Considering how long I put this off, I’m not sure I have the right to nag anyone else… but I’m going to anyway:
If your RV still has its original mattress, change it. Seriously. Do it now.
For years, I woke up every morning feeling like I’d slept on a pile of lumber—back aching, hips sore, neck and shoulders stiff. Not only that, I had serious trouble falling asleep and staying asleep once I got there.
I kept telling myself I’d deal with it “next month,” but next month turned into next season, and then two whole seasons.
I knew I needed to swap out the old RV mattress that originally came in my rig. It was flimsy at best, even when new, but I kept putting it off because I was not sure what mattress to get. You never really know until you sleep on it if it is right for you, and I had spent thousands of dollars in the past on mattresses that felt good in the store, only to discover I had made a bad choice when I got them home.
So I slogged on in pain. I tried several different mattress toppers, none of which made the situation any better, and one super soft one that made it even worse.
Turning point
The turning point came while I was doing a house- and pet-sitting job earlier this year. The guest room mattress in the home was glorious—firm, supportive, just the right amount of give. After one night, I slept better than I had in ages. Naturally, I asked what magical mattress I was sleeping on.
The homeowner informed me that I was going to be happy because it was uber inexpensive! An important lesson to be learned there: When it comes to mattresses, more expensive is NOT necessarily better.
When I checked it out, I found that the Zinus® Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress was well under $200! It had awesome reviews on Amazon, and after sleeping on one, I understood why. I ordered one for my RV before I even packed my bags to go home.
At the house, she had a 12-inch mattress. I ordered a 10-inch version for my RV. Honestly, though, the memory foam is dense and firm enough that I think I could have saved some weight (and more money) and gotten away with the 8-inch or even 6-inch version.
Will this be YOUR perfect mattress? Who can say, as everyone is different. People on Amazon sure seem to love it as much as I do. However, the homeowner where I discovered the mattress did not like it, preferring something far softer. But she also said that everyone else who had ever slept on it had reacted like me and loved it.
What I especially like about the Zinus memory foam mattress
• The patented zoned pressure relief technology, designed to help reduce aches and pains through the night, really works!
• Pressure-relieving memory foam conforms to the shape of your body while enhancing circulation and decreasing stress on your joints.
• The all-natural green tea and purified charcoal infusions work together to help keep your mattress fresh.
• Certified safe material. It is crafted from high-quality CertiPUR-US certified foam and wrapped with an OEKO-TEX certified mattress cover, all produced without the use of harmful chemicals, for safer, healthier sleep.
• It keeps its shape! I have had other memory foam mattresses in the past that eventually start to sink and sag in the area where you typically sleep. This one doesn’t, at least not after six months of every night use.
• Worry-free 10-year limited warranty included; twin mattress supports a maximum weight of 250 lbs., while all other sizes can support up to 500 lbs.
• Easy shipping, easy install, just roll it out and give it a few hours to expand into shape.
• Shockingly inexpensive for the quality!
• It is the MOST COMFORTABLE mattress I have ever slept on in my entire life, and my quality of sleep (and life) has improved tremendously as a result of it.
• Amazon will even come and pick up your old mattress, included in the price of this one!
What can be improved?
As far as I am concerned, absolutely nothing. This mattress, for me, is perfect!
One word of caution: If you are buying this for your RV, be sure to also buy a breathable mat like the one pictured above to go under the mattress. It’s not a flaw of the mattress. However, condensation in RVs can cause a moisture buildup under memory foam mattresses that can lead to dangerous mold growth. The mat allows a layer of air to circulate underneath, which prevents this from happening.
Upgrading your RV mattress is one of the easiest, fastest, most life-improving changes you can make on the road. I wish I’d done it sooner.
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RVT1237
Seriously, when we bought our 2022 TT, before we spent our 1st night, we replaced the mattress. And sadly had to pay the transfer station to dispose of the crap that shipped with the TT. What a waste.
Didn’t know about the purpose made under mattress mats. But before putting in that new mattress I purchased one of the woven (water resistant but breathable) higher end painter’s drop cloths. I trimmed to size and blind-stapled it to the OSB (chip board) deck under the mattress. The mattress slides easily enough for making the bed (no splinters) and we have never had a moisture issue even in humid conditions. Far less expensive than the mats sold for the same purpose.
But it does not come in a Short Queen size. That’s all the room I have in my trailer for a mattress.
I always find it strange how everyone complains about the factory mattress. We bought new a 2020 Montana 5th wheel and the mattress has been great! We have used the RV about five months every year, and only now am I thinking of replacing it.
What I don’t like about buying one online is I want to lie down on it first to see how it feels. Am I nuts?
After Cheri’s recommendation I purchased the Zinus Memory Foam mattress. I have had the factory-installed Serta mattress for almost eight years. The Serta has been very comfortable, but was beginning to get some soft spots and the 3″ memory foam cushion top had worn through with a couple of tear spots. The Zinus came quickly, was easy to unbox and roll onto the bed. I left it for almost two days to air out and put the plastic screen under it since it lays on a wood bed frame. My only negative comment is that the mattress slides too easily on the wood bed frame and I have to use caution when I go to bed that I don’t slide the bed too far to either side.