Best Self Inflating Mattress

1. Vango Comfort 10 Double

Score 9 OUT OF 10

Did someone say “comfort”? This Vango product did. With this mattress, those aching joints and that stiff back will become things of the past. Joe

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With loads of experience in creating inflatable products (like rents and sofas), Vango is a brand you can trust to give you the very best self inflating mattress for your camping trip. The best part is, you don’t have to break the bank to acquire one.

This beautiful 10cm high mattress comes with top-notch fabric and thick insulating foam (warmth rating of 16) which is tough enough to keep even weighty people from feeling the ground. Everything looks better in black, wouldn’t you agree? Vango does or at least feels that way about shadow grey. 

The top surface of this mattress is covered with a brushed fabric that is soft and warm to the touch, and the base is made from a sturdy non-slip polyester. The combination of these two materials will leave you warm and comfy while saving you from sliding to the other side of the tent in the middle of the night. 

This review is on the Vango Comfort 10 Double, but this product does have various sizes. This mattress is available in single (200cm x 60cm), grande (200cm x 76cm), and double (200cm x 130cm). So it is up to you to decide what size floats your boat. 

The Vango Comfort 10 Double comes in at a weight of 6.65kg and dimensions of 67cm x 36cm when packed (only before unpacking for the first time). After your first usage, chances of you getting these dimensions are slim to none, so good luck with that. The mattress includes a stuff sack (soft enough to double as a pillow), but using it to tame this heavyset mattress is no easy task. 

Inflation and deflation are a breeze and you can do these using a custom Vango Cyclone flip valve which allows air to flow in and out based on your preference at the time. In about 5 to 6 minutes after opening the valve, the mattress should be full, which should give you just about enough time to listen to two Spice Girls songs.

The materials used on this mattress are as durable as they come and are built to last for several years even with heavy usage. You also get a repair kit with this product in case of an emergency. As proof of this product’s tenacity, Vango offers a two-year warranty to repair any issues or replace the mattress should you encounter any problems while using it.

You, your back, and your joints are in safe hands using the Vango Comfort 10 Double. Yes, handling and packing this mattress is a nightmare, but once you lay down on this cloud, every grunt or snicker would have been worth it. You’ll wake up in the morning singing praises of its warmth, softness, and comfort.

2. IFORREST Sleeping Pad Single

Score 9 OUT OF 10

Who says only people that own double self inflating mattresses get to have all the fun? This 3rd Generation IFORREST Sleeping Pad Single is a strong contender and has all the features to back it up.

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Not only does this mattress have a comfy top, but it also comes with an integrated pillow and two armrests. The extra cushioning means that you don’t wake up with knots in your neck, and if you’re one for rolling around at night, this mattress saves you the trouble of waking up on the floor or the pain of falling off it while using a camp bed.

The entire mattress is made of an 80D nylon polyester and insulating foam with a 6.8 R-Value rating to keep you warm all night long. You can get four seasons of use out of this mattress. So regardless of the weather, rain or shine, summer or winter, you’re good to go.

With a height of 5cm and weight of 1.6kg, this sleeping mattress blurs the line between roll mats and self inflating mattresses. The armrests give you about 7.5cm worth of support, and the pillow is thick enough to keep your head comfortable.

When fully pumped, this mattress has dimensions of 201cm x 74cm x 5cm, which can contain anyone, including those over 6ft. However, if you are plus sized, it might be a tight fit because of the armrests. Also, due to its height of 5cm, you might be able to feel the roughness of the ground. 

This mattress is 38cm x 15cm when packed, which is very small and can be achieved because the pillow and armrests fold inward before you roll up the mattress.

Inflation and deflation of the centre are efficiently done using a single flip value; you can accomplish both tasks within 5 minutes each. Sadly, the pillow and armrests are not self inflating; therefore, you would have to put in a little effort to blow them up. You can blow these attachments up using individual standard inflatable values, which you can do manually with your breath or with a pump bag.

Compared to other products, this mattress is incredibly convenient to pack. After deflation, you can simply fold in the pillow and armrests, roll up the mattress and insert it in the included nylon drawstring bag.

The IForrest Sleeping Pad Single is an excellent mattress for kids and adults that can be easily carried on hiking trips or used at campsites. It is not the best self inflating mattress on this list and does not offer as much comfort as other 10cm mattresses, but it definitely is comfortable. With a bonus of the pillow and armrests, you are bound to have a good night’s rest.

3. Andes Explora Black 10cm Double

Score 9 OUT OF 10

Andes has come a long way from 2016 when several customers complained about air leaks. Now, the brand offers you a comfortable and affordable mattress you can call your “bed away from home.”

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The whole point of a self inflating mattress is to self inflate, right? Well, the Andes mattress does its job superbly in about 5 minutes, and when it’s done, you can blow into the valve for more thickness. The hard part is deflating it and then having to pack it up. 

This mattress uses a dual valve system that allows airflow in and out from the same valve, which makes deflating it all the more difficult. As you open the valve to let air out, more air is coming in. Deflation is often a two-person job, and if it’s just you, well, you better have some muscle strength.

After struggling to deflate it, you have elastic clip straps to hold the rolled-up mattress in place and a drawstring carry bag to store it in.

The outer surface of the rolled-up mattress is made of a smooth, shiny material (polyester) that makes handling it without the drawstring bag a literal slippery slope. 

The top surface of this mattress is covered with a water repellent polyester that is great for preserving the integrity of the mattress. However, not so much for you. There is no soft material covering this mattress, so you might need to use a sheet to elevate its comfort.

4kg is pretty light, wouldn’t you agree? And compared to the other mattresses on this list, carrying this one around should literally be a walk in the park. But, with a weight limit of 60kg, you might need to consider other options.

For those individuals over six feet, this mattress gives you enough length, and then some to sleep comfortably (196cm x 128cm x 10cm). When you are done sleeping, you can fold your mattress down to a size of 64cm x 30cm. This mattress is the true definition of small but mighty.

Those particular about aesthetics and looks will get a kick out of the variety of colours this mattress provides. Andes offers you options of black, blue, olive, and red, so you can have a field day planning on how to match your mattress with the walls of your tent.

If you have a complaint about the efficiency of this mattress or notice a flaw in its build, sorry to say, but you are on your own. Andes does not offer any sort of warranty for this specific product.

All in all, this is a fantastic mattress that does a phenomenal job of keeping you comfortable all through the night. Granted, handling it is not the most straightforward job in the world, but with the luxury and price tag, it is well worth it.

4. Berghaus Air 10 Double

Score 8.4 OUT OF 10

Is there any gear Berghaus produces that isn’t of high quality? Their tents are sturdy, waterproof jackets premium and overtrousers second to none. The Berghaus Air 10 Double is no different from the rest of the family. This is a thick, comfortable mattress and is one of the best self inflating mattresses on the market.

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If you buy this product, you are getting a mattress of 201cm x 132cm x 10cm, which is fantastic because it has enough room for anyone 6ft7 and below. What is less impressive is its packed size of 71cm x 40cm, which is enormous compared to other mattresses with similar dimensions when fully inflated. However, with a decent weight of 4.7kg, you shouldn’t have much of a problem handling this mattress.

You can be sure that the Berghaus Air 10 can hold you up and keep you warm in the middle of the night. With a weight limit of 200kg, you’re bound to sleep comfortably and not feel the ground at all. 

If that isn’t enough to convince you, it has a robust outer layer made of 30D stretch fabric with TPU coating. Over that layer is a soft flocked 190T polyester material with TPU coating. The former helps you to keep you as warm as possible, while the latter prevents your sleeping bag (if you use one) from slipping off the mattress.

Nothing could be easier than setting and packing up this mattress. It comes with a protected rotatable flip valve that makes inflation and deflation a breeze. 

To inflate, unroll the mattress, then simply place the valve in the appropriate position. This will let air in while simultaneously keeping air out. To deflate, place the valve in the opposite direction, and air will be let out. Once this is done, roll up the mattress letting out any excess air, insert it in the drawstring carry bag that came with your purchase and you’re ready to go.

The Berghaus Air 10 Double is a premium mattress that is convenient to set up and just as easy to pack up. Using this mattress, you are floating on a 10cm tall cloud that won’t let you feel the bumpy ground below. The price tag is a bit on the high side, but what’s a little extra to guarantee a comfortable night’s sleep?

5. KingCamp Deluxe Double

Score 8.4 OUT OF 10

From the makers of your favourite camping chairs and tables comes this fantastic self inflating mattress. KingCamp has done a marvellous job creating this mattress. The brand might be new, but don’t mistake their late entrance into the game for poor quality.

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The gorgeous KingCamp Deluxe Double comes in electric blue and grey. It has dimensions of 198cm x 130cm x 7.5cm, which is long enough, wide enough, and thick enough (although not as thick as other mattresses) for just about anyone or two people, depending on how intimate you are willing to get. You get a packed size of 67cm x 32cm x 32cm and a weight of 5kg, which can be inserted in the supplied oversized 150D oxford carry bag.  

Surrounding the mattress’s top and bottom is a wave-like surface with 100% polyester 150D oxford PVC coating that makes it comfortable, durable, and waterproof. The coating is also excellent for adjusting the mattress’s comfort level and gives you an R-Value of about 6.5.

While both sides are made from the same material, each side is optimized to bring out its full potential. The top layer is designed to be soft and keep you comfortable, while the base is designed to be resistant to abrasions from all sorts of materials in nature.

This KingCamp mattress comes with a reload foam that not only reduces the weight of the mattress, but also makes it thick when fully inflated.

Inflation and deflation are effortless and fast, with two brass extra-large flow valves that swiftly allow air in and out. These valves do not rust compared to other plastic valves. 

Your money is safe as KingCamp offers you a 30-day money-back guarantee on this mattress. If that is not enough, they also provide a lifetime warranty to replace or fix your mattress should there be a factory issue.

As expected of a great product by an equally great brand, the colours, designs, and dimensions are all on point. However if this mattress isn’t for you, then they have a variety of choices including Deluxe Single(198cm x 63cm x 7.5cm), Deluxe Plus (198cm x 63cm x 10cm), and Deluxe Wide(198cm x 76cm x 10cm).

6. Vango Shangri-La II 15 Grande

Score 8 OUT OF 10

Being the younger brother of the Shangri-La 15 Single, the Vango Shangri-La II 15 Grande has found ways to improve on its predecessor’s prowess while still giving you that same warmth and comfort.

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While still maintaining 200cm x 76cm x 15cm dimensions when inflated, the second version of the Shangri-La is now able to fold to a weight of 4.35kg and measurements of 80cm x 29cm, which is much better than the previous version (5.2kg and 87cm x 29cm). Truth be told, both versions are a bit large and would take up a lot of space in your boot, but with all the advantages they have, who could complain?

You do not have to miss your bed at home with this mattress. The outer elastic fabric is knitted with yarn to make the mattress soft and durable, which gives you that feeling you get when you are in the comfort of your bed about to fall asleep. Due to this fabric coupled with the 15cm cushion depth, this mattress has a warmth rating of 22.

The outer layer is also coated with a modern-day TPU lamination which gives the mattress its durability and ability to be packed smaller than the first version.

Unlike most self inflating mattresses, this one has vertical sidewalls to create a flat-level top and a bigger surface for you to sleep on. Another advantage of these walls is that they keep you from rolling off the mattress.

Inflating and deflating this mattress should give you no trouble. Just like the Comfort 10 Double, this mattress uses the patent-pending Cyclone flip valve. 

Simply turn the valve halfway, and watch the mattress self inflate. Within 5 minutes, the mattress should be full, and you can seal it shut. Flip the valve in the other direction when you are ready to pack up and watch it deflate.

After deflation, Vango has included elastic clip straps to keep the mattress rolled and a carry bag with compression straps and handles to make transportation easy.

The Shangri-La II 15 is the thickest self inflating mattress Vango has to offer, and what comes with that thickness is all the warmth and comfort you could need in a mattress. What also comes with these benefits is a steep price tag, but who cares with this level of comfort.

The Shangri-La II 15 also comes in a double, but it is too bulky unless that’s a size you would prefer.

7. Outwell Dreamcatcher Single XL

Score 9 OUT OF 10

Outwell means business with this self inflating mattress, and no expense was spared in making this product. With an innovative valve and uniquely shaped foam, you are bound to fall in love with this mattress.

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Fresh out of the pack, you are greeted with a stunning black mattress. The top layer of this mattress is covered with a 190T 75D 100% polyester peach to give you that nice warm feel. The base is covered with a 190T 75D 100% polyester that keeps the mattress from slipping, especially on damp ground.

Under this sturdy polyester is a wave-shaped foam with horizontal air channels that increase comfort and reduce noise as you switch sleeping positions. These innovations also allow for easier folding of the mattress (to a packed size of 78cm x 21cm) that you can easily insert in a wide-mouthed drawstring carry bag after using the Velcro straps to hold the mattress in place.

With the help of the polyester and wave-shaped foam, this 12cm thick mattress has an R-Value of 7.5. This means you can use it even when temperatures drop to a level of -34°C during the winter and still feel warm and fuzzy. 

Buying a mattress that can contain your width and height is essential, and this single self inflating mattress does that perfectly. With dimensions of 200cm x 75cm x 12 cm, this mattress is bigger than most single mattresses but just as light with a weight of 3.3kg. This weight isn’t small enough for hiking, but it is convenient to lift to your campsite.

You can quickly inflate this mattress using the new patent-pending Outwell AFC (Air Flow Control) valve. This unique valve has a neon green handle and labels that shows you how to turn the handle to get your preferred action. 

The valve lets in a high amount of air, and you wouldn’t believe how thick the mattress gets. However, if you’re using it for the first time, you need to manually blow it a few times to get the ball rolling. Don’t worry, it doesn’t require that much air from your lungs.

Deflation has proven to be a bit of a problem, but you can quickly sort that out by taking a few extra moments to press out excess air. With a carry bag that has such a big opening, you shouldn’t have any issues storing the mattress.

Nothing compares to a good night’s rest, and with the Outwell Dreamcatcher Single XL being able to keep you warm at frosty temperatures and comfortable with an inventive wave-shaped foam, you are in for a treat when you close your eyes.

The Dreamcatcher Single also comes in 5cm, 7.5cm, and 10cm, and the double comes in 5cm, 7.5cm and 10cm models if you prefer another option.

Buying Guide

Anybody can just walk into a store or get on the web and buy a self inflating mattress. With the number of mattresses to choose from, who could blame them? However, you need to make an informed decision on which mattress to buy. You need to learn about factors that could affect your overall camping or hiking experience. To that effect, here are some key factors to consider before splurging on a new mattress. 

Length

The length of the mattress you want to buy is a crucial factor to consider before purchasing one. 

How tall are you? Now, there are basketballers, and there are those not tall enough to go on any rides. If you are on the taller end of the spectrum, you must look closely to determine if the mattress is long enough to take your head to your feet. If you don’t, you might have appendages sticking out of your mattress all through the night.

Also, take note of the size of the tent you will be using. You don’t want half of your mattress sleeping outside, right?

Width

You need to take your width and the width of the mattress into consideration before making a commitment. 

You have to pick a mattress wide enough to contain you. If you buy one too small, you might find half of your body sleeping on the floor, which is as good as not having a mattress at all.

Thickness

In most cases, a standard 5cm and above is good enough, but you have to consider your weight and how it would affect the thickness of the mattress once you lay on it. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night with your hip on the ground, do you?

Insulation

Your mattress’s ability to keep you warm all through the night might be what makes or breaks your camping trip. Your mattress should be able to insulate you against the cold condition of the ground. During the summer, this might not matter, but if you choose to camp in more chilly months, then this is everything. 

For average weather, you can go for a mattress with an R-Value of 3. However, for colder weather during autumn or winter, you need one with a value of 5 or higher.

Weight and Packed Size

Every brand has a different method of building their self inflating mattress, and the material they use also differs. As a result of these differentiations, the weight and size of these mattresses vary and need to be considered before acquiring one.

If you’re using a car to transport your gear to your destination, weight might not be a problem, but the packed size might. You should think about getting a mattress that won’t fill up your car and leave no space for anything else. 

Even with a car, you still need to think about how far away your campsite is from where you will park and if you need to trek there, if you do, then maybe a big mattress isn’t the way to go.

As a hiker, consider how far your journey will be and what can stay on your back without hurting it in the long run.

Budget

If you have the money to spend, you can go for the most premium and expensive self inflating mattress money can buy; you won’t regret it. However, if you cannot afford them, stick to the mattresses you can.

Yes, it is always exciting to go for the best and most expensive items, but what if the best is a few pounds over your budget? That is absolutely fine. There are affordable options that can do all the work that the pricier mattresses do, all you have to do is look. Who says you have to break the bank to go camping or hiking?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are self inflating mattresses any good?

A self inflating mattress is an innovative and essential means to aid with sleeping outside (or even inside). They are more portable than airbeds and can fit almost anywhere. Compared to thin roll mats, you won’t feel the ground below you and won’t wake up with joint pains.

They also work to keep you warm at night and as comfortable as possible with their insulating capabilities and soft surfaces.

These contraptions are a must-have for anyone embarking on a camping or hiking trip.

2. What is an open cell foam?

Open-cell foams are foams with open-cell walls. Open-cell foams are rubber-like products made by adding an inflating agent into the rubber compound; this reaction gives off a gas that expands the rubber, thereby creating empty spaces or open cells. You can only classify a foam as “open-cell” if more than 50% of its cells are open.

Open-cell foams are soft, flexible, breathable, and absorbent, which allows them to be used for several applications aside from self inflating mattresses.

3. How does a self inflating mattress work?

Open-cell walls in a self-insulating mattress let air move freely in and out of them. When you’re deflating your mattress and compressing it, you are forcing the air out of these cells. When you open the valve to let air in, the force of compression is released, and through the help of atmospheric pressure, each cell is able to allow air into the empty spaces.

4. How long does it take for a self inflating mattress to inflate?

It all depends on the brand you purchase, and sometimes, it depends on the condition you leave them in. For the most part, self inflating mattresses take about 5-15 minutes to inflate when in perfect condition. 

Four factors determine the speed at which a mattress will inflate. These factors are foam type and volume, elevation, temperature and duration of usage.

The first factor is foam type and volume. Every brand uses different types of foams in making their mattress; the volume of these foams also differ. Depending on the type of foam, the inflating process might take longer and also, the thicker the foam, the more time it needs to inflate to its fullest.

Temperature is also a factor in determining the speed of inflation in the mattress. The same way your veins constrict in cold conditions and dilate when it’s warm outside is the same way foam used in a self inflating mattress works. When it’s cold, the material becomes less flexible and unable to adequately fill up, making the inflating process longer. So, the warmer it is, the faster the mattress inflates. 

If you are an avid hiker and camper, your mattress is more likely to inflate faster than one which hasn’t been used for several months.

The open-cell foams used in self inflating mattresses tend to become more compressed the longer they stay rolled up. This is why mattresses being used for the first time usually need to be blown manually for a while before they automatically inflate. 

The last factor is elevation. Anyone who has ever been in a physics classroom knows that atmospheric pressure is lower on higher surfaces. For those who slept through class, this basically means that the higher the mattress is, the less air it has to get blown up. The lack of air affects how quickly the mattress self-inflates.

5. What is R-Value and How Is It Different From Warmth Rating?

R-Value, also known as the thermal resistance rating, is the measure used to define a material’s ability to resist heat transfer. The greater the R-Value, the better the thermal resistance and insulating effect of that product will be. This, in turn, enables the product to conserve energy.

This same definition applies to self inflating mattresses. The best mattresses have the ability to keep you warm all night long. To get the best result, you should aim for a mattress with an R-Value of 3 above.

A warmth rating is a way to explain the insulating properties of materials. This rating is subjective, and every brand has a guide that governs their individual ratings.

6. What Is the Difference Between an Airbed, a Camp Bed, a Sleep Bed and a Self Inflating Mattress?

Airbeds are the most popular type of sleep system. An airbed uses air to create a platform that elevates you from the ground while you sleep. However, that’s all they do. While airbeds are known for their ease and portability, they are not the most comfortable to lie on. They are also susceptible to deflation. Airbeds are multipurpose and come in all forms of shapes, colours, designs and sizes. Types of airbeds include cotton airbeds, flocked PVC, and most recently, built-in pump airbeds.

Camp beds are just as popular as airbeds. They are designed to keep you a few inches above the cold ground. They accomplish this by using a metallic frame that you can easily set up or fold up. Camp beds come in double and XL. Some camp beds come with memory foam on top for added comfort and insulation. Types of camp beds include army camp beds, easy setup camp beds, double camp beds, and army camp beds.

Sleeping bags are portable bedding for a single person. They are lightweight and have an insulated covering to provide warmth. You usually close sleeping bags using a zipper or something similar to form a tube that can be rolled up into a small size. They are both water-resistant and water-repellent.

A self inflating mattress is actually one of two types of sleep mattresses, the other being roll mats. They are both made with foam and are the most premium of all sleeping systems.

Roll mats are simple camp mattresses that are thin (2.5cm or less) with a base to provide insulation against the cold ground. Some slightly self inflate or you can blow them manually for a bit of thickness. They are easy to roll up and are light enough for hiking trips.

Self inflating mattresses are the most luxurious sleep system of them all. The mattresses are made of foam and sturdy materials that automatically inflate when their valves are opened. Self inflating mattresses range from a depth of 3cm to 16cm and can be as heavy as 7kg.

All of these sleep systems are great and all have benefits and disadvantages. It is up to you to decide which type you want to get. You can make this decision based on the nature of your trip, your budget, and how comfortable you want to be.

7. What Should I Do if My Self Inflating Mattress Starts to Leak?

The first thing you should determine is if you or a factory issue caused the leak. If the latter is the case, some brands offer you a warranty that you can cash in for a replacement or repair of your mattress. 

If that fails, you don’t have a warranty or aren’t eligible for one; then it’s time for you to start looking at repairing the leak yourself. 

Repairing a self inflating sleep mattress is very straightforward and you can do it all on your own. You can enlist the help of a YouTube video to guide you if you’ve never done it before. 

8. How Do I Fix My Self Inflating Mattress When It Starts Leaking?

The first step is to locate the leak. You do this by inflating your mattress and submerging it in soapy water. You should be able to hear where the leak is coming from, and then the work begins.

Most mattresses come with a repair kit. In this kit, there are several patches (for the top and base) and an adhesive. Simply clean the area surrounding the leak, apply the glue and finally, place the patch over the leak.

If your mattress doesn’t come with this repair kit, you can always buy one at a local store or online.

9. How Do I Clean My Self Inflating Mattress?

Cleaning a self inflating mattress is a very simple task. It is a task you must do, seeing as most of the activities you use it for are outside.

To clean the mattress, inflate it and keep the valve tightly shut. Now, take a dry cloth and a mild home cleaning agent, be careful not to use one too potent, so you don’t ruin your mattress.

After cleaning, rinse off the substance with a separate wet cloth thoroughly. Ensure to dry the mattress out completely before deflating, packing, and storing to prevent mildew growth.

10. Tips to Take Care of a Self Inflating Mattress

Here are some tips to help you use your self-inflating mattress for as long as possible.

• Inspect the area you want to set up your mattress in and ensure to remove small stones, grasses, or anything sharp enough to puncture it.
• If your mattress doesn’t come with an emergency kit, try and purchase one before you head camping. You never know when it could come in handy.
• Ensure your mattress is always dry, especially when you want to pack it up. If it is wet, it can sweat, and mould can grow, creating a foul odour and possibly becoming a health hazard.
• When storing your mattress, be sure you unroll it because leaving it tightly bound can damage the open-cell foam and hinder it from inflating correctly in the future.
• Store your mattress in a cool, dark and dry place.
• Also, keep the air valve open when in storage. This allows the mattress to expand and retract to ensure moisture within the mattress dries up.
• When transporting your mattress, be sure to put it in a carry bag or in any form of protection. This is done to avoid damage.

Conclusion

Being able to enjoy nature at its finest is an incredible experience. To fully benefit from all that nature has to offer, you need a warm and comfortable place to rest so you can wake up feeling refreshed. 

You can achieve all that by using the right mattress. Where the struggle lies is in picking the best self inflating mattress to take on your adventure. With the help of this article, you should be able to decipher that all on your own. 

Good luck on your journey to finding the mattress that is right for you, and have fun on your next expedition!