I tested 6 products and found the Zinus 3-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper to be the best RV mattress topper for short queen beds.
My decision to make the switch from tent camping to RVing was mainly comfort-based. Put simply, I wanted to get the best night’s sleep possible while still enjoying an active lifestyle. To that end, finding the right mattress topper shot right to the top of my to-do list.
1. Zinus 3-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress Topper -Best Overall
2. Lucid Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Cover –Best Value Option
3. DreamFoam 2-Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper –Best For Warm Weather
4. eluxurySupply RV Mattress Pad –Best For Restless Sleepers
5. Dormeo Premium Memory Foam Mattress Topper –Best Firm Option
6. Best Price 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Topper –Best For First-Timers
After testing all these products, it was evident that the Zinus model was the cream of the crop. It uses natural ingredients that make it environmentally sound, and we detected very little off-gassing after opening the box. It was also one of the most comfortable pads we tried, which is arguably the most important quality you can find in a mattress topper.
Let’s find out how the rest of these models stack up against the Zinus 3-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam model.
Product Mini-Reviews
1. Zinus 3-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Topper—Best Overall
Although it measures just 3 inches thick, this mattress topper delivers superb comfort to solo and co-sleepers alike. The green tea contributes to a restful night’s slumber, and the charcoal additive helps keep the material from feeling clammy in damp weather. It’s also set at a price that won’t break the bank.
The mattress pad does take a bit of time to reach its full size once it’s removed from the box. We recommend giving it at least 72 hours to expand. You might detect a slight odor of new foam, but it’s very mild and should dissipate within a day or two. Zinus offers a 5-year limited warranty for this model.
2. Lucid Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress Cover—Best Value
If you’re looking for a low-priced mattress topper that still provides a decent amount of comfort, check out this offering from the Lucid Store. This one measures only 2 inches thick, making it suitable for smaller bedrooms. However, the company also offers 3- and 4-inch toppers at a slightly higher price.
The foam is well-ventilated and CertiPUR-US certified, and the product comes with a 3-year warranty. Because it’s so compact, it can be taken along on any road trip, even if there’s no RV involved.
There is a noticeable odor when it’s first unwrapped, but it should dissipate within a day or two. We’ve also found that this particular topper doesn’t last as long as some of the competition, but considering the low price tag, that’s not surprising. This is a solid choice for budget shoppers who want a little bit of extra padding for their short queen RV mattress.
3. DreamFoam 2-Inch Gel Swirl Memory Foam Topper—Best For Warm Weather
This topper also measures just 2 inches thick, but the unique gel swirl construction helps to ensure a cool night’s rest, even in hot climates. The memory foam is designed to target individual pressure points and conform to the shape of the body. Like the Zinus Green Tea topper, it works well for co-sleepers who prefer to sleep in different positions.
The off-gassing from this model was quite noticeable and took a few days to resolve. We would suggest waiting at least 72 hours before putting this on the mattress in order to offset the issue. The packaging is also on the flimsy side. Fortunately, the price is low enough to help justify these minor issues.
4. eluxurySupply RV Mattress Pad—Best For Restless Sleepers
Thanks to the secure skirt attachment on this mattress topper, it will stay in place even if you tend to toss and turn at night. The material is plush yet breathable, filled with a down alternative known as RevoLoft. This makes it a good choice for anyone who’s looking for a hypoallergenic mattress pad.
This model fits mattresses up to 18 inches deep and partners well with most types, from innerspring to memory foam to latex. The company offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, so customers can feel comfortable contacting them should any issues arise.
5. Dormeo Premium Memory Foam Mattress Topper—Best Firm Option
This topper utilizes 3 layers to provide superior air circulation, immense comfort, and above all, back support. While this is a great choice for anyone who prefers a firmer mattress, the memory foam layer does an admirable job returning to the correct form when it’s time for bed.
This is not a budget option, as you can expect to spend three times as much on the Dormeo as you would for some of the competition. However, if it comes down to purchasing a new topper or a new mattress altogether, this can be considered a bargain.
6. Best Price 4 Inch Trifold Memory Foam Topper—Best For First-Timers
This is one of the most user-friendly mattress toppers we tested, with a trifold design that can be set up in minutes. The anti-slip material at the base ensures that it will stay in place during use, but it can also be moved from one bed to another if necessary. The combination of memory foam and a high-density base layer make this a stable and comfortable winner.
Despite the product name, this isn’t the best RV mattress topper for shoppers on a budget. That said, it shouldn’t break the bank, either. It also comes with a 3-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction.
Buying Guide
RV Mattress Toppers Defined
In order to find the best RV mattress topper, you need to understand what they are. Basically, they were designed to provide an extra layer between you and the mattress. Since the mattresses in RVs have different dimensions than the ones meant for home use—and because they can be thin and uncomfortable to boot—mattress toppers can be a great investment.
The best RV mattress topper should keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. If you or anyone in your traveling party suffers from allergies, there are hypoallergenic options available. They’re available in a range of sizes and styles, and it should be easy to find one that fits your budget.
Those aren’t the only reasons to consider mattress toppers for your RV bedding. Extra padding can help protect the mattress from spills and insect damage. Additionally, most toppers are machine washable, so they’re easy to care for.
Materials
Memory Foam
As the name suggests, memory foam is equipped to hold the shape of your body in place as you sleep. Though the design is impressive, this material can retain a great deal of heat, making it uncomfortable in warmer weather. If this is an issue, there are gel-infused memory foam mattress toppers available. Be aware, though, that these offerings are usually more expensive than the competition.
Goose Down
Goose feathers provide a plush, luxurious surface that you can literally sink into. For some campers, a goose down mattress pad is the only way to go.
While we can’t deny the comfort level of goose down, it has a few drawbacks that make it less suitable for camping. For one thing, the down is downright unpleasant if it gets wet. These toppers are also very heavy and difficult to lug around. Further, some people are allergic to the feathers, which could cause discomfort even if the topper is in a different room.
Latex
In addition to being economically sound, latex mattress toppers are a good alternative for allergy sufferers (unless they also happen to be allergic to latex). Latex offers versatility as well as comfort, and are regarded as a safe option. The only real drawback is the off-gassing, which can take days or even weeks to go away.
Down Alternative
This microfiber alternative offers relief to people with allergies and comfort to those who prefer the feeling of sleeping on a cloud. These toppers are best suited for camping in cooler weather. Try to find a cover made of cotton and microfiber—the product will usually last longer with this combination.
A Word About Sizes
Before you start shopping, make sure you’re looking for the right size. An ill-fitting mattress pad is worse than none at all. Here’s a list of standard sizes for camper mattresses.
Size | King | Short King | Queen | Short Queen | Full/Double | Three-Quarter | Twin | Bunk |
Dimensions | 74″x84″ | 72″x75″ | 60″x80″ | 60″x75″ | 55″x75″ | 40″x80″ | 42″x80″ | 35″x79″ |
Note that a short queen mattress is about 5 inches shorter than a regular queen, even one that’s designed for a camper. All of the toppers we’ve listed above are available in short queen sizes.
Thickness
The thickness of the mattress pad is one of the most important factors to consider. Is your mattress thick or thin? Is the bedroom large enough to accommodate a topper that measures 4 inches thick (or more)? How much padding do you need in order to attain a good night’s rest?
Also, think about the weather. Do you frequently take the camper out in the winter, or are your camping activities restricted to the summer months? A thick mattress pad will keep you warmer than a thin one. This is also something to consider if your body temperature runs hot at night.
Motion Isolation
This is a key factor if you share the bed with a partner or a child—or even a pet. With some mattresses, every movement can be felt on the opposite side of the bed. If you buy the right topper, that won’t be an issue. Memory foam mattress toppers in particular are excellent at canceling out the noise and motion from restless co-sleepers.
The Bottom Line
Taking everything into consideration, the Zinus 3-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam product was the best RV mattress topper we could find. The construction is unique and durable, it offers superior motion isolation, and it doesn’t run as hot as some memory foam models.
Best of luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: Best RV Bedding For Short Queen Mattress