Comfort is always the first aspect to consider when shopping for a mattress. However, I’ve found that when the bed is in an RV, it’s just as important to take other factors into account. Size, weight, economy, efficiency—these will all contribute to the long-term success of your purchase.
In searching for the best short queen RV mattress, I tested 6 products and found the Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam offering to be the best option.
I’ve decided to narrow the list down to short queen mattresses for several reasons. First and foremost, this is the bed size that comes standard with most travel trailers and fifth wheels.
At 60 inches, it’s just as wide as a regular queen bed, but it measures only 74 inches long. This means that the bed will take up less room, thereby maximizing the living space.
1. Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea Short Queen Mattress -Best Overall
2. Best Price 6-Inch Memory Foam -Best For Budget Shoppers
3. Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort -Best For Joint Pain
4. DynastyMattress Gel Memory Foam -Best For Plus-Sized Sleepers
5. Live & Sleep Resort Classic -Best For Hot Sleepers
6. Serenia Short Queen Memory Foam -Best For Last-Minute Buyers
While most travel trailers will include more than one sleeping area, the master suite will generally contain a short queen bed. Some models might even offer more than one, which is another reason why I’ve focused on this size alone.
Read on to learn more about the Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea model and what sets it apart from the other models listed here.
Best RV Short Queen Mattresses: Product Review Guide
1. Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea Short Queen Mattress
If you’re lucky enough to come across the Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea model while shopping for short queen mattresses, I would advise you to look no further. This innovative creation uses memory foam to mold itself to the contours of your body, so it provides a good night’s rest for all body shapes and sleeping positions.
While this technology is nothing new, what makes the Zinus unique among memory foam mattresses is its eco-friendly nature. The company uses natural seed oils, active charcoal, and green tea extract in its bedding material. This might sound a bit strange at first, but once you lie down, you’re sure to appreciate the effort.
Instead of merely providing a place to sleep, the Zinus uses a holistic approach to refresh and restore the entire body. As a result, you’re bound to get a more restful night’s slumber and wake up revitalized and energetic the next morning. A 10-year warranty is included with the purchase, so you can expect to get a great deal of use out of this product.
Two minor concerns: We did notice some off-gassing (that is, a slight odor) when unpacking the Zinus. In addition, it takes a while for the bed to stretch out to its full shape once it’s in place. If you can overlook these slight drawbacks, however, this is an excellent option.
To see what other buyers had to say about this model, take a look at this YouTube video.
2. Best Price 6-Inch Memory Foam
If you’re looking for an inexpensive mattress for your camper, this 6-Inch model from Best Price offers great value. Beneath the top layer, which measures 1 inch thick, you’ll find a 2-inch center made of soft foam, with 3 inches of firmer support below that. The surface is also equipped with a motion isolation feature, which prevents sleepers from feeling the disturbances that can result from sharing a bed with a restless partner.
While the top layer is as comfortable as you could hope for, the center foam layer is the real star of the show. That’s because it’s ventilated to provide maximum airflow, keeping the surface from getting too hot.
Best Price offers a 2-year limited warranty for this product, which is CertiPUR-US certified. The bad news? It uses fiberglass in its construction, so there’s no way to remove the covers without exposing yourself to those itchy splinters. In addition, breathing in the fiberglass can pose a health hazard. The sleeping surface may also begin to flatten out after a year or so, which necessitates frequent replacements.
3. Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort
If you’re prone to aches and pains after a long day on the trail, the Zinus Sleep Master Ultima Comfort Short Queen has you covered. The company uses a biofoam construction rather than the traditional petroleum, which boosts the product’s longevity. Moreover, since memory foam mattresses like this one are capable of matching your body’s contours, it offers all the support that your aching joints require.
Zinus offers a 10-year limited warranty with every purchase, and the product is CertiPUR-US certified. We’ve found that it holds up well to long years of use, even for full-time RVers. Although it arrives in a tightly compressed package, it can be unpacked and ready to go within minutes.
Be aware that the foam isn’t always consistent in its expansion, which can lead to flat spots. The company is notorious for its shipping issues as well, so be forewarned that you might have to speak with customer service at some point. Fortunately, the price tag is low enough to justify a few roadblocks.
4. DynastyMattress CoolBreeze Gel Memory Foam
This offering from DynastyMattress measures a generous 10 inches thick, so it can support people of all shapes and sizes. If you’re looking for a comfortable and restful place to sleep, this is an excellent choice.
The material offers superb ventilation, which is excellent news if you frequently camp in humid climates. It’s also suitable for full-time RVers. Coincidentally, it’s also fairly expensive, so bear that in mind before making a fnal decision.
5. Live & Sleep Resort Classic
If your body temperature runs hot during sleep, the Live & Sleep Resort Classic could be the model for you. The material is so well-ventilated that it stays cool throughout the night, even when you would be sweating in ordinary circumstances. Even the cover is designed to promote maximum airflow.
Live & Sleep uses advanced production techniques that cut way down on carbon emissions, making this an environmentally sound choice as well. It’s also made to suit adjustable bed frames, giving it a flexibility that contributes to its long lifespan.
6. Serenia Short Queen Memory Foam
The Serenia model uses an open-cell construction that promotes ventilation and helps to soothe aching muscles during rest. Because the material is hypoallergenic, it also keeps seasonal allergies in check.
One of the best things about Serenia is their rapid shipping service, which means you’ll have your new bed ready that much sooner. The mattresses are compressed tightly before shipping, so they’re easy to transfer to the camper. As a result, they can take a while to mold themselves into shape. There’s also a lingering odor after they’re unpacked, but both issues should resolve themselves within a day or two.
Buyer’s Guide
About RV Queen Mattresses
As we pointed out earlier, RV queen mattresses are typically several inches shorter than regular queen beds. They’re available in several different types. Which one you choose should depend on your sleeping habits, as well as your budget.
Here are the most common types:
Memory Foam
This is a popular option because of the way it molds to the body’s contours, thereby reducing blood pressure and alleviating joint pain. It also accommodates a variety of sleeping positions, and is a good choice for co-sleeping.
This material doesn’t trap mold, dust mites, or other allergens, so it’s suitable for people who suffer from allergies. You can expect to get 8 to 10 years out of the purchase, assuming you buy from a reputable manufacturer.
While these mattresses do an admirable job at distributing body temperature to avoid overheating, they can be difficult to get out of if you remain motionless throughout the entire night. That’s a minor drawback in our opinion, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.
Latex Foam
Latex foam is is made from organic substances and offers firm support for back sleepers. Buyers can choose between high-density foam, which is extra sturdy, or low-density, which is more breathable in warm weather.
Polypropylene Foam
This is a great choice for budget shoppers, as it’s typically the least expensive type of RV mattress. The foam is composed of the same synthetic material that you’ll find in sofa and chair cushions. It usually wears out quickly, which is why we don’t recommend it if you live in your RV full-time.
Innerspring
Composed of coils encased in thick padding, these mattresses are heavier than most of the competition. Their construction can also cause them to retain moisture, which is another red flag. Also, if the material is too thin, the coils can be felt through the padding. Should you choose to buy an innerspring RV mattress anyway, invest in the thickest model you can find.
Benefits
RV queen mattresses are a great buy for many reasons, namely because they’re the best fit for most RV beds. While it’s possible to install an air mattress in the camper instead, this doesn’t always work out, especially if you’re camping in high-altitude areas. Besides, they’re prone to slipping, which isn’t exactly conducive to a good night’s sleep.
In addition, having a dedicated RV mattress will offer more support than sleeping pads or air mattresses can. When you’re roughing it in the wilderness, it feels wonderful to have a comfortable place to lay your head—not to mention the rest of your body.
In addition, the majority of RV short queen mattresses are made from hypoallergenic materials. This is a huge plus if you suffer from dust or mold allergies. Just try to steer clear of innerspring mattresses, since they don’t fall into this category.
Potential Issues
Make sure that the manufacturer has specified the correct size on the packaging. Often, a product will say something like “double” or “single,” and it turns out to be for a toddler bed. It’s better to wait and order a customized model than to end up with the wrong size.
Also, take the bed type into account. If it’s a pullout bed, look for a pad that can be folded up neatly without blocking the sliding mechanism. It also helps if the model is equipped with a cover that can be easily removed for cleaning.
In Conclusion
The Zinus Gel-Infused Green Tea model is number one on our list of RV short queen mattresses. While the fact that it’s infused with green tea and other minerals provides it with an undeniable “wow” factor, it’s also one of the most comfortable memory foam mattresses we’ve ever tested.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
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