How to Get Your Best Sleep in an RV: The Complete Guide to Custom RV Mattresses

Getting a good night’s sleep in your RV can be tough. Even if you’re used to sleeping in a camper, you may not have the best custom RV mattress to help you get quality rest, especially if you’re still using the one that came with your vehicle.

Luckily, there is something you can do to improve your chance of getting quality sleep in your RV, whether it’s a Class-A motorhome or a fifth-wheel trailer: get a better RV mattress.

Read on to find out where you can buy a quality custom RV mattress, what to consider when making a purchase.

Why Is Finding a Good RV Mattress So Hard?

RV mattresses are infamous for being difficult to sleep on. Between cheaper materials, barely-there padding, and pokey springs, your standard RV mattress just isn’t a great sleeping surface, even when compared to a low-end regular mattress.

Most RV manufacturers purposefully choose low-quality mattresses because they’re cheap and lightweight. They’re more concerned about keeping costs down and advertising fractionally higher gas mileage than about the user’s comfort. Fortunately, you don’t have to stick with the mattress that came with your RV, especially if you think it’s negatively impacting your sleep!

What are the Most Common RV Mattress Sizes?

RV mattresses also tend to come in different sizes and shapes from regular mattresses. Here are some of the most common RV mattress sizes:

• Short King: 72” x 75” A short king size mattress is designed to be both shorter and narrower than a regular king mattress, making it a cozy but generally still comfortable option for those who are used to sleeping on a king size bed.
• RV King: 70” x 80” or 72” x 80” An RV King mattress is slightly narrower but generally the same length as a regular King size mattress, making it a good option for fitting in a narrow vehicle space.
• California King: 72” x 84” A RV California King or regular California King mattress gives you more length than any other RV mattress size. This is a great option to accommodate a tall couple and a child, or even several children who may want to sleep near the foot of the bed.
• Short Queen: 60” x 74” or 50” x 75” A Short Queen size mattress is 5-6 inches shorter than a regular queen mattress and sometimes narrower as well.
• RV Queen: 60” x 80” An RV Queen mattress is typically the same size as a regular Queen mattress, but made from a material that is designed for RV settings. Mattress buyers who are looking to buy a mass-produced RV mattress will typically find the most options in this size, although the quality level can vary dramatically.
• Olympic Queen: 66” x 80” An Olympic Queen size mattress is 6 inches wider than a standard queen. If you have a little extra width in your RV sleeping area and want a little more space between you and your sleeping partner, this mattress size is likely a good choice.
• Full: 53” x 74” or 53” x 75” A Full or Double size mattress is designed to accommodate a couple that sleeps close together. This is the size you typically find on pull-out sofa beds.
• Short Full: 48” x 74” or 48” x 75” A Short Full size mattress is exactly what it sounds like: a shorter version of a full mattress designed to fit in a very constricted space.
• Twin: 38” x 74” A twin size mattress is the same size you are likely to see in children’s, teenagers’ and some singles adults’ beds.
• Twin XL: 38” x 80” The Twin XL size is designed to acccomodate a taller adult than a standard twin size mattress.
• RV Bunk: 28 x 75”, 30 x 75”, 30 x 80”, 34 x 75”, or 35 x 80” RV Bunk beds are extremely common in family-friendly RVs but come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes. There’s no real standard in this mattress size, but you can consistently expect it to be smaller than a regular twin mattress in length and/or width. The specific dimensions will depend on the design of the RV.
• Crib: 38” x 52” Crib bed spaces are rare in RVs, but some custom RVs have them.

These dimensions are often just a little different from what you’ll find in a typical mattress store, and that’s assuming your mattress dimensions are even on the list! Since RVs have such tight quarters, it’s pretty common to find RV bed frames in unique shapes designed for a specific vehicle.

Cut Corner RV Mattresses and Other Unusual Mattress Shapes

Cut corner mattresses are extremely common in RV layouts. After all, those rounded or cut corners provide just a little more walking space, which can make an enormous difference in a tiny RV bedroom.

A custom mattress factory can accommodate your request for an unusual mattress shape or size. You can order a custom RV mattress to fit the exact length and width of your space and choose corners that are rounded or cut off at an angle to create a bevel.

Where to Buy the Best RV Mattress

If you’ve spent any time researching RV mattresses online, you may have come across a few lists of top-rated RV mattresses. Here’s a little secret those list-makers won’t tell you, though: The best RV mattress for you will rarely be on a list!

Everyone has a unique body, and no standardized mattress will be the best fit for everyone. If you want to get your best possible sleep, you will want a custom RV mattress made for your unique body, sleep needs, and preferences. That means the best place to buy an RV mattress is a custom mattress factory.

Custom RV Mattresses vs. Standard RV Mattresses

Custom mattress factories are not the only places where you can buy RV mattresses. However, the quality difference between a standardized and custom-made RV mattress is enormous. You will sleep much better on a custom RV mattress designed with your body.

When you buy from a local mattress factory, you get more than just a personalized mattress. You also get:

• Customized fitting at no additional cost.
• Better quality materials.
• Two-sided products for added durability.
• A lower environmental footprint.
• The pleasure of knowing you’re supporting your local community.
• You will actually learn what you are purchasing.

Add in the fact that your mattress will have customized layers of support, and you can see why a custom RV mattress is infinitely more valuable than anything you would get from a typical box store or online seller. If you can spring for a custom RV mattress to replace your standard-issue one, you won’t forget it.

What to Consider When Buying a Custom RV Mattress

Your RV mattress should be customized for your body, space, and sleep needs. Here are some points you should consider:

1. Shape. RV beds often have different dimensions from standard mattresses, and many have rounded corners as well. It’s essential to measure your space and make sure the RV mattress you are buying fits those dimensions.
2. Firmness. Most people based upon height and weight sleep best on medium-firm mattress cores, but it all depends on your body shape and sleep position. Side sleepers and people who tend to change positions as they sleep require surface layers that match their curvature.
3. Thickness. Have you ever felt like you were sinking too deeply into your RV mattress, or like you could feel the plywood beneath the cushioning? If so, you likely need a thicker or firmer weight-bearing mattress. Your custom RV mattress should be thick enough to fully support you and help you feel comfortable. Deeper mattress surfaces also tend to be helpful for people with medical conditions like arthritis, hip pain, or shoulder pain.
4. Allergy sensitivity. If you have indoor allergies, your mattress may be contributing to your misery. Switching to a hypoallergenic RV mattress material such as latex could make an enormous difference to your health and comfort.
5. Temperature. Tired of feeling hot at night? You might be better off with a different RV mattress material. Talalay latex and innerspring RV mattresses, for example, tend to sleep cooler than memory foam and cheaper box spring mattresses.
6. Different sleep preferences for you and your partner. If you and your sleep partner want different things out of your mattress, that’s something you can easily take care of with a custom RV mattress. Talk to the people who build your mattress for a proper fitting.
7. Motion transfer. This is often another major factor for couples. If one partner tends to toss and turn in their sleep and continually wake the other up, you could definitely use a custom RV mattress. A good premium mattress manufacturer will know how to use the latest motion isolation technology so each partner feels calmer.
8. Size. Last but not least, you will need to make sure the mattress you buy fits in your RV! This is an absolutely critical factor. Even if you’re pretty sure you know what size mattress you need, you should always measure the bedframe to make sure the dimensions match up with a standardized size. Slight size and shape differences are common in RV mattresses.

How to Make RV Mattresses More Comfortable

But what if you’re not ready to buy a whole new RV mattress? There are still some things you can do to make yourself more comfortable.

Mattress toppers can be an excellent solution for people who aren’t yet ready to invest in a new mattress or have a minor issue with their current sleep surface. These cushions are designed to sit on top of your mattress and provide additional support and comfort. If your RV mattress is a little too firm or soft, the right mattress topper could work to create a sleep surface that fits your shape and pressure sensitivities.

You may also want to invest in something to protect your mattress from wear and tear, which can be more of a problem in a closely packed RV. Many RV owners like to use a waterproof mattress protector to avoid damage from spills, children’s accidents, and unexpected RV-related issues.

Buy a Custom RV Mattress for Your Camper, Motorhome, or Trailer

Slumber Ease Mattress Factory is dedicated to providing the best possible mattress for each individual. We use only the highest quality materials and a combination of traditional methods and advanced technologies to produce an RV mattress that is custom-made for you. If you are interested in a custom RV mattress made in the Pacific Northwest, reach out to us or stop by our showroom in Marysville, WA, today.

Frequently Asked Questions About RV Mattresses

How do you find the right mattress size for an RV bed?

To find out what mattress size you need, you will have to measure the dimensions of the structure the mattress will rest on (the bedframe). From there, you can see if your dimensions match up with a standard RV mattress size in the list near the top of this article.

Even if you are buying a standard RV mattress size, make sure to double check measurements with the manufacturer. There is some variation even in standard sizes, and similar-sounding sizes may actually be several inches longer or shorter than each other.

What is the difference between an RV mattress and a regular mattress?

RV mattresses have different sizes and shapes and are made from different materials than a regular mattress. Typically, RV mattresses are narrower and sometimes shorter than their regular counterparts, even if they are both labeled “Queen” or “King” sizes.

RV mattresses are also sometimes designed to be more weather- and water-resistant, as well as extra lightweight so as to not add extra weight to the vehicle. Most RV mattresses are foam rather than innerspring, which is the most common type of regular mattress.

Can you put a regular mattress in an RV or camper?

In some cases, you may be able to fit a regular mattress in an RV. The largest RV bed areas sometimes fit a standard Queen or King size mattress.

Even if it’s possible to fit a regular mattress in your RV or camper, you may still want to consider purchasing a mattress designed for RVs. RV mattresses are better protected from the elements and other common concerns in RVs. With an RV mattress, your sleeping surface is less likely to develop mold and other issues.

Are RV and camper mattress sizes different?

No, an RV mattress is the same thing as a camper mattress for most manufacturers. However, both RV and camper mattresses can come in a wide variety of sizes which may not perfectly match the closest regular mattress size.

How are RV mattresses measured?

RV mattresses are typically narrower and/or shorter than regular mattresses. To measure your mattress or sleeping space, take a tape measure and measure your bed from head to foot and from side to side. To get the depth (AKA height) of the mattress, measure vertically from the top to the bottom of teh mattress. Take note of any curved or unusually shaped corners.

If you have an unusually shaped RV space and want to buy a new mattress, reach out to a custom mattress manufacturer. They may be able to help you determine the exact size and shape of your mattress.

What is the size of a RV King size mattress?

Most mattresses labeled “RV King” size are either 70” x 80”, 72” x 75”, or 72” x 80”. There are slight differences depending on the manufacturer you choose.

Before buying an RV mattress, you should always double check that the dimensions match your bed space.

What size is a Queen mattress for an RV?

As with other RV mattress sizes, the exact dimensions for an RV-friendly Queen mattress may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the most common RV queen mattress dimensions are 60” x 80”.

What is a Queen short mattress?

A Queen Short or Short Queen mattress is just what it sounds like: a shorter (and sometimes narrower) version of a regular or RV Queen mattress. Typical dimensions are 60” x 74” or 50” x 75”.

Where can I buy an RV mattress?

Slumber Ease Mattress Factory makes RV mattresses of all shapes and sizes, including unusual and custom designs. We can help you create the most comfortable RV mattress for your body that fits in your space.

Reach out to us today to order a mattress or learn more about our custom design process. You can also stop by our factory showroom in Marysville, WA.