Choosing between a short queen vs. queen mattress can be the difference between restlessness and a night of good sleep, so it’s crucial to know what size mattress is going to be best for you. While most people know the size of a queen mattress, a short queen is often overlooked.
Short queen mattresses are commonly used to fit into RVs. Regular queens can also fit into RVs, but short queens leave an extra 5 inches at the bottom while allowing you to have the same size width.
As you search for the perfect mattress, multiple factors play a part in the decision, including price, size, maneuverability, and comfort. The Casper Original Mattress is our most popular mattress that combines comfortability with a reasonable price, making it the perfect standard queen mattress to try out in your new home or RV.
While a short queen and a regular queen may not be vastly different, knowing what sets them apart can help you better understand and choose what’s best for you.
The main difference is the size of each mattress. Though they both share the same width of 60 inches, their length sets them apart by just 5 inches. Although they are not that different in cost, a short queen weighs significantly less than a regular queen, making it perfect for traveling in an RV.
| Short Queen | Queen | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 75” | 80” |
| Width | 60” | 60” |
| Surface Area | 4,500 inches | 4,800 inches |
| Cost | $600–$1,500 | $1,000–$1,800 |
| Weight | 75 lbs. | 100 lbs. |
| Best For | Smaller rooms and areas | Couples or individuals who like to sprawl out |
Short queens are mattresses with the same 60-inch width as standard queens, but they’re 5 inches shorter and weigh less than standard queens. They are lighter and smaller, allowing you to move them more easily. Those 5 inches are perfect for smaller spaces or even unique room shapes. As they are most commonly used in RVs, they save room and are easily transportable.
At 75 inches long and 60 inches wide, the short queen gives you the width of a standard queen but the flexibility to fit into smaller spaces. Many people are turning to short queens as an easy and light alternative to a regular queen, as they can fit into the more recent models and trendier RVs such as remodeled school buses.
Due to the length of a short queen, they have a smaller surface area, so they’re sometimes uncomfortable for taller people. As they are not common in mattress stores, it may also be harder for you to find bedding or other accessories. However, that shouldn’t discourage you from finding one if you feel it’s the best fit.
A queen mattress is one of the most common mattresses for couples. In 2018, 41.4% of mattresses shipped in the U.S. were queen size, which is more than any other mattress shipped that year. A standard queen can easily fit two people without taking up as much space as a king or a California king bed and is a more comfortable fit for taller people than a short queen mattress.
A standard queen is 60 inches wide but 80 inches long, giving you more foot room if needed. Because of the slight difference in length, a standard queen is ideal for taller people. They give you more space, are great for couples, and unlike a short queen, it’s easy to find bedding or other accessories.
Although a short queen mattress is also known as an RV queen, standard queens can fit into some RVs. However, it’s important to take note of cargo capacity as a standard queen is 25 pounds heavier than a short queen. This can weigh down your RV and cost you more gas than expected. Either way, it’s ultimately up to you and what you feel best fits you in your home.
Price can play a major role when looking at mattresses. In most cases, the smaller the mattress, the less it costs, which holds true when comparing a short queen vs. queen. Short queens typically cost between $600 and $1,500, excluding accessories. Because a short queen isn’t common in most mattress stores, their bedding and other accessories may be harder to find.
The harder the bedding is to find, the more you may have to pay for it. This ultimately could even out the price of the mattresses when you include all of the other necessities.
Your comfort level is one of the most important factors in buying a mattress. You want to ensure you are comfortable, as the wrong mattress may cause back pain.
That 5-inch distinction between a short queen vs. queen mattress can significantly affect your comfort level while you sleep. If your feet are hanging off the bed of a short queen, it can misalign your spine and cause discomfort. If you’re traveling in an RV, you want to be as comfortable as possible for good sleep, as RV travel is all about getting outside and exploring.
If you decide to stick with a standard queen, the Casper Wave Hybrid is one of our best mattresses for back pain. It causes less aching and more sleeping, keeping you rested and more comfortable long term.
Getting your mattress to your home or RV can be a challenge itself. You want to be able to move your bed without hurting yourself. Short queen mattresses are smaller and lighter to carry. However, Casper queen mattresses come in a mattress box, making them easier to maneuver despite being bigger and heavier.
Depending on the dimensions of your RV and your creativity, it is possible to fit a standard queen mattress. Ultimately, it’s your decision about what you think is the best fit for your space.
After purchasing a mattress, you aren’t done yet. Accessories like bedding and bed frames are all a part of making your bed your own. As we mentioned earlier, short queen mattresses are uncommon, making it harder to find accessories, whereas standard queen accessories are available almost anywhere. Because of this, short queen accessories may end up being more expensive.
Finding the right accessories for your bed is crucial to making it comfortable and fitting into your home. Some accessories you may need include:
The biggest difference between a short queen vs. a queen is the length. A short queen is 75 inches long, while a standard queen is 80 inches long. They share the same width of 60 inches. The 5-inch length difference can come in handy when you have limited space but you don’t want to sacrifice the width of a standard queen.
Yes, a short queen is also known as an RV queen. These mattresses are perfect for tight spaces and ideal for traveling in your RV.
A short queen is 75 inches long and 60 inches wide with a surface area of 4,500 square inches.
Technically, yes, it will fit. However, a short queen is shorter in length, so you risk the bed sliding up and down when you move. This can leave gaps in the bed frame, which can cause discomfort and mattress care issues. It’s best if you find a short queen bed frame to ensure you have the right amount of comfort and security.
Now that you know the difference between a short queen vs. queen mattress, you can find the perfect mattress.
If you plan on living in an RV, short queen mattresses are more common, but sometimes the comfort of a queen is more important than the leftover space.
Whether you go for the Casper Nova Hybrid, which is best for soothing comfort and enhanced support, or find a short queen mattress, you can always refer back here to refresh your knowledge about the differences between a short queen and a standard queen mattress.
