Choosing the Best SUV or Truck Bed Mattress [Memory Foam vs Air Mattress VS Sleeping Pad]
If you’re considering truck camping, SUV camping, or van camping as a means of budget overland travel, comfort may be at the top of your list of concerns.
And selecting the right camping mattress can certainly make or break your overall experience.
In this post we’ll discuss the 3 primary camping mattress types, arming you with the knowledge needed to decide which will be the best as your truck bed mattress, SUV mattress, or van mattress.
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Sleeping Pad as a SUV or Truck Bed Mattress
A simple high-density foam sleeping pad can be an inexpensive and durable option for adding some comfort when used as your truck bed mattress, SUV mattress, or campervan mattress.
When we went truck camping as a family when I was a kid, a basic foam sleeping pad was rolled up and stored in my folks’ old blue Chevy and unrolled when we’d break camp.
It was simple, comfortable enough, and slept well.
Pros:
You can customize these camping mattresses by simply cutting the sleeping pad down to fit your truck bed or SUV sleeping platform design.
And because they’re so inexpensive, it won’t matter when the dirt and grime of adventure inevitably make its way in.
They’re also pretty compact when rolled or folded, which is always a plus when camping from a pickup, minivan, or other small camper!
Cons:
Foam sleeping pads, primarily designed for backpacking and tent camping, tend to not be the most comfortable option. The older we get the less this option has proven conducive to a good night’s sleep, especially after a long day on the trail.
But if you’re young, single, or use it for your kids - this is a great option for car, SUV or truck camping!
Here are some great sleeping pad options we’ve used and recommend - just use two side-by-side for couples.
Air Mattress as a SUV Or Truck Bed Mattress
Some would argue the most comfortable, and certainly the most compact - an air mattress is a fantastic option as a truck bed or SUV mattress.
We seriously considered this option for our DIY truck bed camper, and likely would have gone this route if it weren’t for a few caveats.
But let’s start with why they’re great.
Pros:
One of the main benefits of a camping air mattress is that you can store it deflated, and simply inflate it when you’re ready to setup camp. This leaves more room for gear while traveling, and more usable interior space when packed away.
Another benefit to using an air mattress for truck camping, SUV camping, or in your campervan setup is that they’re widely considered a giant step forward in comfort compared to traditional foam sleeping pads.
For years we used Therm-a-rest and Big Agnes self-inflating pads and air mattresses while tent and car camping, so an air mattress was a natural option for us to gravitate towards.
Cons:
But air mattresses suffer a few limitations when it comes to truck camping, and while not necessarily applicable to all models (because there are some AMAZING air mattresses for camping out there), these cons may be a factor in your decision.
The first is low-insulation properties.
Though manufacturers offer insulated models to help with this, we’ve found that overall, air mattresses just feel colder. And this is largely due to the fact that the air inside the mattress actually absorbs and dissipates your body heat, rather than retaining it close to your skin.
If you do go with an air mattress, plan to lay a blanket underneath the mattress, not just on top of yourself!
Air mattresses are also generally less durable than foam sleeping pads or memory foam camping mattresses, primarily because of the threat of puncture while in use on the road or at camp.
Their susceptibility to punctures varies greatly depending on the manufacturer, materials used in construction, and really just plain luck. Though we never experienced a puncture with our old therm-a-rests, it was always in the back of our minds.
The real limitation with air mattresses with regards to truck camping or SUV camping is that they have fixed dimensions and are not modifiable or customizable.
For instance, our sleeping platform in our truck shell camper is 70” long. When looking for a mattress wide enough for our family, most of the brands whom we’d trust to purchase an air mattress from (Klymit, Big Agnes, Therm-a-rest) only make lengths 72” or greater.
Also, the need to inflate/deflate every time they’re needed - while not a huge deal - is a real annoyance while traveling and breaking camp frequently.
However, if your dimension restrictions are different in your truck camper, SUV, or van, an air mattress may be the perfect solution for your needs.
Here are some great camping air mattresses we considered and recommend:
Know that many sleeping bags have a pocket to insert an air mattress, so check your sleeping bag before buying to make sure the one you purchase fits
Some of these are available in single (for individuals) and double size (for couples) so check sizing choices
Some of these are available in single only, but two can be purchased and used side by side for couples
Memory Foam as a SUV Or Truck Bed Mattress
A memory foam mattress for your truck bed or SUV will completely change your camping experience. Seriously!
Though they can be cumbersome, and take up substantially more space, we’ve found the sacrifice is totally worth it!
Pros:
Unlike an air mattress, memory foam camping mattresses are great insulators, and a well insulated camping mattress is key to a good night's sleep, especially when camping 4 seasons.
And there is no comparison to the comfort level of a memory foam sleeping pad.
When using the one we chose, we sleep just as well as we do at home - the value of this cannot be overstated. When you’re camping and travelling for extended periods of time, your body needs a chance to reset for the next day’s adventure.
Another huge benefit to a memory foam camping mattress is that you can customize them to fit your truck bed camper, car camper, SUV, or camper van build exactly as you need.
If you have basic sewing skills (or know a friend who does!) and a sharp knife, it’s a piece of cake to have a totally custom camping mattress.
We also highly recommend a tri-fold foam mattress, which allows you to easily fold the mattress up if needed - while also creating a pretty sweet couch space for relaxing or working while on the road.
Cons:
But a memory foam camping mattress won’t be perfect for everyone.
They are bulky and the model we use monopolizes a large amount of space in our truck camper.
Another thing to consider if you’re a cold-weather camper is that memory foam becomes very stiff when it’s cold, and until it’s had time to absorb some of your body heat and soften, it may be a bit uncomfortable. This is really more of an annoyance than anything else, but still worth pointing out.
Depending on the model of memory foam mattress, it may be more susceptible to dirt and grim - and more difficult to clean compared to an air mattress or traditional sleeping pad.
Look for a model that has a removable cover that can be taken off and washed when needed.
Here’s the foam and memory foam camping mattress we recommend:
This post outlines exactly why we love Milliard trifold mattresses for small DIY campers like vans, SUVs, and pickup truck beds
And this post walks you through how to cut foam to change the size or shape of your camper mattress
Whatever your choice, we hope this post was helpful in selecting a van, SUV, car, or truck bed mattress that’s right for your next adventure!
And if you’re interested in more ways to stay comfortable while sleeping in your truck shell camper, check out our post about installing a vent fan.
For more info on truck camping and our overland travel adventures as a family please SUBSCRIBE!
As always, thanks for reading!
Related Posts:
The 12 Best Camp Chairs [And How to Choose The Right One for You]
Truck Bed Camper Interior: Organization and Space-Saving Storage Ideas
Portable Camping Power Part 3: Selecting a Camping Power Supply
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