Do you want to turn your SUV into a perfect place to sleep? These are the best options to turn your SUV into a comfortable (and free) place to sleep on your next adventure.
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
Crave the Planet is reader-supported. When you click on links to buy products I may receive money to support the work of building Outdoor Travel & Gear Guides. – Thanks, Morgan
The aim of this article is to:
- talk you through all the features.
- review the technical specs like weight and size.
- help you pick what’s right for your circumstance (comfort, price, side sleeper, etc).
Prefer Video? Morgan’s Sleeping in Your SUV Youtube in Austria
Quick Verdict Best Compact SUV Mattress for Couples
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
- Wider at top and narrow at bottom to fit between wheel wells
- Self - inflates (no pump or electricity needed)
- It has a great insulation R value of 8.1 & 4 inches thick
- Swiss design
- Mini pump, repair kit, top loading stuff sack
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
Quick Verdict: Best Solo
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.
- Multi-functional
- Self- inflates (no pump or electricity needed)
- It has a great insulation R value of 4.4 & enough thickness for side sleepers.
- Trusted brand & high quality
- Great price point
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!
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.
What Can a Car Travel Bed or SUV Air Mattress Offer?
Save Money
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.
Comfort
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.
Early & Non-Drowsy Start for Outdoor Adventures
And you don’t want to get up at zero-dark-thirty to get there in time. 🤣
SUV Mattress & Mattresses for Cars Reviews & List
Choosing 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 Couples
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
Top Pick: Solo Best Mattress for Sleeping in SUV
Self 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
Most Luxurious & Best for Couples on Adventure
Roamer 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 at Nemo Directly
Award Winning Car Camping Mattress & Best for Cold Weather
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
Most Comfortable SUV Mattress Foam : Fold Flat Seats
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
Electric Pump Air Mattress for SUV
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
Best for Car Camping in Rear Seats
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
Self Inflating SUV Air Mattress
Self 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
Most Adjustable SUV Mattress
Adjustable 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
Most Reliable SUV or Car Air Mattress
Manual 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
Most Versatile Mattresses for Cars
Air Mattress Adjustable Chambers with Pillow
Super 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
Comparison Chart Best Mattress for Sleeping in SUV
Here’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.
| SUV Mattress | Product | Review | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Compact SUV & Couples (Narrower at bottom)
| Check Current Price | |
| Best Overall : Self Inflating Single Backpacking Multi Use Mattress | Best overall SUV air mattress due to versatility with backpacking, car camping, SUV camping, lightweight.
| Check Current Price |
 | Best for SUV & Cold Weather : Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad | Best Quality and Best for Couples
| Check Current Price |
 | Most luxurious with a lifetime warranty from the Nemo company.
| Check Current Price | |
 | (NOT AIR) Foldable memory foam with bamboo cover that could easily double for a guest bed, couch, dog bed.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Most Versatile to fill entire back of car or only the middle row.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Best for camping in the seat itself, not with the seats folded down. Not rated for R value.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Best self-inflating double for in SUV or Car without power source and for 2 people. Not rated for R value.
| Check Current Price | |
 | WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress Thickened and Double-Sided Flocking Travel Mattres | Most adjustable - rated up to 572 pounds so it's great for all bodies cuddling together in the back of the car. Not rated for R value but with 5 inches of air you're likely to be okay in most weather.
| Check Current Price |
 | Most reliable. Worried about power? No problem as this one comes with a manual pump in case the power supply is limited.
| Check Current Price | |
 | Car Inflatable Mattress with Pump, Portable SUV Air Bed for Camping, Home, Travel, Hiking, Full Size | Super thick air mattress with electric pump and comes with pillows and 6 adjustable air chambers so it can fit almost any SUV.
| Check Current Price |
Types of SUV Car Mattresses & Tips to Pick the Best
First 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.
Types of Mattresses
- Camping Pad – A camping pad typically used for backpacking or tent camping that is very thin and rolls up to be carried in a backpack for hiking. Not as comfortable for side sleepers and doesn’t offer as much insulation warmth. Great if you want double duty for SUV sleeping and backpacking. More expensive than typical air mattresses.
- Inflatable Air Mattress Manual Pump – This kind of mattress is cheaper and you get a little bit of a workout. You’ll definitely need to take up space for the pump itself but the mattress should fold down quite small when not in use.
- Inflatable Air Mattress Electric Pump – Like the manual one but with a much smaller pump that plugs into your car and is inflated by your car battery.
- Memory Foam – A tri folding memory foam mattress will offer no air leakage throughout the night and plenty of insulation. It can be flexible to take into your house to use as a spare portable guest mattress but also take up quite a lot of space in your SUV when not used for sleeping. Washable and fire retardant covers.
- Custom Made Mattress – The most comfortable and custom fit to your vehicle. This is typical for long haul truck drivers or transporters of RVs from the manufacturing facility to the dealerships. This is the most expensive option. Contact standard mattress makers directly in your home town.
More Outdoor Buying Guides
Tips and Features of Mattresses for Sleeping in SUV
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.
It’s easy and simple to make it a great place to sleep the night before a big backpacking trip or the night after a music festival, kayaking or bike trip.
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.
My Gear Review Process
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’m not an expert in every outdoor activity. But, who is? 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 Resources
Here’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).
Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers
- 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
- 🌳Make the downhills stop hurting and hike with more confidence Best Trekking Poles Review
- ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
- ❄️ Go hiking in the winter or on icy surfaces safely: The Best Microspikes for Hiking
- 🥾 Don’t get lost in the backcountry during a big hike: My Review of the BEST PLB – Personal Locator Beacons
My Guides to Bucketlist Hikes in Europe
(That I’ve personally done and loved.)
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 physical therapist 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.