Vacationing in an RV allows travelers to sleep on the go, and replacing the camper mattress is often a necessary upgrade.
A mattress upgrade is key to a relaxing RV vacation (Photo: Courtesy Nolah)
Many main bedroom beds in mid-size to large RVs come in queen or short queen size. Those opting to upgrade their short queen mattresses find the options less expensive than a queen, often lighter in weight, and more versatile to fit almost any RV. Every RV bed should be measured to assure a new mattress fits correctly.
The Sleep Foundation defines an RV short queen mattress in dimensions of 60” x 75”, but we found “RV” specific mattresses measuring longer and shorter. In fact, many of today’s higher end campers and RVs incorporate traditional mattress sizes, from queen at 60” x 80” to variations on king sizes.
Every sleeper has their own needs when it comes to the level of firmness in a mattress and individuals differ on other features provided by modern sleep technology. We have accumulated our recommendations for the best RV queen mattresses based on their standout features.
A great mattress provides luxury performance and comfort at an affordable price (Photo: courtesy GhostBed)
OUR PICK: GhostBed RV
The GhostBed RV mattress is our choice as it provides near luxury performance and comfort at an affordable price. Available in either all-foam or hybrid (foam and spring), the construction provides minimal motion transfer, which is perfect for sleepers sharing an RV with active evening campers. The GhostBed RV is 10” thick and comes with a 20-year warranty and plenty of positive online reviews. The mattress is constructed for cooling and rates between 7 and 8 on the firmness scale. GhostBeds are available direct from the manufacturer, plus through a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers, making them easy to purchase in a hurry.
FOR KIDS: Lucid Gel Memory Foam
For campers looking to upgrade a child’s sleep the Lucid Gel Memory Foam is a wonderful mattress choice. The easy to access height of only 5” makes it easy to get in and out of bed and a plush top layer of foam helps ventilate the mattress and increase airflow and breathability. Four inches of bamboo charcoal-infused foam is hypoallergenic, meaning fewer allergic reactions. It is supportive enough for big kids. The bamboo charcoal infusion helps keep the mattress smelling fresh. Lucid Gel Memory Foam mattresses come in both queen and short queen sizes.
The Nolah Evolution tops the luxury mattress upgrades category (Photo: Courtesy Nolah)
LUXURY: Nolah Evolution
If size and length is not an option, as it is in most top-of-the-line RVs, the 15” Nolah Evolution is the most luxurious possibility. The high-tech, hybrid mattress is rated as the Best Mattress for Spinal Alignment by the Sleep Foundation. When it is too warm in the RV the heat-dissipating Euro topper and graphite-infused AirFoamICE layer provide adequate cooling. It can be hard to make a bed in the close quarters of a camper; the Nolah simplifies maneuvering this larger mattress with sturdy double-handles on each side. Underbed storage is now even easier to access. The stylish design of this upgrade is another advantage of this award-winning mattress.
HEAVY DUTY: BigDawg Mattress
Manufactured in Mount Airy, North Carolina, SleepDog mattresses are made for travel, literally. The company specializes in mattresses for big rig truckers and RVs and all models are Department of Transportation approved. The BigDawg Mattress is a 9” multi-layer, memory foam mattress made with a CoolRest comfort layer. Double sided construction allows for extended use. The moderately priced BigDawg Mattress comes with a 120-night, risk-free trial and a 10-year warranty. The RV queen size is a sturdy 57 lbs.
Affordable options offer upgrades to standard RV mattresses (Photo: Courtesy Wayfair)
BUDGET: Wayfair Sleep Memory Foam
Retailing for under $200, the Wayfair Sleep Memory Foam is one of the cheapest, yet best rated mattresses on the market. The 6” model is rated medium on the firmness scale and provides comfort through an open-cell foam design. A top layer of green tea-infused foam provides a calming effect. This mattress is also one of the lightest on the market, making it perfect for ultralight trailers. This mattress is a good fit for RV beds with full foundations as slats may lead to improper support. Wayfair Sleep company policy provides a 100-night free trial.