At the very opposite end of the pricing spectrum, we have the Dreamfoam Essential. Offering impressive levels of comfort without the hefty price tag of our previous two entries, this mattress is perfect for budget RVers. They even have RV-specific sizings in their selection!
Made with gel memory foam, the mattress provides pressure relief while keeping you temperate when sleeping. Moreover, despite its lower cost of entry, the Dreamfoam Essential does NOT skimp on quality. It’s CertiPUR-US certified, free from harmful chemicals, and all-American made, baby!
A key advantage of this mattress that I’m a huge fan of is its multiple thickness options. They range from 6 to 14 inches. This combined with the RV-specific sizings allows you to seamlessly tailor the product to your RV’s space. The only real downside is that the foam design lacks the bounciness of a hybrid mattress.
But for that price, who cares! RVers on a budget still deserve a reliable, comfy sleep no matter their proclivities for dirtbaggery. Plus, with all their RV-tailored sizings, you can find a mattress that fits—an especially relevant consideration for anyone who has chosen or is choosing a van model to use for a camper conversion with their trickier sizings.
You won’t be disappointed by the Dreamfoam Essential’s downright unbeatable value!
Best Mid-Range
4. Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 10″
- Firmness: Medium
- Material: Hybrid (Gel Foam + Pocketed Coils)
Well, perhaps the Essential isn’t unbeatable. The Hybrid is Dreamfoam’s star mid-range mattress model. And it does, in fact, give the Essential a good run for its money. For maybe double the dollaridoos, you get double the dreaminess!
Offering a significant upgrade from the budget-friendly Essential model, this mattress combines the previous one’s gel memory foam mattress with individually pocketed coils. Balancing the softness of foam with this responsive support results in excellent pressure relief, cooling, and support.
While it’s not as plush as other premium models, the Hybrid’s performance and features far exceed its price point. Plus, it’s still got that same American-bred attention to quality as the Essential. The only downside is that this Dreamfoam product doesn’t have the same flexibility of choice in sizing and thickness.
But the middle of the road is for sacrifices. Some features are sacrificed, and in return, you’re getting a damn good mattress for half the price of premium models! If this is the sweet spot you were hoping for, buy in peace. Otherwise, the budget Essential or top-dollar Helix Midnight will serve you just as well.
Best Organic
5. PlushBeds EcoGreen 8-Inch
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 8″
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Material: Organic Latex + Eco-Foam
But what serves the environment? The PlushBeds EcoGreen is the top pick for eco-conscious RVers! This is all thanks to its use of organic latex and eco-friendly materials.
The mattress is crafted from natural latex—hypoallergenic AND sustainably sourced. This combination of organic latex with a Plushfoam layer delivers excellent support and comfort. Moreover, this combination is 100% free of harmful chemicals or synthetic materials. (And is absolutely perfect for boondocking and wild camping, eco-footprint-free!)
The EcoGreen is also a solid choice for RVs because it’s been designed with the lifestyle in mind. It offers a thinner more lightweight setup WITH dimensions more tailored for RV sleeping spaces. Being on the thinner side might affect this mattress’s comfort-factor for some pea-avoidant princesses. But realistically, the top-notch materials seal the EcoGreen’s status as a sound sleeper.
I wouldn’t say this is the best choice of RV mattress for nomads wanting pure, unadulterated comfort on the road. But the combination of eco-friendly vibes and RV-specific design makes this still a stellar contender in its own right. Sleep soundly AND sustainably!
Best Breathability
6. Leesa Studio
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 10″
- Firmness: Medium
- Material: Memory Foam
Let’s talk about breathability! While all these mattresses so far provide solid temperature regulation, the Leesa Studio steams ahead in this category. This is all down to its breathable signature cover and responsive top layer.
This mattress is purposefully designed to promote superior airflow. Its top layer of responsive foam adapts to your body while minimizing heat retention (a common issue with traditional memory foam mattresses). Moreover, in both comfort and cooling the Leesa welcomes all sleeping positions—back, stomach, and side—alike!
As an all-foam model, this mattress won’t hit the bouncy heights of hybrid options. But the caveat of the caveat is that the non-hybrid build lands the Leesa firmly in the mid-range pricing tier.
It’s lightweight. It’s breathable. It’s perfect for life on the road. I can’t say you’ll get quite as much mileage from the Leesa as the Helix or Brooklyn…
But the miles you do get will be cool and comfortable in all the adventures to come.
Best Longevity
7. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Dimensions: 80″ x 60″ x 12″
- Firmness: Soft / Medium / Firm
- Material: Hybrid (High-Density Foam + Premium Steel Coils)
No sleep til’ Brooklyn! This last mattress, though expensive like the last Brooklyn Bedding product, offers a lot of value. In particular (and much like any good marriage), you’re looking at a long happy life together!
This thing is built to LAST. First up, it packs in-house-crafted high-density foam layers and premium steel coils. Then it combines this with supreme motion isolation to defend it against the trials and tribulations of RV living. Top this off with a hassle-free 10-year warranty and you’ve found the RV mattress for longevity.
The mattress is big, thick, and on the heavier side. Some reports even suggest that the mattress might exceed standard mattress sizing. Make sure you take that into account when researching the product and measuring out the sleeping space of your rig.
But if it fits, it’s like Cinderella’s (large and ungainly) slipper! A fairytale fit complete with romance and a happy ending.
Just you, your long-life mattress, and many years of shenanigans on the road to look forward to together. May you elope in peace.
What Factors to Consider When Looking for the Perfect Mattress Replacement
Righto! Moving away from the marriage metaphors… What do you actually need in an RV mattress? Financial security?
Nay! Just like choosing the best RV tires for your ride, choosing the right mattress can feel like a puzzle. But RVProperly is here to help you put the pieces together! Forget the allegorical abstracts-
Let’s talk specifics.
The Materials
The materials make or break your mattress. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are the top choices for mattress materials, be it for motorhomes or regular ol’ boring homes. That’s why you see those options dominate the list above!
Here’s the breakdown:
- Memory foam adapts to your body with the bonus of absorbing road vibrations.
- Latex is naturally breathable and great for hot climates and summer campers.
- Hybrid models combine the best of both worlds—foam comfort with coil support and added breathability.
Hybrid mattresses tend to be the go-to for most RVers. But the other choices offer great alternatives as well.
The Product’s Quality and Durability
RVs are tough on mattresses. Constant movement, swings in temperature, and confined, stuffy spaces mean you need something built to last.
For this, look for mattresses made from high-density foam or reinforced springs. Check warranties and consumer reports too. If a brand backs its mattress for 10 years (like Brooklyn Bedding) they’re likely not cutting corners on durability.
The Mattress’s Firmness
Firmness preferences for mattresses are a personal choice. But they’re a crucial one for your comfort!
For RVlife, a medium-firm mattress generally strikes the perfect balance between comfort and support. If you go too soft, you’ll sink in and wake up sore. Conversely, if the mattress is too firm, you’ll end up feeling like you could have just slept on the floor and saved a grand!
Honestly, my recommendation is to hit up some mattress shops in person. Give a few models a live test run before buying any online. Even if they’re not the same models, it’s a great idea to gauge your firmness preferences BEFORE you buy.
The Support Factor
No matter how bumpy the roads ahead become, your mattress should align your spine. Otherwise, you could just sleep in a hammock!
Pocketed coils or high-density foam cores provide excellent support. They’re especially useful in RVs where the weight shifts constantly. I always test for edge support too—there’s nothing worse than feeling like you might roll off in the middle of the night.
Hybrid mattresses generally excel in this category. They offer both contouring and stability for restless sleepers.
Cooling and Sleeping Temperatures
Ew, there are those summer nights again. Unless you’re rocking a top-notch air conditioner in your rig, hot nights sleeping in an RV are just, frankly, a bit cooked. At the very least, you feel like you’re cookin’ (and not in the fun way).
That’s where the right mattress comes in! Gel-infused memory foam, latex, or open-cell foam options are all terrific choices. These materials are naturally cooler and boost airflow. It’s not a foolproof fix to the problem, but the right mattress gets you a good few degrees closer to a solution.
The Size and Thickness
Space is a precious commodity in an RV. Not all mattresses will fit your rig.
Ensure you measure the sleeping area of your motorhome before buying a mattress. Standard sizes may not always work, so keep an eye out for RV-specific sizes. You’re looking for things like Short Queens or Three-Quarters (Dreamfoam is great in this regard).
As for thickness, anything between 8 and 12 inches should do the trick. Just make sure you leave enough headroom to not constantly bang your skull either. Thickness is a matter of comfort versus practicality.
The Weight
Weight is the sneaky factor we don’t always consider for RV mattresses. However, they can throw some serious spanners in the proverbial wheels. Heavy mattresses add unwanted pounds to your vehicle. This, in turn, affects fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Memory foam and latex mattresses are usually lighter, while the coil-heavy hybrids (like the Midnight Helix) can weigh a lot. I’d recommend aiming for a mattress under 75 pounds unless you have plenty of extra wiggle room in your weight allowance.
The Price and Your Budget
I said it once, but I’ll say it again: spend big on a mattress. Don’t be stingy with your spine.
Don’t go cheap on something you’ll spend a third of your road trip time on. RV mattresses range from $300 to $1,200, depending on material and brand. While it’s tempting to cut costs, you only get one set of vertebrae per lifetime. And who wants to ruin the majesty of life on the road with whack nights of sleeping?
The budget options, like the Dreamfoam Essential, are there for the casual RVers and true dirtbags. For everyone else, I’d recommend spending in the range of at least $500 to $800 for a high-quality, durable mattress that’ll last.
You’re better off living in budget RV parks with the best-sleeping mattress you could find than in glamourous accommodations on a mattress not even suitable for a power nap.
Ways to Add Comfort to Your RV’s Mattress
Now we’re swinging back to mattress toppers! A good mattress may be the foundation of a good night’s sleep… But really, we want better than good. 😉
Even if you bought a dud, there are ways to improve your RV mattress’s comfort. Let’s make a nest!
Bed Sheets
Let’s skip the subpar Target budget brands. Instead, find the right sheets. They will elevate your RV sleeping experience!
Look for high-thread-count cotton (at least 300-thread) or breathable bamboo sheets. Both materials are soft, durable, and a great fit for the varying climates on the road.
There are also RV-specific sheet sets available in custom sizes like Short Queen. Get a top-quality set of sheets that fit your mattress snugly and it will make all the difference.
Foam Toppers
Mattress toppers are fantastic in general and especially so for budget mattresses. Hands-down, from personal experience, I can say that mattress toppers are one of the best accessories for RV life that I’ve bought.
A 2- to 3-inch memory foam topper adds both softness and support to any RV mattress. It’s a serious upgrade to your sleeping experience, genuinely noticeable and worth the investment.
Mattress toppers aren’t actually all that cheap—maybe running even up to a couple hundred bucks. But as a way to prop up a cheaper, less comfortable mattress or upgrade an already beasty one, it’s like sleeping on marshmallows.
Just remember that toppers add overall thickness to your mattress, which may result in you getting too close to bumping your head at night. Always measure twice and cut once when it comes to RV gear!
Quality Pillows and Cushions
As for pillows, memory foam or latex are the top picks for RV living. These materials provide support and are naturally hypoallergenic, which helps if you’re traveling through dusty areas.
Look for pillows that balance softness and firmness nicely. Make sure they aren’t too bulky for your RV’s storage either. You could even try adjustable-fill pillows for a little bit more versatility.
Can I Use a Standard Mattress in an RV?
Yes, you can… if it fits! First things first, measure yo’ space! You might be lucky enough to fit a standard mattress in there or you may need a specialized sizing like a Short Queen, Tthree-Quarter or a bunk bed.
Standard mattresses also tend to be heavier and thicker than RV-tailored products. While there are a few other nuances (as with all RV gear), it primarily comes down to these size concerns.
If you have the room and weight allowance, it’s possible. However, even with the most clever space-saving ideas for an RV, storage is a rare commodity! As such most RVers and their rigs will likely be better suited to an RV-specific mattress.
The Various Types of Mattresses Used in RVs
We’ve peeked into this rabbit hole, but we haven’t taken the full dive yet. Let’s look at the plethora of mattress types you can choose from for your RV!
While hybrids can seem like the best choice, each type of mattress has its own pros and cons. Down we go!
Foam Mattress
Basic foam mattresses are lightweight and affordable. This makes them a common choice for RVs, particularly cheaper campervan setups.
They provide decent support but tend to wear out faster than other types of mattress materials. They won’t break the bank, nor your back, but don’t expect luxury comfort. High-density foam, alternatively, offers better durability, but it’s still not the best choice for full-time nomads.
Memory Foam Mattress
What is memory foam? Memory foam is an innovative mattress material making wave(length)s in the sleep science space!
Memory foam mattresses are ideal for RVers who value pressure relief and motion isolation when sleeping. These mattresses conform to your body, minimizing achy bones after long cross-country hauls.
The big con here is that memory foam also traps heat. They’re not the best choice for campers who mostly park up in hot climates. If that’s a consideration, I’d recommend looking at gel-infused memory foam instead.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are known for being breathable, hypoallergenic, and durable. They stay cooler than memory foam while still offering excellent support.
They do tend to be on the pricier side. They also tend to be more cumbersome and harder to move around as well as on the firmer side. Latex mattresses hold up very well to the rigors of RV travel but consider these pros and cons against your preferences before buying one.
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses offer a more traditional balance of firmness-to-bounce all thanks to their coil systems. As a result, they’re durable and provide solid support. But on the flip side, they’re also heavier and less flexible for tight RV spaces.
If you love that springy feel, jump right in! Or opt for a hybrid model that combines coils and foam for a bit more balance and flexibility.
Gel Mattress
Gel mattresses are perfect for RVers who sleep hot. They feature gel-infused layers which are designed to draw heat away from your body and provide a cooler night’s sleep.
Gel mattresses are usually softer and on the more luxurious and costly end of the spectrum. However, a gel mattress topper is a great option for any mattress if you want to experience the gel lifestyle while keeping costs down.
Air Mattress
Of course, there’s always the SUPER budget option! Air mattresses offer adjustable firmness while being lightweight and easy to store. They’re also prone to leaks and deflation with constant, rugged use.
Air mattresses are not my recommendation, better left as a gift idea for an RVer or camper rather than your go-to solution. An air mattress is more the thing you blow up in your RV for the hitchhiker you picked up along the way who’s crashing the night.
But for a long-term RV mattress solution, any of the above options are better.
Mattress Care Guide: Quick Tips for a More Restful Night’s Sleep!
Treat yo’ mattress right and they’ll treat you right! (Insert spousal joke here.)
Taking care of your RV mattress ensures it lasts longer and stays comfortable throughout your adventures. Follow the tips below to maximize your mattress’s lifespan and keep the roads ahead soft and supple.
- Use a mattress protector. They shield against spill, dust, and wear.
- Rotate it regularly. This helps prevent the mattress from sagging and uneven wear. This is doubly true in RVs where the weight shifts constantly.
- Air it out. Ventilate the mattress every few months to prevent moisture from building up, especially in humid climates.
- Clean it. Duh! Vacuum your mattress regularly and spot-clean it with mild detergent to keep it fresh.
- Use a moisture barrier. RV environments can get damp—protect your mattress with a barrier if you’re in wet or humid areas.
FAQs About Buying Replacement Mattresses
More questions! Well don’t worry, there are no stupid questions when it comes to informed purchasing decisions.
Well, maybe except for “What is a mattress?”. But other than that, there are no stupid questions!
What Are Hybrid Mattresses?
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: foam layers with innerspring coils. This design offers the contouring and comfort of foam but with the support and light bounce of springs. They also tend to have better cooling than all-foam models, so they’re great for RVers who need firm support, a touch of softness, and room to breathe.
What’s the Proper Way to Care for an RV’s Mattress?
Refer to the tips above for a more extended breakdown. But essentially… protect it, clean it, and rotate it regularly. Focus more on dust and bed bug prevention through regular cleaning rather than using products like mothballs to deter pests. A simple routine cycle of maintenance alongside regular ventilation will keep your RV mattress in good shape for a long time to come.
What Sizes Are Available for RV Mattresses?
RV mattresses come in a few unique sizes to fit the limited space inside motorhomes. Common options include the…
- RV Queen (60” x 75”)
- Short Queen (60” x 74”)
- RV King (72” x 80”)
- Three-Quarter (48” x 75”)
It’s important to measure your sleeping area before buying. These sizes differ from standard home mattress dimensions and some manufacturers also offer custom sizes. So, again, measure twice and cut once!
How Much Should I Spend on a Mattress for an RV?
While prices vary greatly, the general range you can expect is from $300 to $1,200. Unless you’re getting a mattress topper or are a very casual or budget RVer, I’d recommend steering off the low end of that spectrum. Aim for something in the $500 to $800 range for a good balance of comfort, support, and durability. Or spend a bit more and get the BEST.
How Does Mattress Weight Affect the Perception of Firmness?
Heavier mattresses, like hybrid or innerspring models, often feel firmer due to their denser layers and more supportive coils. In contrast, lighter mattresses, such as foam or air mattresses, will feel softer and more easily compressed. So if you’re looking for a firmer feel, a heavier mattress might be your best bet.
Our Verdict: What’s the Overall Best RV Mattress Replacement?
Snug as a bug in a rug! That’s the goal. Anything less will simply just not do.
To achieve that, my top pick of RV mattresses remains the same. The Helix Midnight, our hybrid homeboy, offers the BEST combination of comfort, support, and value. Just make sure it fits in your RV first.
Otherwise, either of the Dreamfoam models with their RV-specific sizings are a good backup option. The Essential with a mattress topper is a fantastic cheaper solution. Meanwhile, the Hybrid hits that mid-range sweet spot like few other RV mattresses do.
But whatever you do, just don’t cheap out! Mattresses want to be seen. Heard. Valued. This mattress is going to be in your life for a long time.’
And just like a spouse, the last thing you want is for them to give out from underneath you halfway across the country!
Sleep soundly, road-warrior. Your spine deserves only the best.
