Finding a comfortable and supportive camping mattress for side sleepers can be a major challenge. Once you’ve found it, you’ll never camp without it.
Whether you’re at home or camping in the wilderness, a comfortable rest is the key component to waking up refreshed and ready to take on a new day. However, getting a comfortable sleep on a camping trip can be tough, especially for those of us who sleep best on our sides.
With so many options out there, finding a mattress that has enough support and cushion to relieve the pressure from your shoulders can seem impossible. Testing each one out would take forever and cost a fortune. But choosing the wrong one can leave you tired and sore when you should be relaxed and recharged.
So let’s break down what makes up the best camping mattress for side sleepers and give a select few options that will provide the comfort you need.
Camping mattress for side sleepers advice
There are two main factors that will help you get a good night’s rest while still allowing you to sleep on your side; mattress thickness and material design.
Camping mattress material and design
The material and design of the mattress will be step one in the effectiveness of keeping your shoulders off the ground. A self inflating sleeping pad like the Therm-a-Rest is popular for its lightweight and ground insulation properties, but it might be a little too thin to provide the support needed for side sleepers.
On the other hand a blow up air mattress is a fine option for camping and also has more flexibility when it comes to thickness. Many of today’s air mattress styles come with additional comfort qualities like memory foam padding. These added features allow your shoulders to sink into the memory foam, easing the pressure on your shoulders, head and neck.
Camping mattress thickness
The thickness of the air mattress required will depend on a few factors. When you sleep on your side, the point load of your shoulders will disperse the air in the mattress more than if you were to sleep on your back. The result is that sleeping on your side will have you sinking further into the mattress, with the possibility that you’ll be touching the ground if your mattress doesn’t provide the right amount of support.
To counteract the pressure, you’ll need a mattress thick enough to support the weight being forced downward. Another factor to consider when choosing the thickness you’ll need is the level of inflation you prefer in the mattress. If you prefer a fully inflated, firm mattress, the resulting thickness needed will be less than for those who like a soft, less inflated mattress.
A mattress that’s at least 3 inches thick can usually be suitable for side sleepers.
So let’s jump in and look at a few favorites:
Best Camping Air Mattress for Side Sleepers
Coleman SupportRest Plus Queen Size
Sleeping on your side on a regular air mattress can make you feel like you’re constantly about to roll out of bed. Luckily, the Coleman SupportRest Queen size air mattress is no regular air mattress. It’s almost like it was designed with the side sleeper in mind. It’s amazingly comfortable and supportive at the same time.
A camping mattress for side sleepers in mind needs to consider how the weight of the person is being distributed and where additional support is needed. That’s where the design of the Coleman SupportRest is so impressive.
The raised edges hold even more air, providing better support for side sleepers. As you push down on the middle of the mattress, the sides rise up even further.
At 18 inches in height it provides plenty of separation from the ground so you never feel the cold, hard floor beneath you. The height also makes getting in and out of bed easy which is a bonus for those middle of the night trips to the bathroom.
The soft flocked sleep surface provides a velvety feel which adds comfort and warmth to the air mattress while the support lock reinforced construction gives a more stable sleeping surface.
It’s no wonder that the company boasts that the Coleman SupportRest Plus Queen has the comfort and feel of a bed and box springs.
To make sure that the air stays right where you want it, inside the mattress, a double lock valve is in place. Combine that with the Coleman airtight system and the durable PVC construction and you’ve got a product that won’t easily leak.
The one downside to any camping air mattress is the bulkiness and weight that’s needed to make a comfortable and durable product. However, setup and take down is simple with the included 120 volt air pump.
All things considered, I believe that this is the best camping air mattress for side sleepers on the market today.
A camping sleep setup isn’t complete without a good pillow
The one thing about sleeping on your side is that you need to support your head and neck if you’re going to get any comfort. Back sleepers can get away with sleeping without a pillow for a couple nights if they want to. But side sleepers need a good pillow to keep their heads in line.
Klymit Drift Camp Pillow
If you’re going for comfort above all else, then I like the Klymit Drift Camp Pillow for its shredded memory foam/gel fiber core which provides comfort and support for your head and neck. It’s got a reversible outer shell which is easy to wash and a soft cotton jersey for sleeping.
However, if you’re looking to shed some weight, then an inflatable camping pillow might be the better choice for you.
Alps Mountaineering Versa Inflatable Camp Pillow
And what better choice than the Alps Mountaineering Versa Inflatable Camp Pillow?
It’s unique design gives campers the support they need and the comfort they deserve. The soft, brushed surface is both quiet and comfortable on your face while the materials used in its construction are lightweight and durable.
At just 2.8 ounces in weight, you’ll barely know you packed it. Inflation and deflation are a cinch making this a popular choice among backpackers and car campers alike.
Kelty Bestie Blanket
Why not go all in and make this the best camping sleep you ever had? The Kelty Bestie Blanket is known for being lightweight but efficient at keeping you warm on those cooler campaign nights. It weighs only 1 pound 8 ounces but the Cloudloft insulation fill really does a great job of blocking out the cold.
Best Camping Pad for Side Sleepers
For many people, the space needed to pack away a big and heavy air mattress just isn’t possible. Plus if you’ve got a long walk into camp or if you’re portaging in the backcountry an air mattress isn’t practical.
If you find yourself looking for lightweight camping gear that packs tight, then a camping pad or self-inflating mat is a better option for your sleep. Although they don’t provide the same level of comfort as air mattresses, they can still be very comfortable.
When it comes to finding the best camping pad for side sleepers, I find that comfort is mostly achieved by finding a thick camping pad. The thicker it is, the more comfort it will provide. Of course, the more material there is, the heavier it will be as well.
You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons before you choose which one is right for you.
Eureka Green River Air Pad
One of the best camping pads for side sleepers that I’ve found is the Eureka Green River Air Pad. It’s got great support and as much comfort as you can ask for. Plus, bonus feature for side sleepers….it has a built in pillow to support your head and neck on any camping trip.
Inflating and deflating this most comfortable camping pad is made easy with the built in air pump. Additionally, it packs down small so whether you’re car camping or backpacking it’s easy to bring this inflatable camping pad along.
Recap of the best camping sleep systems for side sleepers
- Most comfortable camping mattress for side sleepers: Coleman SupportRest Plus Queen
- Most comfortable camping pillow: Klymit Drift Camp Pillow
- Staying warm while camping: Kelty Bestie Blanket
- Most comfortable lightweight camping pad: Eureka Green River Air Pad
A big air mattress requires a lot of room. Check out our list of the best large family tents for your next camping adventure.
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