Sleep-deprived RVer needs help selecting new mattress

Here is a question Chris Dougherty, Certified RV Technician, received from a reader while he was serving as RVtravel.com’s technical editor.

Dear Chris,
A quick question, I hope, about replacing the full size queen mattress in our motorhome. It is at present a one sided mattress and is very worn. After replacing the mattress in our Arctic Fox with a foam one and the resulting mold problems, I am loathe to even try replacing this one but the time has come! Any suggestions? Would a regular house mattress be okay? -Aileen

Dear Aileen,
I have great news for you! You don’t need an RV mattress, as long as you can get the same size at a mattress store. For instance, if you had a mattress that was cut across the corner for a corner bed, then you’d have to get a similar RV mattress to fit the same as the old one.

I have replaced the mattress in every RV I’ve had. Currently I have a Serta pillow-top in our fifth-wheel, and will move that to our next rig.

Measure the existing mattress length, width and height and use that as a guide. If you want a larger mattress, that may be okay, just try to fit the dimensions in your RV and makes sure the clearances are adequate. A pillow-top mattress is quite a bit higher, so make sure you’ll still have head clearance and access to the bedside tables. etc. If it’s longer, make sure you can still walk around it, and that it is supported adequately underneath.