Side sleeping on a thin pad puts all your weight on your shoulder and hip. By morning, both are sore. A good inflatable mattress gives you enough thickness and support to sleep through the night without waking up stiff.
Adjustable firmness matters because everyone has different preferences. Thicker mattresses (4-6 inches) work better for side sleepers than thin pads. Built-in pumps save time and effort, but they add weight if you're backpacking.
1. Idoo Queen Air Mattress
The iDOO queen mattress stands 18 inches tall with a built-in electric pump. Four-chamber design prevents sagging.
Supports up to 650 pounds. At approximately 18 pounds, it's for car camping, not backpacking. Grey color. Quick inflation saves setup time.
Pros:
- Built-in pump for easy inflation
- 18-inch height feels like a real bed
- Four-chamber design for stability
- 650-pound capacity for couples
Cons:
- Requires power outlet for pump
- Bulky when packed
- Inflation time varies with power source
2. Camping Sleeping Pad
FUN PAC ultralight pad weighs 1.5 pounds. Built-in foot pump inflates without extra equipment.
Includes integrated pillow. At 78 inches long and 27 inches wide, it fits most sleepers. Water-resistant material.
Pros:
- Ultralight at 1.5 pounds
- Built-in foot pump, no batteries
- Integrated pillow for neck support
- Compact when deflated
Cons:
- Single size may not fit taller users
- Green color limited options
3. King Koil Luxury Queen Size Air Mattress
King Koil stands 20 inches tall with built-in high-speed pump. Premium pillow top surface adds comfort.
At 60x80 inches, it's full queen size. Black color. At 17 pounds, it's for car camping or home use.
Pros:
- 20-inch height easy to get in and out
- High-speed pump inflates quickly
- Pillow top surface for comfort
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Needs flat stable surface
- 17 pounds limits portability
- Black shows dust easily
4. Geardoctors® Ether Ultralight Sleeping Pad
GearDoctors pad weighs only 17.5 ounces. Measures 72 inches long, 22 inches wide, 3.25 inches thick.
Inflatable design allows custom firmness. Compact when packed. Good for backpacking where weight matters most.
Pros:
- Ultra-lightweight at 17.5 ounces
- Customizable firmness
- Compact and portable
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Inflation requires effort or pump
- Less insulation than thicker pads in extreme cold
5. Fnarmw Double Sleeping Pad Camping
FNARMW double pad measures 80x55 inches. Six inches thick with built-in foot pump.
Self-inflating design. Waterproof material. At 4.4 pounds, it's light for a double pad. Navy grey color.
Pros:
- Self-inflating with foot pump
- 6-inch thickness for side sleepers
- Fits two people comfortably
- Waterproof construction
Cons:
- 6 inches thick adds bulk when packed
- Foot pump less efficient on uneven ground
- Only available in navy grey
6. Intex Twin Size Air Mattress
Intex twin mattress with Dura-Beam construction. Built-in pump. 18-inch height.
At 11.67 pounds, it's portable for car camping. Grey color. Twin size at 39x75 inches.
Pros:
- Built-in pump for convenience
- 18-inch height comfortable
- Dura-Beam technology for durability
- Lightweight for a full mattress
Cons:
- May need overnight reinflation
- Grey shows dirt
- Not for very rough terrain
7. Ohgeni Queen Air Mattress
OhGeni queen mattress with built-in pump. 18-inch raised design. Upgraded surface prevents slipping.
Supports 650 pounds. At 16.62 pounds, it's for car camping. Black color. While you're at it, take a look at our supportive camping pillow. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof sleeping bag. While you're at it, take a look at our survival tent for emergencies.
Pros:
- Built-in pump saves time
- 18-inch height feels like real bed
- 650-pound capacity
- Upgraded surface for comfort
Cons:
- Requires power for pump
- Black shows dust
How to Pick the Right One
- Car camping couples: iDOO or King Koil queen mattresses
- Backpacking solo: GearDoctors Ether Ultralight
- Double pad for two: FNARMW 6-inch thick
- Budget car camping: Intex Twin or OhGeni
- Ultralight priority: FUN PAC or GearDoctors
Bottom Line
For backpacking, I use the GearDoctors Ether because it weighs nothing and packs small. For car camping, the King Koil queen gives me the comfort I need after a long day on the trail.
