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If you’re shopping for a 4.5-inch full sofa bed mattress for your RV camper, you’re likely torn between the Opeluxn (73″x52″) with its dual-layer cooling gel memory foam and the COOL GEL Classic Brands (72″x53″) plush single-layer design. Both aim to turn that awkward fold-out couch into a real bed, but they take very different approaches.
I’ve dug into the specs on both to help you decide which one fits your setup and sleeping style. The big trade-off here is dual-layer support and a washable cover versus a proven, slightly wider plush option that’s a touch heavier. Let’s figure out which mattress makes the most sense for your camper.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Opeluxn 4.5 Inch Full
Dual-layer design with a removable, washable knit cover and a lighter 20-pound weight — Check Price →
Runner-Up: COOL GEL Classic Brands 4.5-Inch
Plush feel with over 1,200 ratings and a slightly wider 53-inch width for a roomier sleep surface — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the key specs from both mattresses side-by-side so you can see exactly how the Opeluxn and COOL GEL compare on the numbers that matter for your RV camper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Opeluxn 4.5 Inch Full Siz | COOL GEL Classic Brands 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ✅ 73″x52″x4.5″ | 72″x53″x4.5″ |
| Weight | 20 pounds | ✅ 31 pounds |
| Firmness | Medium Firm | Plush |
| Top Style | Gel Top | Tight Top |
| Cover Material | Knit Fabric | Stretch Knit |
| Number of Layers | ✅ 2 | 1 |
| Fill Material | Memory Foam | foam |
| Special Feature | Folding | Cooling |
| Brand | Opeluxn | COOL GEL |
| Size | Full | Full |
The biggest difference I see is weight: the Opeluxn comes in at just 20 pounds compared to the COOL GEL’s 31 pounds, which makes a real difference when you’re moving it around your camper.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested the specs and features of both mattresses to see how they actually stack up for RV camper use, focusing on dimensions, weight, firmness, and cover options.
Opeluxn 4.5 Inch Full Size Sofa Bed Mattress Replacement 73″x52″x4.5″
73″x52″x4.5″ | 20 lbs | Medium Firm | Dual-Layer | Washable Cover
- ✔Exact Fit for Your Sofa Bed Frame: This full-size sofa bed mattress measures...
- ✔Dual-Layer Comfort System: This sofa bed mattress uses two layers of foam. On...
- ✔Removable and Washable Cover: The outer cover is a full-zip knit fabric that...
The Opeluxn impressed me with its dual-layer design — a cooling gel memory foam top and a high-density support foam bottom that resists sagging. At just 20 pounds, it’s surprisingly light for a full-size mattress, which makes moving it around your RV camper a breeze. I also love that the knit cover zips off completely and is machine washable, a huge plus for any camper. The medium firm feel strikes a nice balance, though keep in mind it needs 48-72 hours to fully expand after unboxing.
✅ Pros
- Dual-layer construction with cooling gel top and support foam base
- Removable, machine-washable knit cover
- Lightweight at only 20 pounds
- Non-slip bottom works well on any surface in your RV
❌ Cons
- Needs up to 72 hours for full expansion after unboxing
- Only 1,241 ratings on Amazon, newer product with less track record
COOL GEL Classic Brands 4.5-Inch Plush Cool Gel Memory Foam Replacement Mattress for Sleeper Sofa Bed Full
72″x53″x4.5″ | 31 lbs | Plush | Single-Layer | Spot Clean Only
- General Note: Please allow 24 - 72 hours for your Mattress to regain its full...
- 53" W x 72" L x 4.5" H
- MATTRESS ONLY. Fits most standard fold-out sofa bed sizes.
The COOL GEL Classic Brands is the established player here with over 1,200 ratings and an Amazon’s Choice badge, so it’s got a proven track record. It’s a single-layer plush memory foam mattress that measures 72″x53″ — slightly wider than the Opeluxn, which could be nice if you need that extra inch of width. The cool gel infusion draws heat away from your body, but at 31 pounds it’s noticeably heavier. I also wish the cover was removable for washing since it’s spot clean only, which is a letdown for RV use where spills happen.
✅ Pros
- Proven reliability with 4.4 stars from 1,241 customer ratings
- Slightly wider at 53 inches for a roomier sleep surface
- Cool gel memory foam helps regulate body temperature
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 31 pounds — harder to move around your camper
- Cover is spot clean only, no removable washable option
- Single-layer design may not offer as much support as dual-layer options
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time comparing these two mattresses, and the right choice really comes down to whether you prioritize a washable cover and lighter weight or a proven plush feel with more customer feedback. Here’s who each mattress works best for.
Opeluxn 4.5 Inch Full Size Sofa Bed Mattress is right for you if…
- You want a removable, machine-washable cover for easy RV cleanup — the knit cover zips off in seconds
- You need a lighter mattress to move around your camper — it weighs just 20 pounds compared to 31 pounds for the COOL GEL
- You prefer a medium firm feel with dual-layer construction that adds support foam underneath the cooling gel top
COOL GEL Classic Brands 4.5-Inch Plush Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is right for you if…
- You want a mattress with a proven track record — it has over 1,200 customer ratings and an Amazon’s Choice badge
- You need that extra inch of width at 53 inches for a slightly roomier sleep surface in your RV
- You prefer a plush, softer feel for guests who like to sink into memory foam
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If your sofa bed frame is a non-standard size that doesn’t match 73″x52″ or 72″x53″, neither of these will fit properly — measure your frame first. Also, if you need a mattress thicker than 4.5 inches for extra support or prefer a traditional innerspring feel, you’ll want to look at a different category entirely.
For most RV camper owners, I recommend the Opeluxn — the removable washable cover and lighter 20-pound weight make it the more practical choice for life on the road, and the dual-layer design gives you better support than the single-layer COOL GEL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for an RV camper, the Opeluxn or the COOL GEL?
For RV use, I’d give the edge to the Opeluxn. It’s a full 11 pounds lighter at just 20 pounds, which makes a big difference when you’re moving it around your camper for storage or cleaning. Plus, the removable machine-washable cover is a huge win for RV life where spills and dirt are common — the COOL GEL is spot clean only.
Is the Opeluxn worth the extra money over the COOL GEL?
I think it is for most buyers. You’re getting a dual-layer construction with a cooling gel top and a separate support foam base, while the COOL GEL is a single-layer design. The Opeluxn also gives you that washable cover and a lighter weight — those features justify the price difference for anyone who values convenience and durability.
Which mattress is wider, the Opeluxn or the COOL GEL?
The COOL GEL is slightly wider at 53 inches compared to the Opeluxn’s 52 inches. The COOL GEL is also an inch shorter at 72 inches versus the Opeluxn’s 73 inches. So the COOL GEL gives you an extra inch of width, while the Opeluxn gives you an extra inch of length — measure your frame to see which dimension matters more.
Which mattress has better support, the Opeluxn or the COOL GEL?
The Opeluxn has better support thanks to its dual-layer system. It uses a cooling gel memory foam top layer for pressure relief and a high-density support foam bottom layer to resist sagging. The COOL GEL is a single-layer plush memory foam that’s designed for a softer, sink-in feel rather than structured support.
How long does it take each mattress to fully expand after unboxing?
Both mattresses ship compressed in a box and need time to expand. The Opeluxn typically takes about 2-4 hours to expand initially, with full recovery in 48-72 hours. The COOL GEL also recommends allowing 24-72 hours for full expansion. Colder temperatures will slow down the process for both, so give them time in a warm room.
Can I wash the cover on either of these mattresses?
Only the Opeluxn has a removable, machine-washable cover — you zip it off and toss it in the washer on a cold gentle cycle, then air dry. The COOL GEL’s stretch knit cover is not removable and should be spot cleaned only with mild detergent and cool water. If washability matters to you, the Opeluxn is the clear choice.
My Final Verdict
The Opeluxn is my clear winner for RV camper use. It’s 11 pounds lighter than the COOL GEL at just 20 pounds, has a removable machine-washable cover, and uses a dual-layer construction that combines cooling gel memory foam with a support base. The COOL GEL is a solid runner-up if you want a plush feel and a slightly wider 53-inch surface, but it’s heavier and you can’t wash the cover.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself what matters more: a lighter mattress with a washable cover that’s easier to maintain on the road, or a proven plush option with over 1,200 ratings. For my money, the Opeluxn’s practical features make it the better choice for life in a camper.
Winner: Opeluxn 4.5 Inch Full Size Sofa Bed Mattress
- ✔Exact Fit for Your Sofa Bed Frame: This full-size sofa bed mattress measures...
- ✔Dual-Layer Comfort System: This sofa bed mattress uses two layers of foam. On...
- ✔Removable and Washable Cover: The outer cover is a full-zip knit fabric that...
Best for RV campers who want a lightweight, easy-to-clean mattress with dual-layer support and a removable washable cover.
Runner-Up: COOL GEL Classic Brands 4.5-Inch Plush Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- General Note: Please allow 24 - 72 hours for your Mattress to regain its full...
- 53" W x 72" L x 4.5" H
- MATTRESS ONLY. Fits most standard fold-out sofa bed sizes.
Best for buyers who prefer a plush, sink-in feel and want a proven mattress with over 1,200 customer ratings backing it up.
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