Exped - MegaMat Auto

Exped recommends (as do other self inflating mat companies) that you store it with open valves, unrolled. I have never bothered to do so with any of my mats and haven't had issues. The foam might have lost some rebound over the years, but I can live with that. One Megamat is always in use at home though; great mattresses for guest beds, etc. Or even main beds.

I have an Exped. Not loud. And of them can make some noise sliding about on say tent floors, depending on the relative texture etc of the fabrics. Not way to know for sure until you try it. Or, more easily, just use something between them if it's an issue.

I was skeptical of all the Megamat fanboy stuff. But finally got one and like it so much we even use it at home. And I have a wrecked back. It's better than the home mattresses I've purchased over the years. But it's too big for backpacking. They do have backpacking sizes, but I haven't tried them.

I liked the Exped Megamat so much camping I even use one at home sometimes. Everyone's back problems are different, but it helps me, with herniated discs, better than even some of the fancy back-relief specific ones for home use. And what helps me as well is a cot, so I'm higher up. Squatting and bending and slouching in a small tent can be hell if you've got back problems; it's not the padding when actually laying down as much as getting to that, dressing, etc etc. Cots can also be cooler in heat. And just nice.

I don't think any of them have real memory foam. It doesn't compact as much, etc. I have used Thermarest and REIs. But the best IMHO is the Exped Mega Mat. Not cheap but well worth it since you want non backpacking size.

Exped Mega Mats. I bristled at all the hype about them until I got one. I liked it so much I got one to replace a mattress in the apartment, since it works especially well when my back issues flare up. Cots alone are not that comfortable, and are considerably cold. So most use a mat on top of one much of the time.

I have been fiddling around for years trying to find a good sleeping solution at home and camping, ever since back surgery. I finally tried a Megamat in my truck after friends raved about them, and OMG. It's amazing. I have used fairly thick foam inflatables, but this is better. And the rectangularness of it helps; my others fell off too much at the sides. I got such better sleep in my truck I ended up buying one for the bed at home. And two mated can work, with each bedmate being able to set separate pressures. I'd go and lie on one in a store. Or buy where you can return it after a sleep on your kitchen floor maybe.

I don't have a tempur pedic but do have a screwed back. My solution, even at home at times, is the Exped Megamat in various sizes. Adjustable firmness, consistent out to the edges.

I tried long term sleeping on an Exped. They're a seif inflating pad. It did not last a full year. The fabric in those is glued to the foam, and as it turns out tossing and turning can eventually break that bond, and the fabric blister.

Yes. They were going to honor the warranty, but it was less than a year so just easier to drop it at REI where I bought it and get a refund. Definite bummer; great mattress even at home. If they ever do a long lasting home version I'll be all over it...literally. :)

Support. I had a hole in my Exped, out of warranty, had to pay for shipping but they repaired it and shipped it back for free. Super nice of them.

My exped is a piece of magic.

My exped is really comfortable and warm

I've used it for about 80 days over several trips. It's a very robust build.

Megamat for sure. We have a double quilt that we love, the enlightened equipment accomplice

Same. OP, given that you have the space, I would recommend memory foam or something similar. I use a 6” trifold mattress, but in your case, given that you have the space and have trouble sleeping, I would recommend a normal one-piece mattress for you. If you do use the Exped, the secret is to adjust the air pressure. Everyone is different, but for me, if I let out air until my butt just barely touched the floor while sitting on it, that would be ideally comfortable (though not as comfortable as memory foam) when I laid down on it.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

The megamat is one of the hybrid mats. I’m also a side sleeper and it’s my go-to recommendation.  I think your biggest issue is the squeaky cot. I have a basic wooden platform in the back of my 4Runner. No creaks or squeaks and the bed is raised up.  Granted I’m only 5’8 / 140lbs and only have one leg — so you being 6’4 / 260lbs might limit you on sleeping inside the car. 😅

Exped pads are highly underrated!

After various attempts of finding the right set up: Exped on top of a cot. Watch for REI sales for the Exped, and watch the garage sale area for the cot.

I’ll second the Exped Megamat. Have slept on it in 12F and was warm and toasty. It’s almost as comfy as my bed at home. Not lightweight or super portable, but perfect for car camping.