Corner Cut RV Mattress Replacement: Your Buying Guide

Sharing is caring!

Thanks for your support! If you make a purchase using our links in this article, we may make a commission. And, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure here.

Updated April 17, 2024

Sometimes, it’s the struggles we remember most. Waking up with a stiff neck on the first day of vacation? Yeah, we’ve been there, and it’s no fun. That’s precisely why having a quality mattress in your RV bedroom is the foundation of a satisfying getaway.

Replacing your old RV mattress with a quality corner-cut RV mattress is definitely worth your while. Still, there are plenty of types of mattresses to choose from, with plenty more decisions to make along the way. For your own sake, here are our best tips and tricks to take the guesswork out of buying a cut-corner RV mattress.

Can You Put A Regular Mattress In An RV?

While most RVs have mattresses designed to fit their compact space, the consensus is that a regular mattress can go in your RV. Of course, when it comes to corner-cut mattresses, this won’t be the case.

You will need to measure your mattress platform before you purchase your new bed and consider the thickness of the mattress as well. Take into consideration the height of your mattress, particularly if you have a bedroom slide.

Also, take measurements for getting the old mattress out and the new mattress in. A new mattress with some flexibility will probably be needed.

Mattresses that come in a box and expand when you take them out are also good options for a smaller RV.

Consider the Old RV Mattress First

Getting a fresh, new replacement mattress is an exciting venture. Inherently, it means getting rid of your old one, which is a bit of a process.

As sizeable as your coach may be, any motorhome, 5th wheel, travel trailer, truck camper or pop-up camper has limited space. Still, RV manufacturers manage to fit a generously sized mattress in vehicles. They do this by building the RV around the bed.

But now you are either buying a used RV or it’s just time to replace your old RV mattress with a new one. It’s not easy to replace a corner cut mattress and you can’t buy one on Amazon – yet. Whatever the case, explore your options. A good night’s rest in your beloved RV is undoubtedly worth it.

Are RV Mattresses Comfortable?

It is said that RV mattresses are purposely made cheap because it is understood that the buyer is just going to replace them anyway. This depends on the caliber of RV that you purchase. If you buy a half-million-dollar rig, I can’t imagine the company would put in a cheap mattress. However, most of us are not purchasing a high-end Class A.

A mattress in a brand-new RV is probably going to be thin and is not necessarily what you want to sleep on for the long term. You should plan on making the mattress switch early in your purchase.

Do RV Mattresses Get Mold?

RV mattresses can be susceptible to mold. Check your mattress regularly for signs of mold such as dark spots or fuzzy blotches. 

You can add some insulation under the mattress such as a mattress topper, cardboard, or mattress underlay to keep the mold at bay and provide airflow for your mattress.

If you are in the market for a new mattress, look for ones that have mold-resistant properties such as latex or memory foam. Mattresses that are infused with copper or graphite have mold-resistant qualities.

Weighing Your RV Mattress Options

Luckily for you, there’s no shortage of RV mattress options for you to choose from. However, it’s not as straightforward as driving to the local mattress shop and taking your pick. This is especially so when your RV calls for a mattress with a cut corner.

Residential mattress dimensions vary from RV mattress dimensions. For example, you buy a queen-size mattress at the mattress shop. It’s probably not going to match the queen-size mattress in your RV.

Should your RV’s mattress have a right or left cut corner, the buying process becomes even more strategic. RV manufacturers cut off mattress corners to make the best use of space. It accommodates shelving, doors, and other details of your floor plan. You’ll need to find a mattress whose measurements match the original exactly.

Our best advice? Take your time and shop around. But make sure one of the places you check out is Tochta Custom Mattresses. They make some great corner-cut mattresses (at no extra cost for their cut-corner shape) and they will likely be your best bet.

The RV Mattress Size Guide

Unfortunately, there is no set standard for RV mattress sizes like there is for at-home mattresses. You’ll have to refer to your owner’s manual for exact details. While not precise, you can see if any of these three common sizes fit the bill:

RV Short Queen – 60″ x 74/75″
Three-Quarter Size – 48″ x 75″
RV King – 72″ x 75/80″

How to Measure an RV Mattress and Platform

As you may have figured out by now, measuring your RV mattress and the platform it rests on is a must. It’s really the only way you’re going to get a form-fitting mattress within your camper. So do yourself a favor, and measure twice, buy once.

Measuring your mattress space is not complicated by any means. There are two key steps you need to take when doing so.

First, measure the platform that the bed rests on. This is the maximum amount of space you’ll be able to fit a mattress on, but you don’t want to push your limits. At the end of the day, you won’t always be able to just trim your mattress down to size. It’s best to have some wiggle room.

Second, measure the empty space between the confines of your RV and the mattress itself. This measurement will tell you just how much wiggle room you really have in your buying journey. For RV mattresses with a cut corner, you may have one extra side to measure.

Cut-corner RV mattresses have five sides. When measuring, take down the numbers for the width and the length. Then, place the location of the cut corner. Measure the sides leading up to it individually, as well as the cut side itself. Be sure to note which corner is cut (right or left), so you buy a mattress that fits appropriately.

Mattress Materials and Their Pros and Cons

If we know one thing for sure, it’s that not all mattresses are created equal. It’s up to you to decide which material you want to rest your head on after a long day of adventuring. They all have their pros and cons, and it really depends on your personal wants and needs.

Go for Foam

If you’re on a budget, a foam mattress may be your best bet. Plus you can trim the mattress yourself to cut the corner off if you need to. They typically range from $300 to $500. Not only that, but they’re easy to alter should you need to change their shape or size a smidge.

Keep in mind that foam is crafted entirely from petroleum. You have to take certain precautions to prevent mildew build-up. An air circulation liner will solve any problems before they arise.

A Good Memory

Gel Memory Foam is a very popular RV mattress material. While it can be slightly pricier than basic foam, it’s not exactly out of the budget-friendly ballpark. You can find a quality one for anywhere from $400 to $800.

The same precautions for mildew prevention apply here. Get yourself a good mattress protector too to help protect your investment.

Air Mattress, RV Style

As RV connoisseurs know, air mattresses can actually be comfortable. If you only dip into the RV world on occasion, a basic air mattress may be enough. If you frequent your recreational ride, try an adjustable air mattress. They typically cost upwards of $1000.

If you go for an air mattress, there’s one thing you’ll want to keep in mind. You’ll need to adjust its pressure as you change altitude, which is a common occurrence for many an outdoor adventurer.

Custom Corner Cut RV Mattresses 

It’s hard to find an RV mattress with a cut corner. Tochta Mattresses makes custom sized RV mattresses with an easy-to-follow guide for measuring exactly what you need. It’s a little more pricey but it’s a great option for a perfect fit.

What About RV Mattress Toppers?

Maybe you can’t get a super high-end RV mattress with a cut corner, but we know a secret. Add a mattress topper into the mix for a seriously comfortable night’s sleep.

Typically made from foam or memory foam, mattress toppers are a fantastic fix for your moving bedroom. They can also serve as a temporary solution while you hunt for the perfect cut-corner mattress. We have a mattress topper on our short queen mattress, and it is incredibly comfortable.

Don’t be afraid to try mattress toppers in your cherished RV. After weekends away in whatever destination calls to you, we have a feeling your back will thank you.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called Best RV Mattress Toppers – Reviewed and Rated for some great info on how to choose the best mattress topper and our reviews too!

Short Queen Sheets and Comforters

In our experience, a mattress is only as comfortable as the sheets on top of it. Dressing a quality RV mattress in basic sheets is almost like giving up. Luckily, there are plenty of options to keep you cozy on your weekends away.

Getting sheets for your coach’s bed means having to deal with the same measurement issues as a mattress. RV Mattresses are usually shorter than their in-home counterparts. It’s important to find a set that fits your mattress just right. That’s why we have a short queen sheet set. It fits perfectly so our sheets aren’t slipping and sliding all over the place. And a camping themed comforter can make your RV feel nice and homey.

|

Final Words About RV Mattresses with a Cut Corner

If you’re going to invest in a recreational vehicle, you might as well make it comfortable. This means setting up a mattress you can really rest on. After all, a good night’s sleep is the only true route to R&R.

With this buyer’s guide to RV mattresses with a cut corner, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to dress your mobile bedroom. From measuring to fashioning your mattress with cozy sheets, we’ve got your sleep covered.

By the way, if you are considering a new mattress for your RV it might be worth exploring replacing your old heavy dinette table top too. I just replaced mine and reduced the weight of the top from 34 pounds to just 14 pounds! It’s way easier on my back when I have to reposition the dinette top to turn it into a bed.

RELATED READING: Check out our article called 6 Best RV Mattresses – 2020 Review and Ratings for more details and information.

What type of mattress or mattress topper do you sleep on? If you have any suggestions please share them in the comments below so we can all get a good night’s sleep while RVing.

Sharing is caring!