Trail Pro Sleeping Pad

Typo: I meant ProLite. It was their original pad, and is still a classic. The current model is Trail Pro. It is slightly heavier (and more durable) than the original. https://cascadedesigns.com/products/trail-pro-sleeping-pad Surplus military pads sell on eBay. Try “USGI sleeping pad” or similar.

I have had the same issue of never sleeping quite well until I bought a thermarest trail pro in size L. It is foam filled and therefore heavier than a pure air mattress (1,1kg) but my god I sleep so damn good on it. 7,6cm thick and recently had a 10 day trip with it in Sweden, I can only recommend it. It is on the pricier side ~150€.

I really like the Therm A Rest Trail Pro. It's bulky and heavy, but it's extremely comfortable and easy to sleep on.

Thoughts from an REI employee: Comfort often comes from a few factors, but don't apply to everyone. Thickness can help a lot. The Thermarest NeoLoft for example is very comfortable, because it's a whopping 4.6" thick, and a great surface. Some pads have some foam in them, not just insulation. This is kind of old school, the original Thermarests were like this. This can be nice and plush because you don't have to dial in the air amount quite as specific. Plus, if it loses air, you're at least sleeping on something other than nylon. The Thermarest Trail Pro comes to mind. A little heavy around 2lbs, so not for the UL crowd. But comfy. There is a lighter version called a Trail Pro Lite. They used to sell a terrific pad called a ProLite Apex, but it was discontinued and may not be coming back. Sea to Summit and a few other brands make pads with some foam in them that are backpackable. These are also (mostly) self-inflating, which is nice. The shape of the pad can also factor in. Some people love how most Big Agnes pads are raised on the sides, to help you stay in place, and not roll off the pad. Most of their pads are thick too, not as thick as the NeoLoft, but thick. The Rapide is a great seller. Other brands do this too. I mentioned surface, some have a really nice brushed surface that also helps keep you from sliding off, and from making noise as you move. The Neoloft as mentioned, but the REI Helix is nice like this too. Baffling is also a factor. Some love "dimpled" pads (like the Helix), some like "tubes" either horizontal or vertical. The choice is yours. Closed cell foam are not comfortable. They are not thick. They are not warm at all. And they are bulky. But they are inexpensive, light, and almost indestructible. Anyone who bought a Ridgerest back in the 1990s likely still has it, and it's probably in like new condition.

I see above you say you're focused on car camping and leaning toward portability, and that your budget is mid-tier. - The Lost Horizon Air and Foam is super comfortable and comes in a variety of sizes on up to full. Highly portable and car camping appropriate but not backpackable. It competes with the exped mats: I've used both and don't see a difference worth the premium. Pump is excellent. I'm 6'2" 240lbs and have a great experience with it. - The therm-a-rest trail pro is mid tier and very comfortable, great for car camping AND can be used for backpacking. Rolls to a bit larger than a nalgene. Not ultralight but more comfortable and (vitally) quieter than pure air alternatives. Comes in regular, regular-wide, and long.