Anyone who’s ever spent the night tossing and turning on an uncomfortable RV mattress knows how frustrating it can be. After all, how can you truly enjoy your trip if you can’t get a decent rest? But there’s a secret to a better night’s sleep that doesn’t require an expensive new mattress — an RV mattress topper. We have used them on all of our RV mattresses and think they are well worth the money. Follow along with us as we break down the benefits of this fantastic accessory!
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What Is an RV Mattress Topper?
An RV mattress topper is a simple accessory for your bed that can help significantly improve the comfort of your mattress. Mattress toppers generally include one to three inches of cushioning material like memory foam, latex, or down.
As their name suggests, these toppers sit on top of your regular mattress, providing a new, more comfortable sleeping surface. You can get toppers that simply sit under your fitted sheet or a more sophisticated model that holds itself in place like a second fitted sheet.
Benefits of Using an RV Mattress Topper
The biggest and most obvious benefit of using an RV mattress topper is better sleep. Poor sleep may lead to weight gain, depression, and a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. On the flip slide, those who get quality sleep every night have better concentration and productivity, improved physical performance, and better immune systems. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, so you need to get it right for your health’s sake!
An RV mattress topper can also extend the life of your current mattress. While quality mattresses can cost a lot, from several hundred to several thousand dollars, you can get mattress toppers for a lot cheaper. Investing in a comfy mattress topper can squeeze several more years out of your mattress, which you may find especially helpful if you have a tight budget.
What Kind of Mattress Topper Can You Use in an RV?
Generally, you can use most mattress toppers that you could use in a home in your RV. However, there are two crucial factors you’ll need to consider that could require some careful shopping.
The first is size. Due to the nature of installing an RV bed in tight quarters, RV mattresses can often be slightly smaller than traditional versions, even if they’re both labeled the same size. For example, full-size RV beds can be an inch or so narrower and 5 inches shorter in length than traditional queens. While this may not sound like a lot, it can cause a big problem if you hope for a snug and secure fit for your mattress topper.
The second is weight. Generally, mattress toppers don’t weigh very much. But if you use multiple ones for several beds in the same rig, it will add to your overall weight. This is especially true if your RV is close to its weight limit already.
Pro Tip: Know the size of your RV mattress before getting your mattress topper. Here is What You Need to Know About RV Mattress Sizes.
What to Look for When Buying an RV Mattress Topper
Keep these things in mind while shopping to help you find the best choice for your new RV mattress topper.
Self-Cooling
Being too hot in bed can easily ruin your sleep. That’s why many mattress toppers offer new technology designed to keep you cool throughout the night.
Different brands use different strategies, such as copper infusions designed to draw heat away. Or they may have gels or “phase-change” materials that change from liquid to solid to regulate your temperature. Others use specially ventilated designs and materials like bamboo to reduce the heat held by the topper.
Moisture Resistance
It may be unpleasant to think about, but preventing damage from body moisture and other sources is vital to keeping your topper usable for years. Many people sweat when they sleep, and RVs and trailers can sometimes have dampness or too much humidity.
A moisture-resistant mattress topper will help prevent water from both of these sources, which can cause unpleasant odors and degrade your mattress topper over time.
Firmness
There’s no correct answer when it comes to firmness. We all have different preferences, with some sleepers enjoying pillowy-soft surfaces while others crave extra support. But you’ll want to make sure you buy a topper with your desired level of firmness. Some brands will allow you to try out the toppers for a night or more, which could help you decide.
Keep in Mind: Once you have a comfy bed, you will want a safe place to stay. Want to stay somewhere for free? Try Walmart…but first read The Dos and Don’ts of Walmart RV Parking.
Best RV Mattress Toppers
So which are our “top” choices? Let’s take a look at the list.
Plush Bamboo RV Mattress Topper
Do you need some serious extra comfort for your RV mattress? This Plush Bamboo RV mattress topper boasts three inches of “premium hollow fiber,” which should help make even the most uncomfortable mattresses usable.
Additionally, the topper has bamboo fabric, known for staying cool to the touch. Plus, it includes its own top sheet to keep it in place. You can care for it easily with twice-yearly cleanings in a washing machine. Models range from $72 for a twin to $105 for a California king.
- EXCEPTIONAL LOFT. With extra thick premium fluffy loft, this...
- COOL & BREATHABLE. Encased in 40% of the smoothest, silky soft...
- ELASTIC DEEP POCKET FITTED SKIRT. Our elasticated deep pocket...
Charcoal Infused RV Mattress Topper
Are you looking for a firmer memory foam sleep experience? This charcoal-infused RV mattress topper may work great for you. You can get it in three thickness levels, from 2 to 4 inches, so you can pick the cushioning you need. The bamboo charcoal infused into the mattress topper helps regulate moisture and odors, while a ventilated design keeps you cool.
Memory foam, one of the most popular materials, works especially well for those with back or joint pain. For a modest investment of $50-160, your old, beat-up RV mattress can feel like a brand new memory foam delight.
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Topper
This Zinus Memory Foam RV mattress topper has the unique addition of green tea infused into the foam and the benefits of charcoal. Both work together to regulate moisture and odor.
This 4-inch-thick pad fits easily under any fitted sheet and cradles your body to soothe soreness and other aches and pains. It costs between $85 to $136 and comes with a five-year warranty.
- REFRESHING SLEEP, BUILT RIGHT IN - If good sleep is your cup of...
- NATURAL INGREDIENTS - This 4 inch layer features 1.5 inches of...
- CERTIPUR US CERTIFIED - Highest quality foam is CertiPUR US...
Pillow Top RV Mattress Topper
If you’ve got a firm mattress that needs a bit of softness, this Pillow Top RV mattress topper will help. Individually filled squares have down alternative microfiber, ensuring fluffiness remains equally distributed throughout the topper. The deep-pocket design will help keep it secure on your mattress.
The 300-thread-count cotton surface material is breathable and smooth. Plus, you can easily clean it with the gentle cycle of any washing machine. It’s available in nine different sizes, between twin and California king, and costs between $49-$79, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
- Short Queen Size Mattress Pad 60x75 inch,21 inch Deep Pocket, 49...
- Soft: With 30oz down alternative fillings,this pad will add great...
- Skin-friendly:300TC cotton surface will absorb sweat making it...
A Great Way to Upgrade Your RV
RV mattress toppers offer some of the best bang for your buck when it comes to upgrading your rig. You can improve your health, mood, and energy, as well as stay cool and reduce body pains, all for less than a few hundred dollars.
Now that you know, why spend one more night struggling to fall asleep on that uncomfortable mattress?
What do you use to make your RV mattress more comfortable? Drop a comment below.
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Read More From The Mortons:
Dalton Bourne
Tuesday 8th of March 2022
We have the 5th Wheel Camper and the Queen Bed Mattress left with plenty to look forward to. I value quality sleep and have been looking to purchase a replacement mattress for campers. I stumbled across a Memory Foam Mattress and read the reviews and decided to give it a try as it is much cheaper than replacing the entire mattress. It was excellent, with a thickness of 4 inches which is a significant positive as it will give me enough support and comfort to give me a good night's sleep.
Bruce Griffin
Saturday 21st of August 2021
The other option to trying to add "soft" on top of the plywood bed base is the Froli Bed System. It made a world of difference in our sleep and makes out mattress work the way it was designed to work. The Froli System is basically support springs that go between the mattress and the plywood base that provide some flex as well as air flow under the mattress. Why this isn't an OEM option I don't know. https://nickleatlantic.com/ is the US Distributor of Froli Bed Systems
Mortons on the Move
Saturday 21st of August 2021
Thanks for the recommendation!
Katherine Janousky
Saturday 21st of August 2021
I love your newsletters and read them daily. Thank you for all the wonderful information this newbie has learned so much from. Question about toppers: can one remain on the murphy bed in a 2022 Thor Delano 24fb when it's put up?
Mortons on the Move
Wednesday 25th of August 2021
Thank you! We're glad to hear you're enjoying our newsletters. Ultimately it would depend on how thick the mattress topper is and how much clearance you have between the wall and the bed when the murphy bed is up.