While there is no doubt that they are incredibly fun, road trips and camping adventures can be exhausting. To ensure a good night’s sleep anywhere, many RV and mobile home owners put a bed right inside of the vehicle. This removes the need for a tent or hotel, and allows them to simply park and get some rest. Typically, these beds consist of a frame and a short queen RV mattress.
Short queen sized mattresses are very popular among RV owners because of their unique size. However, they are available in many different types, materials, and thicknesses. To help you choose the best option, we’ll take a look at what features you should consider, and we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions. First, let’s take a look at the five best short queen RV mattresses.
The 5 Best Short Queen RV Mattresses
5. Zinus – Foam & Spring Short Queen Mattress
The Zinus Short Queen Mattress is a medium to firm, hybrid foam-spring bed. The Zinus comes in a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 6 to 10 inches. Because of the thick multi-layer design, the mattress is as comfortable on a normal bed frame as it is in an RV. This mattress is also a little shorter than other short queen mattresses, at 74 inches.
There are 5 layers of comfort on the Zinus. The largest and most influential layer consists of 5 inches of steel innerspring, which are good for lightweight front sleepers. On top of that layer, there is an inch of foam, half for comfort, and the other half to protect against the springs.
The second to last layer is a microfiber fabric for superior airflow and to prevent the build-up of moisture within the mattress. Finally, on the top is a fine Jacquard knit cover, so even without bedsheets, the mattress will look presentable.
This mattress can support up to 500 pounds, or two large adults. The bed comes in a compact box and takes around 1 week to expand to its full size and thickness. Provided you allow the week to run its course before using it, Zinus offer a 10 year warranty on their queen-size mattresses. The Zinus Short Queen Mattress is available in 6, 8, and 10 inch thicknesses.
Pros and Cons
4. American Mattress – Memory Foam RV Mattress
From the American Mattress company comes the Memory Foam RV Mattress. This is a comfortable, 8 inch thick short queen mattress that is perfect for use in an RV or mobile home. By using a combination of both memory foam and gel, the comfort and support are fantastic. The mattress comes in a range of sizes to fit all bed frame types. And the medium to firm support is perfect for both those with small frames and the heavy-set.
The 6 inch thick foam makes up most of the support material. This is a high-density foam that spreads out the weight of the sleeper — dissipating all sensations of the bed frame beneath. It also provides shock absorption, which prevents you from feeling the movements of your sleeping partner. In addition, the thick foam provides a level of insulation during colder weather.
Above the high-density foam layer is American Mattress’s Graphite Gel Infused Memory Foam. The Graphite Gel has excellent thermal conduction properties and does a great job keeping you cool during the warm summer months.
American Mattress offers an awesome 30-day trial period, and also provides 10-year warranty with the purchase.
Pros and Cons
3. Live and Sleep – Ultra RV Mattress
Live and Sleep’s Ultra RV Mattress is one of our favorite mattresses to use during long road trips. It features a medium-firm foam padding that is exceptionally comfortable, providing support while keeping you cool throughout the night. The foam design is perfect for an RV as it absorbs the often uneven bed and frame construction.
The base material is 8.5 inches of high-density foam, which will support body frames of all sizes. The thick high-density foam will also even out any discrepancies of the RV’s bed frame.
On top of the base layer there is a one inch layer of gel-infused memory foam. The gel in the memory foam acts as a heat conductor to transfer heat away from the body. At the same time, the gel infusion provides an even level of pressure across the entire surface.
Finally, the top layer of the Ultra RV Mattress provides 2.5 inches of sumptuous Air-Flow memory foam. This porous Air-Flow foam prevents moisture build-up and hot patches.
Live and Sleep uses deluxe foam that is resistant to mites, mold, and bacteria, reducing the risk of any potential health issues. In addition, the company only uses materials that are safe for use inside enclosed environments and RVs.
Pros and Cons
2. Classic Brands – Cool Gel Short Queen Mattress
The Cool Gel Short Queen Mattress from Classic Brands is fantastic for use in an RV or mobile home. Trust us, this bad boy is comfortable. The dual-foam mattress combines both old and modern technologies to give campers a comfortable sleeping experience while out on the road.
Eight inches of thick foam separate your body from the bed frame. The thick base layer utilizes a high-density foam, which spreads the compression between the body and the bed. On top of the base layer, there is a two inch layer of Classic Brands’ Cool Gel memory foam.
The Cool Gel memory foam is seriously awesome. It conforms to your body shape like a comfortable little jelly cloud, and also gives your back a ton of support. Additionally, the gel allows warm air to pass through it without trapping any moisture inside, which can be a common issue with many other foam mattresses.
Pros and Cons
1. Live and Sleep – Short Queen Memory Foam RV Mattress
The Short Queen Memory Foam RV Mattress from Live and Sleep is fantastic. It is our absolute favorite mattress for RVs and mobile homes, and seriously, I cannot recommend it enough.
With a whopping 10 inch thickness, sleeping on this mattress feels like sleeping on a perfect cloud of comfort. It is a medium-soft mattress that is still firm enough to support large body frames, so it should be a great option for most people, regardless of their weight or height.
The first 7.5 inches of the mattress consists of thick, high-density foam. On top of the base, the top layer features untainted memory foam. The 2.5 inches memory foam conforms perfectly to the shape and weight of each individual sleeper. Additionally, the memory foam has small pores that allow heat and moisture to dissipate from your body while you sleep.
Live and Sleep, the manufacturer, includes one of their pillows as a gift, which is quite comfortable in and of itself. Also worth mentioning is the lengthy 20 year warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros and Cons
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Short Queen RV Mattress
When it comes to choosing a new short queen mattress for your RV, a good starting point is to look at what you sleep on at home. Is your home mattress comfortable? Do you need something more or less firm? How about something thicker? Additionally, these are a few of the important factors and features that you should keep in mind.
Material
The mattress material is possibly the most important factor to consider. There are a few different types that are typically found in RVs.
1. Foam
Foam is of the most common bedding materials, mostly because of its low price. A foam mattress is lightweight, and they are easy to roll up when you need to make extra space. Foam is also comfortable in the beginning, but it does not take long for a regular foam mattress to lose its quality and begin to fall apart.
There are many types of foam, including latex foam. Many consider latex foam to be more comfortable than regular foam. Though fitting these into an RV can often be troublesome.
2. Memory Foam
Memory foam has a good reputation for comfort, even when resting on just a solid wooden base or floor. Though this type of foam is fine in cold weather, you may find it a bit uncomfortable when it is hot. Rather than an entire memory foam mattress, most people prefer a hybrid memory foam layer.
3. Gel Hybrid
Many of the most popular RV mattresses are a combination of gel, foam, and sometimes memory foam. Hybrid-gel mattresses are generally considered to be the most comfortable type. They are, however, a bit more expensive — but they are worth the price. The combination of different materials helps prevent overheating issues while providing exceptional comfort and support.
4. Innerspring
The classic spring mattress design works just as well in an RV as it does in your home. However, these are heavy and can be difficult to maneuver, so they are more practical for large RV owners.
5. Air
If you do not have enough space inside the RV for a mattress to be set up at all times, an air mattress is a great solution. They can be set up and broken down in just a few minutes, and are easy to pack up and move out of the way. While they were not very dependable in the past, air mattresses are much better quality now than they were just a few years ago. However, when it comes to comfort, an air mattress is nowhere near as good as a real mattress.
Thickness
Generally, most RV mattresses tend to be six inches thick. However, many people do opt for 8 inch and 10 inch models as well. A thicker mattress tends to be more comfortable, so we recommend choosing one that is 8 inches or thicker.
Size
Even if you know that you are looking for a short queen sized mattress, it is still very important to measure the area in the RV where you plan to put it. A short queen measures 60 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Regardless of the mattress size you ultimately settle for, you must ensure that the size of your bed frame matches it.
The standard mattress sizes are:
- Length: 75 to 80 inches long for a twin to a king-size, and up to 84 inches long for a California King.
- Single width: Bunks in an RV start from as small as 28 inches. Whereas a twin mattress will start at 38 inches.
- Double width: Full double and queen-size mattresses range up to 60 inches. And can be as wide as 76 inches.
- Short queen: 60 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Short Queen RV Mattress FAQs
What is a short queen mattress?
A short queen is a mattress size that measures 60 inches wide and 75 inches long. Standard queen mattresses measure 60 inches wide by 60 inches long, so a short queen is 5 inches shorter. This mattress size is commonly used in RVs and motorhomes because they take up less space in terms of length, without sacrificing any width.
What is the best material for an RV mattress?
Most RV owners consider hybrid mattresses of memory foam and gel to be the best material and the most comfortable to sleep on. The memory foam conforms to your body while you lay on it. At the same time, the gel keeps you cool and prevents sweating and overheating.
What is the best value material for a mattress?
A regular foam does not typically last more than a couple of years of home use. However, if you are not living in your RV daily, that can translate to many years of use. Foam is inexpensive and comfortable. An RV mattress is an investment, and you need to consider how much a good night’s sleep is worth to you. Generally, most people agree that gel memory foams are the best and most comfortable, but they do cost a bit more.
Can I cut an RV mattress?
Whether or not you can cut an RV mattress depends largely on the type and material. Typically, most regular foam and some latex foam mattresses can be cut. Spring, gel, memory foam, and air mattresses should absolutely not be cut at all. Regardless of the type and material, we recommend that you do not cut any mattress.
Final Thoughts
There is really nothing that can quite compare to a long trip on the open road. Just imagine a few burgers are cooking outside on the RV grill and your buddy hands you an iced cold beer from the mini fridge inside. What could possibly make it better? An afternoon nap, of course!
A comfortable mattress is a great investment for any RV, mobile home, or camper. The more rested you are, the more energy you will have to enjoy your trip. As the best overall short queen RV mattress, we recommend the Short Queen Memory Foam RV Mattress by Live and Sleep. With a 10 inch thick combination of high density foam and memory foam, the level of comfort it provides is truly unmatched.
Happy Camping!
Do you have an awesome mattress in your RV? We would love to hear about it! Let us know your thoughts, ideas, and questions in the comments section below.
