Upgrading Your RV Mattress

Upgrading the RV Mattress is one of the first things you will hear mentioned on any RV site or when talking to any RV owner as one of the first things that needs upgrading in the RV! I would have to agree because sleep, be it at home or in a camper is necessary to be able to function daily. In this article we will talk about options available to upgrade/replace or enhance your RV mattress.
There are many reasons why one would want to replace or upgrade their RV mattress; Several reasons are the mattress that came with the camper is used or uncomfortable, is damaged or just doesn’t fit right. The first step in buying a replacement mattress is knowing exactly what you need and the size you need to purchase. Mattress Insider lists how to properly measure your mattress and the most common sizes.
Mattress Topper
There are a lot of mattress toppers available to buy so you won’t be short on choices. The one in this video has links to buy it and she demonstrates how to make it work. It is latex free and made with natural material. She does have some trouble cutting it to size and ends up using an electric knife. It is an affordable option that offers comfort.
Foam RV Mattress
The foam RV mattress is a popular choice because it is inexpensive, super comfortable and very easy to install. When purchasing an RV foam mattress be sure to ask about what it is made of because it is important to make sure it is allergen free and safe for the environment. I have also used this type of mattress in my camper van and the biggest downfall was if it was a chilly night it turned to a brick. You could punch the foam with your fist and hurt yourself. It was not a comfortable night’s sleep. If you are in a travel trailer, 5^th wheel or motorhome with a heater then you will be fine with foam. I have heard from others that live in Florida that memory foam can be hot to sleep on. On a side note with the toppers and memory foam do not remove them from the plastic until you are inside the RV otherwise it will be difficult to get into your RV.
Mattress from Home
Using mattress from your home issues: too big, hangs over. A home mattress is normally a queen and an RV queen are about five inches shorter. However, when we had our thirty-foot travel trailer, we did use our mattress from home and even though it hung over it was very doable, affordable and comfortable.
Air Mattress
You can purchase an air mattress from a dealership or online made specifically for RV user, but the problem is set up, time and costs – all are costly. You could buy one from your local chain store but if you have ever tent camped and used an air mattress what generally happens? They lose air. You spend every night re airing it up and depending on the outside temps it usually deflates mid night and you are left sleeping on the ground. Same concept in your RV, it will most likely deflate, be uncomfortable and leave you frustrated. With that said, it is fast, easy, and gentle on the wallet.
Latex RV Mattress
While a latex RV mattress is sturdier and meant to last longer than say a foam mattress it can be dangerous for those of us who have a latex allergy. I happen to be one of those people; therefore, my choice would most likely be my home mattress. When purchasing a latex mattress make sure it is all natural and not synthetic because it breaks down over time.
Sleep Number Bed
While I have personally not slept on a sleep number, I certainly would try it. It has raving reviews and comes with a twenty-five-year warranty. The only con to this bed is the price but can you really put a price on comfort? There are few things of necessity in life – water, air, food and a good night’s sleep. The sleep number bed ticks the last box despite its price. The pro to a sleep number bed is you can purchase one for your home and your RV. If you go to Sleep Number website, they have a 4.4 out of 5-star rating by their customers.
Zinus Mattress
Now Zinus is a new one for me but not for my fellow campers it seems it is all the rage for my friends.

Related Read: Improving Your RV Sleep

Tochta Mattress
Tochta mattress reminds me of “Build a Bear”. You go online, enter some information and build your bed. Much like Build a Bear you end up with a custom-made product that suits your specific needs. Obviously build a bed with Tochta is way more expensive than Build a Bear but you get a great product in the end.
Tuft and Needle Mattress
This mattress is made with foam as well, but they make the statement that unlike other foam made mattresses theirs is made up of thirty percent more graphite which offers a cooler sleep. This is a bed in a box foam mattress that offers breathability for coolness, pressure relief for our aches and pains and just the right amount of firmness for most people. They offer a hundred-night trial and a ten-year warranty. What about price? The Tuft and Needle mattress compares to most with prices starting at around $750.

Related Read: 5 Upgrades Every Fulltimer Should Consider

Bed in a Box
Bed in a Box struck me as odd at first, but I quickly warmed up to the idea. In fact, so much so I have decided my next bed will be a bed in a box. Like most mattress companies they too offer a trial period of one hundred twenty nights. They promise a good night’s sleep with less tossing and turning. What I like about Bed in a Box is they offer financing that allows you to make monthly payments. Two other perks are it has a label that says Made in America and free shipping.

Related Read: How to Choose a New RV Mattress for Better Sleep

Conclusion
I could go on and on about RV mattress options all day long and what is available, but I think we can all agree the one that usually comes with your RV is not comfortable and needs to be replaced. Thankfully there are many great options as listed above. Other options not mentioned are Teddy Bear Mattresses, Purple Mattresses, and IKEA Mattresses.