Friday, Sep 6, 2024
Planning a road trip or camping adventure? Turning your backseat into a make-shift bed can be a game-changer. But how do you pick the right air mattress for car use when there are so many options?
We’ll walk you through four important things you should consider: size and shape, material and durability, inflation and deflation, and thickness and comfort, so you can sleep during long road trips without waking up on a cold seat.
Not all car air mattresses are created equal. The first thing you should think about is the size of your car. Measure your car’s interior:
Most car air mattresses are around 45–55 inches wide and 70–75 inches long and are designed to bridge both back doors. If you have a smaller sedan, look for compact models (around 40×65 inches). SUVs and crossovers can accommodate larger car air mattresses (up to 80×60 inches) that use both the seat and trunk space.
Snug Tip: Check product listings for contour or wedge designs that fill in gaps between the seat and footwell; this creates a flatter, more stable surface. Also, look for adjustable or multi-size options if you use different vehicles.
Have you ever enjoyed a good drive, only to wake up the next day tired and unmotivated to hit the road? Yup! That’s what a flimsy air mattress can do to you.
Be sure to pay attention to the materials used. Here’s what you should look for:
If you’re a regular camper or own pets, TPU with a flocked finish and welded seams is worth the extra cost. If you only plan occasional road naps, a PVC model with an EVA flocking should suffice, and you can always stash a patch kit in your glovebox. When you compare the available options, read the reviews to see what others have to say about the leak resistance and how well the mattress holds up on rough roads.
We don’t like the thought of spending 20 minutes pumping air manually, we’re sure you don’t either! That’s why it’s important that you think about how the mattress inflates. Consider:
We prefer mattresses with a built-in 12V pump; they usually inflate in 3–5 minutes and then just fold away neatly. If you’re an ultra-minimalist (like Saviour), a small hand pump plus a manual patch kit will do the trick. And when it’s daytime, look for models that deflate just as quickly: some dual-action pumps switch to deflation mode, collapsing your mattress in under two minutes. For step-by-step inflation tips, see this article.
You can save some space with a thin mattress, but you’ll be sacrificing comfort. If you want both space and comfort, then remember this tip:
A 4 – 6-inch car air mattress offers good insulation from the cold car floor and enough cushion to keep your spine aligned. If you’re tall or share the bed with your partner, lean toward the thicker end (5–6 inches) for extra support. For solo sleepers or kids, use a 3 – 4-inch model (saves cargo space too!). Whatever you choose, place a thin camping mat or folded blanket underneath to protect the mattress and add some warmth.
Snug Tip: Memory foam toppers can add extra coziness but may not fit in compact cars.
The four categories above are good for short and medium rides, but if you’ll be on the road for longer than 5 days, you might need to consider some extra stuff so the first person you meet doesn’t mistake you for a zombie :p
Snug Tip: Check product specs for these bells and whistles; sometimes an extra $10 on a non-slip base can save you a night of readjusting, or waking up with your head on the wheels, haha.
✔ Fits your car’s dimensions
✔ Durable material (TPU preferred)
✔ Easy inflation method (12V pumps rock!)
✔ Comfortable thickness (4+ inches for side sleepers)
✔ Bonus features (non-slip, storage bag, etc.)
A good car air mattress turns those restless nights into refreshing sleep, whether you’re camping, traveling, or hosting unexpected guests.
Tag us @AllThingsSnug with your car camping setups, we’ll feature the coziest ones! Now, go pick your perfect mattress and hit the road in comfort!
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