How to Choose the Best Memory Foam Mattress for Your RV

An RV is supposed to represent relaxation and fun -- so why is it that most RV mattresses are stiff, uncomfortable abominations that leave you tossing and turning each night? Whether it's because the mattress is too thin or it's made of inflexible stuff, a bad mattress can wreak havoc on your sleep, leaving you groggier and on edge with each passing day when you're supposed to be enjoying yourself.

The good news is that you don't have to settle for the mattress that came with your RV. RV manufacturers are in the business of making fully-stocked mobile homes, and the master bedroom, if you can call it that, is rife with compromises and idiosyncrasies that make it hard to get a good night's rest on the road. But by tossing out your old mattress for a modern memory foam one, you'll finally get the comfort and support you need for a rejuvenating night's rest.

Unlike traditional mattresses that are heavy, bulky and expensive, memory foam mattresses are inexpensive, lightweight and they come in various thicknesses and sizes, so you're sure to find one that's a perfect fit for your RV. Better yet, if you have an awkwardly sized sleeping space in your RV, memory foam is perfect because you can cut it to size -- just try doing that with a traditional mattress. All it takes is an electric carving knife, some measuring and a bit of focus -- and you can have a just-right sized mattress for your RV.

But what's the best memory foam mattress for RVs, and what should you keep in mind as you shop for a replacement mattress? To start, don't bother with RV-specific mattresses from the standard manufacturers. These mattresses are typically overpriced, made of hot, unbreathable, first-generation foam, and they're also much harder to find since they're often made for specific models and their awkward sizing requirements.

That said, you could always spring for a memory foam topper to go above your existing mattress. They're even cheaper than most memory foam options -- which, if price is a concern, makes it a contender for best memory foam mattress for RV -- and you might actually find that a memory foam topper provides an adequate level of comfort. Toppers are also nice when you get to your destination and you're the type that enjoys an afternoon nap in the sun. Just throw down a tarp and grab the topper for one of those truly relaxing, outdoor naps.

However, if you're prone to taking weeks-long trips instead of just a night or two, a topper probably won't cut it. Couples may also find that a thin topper doesn't provide enough support, and a thicker memory foam mattress is really needed for continued, night after night comfort. 

At the other end of the spectrum are the premium, several-thousand-dollar memory foam mattresses that are some of the best mattresses you can buy, period. If you've got money to burn, these would be the best memory foam mattresses for RVs, but they often only come in oversized options, which may be a terrible fit for your RVs smaller, irregular bed shape. Taking a knife to a $4,000 mattress may not be the best idea, and, truthfully, at that end of the spectrum you're paying for brand recognition more than anything else. 

Thankfully, there are more affordable options that are basically just as good as the leading brands, and you could really save a mint. The best memory foam mattresses for RVs will likely only run you a few hundred dollars for the top-tier options, and cheaper memory foam mattresses can be had for just a couple hundred bucks. Just make sure that the mattress you get matches your comfort preferences. If you like a plush, forgiving mattress, don't go with a mattress that's just two inches thick. For the most part, you'll want a mattress that's at least four inches thick -- and the real comfort starts when you get into 8, 10 and 12 inches, or more.

If you're unsure, go with a retailer or brand with a good return policy. A mattress is a very personal thing, and what one believes is the best memory foam mattress for RVs might not be a tolerable mattress for another. It all depends on your preferences, and a few weeks with a mattress in the real world will tell you everything you need to know. More generous sellers might even give you a few months with your purchase and charge you no restocking fees for a return, though you will have to figure out how to get the mattress back to them. But if you're a picky sleeper, it could save you from being stuck with a mattress you don't want.

Aside from the thickness, a memory foam mattress is also rated for its foam density, or how much give it has. While this is certainly a matter of personal preference, the consensus is that a four-pound density is a good place to start, which correlates to a medium firm comfort rating -- and it also happens to be the most popular firmness. But if you prefer a softer or firmer mattress, it's a good idea to scale up or down accordingly. 

Another important consideration when it comes to memory foam mattresses is whether you'd like a cool, gel-infused mattress. Part of the third generation of foam after regular foam and memory foam, gel-infused foam is more breathable than standard memory foam, which have a tendency to get hot and sticky during the long night as it conforms to a sleeper's body. With a gel-infused mattress, the increased air circulation whisks your body's heat away, rather than trapping it in the mattress. This makes gel-infused mattresses the best memory foam mattresses for hot and stuffy RVs, and it also means you'll get a cooler, more comfortable night's sleep.

For more about the right memory foam mattress for your RV, look to the comfort and affordability of a Dynasty Mattress. Available in various thicknesses and sizes to fit the sleeping quarters of just about any RV, a Dynasty Mattress is a great way to get some better quality Zs when you're out enjoying all that nature has to offer. After all, you're supposed to be having the time of your life, and a mattress that leaves you with a crick in your neck and an achy back is no way to start each day. 

Check out our surprisingly comfortable, 4.5 inch gel-infused memory foam sofa mattress for a quick fix that you can use alone or tossed on top of your existing RV mattress -- or step it up to the 14.5 inch, plush glory of our CoolBreeze GEL Memory Foam Mattress for the ultimate in comfort from multiple layers of cool, gel-infused memory foam.