Last updated on April 11th, 2023 at 02:49 pm
An RV mattress can be a pain in the neck, so to speak. Unfortunately for many RVs and campers, the stock mattress is an afterthought. The manufacturer’s focus is making a mattress light and thin (for better gas mileage), keeping costs down. As a result, many RVers, campers, and boaters search for a replacement. For those with a bad back, the search for a fully supportive RV mattress is especially acute.
Is the mattress inside your RV, Camper, or Boat causing your back pain?
- You wake up tired
- You wake up with back aches and pains
- You toss and turn frequently at night
- You sleep better on your bed at home
- You and your partner roll towards each other
- Your joints ache
If you answer Yes to two or more, it’s time for a new mattress.
Don’t try fitting a mattress designed for your home bed frame inside your RV or camper. The RV mattress is usually six inches shorter. RV mattresses are also thinner than regular ones for height concerns. Then, most RVs and campers have different shapes, usually with curved corners and cut-outs, for cupboard or bathroom access.
No surprise, sleeping on a lumpy or unsupportive RV mattress increases back pain. When we sleep, pressure should be gradually released from the vertebrae. As you fall asleep, property alignment and support is essential for preventing back-pain during the next day. To prevent back pain, your mattress should be firm enough to support you back, while soft enough to contour your body.
RV Mattresses: Benefits and Drawbacks of Various Types
The three most common solutions are Memory Foam, Toppers, and Latex, each with their own performance profile and benefits.
Memory Foam RV Mattresses:
A memory foam mattress is constructed of a supportive poly-foam, with memory foam layers and a mattress cover. Memory foam excels at evenly distributing weight and eliminating pressure points. This prevents you from sinking down into the mattress, promoting proper spinal alignment as you sleep. One possible drawback of memory foam is that they can get hot, depending on outdoor temperature. Also, the deeper you sink into the mattress, the hotter you become. Given these trade-offs, customers do report significant relief from back pain with a memory foam mattress in their RV, camper, or boat.
RV Mattress Topper:
A memory foam mattress topper can add nearly the same comfort of a memory foam mattress, without the full cost. Toppers can cost 70% less than a full mattress. However, since they’re placed on top of an existing mattress, they add height. Furthermore, existing sheets may not fit. Finally, any topper isn’t going to hide a lumpy and worn out mattress underneath. With a topper, custom sizing is critical. It needs to match the print of the mattress underneath. To ease back pain, a topper should be at least four inches thick.
Latex RV Mattress:
A latex mattress is cool in hot conditions, so you don’t become exceedingly hot while sleeping. Latex mattresses also have better hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties, important concerns for outdoor environments. However, latex mattresses cost more than memory foam ones. Also, since latex mattresses don’t have the same firmness, they may not provide the same back pain and joint pain relief.
The important thing to remember is – don’t rush into a purchase. Do your research, explore the various options, and test the mattresses you like before you buy. Your back will thank you for it. Slumber Ease can direct you to the best option for your specific needs and budget. Come down to the store and try each mattress type, so you can make sure you discover the best type for your comfort and unique back pain.
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