Sometimes you just want to be in your own bed. Other times, you want to be camping. The problem is that RV mattresses aren't exactly known for being luxurious.
I originally wrote this post eight years ago when we were camping in our pop-up camper, and you know what? I still stand behind the basic advice. A comfortable mattress, a little extra support underneath, and good bedding can completely change how well you sleep in your camper.
Our RV and bedding setup have changed since then, so it was time to update this post with what I would recommend today.
1. Start with a comfortable mattress.
2. Add support underneath if you need it.
3. Finish it with bedding you actually enjoy sleeping in.
1. Start With a Better RV Mattress
If your camper mattress is uncomfortable, replacing it may be one of the best upgrades you make.
When we remodeled our pop-up camper, we replaced the original mattress with a Classic Brands sofa replacement mattress. I recommended Classic Brands when I originally wrote this post, and eight years later, I would buy one again.
For our pop-up, the sofa replacement size worked particularly well because we needed something thin enough for the camper to close properly while still providing enough cushioning between us and the hard bunk platform.
In fact, I'm planning to purchase a Classic Brands replacement mattress for the pull-out sofa in our home. That probably tells you more than anything else about how I feel about this mattress.
Shop the Classic Brands Mattress
Before You Buy an RV Mattress
Measure everything first. RV beds aren't always standard residential sizes, and pop-up campers have another consideration: the camper still has to close.
Check the length, width and available mattress thickness before ordering. If you're replacing a mattress in a pop-up, Murphy bed, bunk or sleeper sofa, don't assume that a standard mattress will fit simply because it's labeled full or queen.
You can also read about our original pop-up mattress replacement in my Pop-Up Camper Mattress Replacement post.
2. Don't Forget What's Under the Mattress
You don't have to be the princess from The Princess and the Pea to notice a hard surface underneath a thin camper mattress.
Pop-up camper beds sit directly on wooden bunk platforms. With a thick residential mattress, you probably wouldn't notice what's underneath you. With a thinner RV mattress, you absolutely can.
One of the least expensive upgrades we made was adding interlocking anti-fatigue foam mats underneath our mattresses.
We bought inexpensive mats and pieced them together underneath each bunk mattress. Combined with the dense memory foam mattress, they created another layer between us and the hard bunk platform.
We noticed the difference, especially as side sleepers. The bed felt supportive rather than hard, and we weren't waking up with that same shoulder or hip discomfort from pressing into the bunk platform.
3. Choose Bedding That Makes Camping Feel Like Home
The final layer is the fun part: bedding.
When I originally wrote this post, our pop-up beds were made up with inexpensive microfiber sheets and quilts from Wayfair. They worked beautifully, and you certainly don't need specialized RV bedding to create a comfortable bed.
If you prefer traditional sheets and blankets, that's still a great option. A set of comfortable, soft sheets can make an inexpensive RV bed feel considerably nicer. These are sheets I love and recommend, and they work just as well for an RV as they do at home.
What We Use in Our RV Now: Beddy's
Our bedding setup has changed since those pop-up days. Today, we use a Beddy's bedding system in our RV, and we love it.
Beddy's combines the bedding into one system, so you aren't wrestling with separate sheets and blankets every time you make the bed. In the tight spaces you find in an RV, that convenience is a big deal.
It is definitely a more expensive bedding option, but after using it in our RV, I think it's worth the investment. It simplifies making the bed and keeps everything looking neat—which checks both the practical and pretty boxes for me.
Beddy's now has options available through Amazon as well. You can browse Beddy's bedding options here.
You Don't Have to Spend a Fortune to Sleep Better in Your RV
Looking back eight years later, I think that's the part of this original post that holds up the best.
You don't have to completely redo your RV bedroom at once. Start with the thing that bothers you most.
If the mattress is terrible, replace the mattress. If you can feel the hard platform underneath you, add some cushioning. If your mattress is comfortable but the bedding is constantly coming loose or making the bed is a chore, rethink your bedding.
And make it pretty if that makes you happy!
The piles of pillows and soft bedding in our little pop-up made those bunk ends feel like inviting retreats at the end of a camping day. Our current RV looks different, but I still want our camper bed to feel comfortable, cozy and a little bit like home.
Classic Brands Replacement Mattress
The brand we used in our pop-up and one I would buy again.
My Recommended Sheet Set
An easy option if you prefer traditional bedding.
Beddy's Bedding
Our current RV bedding solution and a favorite for simplifying bed-making.
Make Your Camper Your Own
Whether you're remodeling an older pop-up, making a brand-new travel trailer more comfortable or simply trying to get a better night's sleep at the campground, don't overlook the bed.
After all, you're camping to enjoy yourself. You shouldn't dread crawling into bed at the end of the day.
If you're looking for more ideas for making your camper comfortable and functional, visit my Camping Gear Page. And if you're working on a pop-up camper, you'll find more projects on my Pop-Up Camper Remodel Page.
Eight years later, I still believe a comfortable bed is one of the best upgrades you can make to a camper. Sleep well, wake up rested and get out there to enjoy another day of camping!
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Southern Glamper!
Thank you for the great info - how does the gel memory foam hold up in the heat of being left in the hot camper when not in use?
ReplyDeleteOurs has held up fine. We haven't had any issues, and ours is about 1 1/2 years old. I hope this helps!
DeleteWhat size memory foam/gel did you get? our openings are 77 x 70. Did you also customize the shower curtain?
ReplyDeleteWe used a full size mattress in our camper. However, based on your dimensions this sounds like a 'queen'. I put that in quotes because it is slightly smaller than a traditional queen. The queen would be the closest size. Using a memory foam mattress is great in a camper because you can trim the size to fit your needs. My husband trimmed our mattress to fit using a bread knife.
DeleteRegarding the curtains, I made those all to fit the camper. I do know that some people use shower curtains for their curtains in their RVs. Hope this helps!
We did buy a memory foam topper from Walmart. It is such a dream to sleep on.
ReplyDeleteThe issue we have is that, we have a king size popup bed, and we don't really know that the most comfortable direction to sleep on the bed. I see photos, like the one in your post, that have the head at the end. We tend to be too long when we stretch out. And how do you get under the covers easily? But sleeping with the head at the side, I sleep on the inside, and I have to crawl over.
Please do a segment on sleeping in a popup.
Great feedback. I'm glad your topper is working. This is also an excellent idea. I'll be adding a post about sleeping in a pop up in late June! Thank you for the suggestion.
DeleteDo you know what the comforter set on Wayfair was called? I love it.
ReplyDeleteHi! I ordered this set from Wayfair a few years ago. I was not able to find it online again. But, the name of the set is - Filigree Quilt Set By Home Fashion Designs. You could do an internet search and see if you can find it anywhere. It seemed to be out of stock where I looked. Happy Camping!
DeleteHey I’m a new to me Popup owner to. Coleman Utah. I just want to say thanks for taking the time to share these awesome pics and ideas. You have totally sold me on the anti fatigue mats.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you found this to be helpful! Feel free to drop a line and let me know if you ever have questions!
DeleteI had a pop up previously and always hated the “damp” feeling at night. We are purchasing a new pop up again and wondered if you had any ideas to combat that. Thank you so much..your camper looked fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI would encourage you to use a dehumidifier or a container of damp rid. The dehumidifier is the way to go in my opinion! Good luck with your new camper and thank you!
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