7 Great Options for Replacing Your Camper Mattress

One of the first things many campers do after purchasing a new RV is to replace the mattress. Stock beds in most RVs are not comfortable. Camper manufacturers try to build and stock campers as inexpensively as possible, and one area where they save money is with the mattress. Unfortunately, stock mattresses in most campers are thin and uncomfortable.

One of the best aspects of traveling in RVs is the opportunity to sleep in your bed. Therefore, you want to purchase a comfortable mattress. However, there are a few things you need to know before replacing your camper mattress.

What Size Mattress Do You Need?

The first step in replacing your camper mattress is to measure your current one. Often RV mattresses are stock sizes. For example, they might advertise that the camper comes with a queen-size mattress when it is a “short queen.” The short queen is used throughout the RV industry and is the width of a standard queen, but it is the length of a full-size mattress.

Once you have measured your bed and determined the size you need, it is time to select the type of mattress that you want to purchase. There are many options, and it can be overwhelming as you try to decide, so it is good to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

RV Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam is a viscoelastic, dense polyurethane foam that conforms to your body and is a great option when replacing your camper mattress. NASA initially developed memory foam during the 1960s, and it has been adapted for many uses since then. Because memory foam molds to the contours of your body, there is less pressure on areas like your shoulders and hips. Less pressure helps eliminate the stiffness and soreness you feel when you wake up.

One advantage of memory foam mattresses is the lack of motion transfer. The lack of motion transfer means the mattress does not move or shake each time a person moves in bed.  

Another advantage of memory foam mattresses is that they reduce allergens. A typical bed collects dust mites over time. However, memory foam is so dense that it is resistant to gathering dust mites.

When replacing your camper mattress, memory foam’s drawback is that it is so dense that it retains heat. The density prevents air from circulating throughout the mattress, causing it to retain body heat, which can cause the bed to be uncomfortable, especially during hot summer months. 

Memory foam mattresses also get softer as they get warmer, so your body heat can cause the mattress to get slightly softer as you sleep. The softness may cause you to sink further into the bed, making it difficult to turn over during sleep.

Brand-new memory foam mattresses may give off a smell when you first decompress them. The smell dissipates after a week or two. We recommend placing your new memory foam mattress in your camper a few weeks before you plan to go on a trip.

Gel-Infused Foam Mattresses

Gel-infused foam is a variation of the memory foam mattress and is also great when replacing your camper mattress. The gel is infused into the bed allowing the air to circulate throughout. This eliminates the heat retention problem in memory foam mattresses and creates a cooler sleeping surface.

RV Polyfoam Mattresses

A polyfoam mattress is made of polyurethane foam. Polyfoam does not offer as much support as memory foam or innerspring mattresses. However, high-resiliency polyfoam can provide additional support but is more expensive. If you decide to purchase polyfoam when replacing your camper mattress, be sure to research the type of polyfoam used by the manufacturer. Many manufacturers who target low price points use inferior products, and as a result, the foam is not very comfortable to sleep on, and the mattress does not last long.

Latex RV Mattresses

A third type of foam commonly used in mattresses is latex. The advantage of latex when replacing your camper mattress is that they do not retain heat like a memory foam mattress. As a result, latex mattresses maintain a consistent level of firmness and do not get softer when warm, making them easier to move during sleep.

Latex is a natural product, and though it undergoes a vulcanization process to make a mattress, it does not need to be rated CertiPur-US to be toxic-free (read below to learn more about CertiPur-US).

The disadvantage of latex mattresses is that they are more bouncy than memory foam and do not conform to your body as a memory foam mattress does.

Before purchasing a latex mattress, ensure you are not allergic to latex. Latex can cause adverse reactions in some people.

There are two different types of latex mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. Because of the way it is manufactured, a Dunlop latex mattress has a firmer base and a softer top. A Talalay mattress has the same density and feel throughout the entire bed.

RV Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses provide the most support in the RV mattress category. Instead of foam, this mattress contains steel coils. Steel coils can support more weight; the more coils, the more support. So if you prefer a firm mattress with lots of support, an innerspring mattress is probably the best choice when replacing your camper mattress.

The disadvantage of spring mattresses is that you feel lots of motion in the mattress every time another person in the bed moves. In addition, the mattress can become noisy over time as it may begin to squeak.

Hybrid RV Mattresses

A hybrid mattress comprises both foam and springs, bringing together the best aspects of spring and memory foam mattresses while minimizing the disadvantages of each. For example, a hybrid mattress is softer than an all-spring mattress, but you do not get the feeling of sinking into the mattress as you get with foam because the springs provide a firm foundation. In addition, a hybrid mattress will not get hot like memory foam.

The disadvantage of the hybrid mattress is its cost. An excellent hybrid mattress costs more than a memory foam mattress, which is an area to consider when replacing your camper mattress.

RV Air Mattresses

A final option when replacing your camper mattress is an air mattress. These are popular because you can customize the firmness of each side of the bed. Two air chambers make up the base of the mattress, with layers of latex or memory foam on top of the air chambers to add comfort. However, these mattresses are usually more expensive, and if you decide you want an air mattress, you need to ensure that it is a good one so that you do not have issues with air leakage. The slightest leak can ruin a night’s sleep.

What is CertiPur-US certified?

Do not purchase any polyfoam or memory foam bed that is not CertiPur-US certified. CertiPur-US beds are free from toxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, or formaldehyde. If there is no CertiPur-US tag, check with the manufacturer to see if their mattresses are certified. We have found that if a mattress is certified, it is usually listed on the website.

How thick should an RV mattress be?

When considering your camper mattress, the thickness of the bed is essential. Especially when two adults are sleeping in the bed, RV mattresses should be at least 6 inches thick, and we recommend that they are 8 to 10 inches thick. An 8 to 10-inch memory foam mattress is ideal because they are comfortable, economical, and relatively light. Unfortunately, we have found that most mattresses under 6 inches are uncomfortable and do not provide enough support.

Mattress Insider

Mattress Insider (check them out) is one of the premier RV mattress manufacturers in the world. They offer several options at multiple price points and come with a 121-day no-risk trial period. You can get your money back on your mattress if you do not like it within those 121 days. Depending on your chosen bed, their mattresses also come with a 15-20 year guarantee.

Mattress Insider’s most popular mattresses are gel-infused memory foam. The mattress is made up of several layers of foam, and by doing this, you essentially get two different mattresses to fit your sleeping needs. The entire mattress is encased in a 100% organic cotton cover so that you can sleep on either side of the mattress. Due to the varied foam design, one side is softer than the other, so if the firm side is too firm, flip it over, and you will have a softer mattress. All of Mattress Insiders’ mattresses are made with CertiPur-US foam.

Mattress Insider has a luxury, high-end hybrid mattress. This mattress has pocketed cell innerspring and a layer of gel-infused memory foam. With this luxury mattress, you get the advantages of the cooling gel-infused foam with the additional support provided by the innerspring.

In addition to stock mattresses, Mattress Insider also manufactures custom mattresses to fit any need, size, or shape. So the first step is to determine what size you need. Then choose the mattress you want, and let Mattress Insider do the work when replacing your camper mattress.

GhostBeds

If you have ever used a ladder, there is a pretty good chance you are familiar with Werner Ladders. Werner is the leading manufacturer of ladders in the world. Marc Werner of Werner Ladders started GhostBeds in 2001, and they have become one of the top bed manufacturers in the world. Marc Werner had neck surgery three times, and he could not find a bed or pillow that he could sleep on without pain, so he started his own bed company. Out of Werner’s discomfort, the Ghost Bed line was born. GhostBed mattresses are manufactured in the United States using only the best materials.

The GhostBed RV Mattress (check them out) gives 10 inches of comfort. The base is 8 inches of high-density foam designed to ensure spinal alignment at night. On top of the base mattress is a 2-inch layer of gel memory foam.

The gel memory foam transfers heat from your body as you sleep, ensuring you do not get hot and sweaty at night. All of this is topped off with a plush, breathable cover so that you can enjoy a good night’s sleep. GhostBeds are CertiPur-US certified. These beds come with a 20-year warranty, and you may return a mattress anytime during the first 101 nights you own the bed for a full refund if you do not like it. Optimal when replacing your camper mattress, the GhostBed is available in short queen and short king sizes. GhostBeds can also customize the bed to fit your needs for a fee.

GhostBed Sheets, the Best Sheets for an RV

In addition to mattresses, GhostBeds makes an array of bedding products. They are perfect for RVs (check them out). The GhostBed fitted sheet has a 2-inch GhostGrip to ensure they do not slip off the corners during the night. The GhostGrip is excellent for beds in RVs since they can be challenging to make.

The GhostGrip will help ensure you are not repeatedly trying to get those hard-to-reach corners back in place. Not only do the sheets stay in place, but they are also luxurious. GhostBed sheets are manufactured by blending Supima cotton with Tencel. Tencel fibers provide a cooling property to your sheet, which is breathable and resists allergens. Combine these sheets with a GhostBed mattress for a great night’s sleep.

Zinus Ultima Comfort 10-inch Memory Foam Mattresses

The Zinus Comfort 10-inch memory foam mattress (check it out on Amazon) is what we have in our camper, and we love it. We have had this mattress for five years, and it is still as comfortable as the day we bought it. We liked the Zinus mattress so much that we bought three for our house. This 10-inch bed has 3 inches of memory foam, 2 inches of comfort foam, and 5 inches of high-density support foam. Not only is our bed comfortable, but there is also very little motion transfer. The memory foam is breathable, making it comfortable even on hot nights. This Zinus mattress is certified safe from chemicals by CertiPur-US.

Dynasty CoolBreeze Gel RV Mattresses

The DynastyMattress 10-Inch CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam (check it out on Amazon) is another good option when replacing your camper mattress, and it is available from Amazon. Dynasty has been manufacturing quality mattresses for 13 years. Their best seller is a medium-firm mattress that comes with a 30-year warranty. In addition, this mattress features a zip-on cover that is removable for washing.

Wilderness RV Mattresses

Wilderness RV Mattresses (check them out) is unique in that they specialize in RV mattresses. A family of RVers owns the company, so they design their mattresses with an RVer like yourself who is replacing your camper mattress in mind. Their beds are made of the highest quality materials and are CertiPur-US certified. Wilderness carries two different gel-infused memory foam mattresses and a luxury hybrid mattress. You can choose from three different comfort levels on the hybrid model: firm, plush, and pillow top.

Wilderness RV mattresses come with a ten-year warranty and a unique 100-day trial. The 100-day trial allows you to try the bed for up to 100 days; if you do not like it, you can get your money back. The unique aspect of the 100-day program is that you do not have to return the mattress if you do not like it. Instead, get preauthorization from the company, donate it to a local charity, and send them the receipt, and Wilderness will refund your money.

Sleep Number Comfortaire R5

The Sleep Number Bed (check it out) is the premier air mattress manufacturer, and they have a model to consider when replacing your camper mattress explicitly made for RVs. Air inflates both sides of the bed. Each chamber can be inflated separately so that each person can tailor their side to their specific comfort level. In addition to 6-inch dual air chambers, there is a two-inch layer of comfort foam. The material is breathable, making it comfortable even on hot nights. While the Comfortaire R5 is exceptionally comfortable, it is more expensive than other mattresses on the list. It also eliminates under-bed RV storage unless you modify the bed to allow alternative access.

Mattress Toppers

Purchasing a mattress topper is a cheaper option than replacing your camper mattress. A mattress topper can be placed on top of your current mattress to make it more comfortable. Most memory foam beds are made up of three layers of foam. By adding another layer, you are adding to the thickness of your original mattress. Sometimes, a mattress topper is a perfect solution to produce an ideal bed.

Zinus 4-inch Topper for an RV Mattress

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper (check it out on Amazon) is a very comfortable memory foam topper composed of 1.5 inches of memory foam and 2.5 inches of high-density foam. This topper is made from green tea extract, keeping the mattress fresh and odor free by naturally eliminating bacteria. This Zinus topper is also certified safe from harmful chemicals by CertiPur-US. We used this mattress topper when replacing the bunk mattresses in our camper. Also, check out our article on how we custom-fit the topper to fit our odd-sized bunks.

Froli System

The Froli system (Use this link to purchase and enter the code Campers15 to receive 15% off your order) is a set of plastic polymer springs that you place under your mattress. They come in small squares, and you put them together like a puzzle. A Froli system provides extra support to your bed, just like a box spring does at home. Assembly takes about an hour, depending on the size of your mattress. There are three different Froli systems, which vary in height based on your need. The Star system is most commonly used in RVs and is a terrific option when replacing your camper mattress.

Besides adding comfort, the Froli system adds ventilation under your mattress, which helps prevent mold from developing (check out our article on preventing bed mold).

There are many options to replace your camper mattress. Definitely shop around and do your research. These seven options are the best that we have found on the market. We hope that you enjoy your new bed!

Are you replacing your camper mattress? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below.