How to Get the Best Sleep in Your RV

Everyone needs to get a good night’s sleep, but this is especially true when you’ve had a long day on the road and have another of the same – or perhaps many more – ahead of you. But getting some quality shut-eye can be extra challenging when you’re sleeping in an RV. The cramped quarters, loud nearby roads, and unfamiliar surroundings can be a perfect recipe for a restless night.

So, what can you do to stop waking up in your RV with various aches and pains or feeling tired? Let’s find out.

A Good RV Mattress is the Key to Sleeping Well

Some people ask, can’t you just find any comfortable mattress and use it in your RV? Well, you could try, but it probably won’t be as great as you think. Half the battle when it comes to RV mattresses is fit, because a mattress that’s too big for your RV bed frame will be uncomfortable even if you can cram it in there, and one that’s too small will slide around far too much.

RV mattresses are typically thinner and lighter than traditional mattresses to cater to the demands of RV living. The problem is, not all RV mattresses are created equal. In all likelihood, the stock, factory-installed mattress that came with your RV is made out of cheaper materials that don’t offer enough support or comfort for a good night’s sleep.

The number one thing you can do to improve the quality of your sleep in your RV is to invest in a high-quality, custom RV mattress.

Choosing the Right RV Mattress

Here are some considerations when it comes to replacing your stock camper mattress with a superior alternative:

• Consider your budget. Basic RV mattresses can cost a few hundred dollars, while high-end options can cost several thousand.
• Think about your sleeping preferences. Do you like softer memory foam and sleep on your side? Or do you like strong support and sleep on your back? Choose the material and firmness according to your needs.
• Choose the right size for your rig. RV mattresses come in many lengths, widths, and thicknesses. Measure the bed frame in your RV so your new mattress will fit just right.
• Factor durability in. The average RV mattress should be replaced every 3-7 years, depending on the quality of the material and how often it’s used.
• Read reviews before making your purchase. This is a great way to get honest feedback from other RVers.

How to Replace Your RV Mattress: Step by Step

1. First, measure your bed frame. Unlike standard home mattresses, RV mattresses come in a variety of sizes, and you want to get one that fits your frame precisely. Even an inch can be the difference between fitting and not, so always measure your bed frame carefully.
2. Choose the right type of mattress. There are three main types of RV mattresses: foam, innerspring, and hybrid. Foam mattresses are known for their comfort and gentle support, while innerspring mattresses offer a more traditional feel. Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds.
3. Shop around. Once you have chosen the type of mattress you want, it's time to start shopping around. Several online and offline stores sell mattresses for RVs. Be sure to compare prices, read reviews before making a purchase, and look for a long (ideally 10-year) warranty.
4. Order your mattress. You’ve found the right mattress; now it's time to order. Most retailers will ship RV mattresses directly to your door, and the best of the bunch will deliver your mattress to you for free.
5. Install your new mattress. Now that your new mattress has arrived, it's time to start using it! Thankfully, installing a mattress in your RV is typically easy enough for one person to handle.

Replacing a factory-installed RV mattress is never a bad idea if you want to ensure good sleep right from day one. However, if your existing camper mattress doesn’t return to its original shape after you sit on it, has visible indentations, or feels saggy and uneven, it’s time to look for a new one.

High-Quality RV Sheets Help You Sleep Better

Once you’re satisfied with your mattress situation, don’t forget to pay a little attention to your RV bedding. Nice sheets have been proven to impact sleep positively, and even if you’ve got a mattress that fits your needs perfectly, sheets that don’t feel good against your skin will ruin the experience.

RV bedding made from breathable fabrics can help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night, and wrinkle resistance ensures that they don’t get bunched up under you during the night. Ideally, your RV bedding should be made from cotton and linen fabrics that are low maintenance, since you don’t want to be worrying about laundry on the road.

Improve Your Overall Sleep Hygiene

All the typical things one can do to improve sleep at home or anywhere else also apply when you’re off adventuring in your RV.

• Establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible. The human body likes consistency and routine. Going to sleep and waking up at the same time, regardless of the day of the week, will make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Create a relaxing on-the-road bedtime routine. This could include reading a book, listening to calming music, embracing some quiet time, or whatever else you find relaxing and helps you wind down before sleeping.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Both can interfere with sleep (yes, even if alcohol makes you feel sleepy). Heavy meals also don’t do you any favors. You may get to sleep more quickly, but your actual sleep quality will be worse.
• Make sure your RV is dark, quiet, and cool. Darkness and cooler temperatures help to promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Noise and light can disrupt sleep, so it's important to minimize them however you can.

Follow these tips and pay attention to how your RV mattress and overall sleep setup are working together so you can sleep more comfortably and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

And when you’re ready to support your sleep quality with a solution that will last, take a look at our premium selection of comfortable RV mattresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you improve your sleep in your RV?

Upgrading your factory-installed mattress to a higher-quality or even custom RV mattress is the single biggest thing you can do. On top of that, look for comfortable bedding to help you settle down and sleep as comfortably as you do at home.

How do you choose a new RV mattress?

With your budget in mind, select a mattress that works with your personal sleep preferences. Your preferred sleeping position could even influence the sort of mattress material you choose. Don’t forget to measure your RV bed to ensure that your new mattress fits just right.