Are you tired of tossing and turning on that old, uncomfortable RV mattress? Do you dread spending another night on it during your travels? Well, fear not! In Episode 436 of the RV Podcast, we'll share how to replace your RV mattress and get the best sleep of your life on the road.

We just did that ourselves and in researching RV mattress replacement, we learned a lot.

You can watch a video version of the podcast on our RV Lifestyle YouTube Channel below. Our guest is John Merwin, One of the founders of Brooklyn Bedding, makers of the RV Mattress.

If you'd rather just listen, you can catch an audio version on your favorite podcast app or listen right now by clicking the player below.

Why Replace Your RV Mattress?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing a replacement mattress, let's talk about why it's important in the first place. Simply put, a bad mattress can wreak havoc on your body and your sleep.

It can cause aches and pains, disrupt your sleep cycle, and leave you feeling groggy and exhausted in the morning.

The benefits of replacing your RV mattress go beyond just improving your RV sleep quality. A good mattress can also provide better support for your body, help prevent back pain and other health issues, and even improve your overall mood and well-being.

Let's face it, RV manufacturers are not known for cutting corners. And an easy corner to cut is by skimping on the RV mattress. They make it as light as possible and it seems like it's always on the too-firm side.

It's cheaper and more time efficient during production to put the same mattresses in each RV that comes down the assembly lane. So if you want a better mattress, that will most often be totally up to you after you take the RV home.

Choosing the Right RV Mattress

There are three key factors to consider when shopping for a replacement mattress:

* Size: The first thing you'll need to determine is the size of your current RV mattress. RV mattresses come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to measure yours carefully to ensure you get the right fit.

* Type: RV mattresses come in a range of types, including foam, innerspring, and hybrid. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to consider your personal preferences and needs when choosing a type.

* Firmness: The level of firmness you prefer in a mattress is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a soft, plush feel, while others prefer a firmer, more supportive feel. Be sure to try out different levels of firmness to find the one that's right for you.

But there are some guidelines you can follow, depending on your sleep style.

If you're a back-sleeper, a medium-firm mattress is a good choice because it prevents the heavier portions of the body from dropping too deep into the mattress, so it limits over-flexion of the spine while still cushioning your shoulders, hips, and lower back.

If you're a side-sleeper, you push deeper into the mattress and need a cushy mattress to relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips. But it shouldn't be too cushy because the gravitational pull will strain your spine. For most side-sleepers, that means choosing a medium-soft to medium mattress. Lighter weight side sleepers may choose soft.