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Best Camping Mattress For Side Sleepers You Should Know in 2023

Orson Dickson
  May 28, 2023 10:25 AM

Best camping mattress for side sleepers you should know. How to pick the Best Camping Mattress For Side Sleepers You Should Know that is best for you when there are so many companies creating such a broad selection of goods, each with its own attributes and types of products?


Overview

A good sleeping pad is essential if you sleep on your side, as the majority of people do. When I went on a three-month camping trip with a thin pad, I discovered this the hard way. My hips and lower back started hurting on day two, and they haven't fully recovered two years later.

Get a good sleeping mat if you don't want to wind up with so many bruises on your legs that they start to merge.

Avoid making the same costly error I made by reading this post, which offers five excellent recommendations.

Out Top Picks:


Review

1. BETTER HABITAT SleepReady Portable Floor Mattress

Contrary to what you may have heard, camping is not a test of who can endure the most uncomfortable conditions. (It's meant to be lighthearted!)

The Better Habitat Memory Foam Mattress is the way to choose whether you're new to camping or if you simply want to feel more at home away from home.

A seizure may occur in my friend's epileptic condition if he becomes too weary. I suggested he get this mattress since it's as near as you can come to a real bed when camping.

The size of this item alone makes it unsuitable for use in a backpack. There's no need to leave behind your memory foam camping mattress just because you'll be traveling by vehicle and truck. 

Users are raving about this memory foam mattress. Many have even said that it is more relaxing than their own mattresses!

Because of this, you may also use this mattress as an additional bed for guests over the holidays.

Feature

  • Dimensions of the item are 75 by 36 by 3 inches.
  • Item Weight ‎17 Pounds
  • Memory foam and cotton make up the material
  • ASIN B072BJF9FW

Pros

  • Incredibly cozy memory foam
  • Straps for transportability 
  • Kids' size also available
  • No need to detonate; simply roll out and you're ready to go.
  • Equipped with a waterproof and sweatproof exterior.

Cons

  • This pad is bigger and sturdier than the others I've mentioned.
  • Pad itself is not impermeable

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2. Sierra Designs 2 Person Queen Camping Air Bed Mattress

This Sierra Designs air mattress for two people is an excellent value at just $70. Although it's not as compact as something like the MegaMat Duo, we still found it to be a pleasant sleeping experience when on the go. It can accommodate two people sleeping on queen-size bedding.

It's true that the air mattress you'd use for your in-laws is probably twice as thick as this one, but our research shows that domestic versions don't hold up well when transported outside. This is because even if they have a sturdy construction, it is difficult for even two campers to warm up the air within. Our tests revealed that the Sierra Designs Air Bed, while being just 7 inches thick, offered sufficient comfort and warmth.

It takes some time to completely inflate with the accompanying battery-operated pump, but it performs a fairly nice job. Over the course of many months of usage, this air bed has shown to be sturdy, even when put on the ground.

Although it lacks the insulation of some of the other pads on our list, the Air Bed is among the most comfortable and reasonably priced options for camping.

Feature

  • Product Dimensions 77.9"L x 55.9"W x 10.2"Th
  • Thermoplastic polyurethane as a material
  • Weight of Item: 6.1 pounds
  • Manufacturer Sierra Designs
  • ASIN B08JVKVFRJ

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • PVC-free
  • Included electric compressor

Cons

  • Less fluffy than larger air blankets
  • Lacks insulation

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3. Klymit Static V2 Inflatable Sleeping Pad 

Do you yearn for your bed while you're away from home, despite your love of nature? An inflatable mattress like the Klymit Static V2 may provide the necessary support for a restful night's sleep. These lightweight (16.33 oz; 12% less than the original Static V) and comfortable (2.5 inches thick) camping pads for sleeping include a V-Chamber design that reduces heat loss and motion. This camping mattress pad expands to a spacious 72 by 23 by 2.5 inches when inflated, yet packs down to a manageable 3 by 8 inches when not in use. Whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back, this mat will provide the necessary support thanks to its V-Chambered construction.

Feature

  • The dimensions of the product are 72 x 23 x 2 inches.
  • Weight of Item: 1 pound
  • Department Unisex-Adult
  • Manufacturer Klymit
  • ASIN B07YP8VXZ3

Pros

  • One of the more expansive cushions, particularly at the ankles
  • Minimal and light
  • Great value

Cons

  • Low R-value and heat index
  • Outdated expansion actuator

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4. WELLAX Sleeping Pad

The Wellax FlexFoam Sleeping Pad is an excellent choice if you value convenience as much as convenience when camping.

This cushion is 3 inches thick, making it suitable for side sleeping, and it provides excellent insulation, with an R-Value of 9.5.

This implies that your core body temperature won't be lost as quickly to the cold ground. In the wintertime, an insulated mat is a need that should not be disregarded. 

One spring in Scotland I went camping without an insulated mat and became so cold that I fell into shock. An insufficient sleeping pad will render your sleeping bag useless, no matter how well it performs. This is a warning!

This is an excellent option for those who are taller, since it measures 6 feet and 5 inches in length. There's a built-in cushion, so you won't have to adopt the fetal position to relax, and you won't wake up with a stiff neck.

This, like a lot of other camping gear, erroneously advertises itself as being appropriate for backpacking. What, do they believe our bags are the size of a studio apartment? Don't take it hiking, but it's great for camping in the back of your vehicle any time of year. 

Feature

  • Dimensions: 77 by 28 by 3 inches
  • Weight of Item: 5.94 pounds
  • Manufacturer WELLAX
  • ASIN B07RY47PFS

Pros

  • Dense and accommodating
  • Waterproof (easily maintained)
  • Self-inflating (will become even better after a few uses).
  • Ideal for taller individuals
  • Noise-minimizing 
  • 9.50 R-Value 
  • Tear-resistant 

Cons

  • The product description is deceptive; it is not really appropriate for backpacking.

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5. Sleepingo Sleeping Pad for Camping

In our collection of air-constructed sleeping pads, the Sleepingo is among the cheapest. It's not the most plush option out there, but it does provide a reasonable amount of support, especially considering the cost. Comfort-wise, it's light-years ahead of closed-cell foam cushions, which can be had for a comparable price. This pad works well whether you sleep prone or on your back, but its thin cushioning means it's not the best option if you like to sleep on your side.

Despite the Sleepingo's low price and respectable performance, a few caveats should be noted. When compared to other air structure pads, this one provides the least amount of cushioning. The reported value is somewhat less relevant due to the lack of ASTM verified R-ratings. We recommend only using this pad on clear days due to its rating.

Feature

  • Dimensions: 23 by 2 by 75 inches
  • Weight of Item: 14.4 ounces
  • Manufacturer Sleepingo
  • ASIN B07FP4Z3RZ

Pros

  • Exceptionally lightweight
  • Acceptable heat-to-weight ratio
  • Easy to transport
  • Very low-priced

Cons

  • Not particularly warm
  • No pump container

View on Amazon


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Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


What to look for

Camping equipment descriptions often read like a foreign language. I've simplified everything you need to know into one guide, so you can shop with confidence and avoid making any rookie errors. 

Mattress Filling Material

You may acquire a foam pad, an inflatable pad, or a hybrid of the two for use as a sleeping pad. 

There are inflatable pads that inflate automatically and others that need air from your lips or a pump. In contrast to air mattresses, self-inflating pads often have a foam layer. Then there's the good ol' fashioned foam that's completely airless.

Foam pads are my go-to for vehicle camping since they are puncture- and air-loss-proof.

But when I go camping or hiking, I always bring an inflatable pad (the kind you inflate up manually, not self-inflating). 

If you choose an inflatable mattress, be careful not to blow it up too much. You want it to be cozy, but filling it to the brim with air will put stress on the valves and cause them to wear out. 

As a precaution against heat loss through the floor, I occasionally carry an insulated foam pad camping in the winter to use under my inflatable pad. If you invest in an R-value-worthy pad, you won't have to worry about this. 

Thickness

A thicker pad is preferable if you sleep on your side. Camping on a 3-inch mat is comfortable, but thru-hikers may prefer something thinner. 

Side sleepers going on a camping trip may have to deal with a little less pleasant night in order to reduce the weight of their pack and ease the strain on their back.

If you injure your back on the journey to your campsite, all the bedding you brought along won't help!

Weight

The weight of the user and the sleeping pad itself are also factors to consider. 

There will be less cushioning around the user's pressure points and they will sink lower to the ground as their weight increases.

In order to sleep on your side comfortably, the heavier you are, the thicker your pillow should be. 

As long as it fits in the trunk, the weight of your sleeping pad is irrelevant while vehicle camping. However, finding the sweet spot between weight and thickness is essential for successful trekking. 

Length 

The length of each pad varies. Be careful to double-check the item's measurements if you're on the taller side before making a purchase.

If you're short like me and want to save money and have a lighter bag, a child's pad is a good option. 

Material

Waterproof camping pads are more convenient in terms of cleanliness. It's easy to soil your belongings when camping, but a quick rinse under the water at the conclusion of your trip can make quick work of any stains. 

However, pads that are waterproof may not be as pleasant as those that are wrapped in a soft substance.

The choice between cleanliness and ease of use is ultimately yours. 

Insulation 

The R-Value of a material is a measure of its effectiveness as a thermal insulator. The greater the R-Value of a sleeping pad, the more effectively it will insulate its user from the chill of the floor below.

A minimum R-Value of 4 is suggested for camping in cooler climates. The recommended R-Value for use in icy climates is 6. 


FAQs

Q. How do you blow up a mattress topper?

It's all about the pad, baby. You may just open the valve on a self-inflating pad and let it fill up with air on its own, but you might want to give it a little boost before shutting the valve. Depending on the design, you may be able to use your mouth, a foot pump, or even an airbag pump. 

Q. How do you mend a hole in a sleeping pad?

You'll need a puncture kit, which should include strong waterproof adhesive and patches, to repair a hole in your sleeping pad. A puncture kit may be included with certain sleeping mats. 

Q. How much does a mattress pad typically run?

If you sleep on your side, you should budget at least $45 for a quality mattress. You can get cheaper pads, but you may need to use two if you want to sleep comfortably. 

Q. Where can I get a sleeping mat with a higher R-Value?

The ground is a major source of heat loss, but you may mitigate this by placing a thin reflective pad beneath your main pad. If you need to bring two pads for warmth, you may as well have one that works better.

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