There are so many different kinds of mattresses out there, and the variety of choices can make it really hard to know which mattress is truly good or the best for you. Now, the topic gets even more complex when we talk about mattresses used in RVs. Sleeping in an RV needs to be just as comfy as it should be in your regular bed.
Being on the road and experiencing all kinds of adventures can make you feel tired or exhausted. So, getting a good night’s sleep is essential. But, how close is the mattress in the RV to the one you use at home, and is there really a difference?
In the following paragraphs, we’ll compare RV mattresses to the regular, home mattresses and see whether they differ, and if they do, we’ll talk about the differences and reasons why you should get one or the other for your traveling needs. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
RV Mattress Vs. Regular Mattress: Explained
So, what makes an RV mattress so specifically RV-intended and made? Well, the RV mattress specs will provide a proper insight into the things that make a mattress RV specified.
RV Mattress Size
Depending on the RV, the RV mattresses come in different sizes. This might be the main difference when we compare RV and regular mattresses. An RV mattress can come in the following sizes;
- RV Twin Mattress – two types of RV twin mattresses; one is 28 by 75 inches, and the other is 28 by 80 inches in size.
- RV Truck Mattress – generally used for semi-trucks, but also in RVs. There are two types of RV truck mattresses; one is 35 by 79 inches, and the other is 42 by 80 inches in size.
- Bunk RV Beds – generally used for family-friendly RV setup. Bunk beds come in 5 different sizes, and each can be accommodated to fit your RV measurements.
- RV Three Quarter Mattress – this is a mattress that is in between a full size and a twin mattress. The size of the mattress is 48 by 75 inches.
- Short Queen RV Mattress – also known as RV Queen, this mattress measures 60 by 75 inches. It is suitable for tighter RV space and is lighter than a standard Queen mattress.
- Standard RV Mattress – also known as Full mattress, you can find a Standard RV mattress in different sizes; 54 by 75 inches, 48 by 74 inches, 54 by 76 inches, etc. It requires a lot of RV space.
- Queen Mattress – this is the same Queen mattress used in regular bedrooms. Some people equip their RVs with regular mattresses (if the space allows so). A standard Queen measures 60 by 80 inches.
- RV King Mattress – considered a luxurious mattress, the RV King is intended for bigger Rv models. It measures either 72 by 75 inches or 72 by 80 inches. Considering the size, it can be difficult to a supplier of RV King mattresses. You might also need to reconstruct your RV space, even in the case of the most luxurious RVs.
As you can see, the RV mattresses have similar but different sizes when compared to regular mattresses. That is mainly because an RV in terms of space is much smaller compared to regular home bedrooms. The size adjustments make sure that mattresses fit properly and provide enough sleeping surfaces for a comfortable sleep.
Twin, Bunk, Truck, and Three-Quarter mattresses are mostly used in RVs, but people also opt for larger options. Rv King and Queen mattresses are much shorter compared to standardized Kind and Queen mattresses, but still provide a lot of space for sleeping. They do, however, require large RV units.
For proper comparison, here are the standard mattress sizes as well;
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (Width x Length) |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ |
| King | 76″ x 80″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ |
RV Mattress Weight
Now, depending on the size, a mattress can be light or heavy, considering it is going to be used in a traditional bedroom, by adults or children. An average mattress can weigh between 50 and 150 pounds. Full mattresses, Queen, King, and California King mattresses can weigh up to 180 pounds. The largest commercially available bedroom mattress, Alaskan King, can weigh up to 300 pounds.
Now, RV mattresses are designed to be significantly lighter. Because they’re being placed in a vehicle, they cannot affect the overall weight limit required for safe movement and driving of the RV. A heavy mattress would put additional stress on the engine, tires, and axels, so thanks to the lighter weight, even a large RV mattress won’t create any issues. The weight is also optimized thanks to the smaller RV mattress sizes, as well as lighter materials.
Other Factors
Alongside the size and the weight, there are a few other factors that strike a difference between RV and regular mattresses. For example, RV mattresses aren’t as thick as regular, bedroom units.
This is also a matter of the size and weight, or an attempt to reduce both and ensure the mattress fits inside the RV. We also have to mention the firmness of the Rv mattresses; generally, they tend to be less firm, but if you’re getting your unit custom-made, you can opt for custom firmness options.
Most RV mattresses are made from regular memory foam, with 5 to 6 inches of height or depth. Because of this, some people find RV mattresses particularly uncomfortable and opt to replace them with regular, bedroom-type mattresses.
We also have to point out that the bed frames from RV mattresses are different compared to the regular bed frames. The RV bed frames or platforms also differ in size and weight; they’re generally made from lighter materials too.
And finally, there’s the notion of RV mattress flexibility. Because they’re made solely from memory foam and are thinner, they tend to be more bendable and flexible. This is super convenient considering the amount of space you have at your disposal in an RV. Standard mattresses aren’t that flexible and can be hard to move around or transport.
Can I Replace My RV Mattress With a Regular One?
So, you’re thinking about replacing your thin, uncomfortable RV mattress with a regular one? Well, we can’t really blame you, but it is generally impossible to replace one with the other. The problem lies in the size of regular mattresses; they simply cannot fit inside standard RVs due to being bigger, thicker, and demanding sturdier and bigger bed platforms.
We recommend you always go for a manufacturer that produces RV-specified mattresses. Rv mattresses are specifically made for RV use, with size, weight, thickness, firmness, and shape in mind. As we mentioned, regular mattresses and bigger and heavier than RV units; they’re also generally not bendable and need to be completely adapted for RV use, which can be close to impossible. RVs offer limited space, so with that in mind, we’d say that frankly, you can’t just replace an RV mattress with a regular mattress.
Which RV Mattress Should I Buy?
If you’re looking to replace your old, worn-out Rv mattress with a new one, we’ve got you covered. The following brands provide the best RV mattresses, that look and feel like regular, home mattresses with suitable shape and size for the RV space;
1. Zinus Delux RV Mattress
Available in 8 and 10-inch height, this is an exceptional RV mattress suitable for truck, RV, camper, and trailer use. It is made from high-quality CertiPUR memory foam as well as pressure-relieving comfort foam.
The mattress has high-density base support, and instead of petroleum, this mattress contains natural plant oil that keeps it fresh. The mattress can be efficiently compressed and rolled, which is super convenient for RV space. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
2. Off-Road Bedding RV Mattress
Off-Road Bedding provides some of the best RV mattresses on the market. Their mattresses are made for people who want to experience the same quality of sleep in their RV as they do at home. Frequent campers, adventurers, and road trippers enjoy ORB mattresses the most. The Performance Hybrid mattress is ORB’s renowned mattress. It is made from adaptive polyfoam as well as memory foam.
There are also core pocketed coils to ensure pressure relief and proper support during sleep. The mattress comes in different sizes and different firmness levels, which is super convenient for different needs and kinds of sleepers. We do have to point out that ORB RV mattresses tend to be a bit expensive, but we are sure that people who reside in their RV or spend a lot of time on the road need a high-quality, durable, and reliable mattress like the ORB Performance one.
3. Brooklyn Wanderlust RV Mattress
The Brooklyn Wanderlust might just be the best RV mattress on the market. It is specifically designed for an exceptional sleeping experience on the road. The design features multiple foam layers, advanced stain-resistant fabric, a high-quality gel memory foam top, a variety of sizes and heights, and so much more.
The mattress is available in different firmness and thickness options and is suitable for different sleeping positions and body types. The contouring memory foam promotes pressure relief, and the gel-infused top foam prevents overheating.
4. Bear Trek RV Mattress
If you’re looking for a mattress with the best quality and the best value, then make sure to check out the Bear Trek RV mattress. This mattress is made in America, and it is non-toxic, certified clean. It is made from high-density support foam as well as cooling gel memory foam. This makes it suitable for hot or restless sleepers, as well as those who frequently change sleeping positions. The breathable cover of the mattress contributes to proper airflow and the cooling effect.
The mattress comes with a 5-year warranty as well as a 100-night risk-free trial. The environmentally-friendly materials and sustainable products make the Bear Trek RV mattress a reliable, sustainable companion for RV adventures.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we’ve provided the help you needed if you’re looking to replace your old, worn-out RV mattress with a new one. Replacing an old RV mattress with a regular one would be a terrific idea, but it simply isn’t possible. The differences in size, thickness, and overall shape of an RV mattress are simply too big to try and fit a regular mattress into an RV.
We surely recommend you check out some of our exceptional RV mattress top picks. These are the closest you can get to regular bedroom mattresses you can get, so check them out and see if they meet your needs and preferences.