How To Make an RV Mattresses More Comfortable
There is absolutely nothing better than hopping in an RV and going on a vacation with your family. After all, you’ll be away from the stress that’s at home, but you’ll have the comforts of home with you. However, if your mattress isn’t comfortable, then you definitely won’t be able to rest very well. Unfortunately, RV mattresses can be difficult to sleep on.
Inevitably, RV owners often ask how to make an RV mattress more comfortable? There are a few things you can do such as change it out, add a topper, or add comforters and blankets.
In this article, we’ll discuss these and more ways that you can make your RV mattress more comfortable so that you can sleep on it just as well- if not better- as you sleep at home.
Keep in mind this isn’t just for those who RV, but also those who have a camper van, pull camper or even a tent.
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Change Out The Mattress
Most people are aware that the mattresses that come in an RV are notoriously uncomfortable. In some cases, they are so hard they make your neck and back hurt. In knowing this, you can consider buying a better mattress for your RV that fits your wants and needs. Sure, it may cost you a bit of extra money, but at least you’ll be able to get a good nights’ sleep when you’re on vacation.
Of course, before you buy a new mattress, make sure you know what size to get. There are several different size RV mattresses, from RV twin (very small, sleeps one child or small adult) to RV King (sleep, 2 adults).
Here is an RV Mattress size chart.
| RV Mattresses | Dimensions (in inches) |
| California King | 72 x 84 |
| Eastern King | 76 x 80 |
| RV King | 72 x 80 |
| RV Short King | 72 x 75 |
| RV Queen | 60 x 80 |
| RV Short Queen | 60 x 75 |
| RV Full/Double | 53 x 75 |
| RV Three-Quarter | 48 x 75 |
| RV Bunk | 28-35 x 75-80 |
| RV Twin | 25 x 75-80 |
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you choose a mattress that won’t be too heavy so that it won’t be difficult to move if needed. Firmness is another factor, you’ll want one that is firm enough to allow you the support you need but soft enough to be comfortable.
Add A Mattress Topper
If purchasing a new mattress isn’t in your budget, consider purchasing a mattress topper so that you can use the mattress that came in the RV. A mattress topper can be a great help in increasing the comfort of any mattress and come in a variety of types: featherbed toppers, eggshell toppers, and memory foam toppers- just to name a few. These are placed directly on the mattress and under the sheets.
Again, size matters. You’ll want to make sure that you measure your mattress to find out what size you need. However, they are typically pretty easy to cut down if you need to make it fit.
Add Padding To The Bottom
The main issue with RV mattresses is the frame. Typically, RV bed frames are made from plywood, which is not comfortable at all. So, how can you get around this issue? The best way to handle this is to get a foam pad and place it on the frame, under your mattress. This will give you a cushion against the firmness of the bed frame. This should help you have better quality sleep.
You may also consider looking into other options for padding, but the main thing is to ensure that the padding is placed between the mattress and the bed frame. These are typically the same things as most mattress toppers. This will be the least expensive and quick option for increasing the comfort of your RV mattress.
Use The Stack Method
If the mattress that came in your RV is not comfortable, consider adding another one on top of it. Before doing so, you’ll want to make sure to measure the space and make sure that there’s enough room to add another mattress on top. RVs are not well-known for their spaciousness. However, if you can do this, it allows you to add a comfortable mattress, plus have the padding between your comfy mattress and the bed frame.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you might want to consider an air mattress, as they are not as expensive as a traditional mattress and they can be quite comfortable.
This can be an excellent option for increasing the comfort level of your RV bed, making your vacation much more relaxing and exciting. However, keep in mind that while traveling you might not want to put air in the air mattress. If you are traveling in cold/hot or high elevations the air will change and an air mattress could pop.
Add Comforters/Blankets
Another budget-friendly idea for making your RV mattress more comfortable is to add comforters and blankets. This is much less expensive than changing out the mattress and even will cost you less than adding a topper or a pad in between the mattress and the frame. Simply get a heavy sleeping bag/comforter wide enough to lay on your mattress before adding your sheets and laying down on it.
You can add as many blankets as you need to increase the padding level and make sure that you choose linen materials over cotton to increase that spongy feel. Be sure to take your time and carefully choose the comforters and bedding that you believe you will find the most comfortable.
Final Thoughts on How to Make An RV Mattress More Comfortable
When you head out in your RV, you are going on vacation. You should be able to sleep just as well in your RV as you do at home. After all, a vacation is a time for rest- not stress. If you’ll take some time to consider some of these tips, you can be sure that you’ll sleep well and be rested when you get back to real life afterward.
While changing the mattress is probably the best idea, it’s not always the most budget-friendly. Some of these other tips are more budget-friendly and can still help you get a good nights’ sleep.
The RV we bought had a Sleep Number Bed. While those might be great, it was not for us. We didn’t think it was comfortable and for the type of travel we do it just didn’t work. It expanded as we went up in elevation. Plus, leaving home in the cold, it deflated. So, we’d have to start the generator just to add or remove air before sleeping. We replaced it with a traditional mattress that is firm, and we have a mattress topper, a nice mattress pad and sheets for hot sleepers because my husband is a hot sleeper.
We purchased the same mattress we had in our house for the RV. There is not getting used to the bed now.
That’s a good idea. We just purchased some new foam/bamboo mattresses on Amazon and now hubby has to modify the bed frame a bit. We had a queen, but wanted bigger so now have more of an olympic queen size.