RV Camper and Dorm Mattresses
Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Temporary Housing
7 picks compared
6 min read
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The short answerFor temporary housing, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is the best overall, the Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid is the best value, and the Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Memory Foam is the best budget pick.
?How we pickedWe compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Overall
This 10-inch mattress features three layers of foam for support and pressure relief. The green tea extract and castor seed oil help keep the foam fresh. It arrives compressed and expands to full size within 24 hours.
Thickness 10 inchesFoam Layers 3Weight 40 poundsWarranty 5 years
- Great pressure relief
- Easy to set up
- Good motion isolation
- May be too soft for heavy sleepers
Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best Value
This hybrid combines a 1-inch memory foam layer with 7 inches of innerspring coils. The coils provide support while the foam adds cushioning. It is lightweight and easy to move, making it ideal for temporary setups.
Thickness 8 inchesFoam Layer 1 inchWeight 35 poundsCoil Count Not specified
- Very affordable
- Good support
- Easy to handle
- Thin foam layer
- May sleep warm
Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.3 / 5 Best Budget
This 6-inch mattress has a 2-inch memory foam layer over 4 inches of high-density foam. It is lightweight and easy to roll up for storage. It works well for occasional use or guest rooms.
Thickness 6 inchesFoam Layers 2Weight 25 poundsWarranty 3 years
- Very low price
- Lightweight
- Simple design
- Less support for heavier people
- Thin profile
Zinus 6 Inch Innerspring Mattress
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for Dorm Rooms
This 6-inch innerspring mattress uses high-quality steel coils for firm support. It is designed to fit standard dorm bed frames. The quilted cover adds a soft surface.
Thickness 6 inchesCoil Gauge 13.5Weight 30 poundsWarranty 5 years
- Firm support
- Dorm-friendly size
- Durable coils
- No memory foam
- May be too firm for some
Best for: Best for Dorm Rooms
Milliard Memory Foam Mattress, 8 Inch
★★★★★ 4.5 / 5 Best for RVs
This 8-inch mattress features a 3-inch memory foam layer over a 5-inch high-density base. It comes with a removable, washable cover. It is flexible enough to fit RV bunks and folds for storage.
Thickness 8 inchesFoam Density 3 poundsWeight 32 poundsCover Removable and washable
- Great for small spaces
- Comfortable
- Easy to clean
- May retain heat
- No edge support
Olee Sleep 10 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5 Best for Hot Sleepers
This 10-inch mattress has a gel-infused memory foam layer to draw heat away. It also includes a high-density support base. It is a good choice for temporary housing in warm climates.
Thickness 10 inchesGel Infusion YesWeight 45 poundsWarranty 3 years
- Cooling effect
- Good pressure relief
- Medium-firm feel
- Heavier than others
- Off-gassing smell initially
Best for: Best for Hot Sleepers
Tuft & Needle Original Memory Foam Mattress
★★★★★ 4.6 / 5 Best Premium Option
This 10-inch mattress uses adaptive foam that provides both comfort and support. It has a breathable cover and is CertiPUR-US certified. It is a premium choice for those who want a better night's sleep in temporary housing.
Thickness 10 inchesFoam Type Adaptive foamWeight 50 poundsCertification CertiPUR-US
- High-quality foam
- Excellent support
- Breathable
- Expensive
- Heavy for moving
Best for: Best Premium Option
Key criteria included weight, thickness, foam density, and whether the mattress compresses for transport. We also considered durability for repeated use and ease of setup.
What to Look for in a Temporary Housing Mattress
Focus on portability and ease of setup. A mattress that compresses into a box is easier to move. Check the weight, as heavier models are harder to handle. Thickness matters for comfort, but thinner mattresses are often lighter. Consider the warranty and return policy, as temporary housing may change. Look for CertiPUR-US certification to ensure foam safety.
Memory Foam vs. Innerspring for Temporary Use
Memory foam conforms to the body and reduces pressure points. Innerspring mattresses offer more bounce and support. For temporary housing, memory foam is often preferred because it can be compressed for transport. Innerspring mattresses are usually lighter and cheaper. However, they may not provide the same pressure relief. Choose based on your comfort preference and how often you'll move.
How to Choose the Right Thickness
Thickness affects support and portability. A 6-inch mattress is lightweight and easy to move, but may lack support for heavier sleepers. An 8-inch mattress balances comfort and weight. A 10-inch mattress offers more cushioning but is heavier and harder to transport. For temporary housing, consider your sleeping position and body weight. Side sleepers may need more thickness for pressure relief.
Portability and Setup Considerations
Most memory foam mattresses arrive compressed and rolled. They expand to full size within 24 hours. Some models fold for easy storage. Check the box dimensions and weight before ordering. A mattress that is too heavy may be difficult to move alone. Also, consider the setup time; some need longer to fully expand. Read owner feedback for real-world portability experiences.
Questions people ask
What is the best memory foam mattress for temporary housing?
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a top choice for its comfort and value. It offers good support and is easy to set up.
How thick should a mattress be for temporary housing?
Thickness depends on your comfort needs. A 6-inch mattress is lightweight and portable, while 8 to 10 inches provide more support.
Can I use a memory foam mattress on the floor?
Yes, memory foam mattresses can be used on the floor. However, they may need to be aired out to prevent moisture buildup.
How long does a memory foam mattress take to expand?
Most memory foam mattresses expand within 24 hours. Some may take up to 48 hours to reach full shape.
Are memory foam mattresses good for RVs?
Yes, memory foam mattresses are popular for RVs because they can be compressed for storage and provide comfort in small spaces.
What is the difference between memory foam and hybrid mattresses?
Memory foam mattresses use layers of foam for pressure relief. Hybrid mattresses combine foam with innerspring coils for more support and bounce.
Is a memory foam mattress worth it for temporary housing?
Yes, if you prioritize comfort and easy setup. They are affordable and can be moved easily when compressed.
Which mattress is better for dorm rooms: memory foam or innerspring?
Memory foam offers better pressure relief, but innerspring mattresses are often more affordable and lighter. Choose based on your budget and comfort preference.
Can I fold a memory foam mattress for storage?
Some memory foam mattresses can be folded, but not all. Check the product specifications. Folding may damage the foam over time.
How do I clean a memory foam mattress?
Use a vacuum to remove dust and spot clean with mild detergent. Avoid soaking the mattress. A removable cover makes cleaning easier.
The bottom lineSo which one?
For most temporary housing needs, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress offers the best balance of comfort, cost, and portability. If you are on a tight budget, the Best Price Mattress 6 Inch is a practical choice. For those who want a premium feel, the Tuft & Needle Original is worth the investment.