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Air mattresses are not very good. I would recommend an inflatable foam mattress. They are a bit bigger than an air mattress packed up, but a lot more comfortable. The downside of an inflatable foam mattress is that they are closer to the ground if getting up and down is an issue. I have back issues and the most comfortable solution I have come across so far is the Exped MegaMat Max Duo. These sorts of mats are better than airbeds because when someone rolls over, it doesn’t disturb your partner anywhere near as much. It also offers much better support. There is also the Zempire Monster Mat, which is also very good, but a lot cheaper than the Exped, if budget is a consideration. I used one of these for a couple of years before upgrading to the Exped and to be honest, not sure if the slight improvement was worth the additional cost. Actually, Zempire has released a new product that is basically an airbed on the bottom, but then has a inflating foam mattress integrated on the top (so may be the best of both worlds, if you enjoy the height that an air mattress provides). I have not tried one of these, but was kicking myself that it was released not long after I got my new Exped, because I probably would have preferred to try this instead. Exped mattress here: https://www.exped.com/en/products/sleeping-mats/megamat-max-duo?sku=7640277846463 Zempire Monstamat and combined air/foam options here: https://zempirecamping.com/sleeping-gear I tried a variety of different camping pillows and non of them worked for me, so I take my pillow from home. The areas I camp in range from 23 F to 110 F (I camp in Australia). And we use this zipped up in winter and take one side off to use as a blanket in summer. https://23zero.com/product/royal-sleeping-bags/ Products above are sold in Aus, UK and US. Another thing that can help with “cozyness” is to go to a hardware store and pick up a cheap packing blanket. The sort that people use when transporting furniture to prevent them getting all dented up in the back of the truck during transit. We put one on the floor of our tent under the mat for added insulation and it also helps keep our feet warm when we are barefoot and getting changed etc. Depending on your tent size and type, this may or may not be viable.
I’ve had an exped megamat max duo for 5 years, and it just got its first leak (I also have a new kitten. Im not saying those two things are related). I emailed Exped and they are repairing it for free and shipping it back to me on their dime, I just had to pay the shipping to send it in (admittedly not cheap). It was a big purchase but having my repair covered after 5 years of owning a piece of gear is pretty outstanding. If the customer service isn’t enough to sell you, this mat is the most comfortable thing I’ve ever slept on outside. Guests prefer it to an air mattress in the house, too, so it’s not collecting dust when it’s not outside
We have the max duo W I think? It’s for me and my wife and sometimes our 1 year old.
If you are car camping, look into the Exped MegaMat line. I have the single LXW and used to have the double LXW before upgrading to the Duo Max. They are hands down the reason I'm willing to camp. They have great insulation and cushioning. Putting your pad on a cot will also help your wife because it's more like a regular bed and you don't have to get up from the ground.
My double Megamat developed its first very small patchable leak after about 8 years of use. This includes being used as my primary bed for several months when I was waiting on a new mattress to arrive. It has also survived some truly vigorous date weekends!
The Megamat has held up really well for me. My LXW is ten years old and hanging in there, though the duo gets more use these days.
Seconding the MegaMat recommendation. The foam inside does help to mute the movements of another person (as the insomniac in my house).
Exped Megamats are amazing.
I’ve had a Coleman queen double high air mattress for several years and it hasn’t let me down. With all air mattresses it stretches and needs topped up after a couple days but I’ve never woken up on the ground or even had it deflate to the point of being uncomfortable and I’m 6’4 330. I like not having to get down to the ground to get in and out of bed and have found it comfy enough. Your air mattress shouldn’t be failing after a couple uses. Problem with air mattresses is cold weather it’s not a very warm experience. That’s where self inflating pads shine giving you some foam insulation from the cold making for a warmer sleep. I actually just bought the exped megamat max duo because it was on sale and I’ll be camping in mid October for the first time so I’m preparing for cold weather. I haven’t slept on it yet but my brother happened to be visiting when I got it and he tried it and liked it a lot, better than the spare room mattress he normally uses. I’ll have a better comparison come late October but I’ve heard nothing but good things about exped mega mats. My only issue with them being they are basically ground level as opposed to my double high mattress being nearly 20 inches tall and they are absurdly priced.
I would disagree with this. I have a megamat duo xl. 100% more comfortable than any other pad I’ve slept on. My friend just got the knock off version for this years camping season so we shall see if that one is as comfortable as mine. I have scoliosis and hip issues and the duo is the best sleep I get camping outside of a properly hung hammock.
II was answering the question on if the more expensive pads were better. You stated more expensive just equals lighter and I countered your point with not true. More expensive could be more comfortable also. Megamat makes backpacking pads too that are all over this sub as recommended also.
https://www.expedusa.com/products/megamat-max-duo-2025 Its amazing and was the single best upgrade I’ve made currently. It’s like a home mattress
fwiw my spouse and I went from thermarest, to an all-air bed (like a Coleman one), to a megamat duo xl (the biggest thickest one they offer) and it’s been worth every penny. Bought it used from REI resupply but knowing how great it is for us, would have been happy to pay full price. We will never go back. Think about you and your wife’s comfort first and foremost since you don’t know what the kids’ sleeping arrangements will always look like. Also just a point of clarification- I’m assuming since you’re considering the megamat at all, you’re front country/car camping… this all goes out the window if we’re talking backpacking.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Back pain relief

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Couples

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Maximum comfort car camping

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Side sleepers

Top pick
Exped - MegaMat Series
Best for Winter camping

Top pick
Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir Xtherm Series





