(Top 3) RV Bunk Mattresses of 2024 Ranked and Reviewed
An Unbeatable Night’s Sleep in Your RV is Just One Bunk Mattress Away
Few things are better than getting out to explore the many wonders of this beautiful country. Whether traveling to visit family and friends, to discover new culinary delights, or to tick another landmark off the ‘ol bucket list, there are several ways to get from point A to point B.
Trains, planes, busses, and automobiles are all perfectly viable means of transportation. However, a wise man by the name of Ralph Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. I think it’s safe to say that if Ralph were alive today, he’d be one of the 9 million Americans who have discovered the true joy of traveling in an RV.
RV’s are the ultimate road tripper’s dream. They give you the option to take the creature comforts of home with you on the road. To make your RV truly feel like a second home, however, you may consider doing a few upgrades before you embark on your next long-distance journey.
One of the number one ways you can give your RV a comfort boost is by replacing the ‘hard as a board’ stock RV mattress with something that adds to your experience, not detracts from it.
In this comprehensive review guide, we RANK the Top 3 RV Bunk Mattresses available in 2021, providing you with everything you need to consider when making the upgrade.
If you are looking to skip the background information, here are the top 3 RV bunk mattresses for 2021:
The Elation RV Mattress
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- The added gel memory foam layer feels fantastic
- Free shipping within the 48 states
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- Great option for those who like a slightly firm mattress
- Free shipping within the 48 states
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- Not too firm, not too soft - the aches and pains just melt away!
- Free shipping within the 48 states
The Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep in your RV – a top RV bunk mattress makes a big impact
It may have been a badge of honor as a teenager to pull an ‘all-nighter’, but most of us have since learned the value and joy of a good night’s sleep as we get older. This is because while we sleep, our bodies are hard at work healing damaged cells, strengthening our immune system, and recharging energy stores.
This doesn’t mean you have to call it an early night while gallivanting across the country in your RV. By all means, enjoy those jaunts out on the town!
But it does mean it’s important to get the best quality of sleep you can when you do decide to hit the hay!
And to do that, you need a top-rated RV mattress proven to improve sleep, enhance comfort, and make your travels more enjoyable.
How Your Bunk RV Mattress Impacts Sleep Quality
A good night’s sleep starts with a good mattress. Even if you’re able to fall into a good deep slumber on a less than ideal surface, you’ll likely end up waking riddled with aches and pains, feeling less rested than you should. This is because a bad mattress tends to apply pressure to all the wrong points in the body.
Another ill effect of a sub-par RV mattress is its ability to hold in heat and moisture, which can be a leading contributor to restless nights (especially during sweltering summer months).
But that’s not all, old mattresses can also provide the perfect home for dust mites (Ewww), causing skin allergies and potentially even leading to asthma!
Why are Some Bunk RV Mattresses So Uncomfortable?
Let’s face it, you didn’t go out and buy that new RV because you were interested in “roughing it” while out on the open road. So why is it that most RV bunk mattresses feel like you might as well be sleeping on the hard ground? Seriously, my dog’s bed looks more comfortable than the stock mattresses that your average RV comes equipped with!
So what makes stock bunk mattresses so sub-par? The answer lies in the use of thin layers of cheap fiber filling. This fiber is often made from scrap material blended into a fiber pad consistency. That filling is then stuffed into a 2 to 3-inch pad, where it often gets squished down into a one-inch, rock-hard pancake after only a few nights of not-so-restful slumber.
As you can imagine, a one-inch slab of fiber does little in terms of support. This is why bunk RV camper mattresses can often leave you with a load of fun aches and pains, after even a short trip.
This begs the question, what types of materials should you be looking for in a replacement mattress when you upgrade that bunkbed to the kind of bed sweet dreams are made in?
The Elements of a Quality Bunk RV Mattress
Not all bunk bed mattresses are created equal, and due to differences in sleep preferences, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to a good night’s sleep. So before you dive into your mattress shopping endeavor, it’s a good idea to brush up on your mattress material lingo.
While there are many mattress materials on the market today, some of the most common types of mattresses include the following:
Foam
Due to the ease of customization, foam is a popular material choice for RV bunk mattresses. Foam is also a popular option for those looking to upgrade their current bunk mattresses on a budget since foam is often more affordable than some of the other types of mattresses on our list. However, foam can vary greatly when it comes to quality. So when shopping for foam, be on the lookout for something with high density. This will assure you’re buying a mattress built to stand the test of time.
Memory foam
Memory foam has been steadily rising in popularity since it emerged on the market due to its ability to contour itself to the curves of your body. This gives memory foam a plusher feel making it a good option for those who prefer a softer mattress. The one major downside to memory foam is that it tends to hold in heat, which can be less than ideal if you’re planning on taking your RV for trips during the summer months.
Gel Memory Foam
Gel memory foam takes the classic memory foam formula and gives it an upgrade with the addition of cooling gel. Cooling gel memory foam has all the benefits of a traditional memory foam mattress but sleeps 1 to 2 degrees cooler making gel memory foam an excellent choice for frequent summer road trips.
Coil
Coil spring mattresses are still the most common type of mattress used in homes today. You won’t often find this classic mattress style sized for RV bunk beds though. This is because a quality coil mattress tends to be tall, heavy, and difficult to customize to fit an RV.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine two or more of the elements above to give you the best of all worlds. For example, a hybrid may combine the sturdy support of high-density foam with the cooling and contouring action of gel memory foam. Some of the best quality camper bunk mattresses on the market today are hybrids.
Mattress Cover
In addition to quality material inside your mattress, a top-of-the-line RV bunk mattress will also feature high-quality materials on the outside. Many lower quality mattresses feature synthetic covers that tend to hold in heat and moisture. For the ultimate in quality and comfort, look for something made from 100% cotton. Cotton tends to help keep your mattress cool while providing a luxuriously soft and silky feel.
Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free
Your RV is a small enclosed space. This makes the danger of chemical off-gases from synthetic materials or those treated with harsh chemicals a real concern. Especially so for those with pets, small children, or other medical conditions (such as asthma or COPD).
At Mattress Insider, our top RV mattresses are made right here in the USA, free from toxins, chemicals, and CertiPUR-US® certified.
RV Mattress Size and Fit
Now that you know the ins and outs of the materials that lay the foundation for a good night’s sleep, you’re probably thinking “Can’t I just hop on over to the nearest mattress store and buy a replacement?”. While that might sound like the easiest solution, the reality is a bit more complicated.
Most regular mattress stores stock just a few standard sizes, the likes of which probably won’t fit in most RV or camper bunks.
Most RV makers have had to get creative with the use of space in order to fit all the comforts of home in such limited square footage. This means most RV bunk beds are odd shapes, requiring either specialty RV mattress sizes or, in some cases, custom mattresses.
At Mattress Insider we specialize in custom mattresses, including RV bunk mattresses of any size or shape, enabling you to get a perfect fit without sacrificing quality or comfort.
How to Measure for a Properly Fitted RV Bunk Mattress
First, let’s find out whether your RV bunk will need a custom mattress or can be replaced with a more common pre-made size. Your first course of action is to get a proper measurement.
To start, remove the current mattresses from the bunks you plan on replacing. Then, rather than measuring the old mattresses, take your measuring tape and measure the length and width of the plywood surface your mattress will sit on top of. The reason you always want to measure the surface instead of the old mattress is that older mattresses can warp over time, making the measurements less accurate. This step is especially important when a custom mattress is required to ensure your new bunk mattress is a perfect fit.
The next measurement you’ll want to take is the amount of headspace between the plywood and the ceiling. This is so you can determine the ideal mattress height for your space. Ultimately, you want to leave yourself with at least 24 inches of space between the top of your new mattress and the ceiling so that you can comfortably slide in and out of bed.
What if my RV bunk mattress has a cut corner?
This is actually much more common than you would think! Bunk mattresses with cut corners are often the result of RV manufacturers needing to save a bit of space, or make room for a door.
Mattress Insider can make bunk mattresses to any size and with any cuts – all we need are your measurements!
Measuring a cut corner is actually very simple, but if you have questions about this, please feel free to reach out to us! Once you have your measurements, either give us a call to learn more or head over to our custom mattress builder to order your own!
Common Camper Bunk Mattress Sizes:
| RV Bunk | 42" x 80" |
|---|---|
|
RV Twin |
38″ x 80″ |
|
RV Twin |
38″ x 75″ |
|
RV Bunk |
35″ x 79″ |
|
RV Bunk |
34″ x 75″ |
|
RV Bunk |
32″ x 79″ |
|
RV Bunk |
32″ x 75″ |
|
RV Bunk |
30″ x 80″ |
|
RV Bunk |
30″ x 75″ |
|
RV Bunk |
30″ x 72″ |
|
RV Bunk |
28″ x 75″ |
|
RV Bunk |
28″ x 72″ |
The Top 3 RV Mattresses of 2021 – Ranked and Reviewed
#1 - The 6″ Elation Gel Foam RV Mattress
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- The added gel memory foam layer feels fantastic
- Free shipping within the 48 states
Ranked: Best Value RV Bunk Mattress
Number 1 on our list is a true value for the money pick with the 6” Elation gel foam mattress with organic cotton. The Elation is a hybrid mattress featuring 3 different layers selected to create the foundation for a perfect night’s rest.
The Elation gel foam RV mattress starts with the same proprietary dense foam found in the Sedona. Placed on top of that is a breathable cradle contour foam which creates a softer support system for a truly dreamy night’s rest. The icing on the cake, however, is the gel memory foam top layer which helps keep this mattress 1 to 2 degrees cooler than your average foam mattress, making it an ideal pick for summer travel.
The Elation is also wrapped in 100% organic cotton and features the same 365-night risk-free trial period. The warranty, however, has been extended to a whole 15 years!
What Makes the Elation RV Bunk Mattress So Great?
- An unbeatable combination of price and features
- Adjustable firmness (dual-sided) and superb support
- Contouring foam layer
- Cooling gel memory foam
- Rapid recovery foam technology
- Organic, hypoallergenic cover
- CertiPUR-US® certified free from chemicals, toxins and allergens
- Customizable to any shape or size
- Generous 15-year warranty
- Made in the USA
#2 - The 5.5” Sedona Firm RV Bunk Mattress
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- Great option for those who like a slightly firm mattress
- Free shipping within the 48 states
Ranked: Most Affordable RV Bunk Mattress
Coming in at number 2 on our list is the 5.5” Sedona firm RV bunk mattress. This high-density firm foam mattress is the most affordable bunk mattress on our list, making it the ultimate pick for anyone looking to upgrade their camper bunk mattresses on a budget (without sacrificing quality or comfort).
The Sedona RV bunk mattress is made from a proprietary dense foam formula that gives it the durability to last without sacrificing comfort. The supportive surface is perfect for anyone who prefers a firm mattress. The 5.5” thickness assures you will maintain enough headroom to comfortably get in and out of your bunk while still being thick enough to provide adequate cushioning from the plywood surface. The exterior is covered in ultra-soft organic cotton, which helps wick away moisture.
The Sedona firm RV bunk mattress can be custom-fit to any size bunk and comes with a 365-night zero-risk trial and a 5-year warranty.
What Makes the Sedona Firm RV Bunk Mattress So Great?
- Unbeatable affordability ($199)
- Firm and supportive foam core
- Organic, hypoallergenic cover
- CertiPUR-US® certified free from chemicals, toxins and allergens
- Customizable to any shape or size
- Generous 5-year warranty
- Made in the USA
#3 - 8″ Luxury Gel Foam RV Mattress
User Rating
Why we like it:
- Highly customizable
- Not too firm, not too soft - the aches and pains just melt away!
- Free shipping within the 48 states
Ranked: Top of the Line / Most Luxurious
For our number 3 pick, we pulled out all the stops and selected a truly luxurious buy, the 8” Luxury gel foam RV mattress.
The Luxury gel foam mattress features 4 layers uniquely designed to maintain natural spinal alignment while you sleep. This allows your muscles to reach an unparalleled level of relaxation usually only achievable with the highest quality home mattress. This level of support and comfort was once thought impossible to duplicate on the road.
In addition to the dense foam foundation, gel memory foam top, and breathable cradle contour layer, the Luxury gets an added boost from a second specially designed gel foam layer. This amazing mattress also comes with a whopping 20-year warranty and the same 365-night risk-free trial period Mattress Insider is known for.
What Makes the Luxury Gel Foam RV Bunk Mattress So Great?
- The ultimate in comfort and luxurious feel
Adjustable firmness (dual-sided) - Two height options (8” and 11.5”)
- Rapid recovery foam technology
- Contouring foam layer
- Two unique layers of cooling gel memory foam
- Silky soft organic cover
- CertiPUR-US® certified free from chemicals, toxins and allergens
- Customizable to any shape or size
- Generous 20-year warranty
- Made in the USA
What About the Sheets?
No new mattress would be complete without a quality RV sheet set to complete the package and put the icing on the cake so to speak.
Since your bunk mattress is an odd size, you’ll need uniquely sized sheets to fit it. Luckily, Mattress Insider carries beautiful true 300 thread count cotton sheets specially designed for RV bunks so you can get everything you need in one convenient place.
Final Thoughts On Shopping for the Right RV Bunk Mattress
Did you know that we spend almost ONE-THIRD of our lives in bed?! That adds up to a LOT of time. Time that you deserve to spend in comfort, luxury and support, not tossing and turning on a rock-hard mattress with no support.
A good night’s sleep isn’t just healthy, reducing the risk of everything from cancer to heart disease, it means you’ll be able to tackle the day ahead with a stride in your step and a smile on your face.
This guide was designed to help you make the best decision for yourself and/or your family. We know how important it is to wake up feeling refreshed, and we’ve made it our mission to help people just like you get the most out of their nights without spending an arm and a leg.
If there is anything we can do to help you find the perfect RV bunk mattress, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you.
