What is the Perfect RV Mattress Size?

The bedroom is an important part of any RV regardless of its size, and the thing that contributes most to the comfort and support of this room is your mattress.

When it comes to RV mattresses specifically, there are many options to choose from and many sizes to try, so finding the right one can be a learning process.

What is the perfect RV mattress size for your motorhome and how can you tell? This depends on a few factors including the type of mattress you’re choosing, how much space you have to work with, and the size of your existing bed. By factoring in of these things you’ll be able to find the perfect one to fit your recreational vehicle and get a comfortable and supportive sleep every night.

Although they share the same names, RV mattress sizes work differently to traditional mattresses which is why people sometimes struggle to get them right.

We’ll show you some simple ways to differentiate between the sizes and the other options you have for choosing the perfect fit.

The Different Types of RV Mattresses

Before we can get into the sizes of mattresses made for RVs, we should look at the types of mattresses.

The materials used to make a mattress can have some impact on its final shape and size, but in the end, it’s about the level of comfort and support they offer.

Foam

The most affordable option for an RV is a standard foam mattress, but they are also considered the least comfortable.

A high density, thick foam is required if you’re going to choose this option.

Memory Foam

The most popular choice these days for RV mattresses are those made with memory foam.

They’re usually between 8 – 10 inches thick, dense, comfortable, and can be great at regulating body temperature no matter the weather conditions.

Air mattress

These are just like a standard air mattress you’d use at home but built tougher to last in an RV.

They can be inflated using a pump but tend to deflate in the night unexpectedly, although their portability makes them easy to set up.

Gel Foam

This is like a memory foam mattress but with tiny gel beads inserted into the memory foam.

The purpose of the gel is to create warmth so if you’re taking the RV to colder climates it can be helpful.

Latex

A popular choice for people who spend a lot of time in their RV and have a lot of money to spend on their mattress.

There are eco-friendly options that offer a lot of support but they can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars.

Innerspring

Just like your comfortable bed at home, an innerspring mattress can be used in an RV if it fits.

The springs must be durable enough to withstand the movement of the vehicle and it will need to be set up as is, which can be tricky if you have little space.

How To Determine Your Existing RV Bed Size

If you already have a bed and mattress in your RV but you’re unsure of its size, you’ll need to measure the dimensions in order to replace it.

Most RVs come with a bed base that you can start with otherwise you’ll just need to figure out how much space there is for installation of a new RV mattress.

To measure your existing RV bed size, start on the left side of the bed and measure across to the get the width.

Then measure from the head of the bed to the bottom, not including the bed head or any area where the mattress won’t fit.

Avoid the temptation to measure the old mattress and use those dimensions, because a mattress can easily shrink and lose its shape over the years.

Another thing to consider is the height of the people who’ll be sleeping on the mattress, as you want it to be at least a few inches longer than the tallest one.

If you’ve purchased a new RV you’ll want to make sure the bed is the right fit otherwise adjustments and upgrades may need to be made to the base before you choose your mattress.

The Size Difference Between Regular Mattresses and RV Mattresses

A common mistake that people make when choosing an RV mattress is to get the sizing mixed up with a regular mattress.

While RV mattresses do use a lot of the same terminology like queen or king mattresses, they don’t always mean the same thing.

These are some common names of RV mattress sizes and what their measurements are.

After you’ve measured the space on your RV’s bed you’ll be able to find one from here that should be a perfect fit:

• Three Quarter: 48″ x 75″
• RV Full: 53″ x 75″
• Short Queen: 60″ x 75″
• RV Queen: 60″ x 80″
• RV King: 72″ x 75″ or 72” x 80”
• RV Twin: 38″ x 75″ or 38″ x 80”
• RV Bunk: 28″ x 75″ to 42” x 80”

Can You Use a Regular Mattress in Your RV?

In an effort to save money, you might be tempted to replace your old RV mattress with a spare innerspring mattress you have at home.

While this could seem like a good idea because they’re both queen-sized bed bases, trying to fit a standard mattress into an RV space usually won’t deliver the best results.

Custom made RV mattresses are a specialty item for a reason and they have a unique shape and size that allows them to fit perfectly into these narrow motor homes.

They might be the same length but will be shorter in width, or they could feature more rounded edges so that they fit into the tighter spaces without sticking out.

Mattresses made for RVs are also usually designed to be easily transported and set up in the confined space of the vehicle.

They might be packet tight and then inflate once they’re on the bed base, and they feature high-density foam that keeps them in good condition even after years of traveling on the road.

Related Questions

An RV mattress is an important but sometimes overlooked accessory that deserves a lot of thought.

If you’re new to choosing an RV mattress or need to learn the basics, we’ve answered some common questions about these important pieces of bedding.

Can You Cut a Memory Foam Mattress Topper?

If you’re using a memory foam mattress topper on your RV mattress, it may be possible to trim it down to size so that it fits the exact dimensions as they’re usually made a little larger than they need to be.

However, purchasing custom RV sheets and toppers are recommended to avoid doing any damage and ensuring the perfect fit.

How Do You Clean an RV Mattress?

Depending on the materials used to make the mattress, the best way to keep them clean is to remove any covers or toppers and clean these separately first.

Then, you can vacuum or deep clean the mattress underneath to remove debris and dead skin cells that can build up over time.

How Heavy is an RV Mattress?

The weight of an RV mattress will depend on the materials used, but for a high-density memory foam mattress, you can expect it to weight between 50 – 100lbs for a standard short queen size product.