A good night’s sleep in an RV is not a “nice extra.” It affects your energy, your patience, and whether you actually enjoy travel days. The problem is simple: a lot of factory RV mattresses are built to meet weight and cost targets, not comfort. They can be thin, stiff, uneven, and worn out way earlier than they should be.

This page focuses on the two mattress paths I see RVers debating the most: Tochta (RV-first, customizable fit) versus GhostBed (residential feel, strong cooling options). I lean slightly Tochta here because RV sizing and weird bed platforms are a real thing, not a small detail.

Tochta stands out because it’s built around the reality that RV beds are not always standard. Corners get cut. Platforms are weird. Storage frames add height limitations. Some rigs lie to you about size. Tochta’s biggest strength is that it treats those details as the main problem, not an afterthought.

Best for

• RVers with odd bed dimensions or custom bed platforms.
• People who want an RV-first approach and fewer compromises on fit.
• Long-term travelers who care about predictable support and durability.

GhostBed tends to appeal to RVers who want a mattress that feels more like home, especially if cooling is a big deal for them. If you camp in warm climates, run the bedroom a bit hotter, or simply sleep warm by default, cooling features matter.

Best for

• Hot sleepers and warm-weather RVers prioritizing cooling.
• RVers with a standard RV bed size who want a simpler purchase decision.
• People who prefer a more mainstream, familiar mattress buying experience.

1) Measure your RV bed properly

RV mattress sizing is the sneaky part. Measure width and length in multiple spots. If your bed has rounded corners, measure the straight edges and the cut zones. If you have a lift-up storage platform, measure the clearance too.

• Width: top, middle, bottom. Record the smallest measurement.
• Length: left, center, right. Record the smallest measurement.
• Corner cuts: note any angles or radiused corners.
• Height clearance: check cabinet doors, slide-outs, and bed lifts.

2) Foam vs hybrid: what matters in an RV

People get stuck on foam versus hybrid like it’s a personality test. In an RV, the bigger question is support, heat, and how your bed base behaves. Some RV platforms feel firmer than a home bed, so the mattress has to compensate.

• All-foam: usually quieter, good motion isolation, often simpler for RV platforms.
• Hybrid: can add airflow and responsiveness, and may feel more “home-like” to some sleepers.

3) Firmness: the quickest way to love or hate a mattress

Firmness is personal, but there are patterns. Side sleepers usually want a bit more pressure relief. Back sleepers often want balance. Stomach sleepers usually need firmer support to avoid lower back discomfort.

• Soft: often best for side sleepers who need shoulder and hip relief.
• Medium: the most common “safe choice” for mixed sleep positions.
• Firm: often preferred by stomach sleepers and anyone wanting stronger support.

4) Cooling: do you sleep hot in an RV?

RV bedrooms heat up faster than most homes. Smaller space, sun exposure, and less insulation can turn a warm night into a sweaty one. Cooling features can help, but so can simple habits like ventilation, reflective window covers, and better airflow under the mattress.

• Cooling foams and covers: helpful for hot sleepers and warm climates.
• Airflow: matters more on solid platforms. Consider under-mattress ventilation solutions if needed.
• Moisture control: in humid climates, prevention is easier than fighting mildew later.

Can I use a regular mattress in an RV?

Sometimes, but it depends on your RV bed size and platform. If you have a true standard size and enough clearance, it can work. The issue is that many RV beds are short, oddly cut, or have height limitations, and that’s where RV-specific sizing helps.

Should I travel with my shades up and my mattress uncovered?

When traveling, protect what you can. Keep blinds and shades secured to prevent damage. For the mattress, a breathable cover helps with dust, moisture, and general wear, especially in humid climates.

What if my RV mattress feels like a brick in cold weather?

Some foams feel firmer when cold. If you travel through big temperature swings, pay attention to how the mattress materials are designed to handle heat and cold changes. This is also where the right foundation and ventilation can affect feel.

If you want my simplest honest take, here it is. If your RV bed is anything other than perfectly standard, or your platform has quirks, Tochta tends to be the safer long-term decision. The RV-first fit and customization reduce the chances of “almost right” sizing that turns into daily annoyance.

If you have a standard size and your biggest issue is heat and comfort feel, GhostBed is a strong contender. Cooling matters in an RV, and for some people that one factor overrides everything else.