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Replacing the mattress in your RV may be necessary for good
health and safe travel.
A good night’s sleep is life-sustaining. Without it our bodies can’t repair and rejuvenate. We get depressed and physically ill when we don’t get enough sleep. So why do most RVs come equipped with those sorry mattresses?
Full-timers need to be healthy happy campers. Take a look at your bed and see if it needs to be replaced. Does it sag? Have lumps and bumps? Does it support your spine as it should?
If not, consider buying a new mattress.
The Sleep Number or Select Comfort is a good choice.
Dr. Robert W. Wilborn, D.C of Dallas has been recommending the sleep number bed for the past 12 years. “I have prescribed these beds for many of my patients,” he says.
Dr. Wilborn likes the fact that the patient can choose from a variety of extra features which make the beds more comfortable and more tailored to each individual's needs.
Dr. Wilborn adds, “Identifying the correct number for each person keeps the spine in a neutral position during the 6-8 hours of sleep. I have not had a single patient tell me they disliked the bed after sleeping on it for a few nights and finding their specific number. These beds are one of the best on the market.”
Camping World carries the RV Edition of these mattresses in queen and king sizes or you can order one here. Select Comfort has stores in most major malls across the country as well. Prices vary so shop around for the best deal.
Some high-end campers now come with these adjustable beds. If you are in the market for a new RV, ask your dealer if any of his inventories has one. In this sluggish economy, some RV dealers may even be willing to throw one in to help close a deal. You’ll never know until you ask.
Here are a couple things to take into consideration: the air in the mattress will get cold while traveling during winter months or in colder climates, and changing altitude changes air pressure. If you like a warm bed, a heated mattress pad will add to your comfort. You may find that your preferred number will be one thing in New Orleans and something different in Denver.
Another good sleeping option is the memory foam mattress or mattress topper. A topper is usually less expensive than a new mattress, so if your budget is limited and your current mattress is at least somewhat supportive, this might work for you.
These foam toppers can be purchased from Overstock.com, Camping World, even Wal-Mart. Prices vary depending on the size and thickness you need.
Memory foam is also recommended by Dr. Wilborn. “This helps eliminate some of the pressure points and aides in keeping the spine in a neutral position while you sleep.”
Again you should know that temperature affects these toppers. Cold conditions will make the bed very firm until the foam reacts to body heat and becomes softer. A hot summer night will have you sleeping on a much softer bed.
The best choice might be a Sleep Number Bed with a memory foam top. The air pressure can be adjusted to give the firmness desired no matter the temperature while the foam cradles and adjust to your individual body shape.
Even if a conventional innerspring mattress is your favorite choice, make sure you have a good supportive and comfortable bed in your RV. A well rested traveler is safer on the road. Just because you live in an RV doesn’t mean you should lose sleep or live with a back ache. Find what works best for you and rest well!
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