Best RV Mattresses of 2024: The Top Bunk Mattress

top rv mattresses 1

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.

All RVers know that the mattresses that come with an RV are uncomfortable. One of the best things you can do is to get rid of the manufacturer’s mattress and get a better one. This article is going to dive into the best RV bunk mattresses that you should be considering for your upgrade.

The RV mattress that comes with your RV is usually paper thing and a real back killer. It’s not the best RV mattress. Investing in proper bedding for your RV bed is one of the most important things you can do. Sleep is one of the most important things for your mental, emotional, and physical health.

What Is The Best RV Bunk Mattress?

The best RV bunk mattress is the Nectar Classic Hybrid. This mattress is cooling, comfortable, and comes with a forever warranty. Buy a Queen-size Nectar Classic Hybrid for just under $800.

If $800 is too steep of a price, you can pick up the Zinus 12 inch gel foam mattress. The Zinus is more affordable and you can buy it for under $530 on Amazon.

Considerations for Choosing an RV Mattress

Before we dive headfirst into the top bunk mattresses of 2024, I want to discuss some important factors when choosing an RV mattress:

RV Mattress Size: 

RV Mattress size is important because you want your new mattress to fit! One of the trickiest parts about selecting an RV Mattress is finding the correct size. The RV bunks come in custom sizes and in different sizes, so measure your bunk space carefully. For some RVs, the perfect mattress is a custom size.

To find the right size, you will need a measuring tape. Measure the width and the length of the RV bunk space. Getting the measurements will ensure that you purchase a mattress that will fit. If your RV has a weirdly shaped bunk space, you can either get the next closest standard sizes or have a custom mattress made for you. Mattress Insider is a great resource for custom mattresses.

For example, my bunk space is for an RV King. I love my queen-sized regular mattress. So, I converted the extra side space into an additional storage cubby. It’s your RV; you make the rules! 

Material and Comfort: 

Manufacturers use various materials to make RV bed mattresses. Some of these are memory foam, gel foam, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses. Each has its perks.

Memory foam mattress (high density foam)

Pros

  • Made with high-density foam
  • More affordable
  • Soft and breathable
  • Great for pressure relief
  • Reduces motion transfer (restless bedmate)
  • Suitable for various sleeping positions.

Cons

  • Can sag over time
  • Can trap heat

Gel Foam (Gel memory foam)

Pros

  • Suitable for various sleeping positions
  • Cooling
  • Bounce and lift
  • Head and neck support
  • Varied firmness

Cons

  • More expensive than foam

Hybrid

Pros

  • Sturdy with more support
  • Breathable
  • Long-lasting
  • Suitable for various sleeping positions

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Can become squeaky
  • Can have motion transfer

Firmness:

Photo courtesy of purple.com

Mattresses come in different firmness levels. The levels are as follows:

Mattress Firmness Scale

  1. Extremely Soft. Mattresses of this level are rare because they provide no support.
  2. Ultra-soft. This rare mattress would feel too soft for an average sleeper.
  3. Very soft. These are usually very soft memory foam. These are great for side sleepers.
  4. Soft– Soft with a more balanced feature. Good for Side sleepers
  5. Medium soft- medium firmness on the softer side. Perfect for all sleeping positions.
  6. Medium firm- Most common mattress. The ideal balance of pressure relief and comfort. It’s suitable for both side and back sleepers. Usually made of foam or hybrid. Best mattress for low back pain so you can get a good night’s sleep.
  7. Slightly firm- Less shrinkage. The mattress will not hug your body. This mattress provides joint support. Perfect for back and stomach sleepers.
  8. Firm- A firmer mattress will push back against your body. The mattress will not hug your body. Most people may find this mattress uncomfortable.
  9. Very Firm- These mattresses are uncommon. They are suitable for heavier body type sleepers who do not want to sink into a mattress at all.
  10. Ultra firm- This is a rare mattress. It’s like sleeping on a solid surface—no pressure relief.

Some chronic pain areas are back, shoulder, and hip pain. People with chronic pain may have relief with a medium-firm mattress. Medium firm mattresses give the proper support to keep your spine in alignment. Additionally, stomach sleepers may need more firm mattresses to align the spine properly.

Thickness: 

Mattress thickness is an important consideration. You want to make sure your mattress can fit in your space. You also want to make sure your mattress is comfortable for you.

  • 2-5 inches: Low-profile mattresses help sleep areas that do not have a lot of overhead space. These mattresses are best for lightweight people (young children). Low-profile mattresses have little cushion, so mattress toppers are a helpful addition.
  • 5-8 inches: Slim mattresses are an excellent mattress thickness for children. A thinner mattress is good for lightweight people with mobility issues. Mattress toppers can increase the cushion in these mattresses to help get a good night’s sleep.
  • 8-12 inches: Standard mattresses are the preferred thickness of mattresses.
  • 12-16 inches: RV beds with thick mattresses are helpful for heavier people. Thick mattresses are often heavy, and you should ensure you are not adding too much weight to your RV.
  • 16+ inches: Extra-thick mattresses are considered luxurious. Heavier people may experience more pressure relief from these mattresses. Mattresses this thickness are often more expensive than other options. Mattresses this size can also add much extra weight to your RV. Keep track of your RV’s maximum weight.

Important to note: Some RVs may have limited overhead space. Consider this so you don’t buy a mattress that crams you up against a top bunk or overhead storage. Measuring is important no matter what size mattress you choose.

Temperature Regulation: 

Temperature regulation in an RV mattress is essential to consider. RVs can get hot in the summer and chilly in the winter. Many mattresses have temperature-regulating features.

I have found that high-quality gel foam and hybrid mattresses have the best temperature regulation.

Sleeping Position:  

Considering your sleeping position is essential when choosing a mattress. Different sleeping positions put stress on your body in different ways.

Back Sleepers need proper support to keep the spine in alignment while sleeping. Most back sleepers prefer a medium-firm mattress. Memory foam, gel foam, and hybrid mattresses are great for back sleepers.

Side sleepers may enjoy medium-firm mattresses. 10 inch thick mattresses can relieve pressure on hips and shoulders. Many side sleepers opt for additional mattress toppers to provide pressure relief.

Stomach sleepers can have an extra strain on their neck and spine. This sleeping position requires more support. Medium-firm mattresses are preferred, and many opt for additional mattress toppers. Plush mattresses are not a good fit for stomach sleepers.

Best RV Bunk Mattresses

I have hand-selected different mattresses based on thousands of customer reviews. Now, let’s explore some of the top picks for RV bunk mattresses of 2023, each with its unique features:

Best All-Around: Nectar Classic Hybrid Mattress (12-inch)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back, Side, and Stomach Sleepers
  • Medium Firm Hybrid Model
  • Gel-infused Memory Foam and Steel Springs
  • 6 Comfort Layers
  • Cooling Technology
  • 12-inch thickness
  • 365-Night Trial
  • Forever Warranty

The Nectar Hybrid Mattress provides phenomenal comfort and support. This medium-firm mattress is perfect for back, side, and stomach sleepers. It offers excellent support along with cooling technology that will keep you comfortable.

Customers highly recommend this mattress and report improvement in back pain. This mattress also has a 365-night trial period, allowing you to find out if the mattress works for you. Also, Nectar stands by its product by offering a Forever Warranty.

Best Hybrid: DreamCloud (14-inch)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back, Side, and Stomach Sleepers
  • Medium Firm
  • Gel Memory Foam-Steel Springs
  • 7 Comfort Layers
  • Breathable and Cool
  • Plush Cashmere blend top
  • Low Motion Transfer
  • 14-inch thickness
  • 365-Night Trial
  • Forever Warranty
  • CertiPUR-US Certified

The DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress is well-known comfortable mattress in the RV community. This mattress provides luxurious sleep, exceptional comfort and support when compared to other mattresses. This medium-firm mattress is excellent for back, side, and stomach sleepers. This mattress has a low-motion transfer layer, which is perfect for couples.

Customers highly recommend this mattress and report improvement in lower back and shoulder pain. Customers say they wake up feeling more rested than they had in years. There are also notes that the mattress resists sagging and “denting.”

Many customers report positive experiences with the trial period and return policy. You only know if a mattress is perfect once you sleep on it. This company stands by its product by also offering a forever warranty. This mattress will give you a good and comfortable night’s sleep too.

Best For Kids and RV Bunk Beds: Linenspa (8-inch)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Great for Kids and light body weight people
  • Medium Firm
  • Memory Foam and innerspring
  • 8-inch thickness
  • Amazon 100 day return policy
  • Protection Plan Options
  • CertiPUR-US

The Linenspa 8-inch Hybrid mattress is an excellent option for kids. This mattress is medium firm and provides excellent support. The Linenspa is a very affordable mattress for the places in your RV where kids will sleep.

The Linenspa 8-inch mattress is excellent for pressure relief for lightweight people. This low-profile mattress is perfect for small space RV bunks with limited overhead space. Please note that the mattress may take 24-72 hours to regain its full shape after unpackaging.

Best Eco-Friendly Choice: Casper Sleep Element Foam Mattress

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back, Side, and Stomach Sleepers
  • Medium Firm
  • Memory Foam
  • Good for ergonomic alignment
  • Breathable and Cool
  • Body contouring top
  • Low Motion Transfer
  • 10-inch thickness
  • Amazon 100 day return policy
  • Made from recycled plastic bottles

The Casper Sleep Element Mattress provides phenomenal comfort and support. This mattress is perfect for back, side, and stomach sleepers. It offers excellent support and breathable AirScape technology to keep you comfortable.

Each Casper mattress uses up to 121 recycled plastic bottles. Customers report that the mattress supports the hip, back, and shoulder. It is worth noting that this is a memory foam mattress, and sometimes these off-gas an odor at first.

Best Luxury Choice: Purple Restore Mattress

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back, Side, and Stomach Sleepers
  • Memory foam with GelFlex Grid
  • 5 Comfort Layers
  • GelFlex Grid Cooling Technology
  • 11.5-inch thickness
  • Edge support foam
  • Antimicrobial finish
  • Always supportive
  • No Sagging
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Made in the USA
  • 30-day refund policy

The Purple Restore Mattress is a one-of-a-kind mattress. This mattress uses a GelFlex grid to balance temperature. The Grid is always supportive and never sags. The Grid cradles you and conforms to your body as you sleep, keeping you in ideal alignment. The top layer is antimicrobial.

This medium-firm mattress is perfect for back, side, and stomach sleepers. Some customers report an improvement in sleep quality after the first night. Customers say that the mattress is responsive and comfortable in any sleeping position.

Best Cooling Mattress: Nectar Premier Copper (14-inch)

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back, Side, and Stomach Sleepers
  • Medium Firm
  • Gel Memory Foam
  • 5 Comfort Layers
  • Triple Action Cooling
  • 14-inch thickness
  • 365-Night Trial
  • Forever Warranty

The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is the best mattress for hot sleepers. This mattress is perfect for back, side, and stomach sleepers. The mattress construction has infused copper in it’s layers of foam. You will have a cool night\’s sleep with the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress.

This mattress has minimal motion transfer, making it perfect for couples. The Premier Copper is the right mattress for any sleeping position. Some customers report an improvement in back pain and overall sleep quality.

Most Affordable Mattress: Zinus 12-inch Ultra Cooling Gel Foam Mattress

Photo courtesy of Amazon

  • Back and Side Sleepers
  • Cooling Gel Foam
  • Affordable
  • Curve contouring
  • CertiPUR-US Certified

The Zinus 12-inch Ultra Gel Foam Mattress is comfortable and affordable. The Zinus is an excellent budget-friendly choice. The mattress is easily competes with other brands.

This mattress does not have formaldehyde PBDE Flame retardants or phthalates. All you have to do is unroll the mattress and allow it to decompress over 72 hours. Customers report that this mattress has improved sleep quality and reduced back pains.

Best RV Bunk Bedding

Now that you’ve found the perfect RV Bunk Mattress, you must also remember to invest in quality RV bedding. I am very particular with my bedding and have personally tested countless products. I am a hot sleeper with allergies, and finding the right bedding was a JOURNEY.

Best RV Sheets: Sheets and Giggles Eucalyptus Lyocell Sheet Set


Photo courtesy of Amazon

Sheets and Giggles is my favorite bedding company, that I’ve used for three years. Their products are naturally cooling. The frequency of my night sweats reduced after switching to Sheets and Giggles. They are hypoallergenic, which also contributes to better sleep.

These sheets are biodegradable, and the Eucalyptus comes from responsibly managed forests. The sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The sheet set is eligible for refund within 30 days, so you have plenty of time to try them out.

Best Affordable RV Sheets: Bedsure Rayon Cooling Sheets

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Sheets and Giggles is my favorite bedding company, that I’ve used for three years. Their products are naturally cooling. The frequency of my night sweats reduced after switching to Sheets and Giggles. They are hypoallergenic, which also contributes to better sleep.

These sheets are biodegradable, and the Eucalyptus comes from responsibly managed forests. The sheet set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and two pillowcases. The sheet set is eligible for refund within 30 days, so you have plenty of time to try them out.

Best Affordable RV Sheets: Bedsure Rayon Cooling Sheets

Photo courtesy of Amazon

Bedsure sheets are a great, affordable option for your RV bunk bedding. Your body heat won\’t be an issue. The sheets are made from rayon (comes from bamboo) and are silky smooth. Customers highly recommend these sheets for their comfort and affordability.

Best RV Comforter: Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus Lyocell Comforter

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Sheets & Giggles Comforter is a down alternative, all-season comforter. This comforter is cool to the touch and hypoallergenic. This comforter is the best I’ve found for temperature regulation.

The comforter has loops in each corner, making it easy to attach a duvet cover. The down alternative comforter is lightweight and silky smooth.

Best Affordable RV Comforter: Bedsure Comforter Set


Photo courtesy of Amazon

Bedsure’s reversible comforter set is an affordable option. This comforter has a warm and cool side that should help with temperature regulation. The comforter comes with four corner loops for duvets.

Customers report that this comforter is very soft. There are reports that this comforter is easy to wash. Customers also say that this comforter is excellent for temperature regulation.

Best RV Duvet Cover: Sheets & Giggles Eucalyptus Lyocell Duvet Cover

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Sheets & Giggles Duvet Cover is the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. I am a hot sleeper and rarely wake up drenched when I use this Duvet Cover. It is incredibly soft.

The duvet cover has easy-to-fasten ties and buttons. This duvet is great for all seasons. I have used this duvet in the Midwest winters and the Florida summers, and it’s been perfect no matter the temperature.

Best Affordable Cooling RV Duvet Cover: Bedsure Duvet Cover set

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Bedsure Duvet cover is an affordable option. The Bedsure is a cooling duvet cover. It is lightweight and has corner ties to ensure your comforter stays put. Challenge your body temperature with this duvet cover.

Customers report that this is an easy-to-put-together duvet cover. There are many reports that this is a soft and comfortable duvet cover they recommend. Customers also say this duvet cover is of excellent quality and value.

Best RV Wedge Pillow: Cozymaker 7.5 Wedge Pillow


Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Cozymaker is a great wedge pillow, whether recovering from surgery or acid reflux. I’ve used wedge pillows for years for acid reflux, and this is the best one I have found. It is cooling and hypoallergenic.

Best RV Cervical Pillow: Core Products Tri-Core Cervical Support Pillow

Photo courtesy of Amazon

I’ve tested several different cervical pillows, and this is the best one I’ve found. Many cervical pillows result in an anterior head position that can worsen neck pain. This pillow supports the neck and allows the head to rest in alignment.

Best RV Bunk Bedding Pillows: Beckham Hotel Collection

Photo courtesy of Amazon

The Beckham Hotel Collection pillows are the best I have found. These down alternative pillows have cooling gel foam. The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow is excellent for under-the-legs or side sleepers.

These pillows have a 4.4/5 star rating from 233,000 global ratings. These pillows hold their form well and keep you cool while you sleep. I build a fort around myself with these when I sleep. They are great.

Best Mattress Protector: Utopia Waterproof Mattress Protector

Photo courtesy of Amazon

If you will invest in a good mattress, it makes sense to buy a mattress protector. A mattress cover will protect your mattress from an accidental spill. A mattress cover protects your mattress from sweat and other body fluids.

The Utopia waterproof mattress protector works very well. It is a breathable and soft mattress protector. This mattress protector doesn’t sound or feel like a plastic cover.

Best Pillow Protector: Four Seasons Essentials Waterproof Pillow Protectors

Photo courtesy of Amazon

These pillow protectors are soft and breathable. Protect your pillows from stains and spills with the durability of this encasement. The Four Seasons Protectors are hypoallergenic and dustproof.

I have used these pillow protectors for years. They offer complete protection for your pillows. They don’t make any noise and are so soft to sleep on that you can’t even tell they are there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an RV Bunk Mattress?

An RV bunk mattress will fit the sleeping bunks found in recreational vehicles (RVs).

How Can I Make My Travel Trailer Bunk Bed More Comfortable?

You can improve travel trailer bunk beds with a new mattress, mattress topper, and bedding.

  • The first way is to buy a better mattress. Most mattresses that come with an RV are thin and uncomfortable. Buy a thicker mattress with more support.
  • The second way is to add a mattress topper to the existing mattress. Mattress toppers aid in pressure relief for hips and shoulders.
  • Getting higher-quality bedding will improve your quality of sleep. Bedding includes cotton sheets, breathable comforters/duvets, and quality pillows.

What Is the Typical Size for an RV Bunk Mattress? 

RV bunk mattresses come in various sizes. Measure your RV bunk size to get the exact dimensions of your RV mattress.

Photo courtesy of RVMattress.com

  • RV Bunk- 28-35” x 75-80”
  • RV Full- 53″ x 75″
  • RV Queen- 75″ x 60″
  • RV King- 72″ x 80″
  • RV California King- 72″ x 84″

What Is the Average Price for an RV Bunk Mattress? 

The price range for mattresses vary depending on size, material, and brand. Expect to pay between $200 and $2000.

What Are Some Different Options Available for a Bunk Bed Mattress in an RV? 

Memory foam bed, innerspring, latex, gel foam, and hybrid mattresses.

What Is The Best Thickness For an RV Mattress?

RV Bunk mattresses are thinner due to overhead clearance. RV bunk mattresses are usually in the 8-12 inch thickness range. Always measure your overhead space to ensure that you have adequate space.

Why Does an RV Bunk Mattress Matter?

Getting good sleep is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Sleeping is essential to me because I have difficulties getting regular quality sleep.

One of my sleep issues is that I sleep hot and get night sweats. Also, if I sleep on the wrong mattress, I will get horrible back/neck pain. These are just some reasons why investing in a mattress is SO important to me.

I am physically active and don’t want mattress-related back pain to slow me down. The cost of a quality mattress is worth it every time.

Follow along with Dusty Trail RV for more RV tips for beginners and beyond. Dusty Trail RV is your source for what works for your new RV life, from which RV vacuum cleaner is the best to select a washer/dryer combo and the best personalized gifts for campers.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out our disclosure for more information.

Don't Miss Any Content! Sign Up Today!