We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
If you love to travel often or go camping, you might know about the pain of finding a way to sleep comfortably. A mattress sized for your RV can make road-trip nights more comfortable. Read on for more details on different mattress types, their key features, and more.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| # | Type | Height | Size listed | Certification | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Memory foam | 8" | Short queen | CertiPUR-US | Not stated |
| 2 | Memory foam | 8" | Short queen | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 10-yr |
| 3 | Gel memory foam | 8" | Short queen | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | Not stated |
| 4 | Memory foam | 10" | Short queen (60 x 74") | CertiPUR-US | 10-yr |
| 5 | Tri-fold foam | 6" | Twin XL | Not stated | Not stated |
✓ yes · ✗ no · – not confirmed · Specs as stated on the Amazon listing or by the maker · Not a treatment for any condition
The Biggest Problems With Cheap Camping RV Mattresses
A few main problems come with buying very cheap camping mattresses. First, these mattresses are usually thinner than ordinary bed mattresses and are often placed on uneven ground (grass, sticks, stones). That can make for an uncomfortable night. The second problem with cheap camper mattresses is that they do not save enough space. Those with huge RVs don’t need to worry unless they’re going on a long-distance journey, but a big family or a small RV will need more compact options than local stores offer. A mattress made in RV sizes, or a folding mattress, fits better and can double as a guest bed at home.Different Types of RV Mattresses
Here are the main types of RV mattresses:- Air Mattresses – Air mattresses are incredible these days because they come with built-in electronic pumps that inflate or deflate the mattress as needed! The only problem with using an air mattress for camping is that you need to be careful not to place it where it may puncture. Inside an RV, it can save space and usually create an instant top-class bedroom environment. Air mattresses with hard bottoms are also available for extra puncture protection and to prevent them from slipping around as you sleep.
- Foam Mattresses – The second-best RV mattress option is a comfortable foam mattress. Foam is lightweight, and if it’s thin enough, you can roll it. Otherwise, one can attach it to the roof rack or store it flat inside the RV. RV foam mattresses are much thinner than ordinary foam mattresses to save space. They are still much more comfortable to sleep on than thin, outdated roll-up mattresses.
Characteristics of a Good Mattress for RV
Here are some RV mattress features to keep your eyes peeled for:- Memory Foam – memory foam contours to your body and cushions pressure points.
- Portable Carrier Bags – for mattresses that can be compressed, a small carrier bag is a good indication of the little space they take up inside the RV. Some mattresses can fit inside a wardrobe or cupboard without taking up too much space.
- Electronic Inflation – for an air mattress, an inbuilt electronic pump is a must-have. If you don’t have a place to plug it in, make sure the mattress has rechargeable batteries.
- Pressure Point Alleviation – quilted or contoured comfort layers add cushioning. If you have back pain that doesn’t go away, see a doctor.[1]
- Moisture Protection – RVs can get damp. A removable, washable cover and a waterproof protector help keep the mattress dry, and certified foam such as CertiPUR-US is tested for low emissions.[2]
Our RV Mattress Picks
Below is our selection of RV mattresses. We hope you love the products we recommend!1
- An 8-inch memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel, sized for RVs.
- Open-cell memory foam sits over a base foam layer.
- It comes in 6 or 8-inch heights and RV sizes including short queen and RV king.
- The foams are CertiPUR-US certified, and it’s made in the USA.[2]
2
- An 8-inch short queen memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel.
- The foam is infused with green tea and charcoal, which Zinus says helps keep it fresh.
- It’s fiberglass-free, with CertiPUR-US foam and an OEKO-TEX certified cover.[2][3]
- It comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
3
- An 8-inch short queen with cooling gel-bead memory foam.
- It has a quilted cover over comfort and base foam layers.
- The listing says it’s CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified and fiberglass-free.[2][3]
- It’s made in the USA.
4
- A 10-inch short queen (60 x 74 inches) with a medium-firm feel.
- It has 2 inches of AquaSoft memory foam over a 3-inch transition layer and base foam.
- The foams are CertiPUR-US certified.[2]
- It’s made in Mississippi and has a 10-year limited warranty.
5
- A 6-inch tri-fold memory foam mattress in Twin XL.
- It folds in seconds for storage in an RV or closet.
- The cover is removable and machine washable.
- It also works as a guest bed or floor mattress.
Comparison Table: The Top Rated RV Mattresses
| No. | Product | Image | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serenia Sleep RV Short Queen - 8 Inch Memory Foam RV Mattress |  |
| Serenia Sleep |
| 2 | Zinus Ultima RV - 8 Inch Short Queen Memory Foam RV Mattress |  |
| Zinus |
| 3 | Celestial Sleep RV Short Queen 8-Inch - Cooling Gel Memory Foam RV Mattress |  |
| Celestial Sleep |
| 4 | hoggisleep RV Short Queen 10-Inch - AquaSoft Memory Foam RV Mattress |  |
| hoggisleep |
| 5 | Milliard Trifold 6-Inch - Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress |  |
| Milliard |
Sources
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH). Back Pain. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- CertiPUR-US. CertiPUR-US certified foams. Accessed October 15, 2026.
- OEKO-TEX. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100. Accessed October 16, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Product picks reviewed and updated; added a Key Specs table; added Sources (NIAMS, CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX); filled the remaining Key Specs cells from product listings
- Apr 2017: First published
