Some of the very best adventures are when you have the absolute freedom to stay pretty much wherever you want, whenever you want and not be beholden to hotel reservations.
This is the beauty of turning the back of your car or SUV into the perfect sleeping spot with an SUV air mattress.
Sorry Captains Chairs. You’re SOL.
Tip: Many cars could also do this…you just need a back row/middle row that folds flat.
Best SUV Air Mattress Summary My exped mat in the back of VW Atlas in 2023 – Ready to go to the Alps! For Free!Crave the Planet is reader-supported and I am not sponsored. Some links earn me commission at no additional cost to you. – Thank You -Morgan
The aim of this article is to:
Best overall COUPLES SUV air mattress due to EXCELLENT DESIGN & LUXURY SLEEPING EXPERIENCE
The Exped MegaMat Auto is my top choice of all the mattresses I've reviewed below for couples car campers.
WHY? Ultimate sleep experience for inside even compact SUVs
EXCLUSIVELY AT EXPED
Measures 76x52x4 inches {TOP}, 76x52x39 {Bottom-between wheel wells} inflated, packs to 27.6 x 11.8 inches, and weighs 39 ounces; Flatvalves, SideWinder stuff sack included; made in the USA
Best overall SOLO SUV air mattress due to versatility.
The Self Inflating Foam and Air Hybrid Pad is my top choice of all the mattresses I've reviewed below for solo car campers.
WHY? It has great potential for SUV camping, car camping and backpacking.
R value of 4.4 &
enough thickness for side sleepers.Check Price on Amazon
Measures 77x25x3 inches inflated, packs to 13x9.3 inches, and weighs 39 ounces; stuff sack included; made in the USA
I discovered this world of SUV mattresses when my daughter and I wanted to go paragliding in the Allgauer mountains, but all the hotels were full. Since nothing was going to stop me from watching my 12 year old flying off a mountain, we had to improvise!
Experience superior comfort and support with our top-rated sleeping pads, specially designed to provide optimal rest for side sleepers.
Paragliding session the next day after sleeping in my SUV.I’ve included a comparison chart of all the best mattresses, as well as in depth reviews of each product that make finding the best mattress for sleeping in an SUV, much easier.
If you’ve got an SUV and you’re on a 1 or 2 person journey, why waste money on a hotel or overpriced camp spot.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a crunchy granola-type to enjoy this style of “accommodation” as SUV air mattress can be REALLY comfortable. I absolutely hate sleeping on the ground, but our SUV air mattress situation was great even for side sleeping.
And you don’t want to get up at zero-dark-thirty to get there in time. 🤣
SUV Mattress & Mattresses for Cars Reviews & ListChoosing the best mattress for sleeping in SUV can feel a bit overwhelming. Read these detailed mattress reviews to help you find the best way to sleep in your SUV for your next trip.
Protip: Fold down your seats and take accurate measurements of the space you have in mid row and back row with special attention to wheel wells.
Top Pick: Best for CouplesExped Megamat Auto
Turn your SUV into a Hotel!
Genius design to fit between rear wheel wells. Can be used in compact SUV, cars and tents. Self inflating air to make it extra insulated and non-slip surface to make it comfortable and quiet. R value of 8.1. Great for use in all 4 seasons.
Measures 76x52x4 inches inflated TOP, 76x39x4 BOTTOM, packs to 27.6×11.8 inches, and weighs 8 lbs 5 oz ounces; top loading stuff sack included; made in the USA
Pros: Superior Swiss design, comfort, luxury
Cons: price, heavy, not for backpacking
Click Here to Check Current Prices Exped Top Pick: Solo Best Mattress for Sleeping in SUVSelf Inflating Foam and Air Hybrid Pad
Can be used in SUV, tent or backpacking as it has fabric wrapped around 3 inches of premium foam with localized support and self inflating air to make it extra insulated and comfortable. R value of 4.4. Great for use in backpacking also.
Measures 77x25x3 inches inflated, packs to 13×9.3 inches, and weighs 39 ounces; stuff sack included; made in the USA
Pros: Backpacking function, lightweight
Cons: Small width
➡️ Check Price on Amazon
Click Here to Check Current Prices REI Most Luxurious & Best for Couples on AdventureRoamer Double Fast Inflating Air Mattress
The 6.0 R Value Nemo Roamer sleeping pad is generously sized for couples an offers a lifetime warranty. It self inflates in seconds and has a 100% post consumer recycled stretchy fabric.
It turns bumpy surfaces like cracks between your folded seats into a comfortable bed. It also comes with a easy to use duffle bag for storage.
Roamer mattress in flat position measures
78in x 52in x 4in, when packed into duffel it measures 11in x 26in. It weighs 8lbs 4oz.
Pros: Sustainable, fastest to inflate, most luxurious
Cons: expensive
➡️ Check Price on Amazon
➡️ Check Price at Nemo Directly
Award Winning Car Camping Mattress & Best for Cold WeatherExped MegaMat Duo
This Swiss designed self inflating camping air and memory foam mattress for 2 is best for SUV camping, car camping or raft assisted. It is probably more comfortable than your mattress at home. The roll top stuff sack is designed to open from the top so it’s easy to shove the mattress back in even if it’s still a bit inflated.
You can use the shoulder sling stuff sack around camp to haul wood. The built in
pocket comes with a repair kit and mini inflation pump to top off your mattress to tune it just as you like. The 3D side wall ensures a completely flat sleeping surface.
The Most Comfortable Mattress: Mega Mat duo mattress comes in 2 sizes.
Medium double in flat position measures 72in x 41in x 3.9in, when in stuff sack it measures 22in x 11in. It weighs: 7lb 8oz.
Long double wide in flat position measures 77.6in x 52in x 3.9in, when in stuff sack it measures 27.6in x 11.8in. It weighs 9lbs 17.7 oz.
Pros: fits between most SUV wheel wells, versatile and ease to use stuff sack, 8.1 R Value good for cold weather also
Cons: heavy
➡️ Check Price on Amazon
➡️ Check Price at Exped Directly
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE REI Most Comfortable SUV Mattress Foam : Fold Flat SeatsFolding Memory Foam
The foam camping mattress is equipped with ultra-soft bamboo cover. Simply unfold it to sleep on it and you can also use it in the home for an extra bed or TV cuddling mat.
Tri-fold mattress in flat position measures 73in x 52in x 6in, when folded it measures 52in x 25in x 18in.
Pros: durable, fast setup, multifunctional
Cons: takes up space when not in use, heavy
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Electric Pump Air Mattress for SUVCar Pump Air Mattress
This electric pump mattress can be used as a middle row only or used for the entire back if all seats are stowed. Plug into cigarette lighter.
The size of QDH SUV Air Mattress is 72.8 x 51.2x 4.7 Inches, Plugs into cigarette lighter with 3 min pumping time.
Pros: electric pump, small storage when not in use
Cons: air leakage, no pillows
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Best for Car Camping in Rear SeatsMiddle Row Air Mattress
For use in the middle row sideways of a car or SUV only. Good for solo travellers. Electric pump mattress.
Mattress inflated: 69 inches x 32 inches x 6 inches
Pros: Do not have to rearrange entire car for sleeping
Cons: comfort, solo only
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Self Inflating SUV Air MattressSelf Inflating Double Car Mattress
No power or pump needed. Can be used in the back of an SUV with seats folded down and is very lightweight and thin.
Use in tent camping also.
Measures 74 inch x 52.8 inch x 1.4 inch
Pros: No power, lightweight
Cons: Small thickness, not great for side sleepers
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Most Adjustable SUV MattressAdjustable Width Double Air Mattress
Great for SUVs that have a narrower trunk and wider space where the middle row is folded down.
Multiple compartments of air so you can adjust as needed.
Measures: 76 inches x 47 inches wide near trunk, upper half 51 inches wide x 5 inches
Pros: thickness, adjustable
Cons: air leakage
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Most Reliable SUV or Car Air MattressManual Pump Middle Row Air Mattress
Worried about power? No problem this one comes with a manual pump and is fitted perfectly to the middle row so could even fit an SUV or car.
Measures 40 inch x 35 inches x 8 inches
Pros: No power needed, Super thick, perfectly fitted for middle row and can be used in tent
Cons: short length
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Most Versatile Mattresses for CarsSuper thick air mattress with electric pump and comes with pillows and 6 adjustable air chambers so it can fit almost any SUV.
Great for comfort with the middle row or middle + 3rd rows folded down.
Measures 71 inch x 51 inch x 12 inch.
Pros: Versatile, comes with pillows
Cons: Air leakage
CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICE Comparison Chart Best Mattress for Sleeping in SUVHere’s a quick comparison of all the top mattresses I’ve reviewed in this article.
Do not forget to measure between wheel wells like I did and end up having to return a mattress that was slightly too wide.
I decided to share this hack with the world and hopefully it will save you some cash that you can spend on more experiences in the Outdoors.
Types of SUV Car Mattresses & Tips to Pick the BestFirst of all, you’ve got to decide which kind of mattress you’re looking for or if you need a few different kinds. Do you want something just for the middle row or do you want to fold down the middle and 3rd rows and take up the entire back of your SUV?
Or perhaps the thickest cushion? Each kind of mattress will have different benefits but the one you choose should be based on your needs.
So, you’re looking for the best SUV mattress available? Then you need to pay attention to these key features and qualities to find the best match for you and your family.
Power Source
This is a major consideration – you’ll likely be camping in your SUV on the way to a big backpacking trip so taking the time to manually pump up the mattress may be a bummer.
Personally, I really like electric pumps for the ease of use and also not having to pack a manual air pump that takes up precious sleeping space. I want to stay stealth when SUV camping so everything must stay inside the car.
Thickness
This may or may not be a big concern to you. If you regularly sleep on your side some of the thinner mattresses not be your jam.
Size & Weight
Measure Twice, Buy Once
If you’re looking for the perfect SUV mattress then you’re probably looking for one that doesn’t take up too much space and doesn’t weigh an absolute ton. A large bulky mattress that takes up half your trunk space isn’t very practical.
The best mattress needs to be compact but still be comfortable, as well as being durable, and long lasting.
If you’ve got a large space with the third row folded down you’ll want to maximize the size of the mattress for comfort, but if the wheel wells decrease your width it may not be possible to squeeze it in even if the head fits.
Safety and Cleaning
The mattresses that we’ve selected in our article have all passed safety standards and have proven records with safety.
However, safety is always something to be on the lookout for. Especially when in a car, you want to limit the potential of fire hazards. The best mattresses have fire retardant covers.
You’ll also want something easy to clean.
The best part is that you’re able to go stealth — camper vans and other conversions are pretty obvious for law enforcement to get into your business — or residents get annoyed with your squatting.
For example if you’re traveling to certain state parks like in the Austrian Alps and want to camp in your campervan the night before it’s illegal. But if you sleep in your regular SUV or car it’s totally legal.
This is the beauty of the SUV air mattress.
It’s not so obvious and you’ll have more options. Of course you should always be legal, but it’s been my experience that many popular outdoor locations do not allow parking for RVs or campers. Those areas do allow overnight car parking with people inside.
Why Trust?At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.
I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.
My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.
I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.
More Hiking & Outdoor Gear ResourcesHere’s more awesome gear to empower your journey. I have written in-depth comparisons of products that make hiking and exploring the Great Outdoors safer and more fun, especially if you’re a beginner (or like me, a little rusty in the knees).
If you love exploring the Outdoors, you know that finding accommodations can really be a pain and expensive. I hope this list of the best SUV air mattress options gives you more freedom to explore.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.
If you have any questions on Durable Beach Air Bed. We will give the professional answers to your questions.