The days of sleeping on the hard ground or an army style tinfoil coloured sleep pad are over. You do not need to sacrifice room to sleep comfortably. Today, there are many options on the market for sleeping pads and mattresses that provide luxury comfort that can be compacted into a reasonable size for transport. Inflatable mattresses pack up small but can be troublesome, while foam takes up more space and weighs much more.
The answer is a self-inflating mattress. The best self inflating mattress will be a hybrid of an air mattress and a foam mattress. It will sleep comfortably, keep you warm, but not take up considerable room. Let us look at self-inflating mattresses in more detail.
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Why Choose a Self-Inflating Mattress?
A self inflating camping mattress might be the way to go if you are looking for comfort but do not want to deal with needing a pump, batteries for the pump, electrical hook-ups for the pump, etc. The best part of an inflatable camping mattress that is self-inflatings the fact that you do not have to tirelessly attempt to blow it up with your breath as well. No pumps. No headaches from blowing up the mattress. Hands down, this is better than sleeping on the ground or a simple yoga mat.
Foam Mattress vs Inflatable Mattress
Foam mattresses are always comfortable and will not leak on you at all. The only downfall is that they take up a lot more room than an inflatable mattress. The inflatable mattress takes up less room, but you may find yourself sleeping on the ground by morning. A self-inflating mattress is a hybrid between the two and might be your best option.
Inflatable Mattress vs Self Inflating Mattress
The obvious benefit of choosing the self-inflating mattress is the fact you do not need to blow it up. A regular inflatable mattress requires a pump or your breath. Both of which can be inconvenient. However, if you are tight on space, then the inflatable mattress might be a better option.
Pro and Cons of a Self-Inflating Mattress
When considering a self-inflating mattress, there are pros and cons that you need to be aware of. If after reviewing them, the pros outweigh the cons in your mind, then you will be making an informed decision for yourself. Here are some of those pros and cons.
Pros of a Self-inflating Mattress
- No need for a pump. The mattress inflates on its own.
- Easy to set-up.
- Extremely comfortable. Keeps you warm at night by keeping you insulated from the ground.
- If you get a hole in the mattress, you will still have the foam padding to sleep on.
Cons of a Self-inflating Mattress
- Can take up a lot of room.
- Can develop wear and tear over time.
- Leaks are incredibly hard to find and patch.
- If there is a leak, the mattress can inflate in its storage bag and inflate. The mattress will become stuck.
Things to Consider
When choosing a new self-inflating mattress there are several features you should examine to help you determine your decision. Those features are explained and listed below in great detail.
Size
The size of your camping bed is important to consider for how much room it will take up when packed away in your vehicle, strapped to your hiking backpack, or inside the tent when fully inflated. Will you be sleeping alone? With a partner? Or do you like to move around a lot in the middle of the night? These questions will help you decide if you need a single, double, or queen-sized mattress.
Weight
The weight of the camping mattress is extremely important if you are hiking a lot and need to carry the mattress on your person for long distances.
R-Value
A sleeping mat should come with an R-Value number. The R-Value number evaluates the hiking mat and its ability to prevent the loss of heat that your body generates. The higher the value, the warmer the mat will sleep.
Material
Look closely at the material to determine how puncture resistant your camp bed will be, what kind of fill it has, and how heavy it could be. Also, look for higher quality materials that are durable and will increase the longevity of your camp mattress.
Shape
The shape of your camping mat can be either the original rectangular or the newer mummy style.Mummy-styles are smaller and take up less room when packed away. Rectangular is better if you are a restless sleeper.
Best Self Inflating Mattress Review
Zempire Monstamat Single and Twin Camp Mat
The Zempire single and twin camp beds are extremely well-constructed and contain an anti-bacterial cross-cored open-cell foam. These camping mats will have you sleeping comfortably for many years to come. These camping air beds are entirely self-inflating, so no pump needed!
- RRP: Single: $199.99 Twin: $299.99
- R-Value: 9.5
- External Dimensions: Single: 198L x 69W cm Twin: 201L x 132W cm
- Packed Dimensions: Single: 70L x 20W x 20H cm Twin: 65L x 30W x 30H cm
- Weight: Single: 3.1 Kg Twin: 6.0 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: 30D Super Stretch Ripstop Top | 75D Poly Pongee Base
- Fill Material: Cross Cored Open Cell Foam | Anti-Bacterial Treatment
Pros: Fast inflate and deflate. Anti-bacterial foam. Fully bonded. Carry bag included.
Cons: Only a 2-year warranty.
Exped Megamat 10 LXW and Duo 10 LW+ Sleeping Mat
The exped mattress is not only the best camping mattress in Australia, it isthe best camping mattress in the world. Constructed with extremely durable materials and covered with a 5-year warranty.
- RRP: 10 LXW: $399.95 Duo 10 LW+: $529.95
- R-Value: 9.5
- External Dimensions: 10 LXW: 197L x 77W cm Duo 10 LW+: 197L x 130W cm
- Packed Dimensions: 10 LXW: 79L x 25W x 25H cm Duo 10 LW+: 70L x 30W x 30H cm
- Weight: 10 LXW: 2.605 Kg Duo 10 LW+: 4.4 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: 50D Tricot Nylon Top | 75D Polyester Base
- Fill Material: Open Cell PU Foam
Pros: Mini pump inflation kit included. Carry bag included. Covered under a 5-year warranty.
Cons: Expensive.
Sea to Summit Camp Mat SI Sleeping Mat Regular and Mummy
These affordable camping mats are filled with Delta-Core PU foam and are comfortable for their lack of thickness. When reading self inflating mattresses reviews, the Sea to Summit brand sticks out for their compact and lightweight design. This single inflatable mattress is available in both mummy and rectangular shape.
- RRP: Regular: $94.95 Mummy: $89.00
- R-Value: 4.0
- External Dimensions: Regular: 183L x 64W cm Mummy: 183L x 51W cm
- Packed Dimensions: Regular: 34L x 20.5W x 20.5H cm Mummy: 27L x 15W x 15H cm
- Weight: Regular: 1.115 Kg Mummy: 0.78 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 3.8 cm
- Material: 75D TPU Laminated Polyester
- Fill Material: Delta Core-V™ PU Foam
Pros: Super lightweight. Great for hiking. Packs small. Extremely durable. Affordable price.Covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons: Thin mat.
Black Wolf HexaTherm 3D Queen and Single Mattress
The black wolf self inflating mattress is designed to be durable and long-lasting with its included limited lifetime warranty. These camping mattresses make the best camping bed if you are looking for a solid night’s sleep. These camping beds include an anti-fungal and CFC free foam.
- RRP: Single: $217.90 Queen: $294.90
- R-Value: 7.9 | ASTM F3340-18
- External Dimensions: Single: 198L x 76W cm Queen: 201L x 130W cm
- Packed Dimensions: Single: 82L x 26W x 26H cm Queen: 68L x 25W x 25H cm
- Weight: Single: 3.3 Kg Queen: 5.5 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: 100D Poly/Cotton Micro Stretch Fabric with TPU coating | Non-Slip Base
- Fill Material: Anti-Fungal CFC Free Therma-cell Cored Foam
Pros: Covered by a lifetime warranty. Super soft stretch fabric. Thermacell cored foam provides extra warmth and comfort.
Cons: Expensive.
Coleman High Peak Single and Double Camp Mat
The Coleman self inflatable mattress is not your average blow up bed. This portable mattress is available in a single and a double. Enjoy the benefits of a Coleman camping mattress.
- RRP: Single: $189.90 Double: $289.90
- R-Value: Not given
- External Dimensions: Single: 200L x 68W cm Double: 202L x 128W cm
- Packed Dimensions: Single: 75L x 25W x 25H cm Double: 70L x 40W x 40H cm
- Weight: Single: 2.7 Kg Double: 5 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: Nylon | Polyester
- Fill Material: Cross Cored Open Cell Foam
Pros: Easy setup. Easy to pack up Includes a carry bag. Durable.
Cons: Only covered by a 1-year warranty.
Exped MegaMat Max 15 LXW and Max Duo LW+
The Exped MegaMat Max 15 is the best inflatable mattress in Australia. This is not like other inflatable beds. Over 15 cm thick! The Exped MegaMat Max 15 makes an excellent camper trailer mattress.
- RRP: LXW: $474.00 Duo LW+: $699.00
- R-Value: 10.6 | ASTM F3340-18
- External Dimensions: LXW: 197L x 77W cm Duo LW+: 197L x 132W cm
- Packed Dimensions: LXW: 79L x 28W x 28H cm Duo LW+: 75L x 35W x 35H cm
- Weight: LXW: 3.450 Kg Duo LW+: 6.145 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 15 cm
- Material: 50D Tricot Nylon Top | TPU Polyether Film Laminate | 75D Polyester Base | Oeko-Tex® 100 certified
- Fill Material: Open Cell PU Foam
Pros: Thick for comfort and warmth. Mini-pump and repair kit included.
Cons: Expensive.
Darche 900 – 1100 – 1400 Wide All Terrain Mattress
The Darche camping sleeping mats would make an excellent hiking mattress or children’s camping bed. Ultra-durable, water-resistant, and easy to set up. Perfect for your next camping or hiking trip.
- RRP: 900: $249.00 1100: $289.00 1400:
- R-Value: Not given.
- External Dimensions: 900: 195L x 90W x 10H cm 1100: 195L x 110W x 10H cm 1400: 195L x 140W x 10H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 900: 99L x 25W x 22.5H cm 1100: 117L x 25W x 25.5H cm 1400: 148L x 27W x 28.5H cm
- Weight: 900: 6.21 Kg 1100: 7.23 Kg 1400: 9.37 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: 75D Polyester | PVC Coating
- Fill Material: Open-cell high-density foam.
Pros: Waterproof 300D oxford with PVC coating bottom. Curved corner design to make it easy to fit into a swag or tent. Repair kit and carry bag with reinforced webbing handle included.
Cons: Only covered by a 1-year warranty.
Thermarest Women’s Prolite Plus Sleeping Mat
The thermarest Australia self inflating mat is manufactured to perfection in the USA and is made with polyurethane foam. This women’s hiking sleeping mat is a bit shorter than the male counterpart and makes the ideal single camping mattress.
- RRP: $263.05
- R-Value: 3.9
- External Dimensions: 168L x 51W cm
- Packed Dimensions: 28L x 12W x 12H cm
- Weight: 0.64 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 3.8 cm
- Material: 50D Mini Hex Ripstop Polyester Top | 50D Polyester Base
- Fill Material: Polyurethane Foam
Pros: Covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Super lightweight. Perfect for hiking.
Cons: Mattress is thin.
Black Wolf HexaTherm 2D Mega Deluxe Queen Mattress
The Black Wolf HexaTherm camping mattress review says that it may be the best air bed in Australia. Well, they are not wrong! This self inflating air bed comes packed full of cushioned comfort andincludes a repair kit and carry bag.
- RRP: $369.99
- R-Value: 8.6 | ASTM F3340-18
- External Dimensions: 198L x 135W cm
- Packed Dimensions: 68L x 25W x 25H cm
- Weight: 5.2 Kg
- Mat Thickness: 10 cm
- Material: 100D Poly/Cotton Micro Stretch Fabric with TPU coating | Non-Slip Base
- Fill Material: Anti-Fungal CFC Free Foam
Pros: Contains anti-fungal fill. Covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Sleeps comfortably and warm.
Cons: Expensive.
Self-Inflating Mattress FAQ
How Comfortable Are Self-Inflating Mattresses?
It depends on the manufacturer and the materials. If you are looking for comfort over space-saving, then look at mattresses that have 10cm or 15 cm of thickness. The thicker the mattress the more cushion you will have when you sleep.
How Do Self Inflating Mattresses Work?
Self-inflating mattresses are simple to set up. Unroll your mattress or sleeping pad and open the valve. The open valve will fill the mattress with air. Once it is full, close the valve. When its time to pack up, open the valve and roll up the mattress and squeeze out all the air. Close the valve again once it is completely deflated.
Can I Add More Air to a Self-Inflating Mattress?
Some mattresses will include a pump. It is suggested you only put the recommended amount of air into your mattress to prevent damage.
How Do I Store a Self-Inflating Mattress?
Completely deflate your mattress and fold it up to the smallest size possible. Most mattresses come with a convenient carry bag that also acts as a storage bag. Place it in there and then pack it away somewhere where it will not get punctured.
How Do I Clean a Self-Inflating Mattress?
When your mattress is inflated, use a soft brush or broom to sweep off your mattress. You may also use a vacuum for your mattress. Once the dirt is removed, take a wet washcloth, and wipe down your mattress with a warm soapy solution. Rinse, then dry. Once complexly dry, deflate and fold up your mattress to be stored.
