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Best Self Inflating Mattresses Reviewed in Australia (2022)
Packing an air pump on your camping trip isn’t ideal. It takes a large amount of space that you can use for anything more useful, and getting dizzy by manually inflating a sleeping mattress isn’t what I’d want to do on a camping trip!
That’s why it may be time for you to invest in the best self-inflating mattress you can find for your next camping trip. It’s comfortable, won’t make you dizzy while setting it up and most importantly, it doesn’t cost a lot more than the standard inflatable air mattresses.
Let’s take a ride through my buying guide for self-inflating beds for your next camping trip!
Compare Self Inflating Mattress Models
Best Self Inflating Mattress
Kings Single Self-Inflating Foam Mattress
Adventure Kings is known for its affordable prices while providing exceptional value for money and their self-inflating mattress range is no different.
With a waterproof PVC base and a soft material on top it’s designed to be both durable and comfortable.
With dimensions of 190L x 85W x 10H cm it’s one of the larger single-sized self inflating mats on the market, but is still compact enough to fit on the Kings Stretcher for an elevated sleeping experience or inside their Swags.
It comes with a compact carry bag to transport it, but when taken out the open cell foam inside the mattress begins to expand and suck in air. After a few minutes, the valve can be closed to trap the air inside, which then gives a blended feeling of air and foam when laying on it.
There are two valves on the mattress. The second valve can be manually blown up which elevates the head area for a make-shift pillow, but that’s completely optional and up to you so feel free to experiment!
Overall, it may not be the most luxurious self-inflating mattress out there but it ticks all of the boxes when it comes to functionality and comfort.
Pros
Affordable - At $89 this is a great entry point for most campers looking for a self-inflating mattress to sleep on
Large - Balances a roomy sleep area while still being able to fit on stretchers and inside swags or rooftop tents.
Inflatable Pillow - While it probably isn’t enough to replace a pillow completely, the optional separate valve allows you to inflate the head area to elevate your head.
Cons
Density - When inflated to 10cm, it doesn’t seem to feel as dense as other competitors. This gives it more of an airbed feel rather than a foam mattress.
Zempire Monstamat Twin Self-Inflating Mattress
Zempire has pioneered the success of inflatable tents and now they've made a killer self-inflating mattress.
If you prefer to bring your own pillow, you may want to consider the Zempire self-inflating mattress. It fits two people, so you don’t have to buy a separate bed for your partner. On top of that, it has a fully-bonded 3D construction, made of top-tier stretchy fabric that’ll keep you comfortable.
The bed comes bearing a heavy-duty base for extra durability. It ensures that the top surface won’t be affected by the ground’s condition, no matter how rough it is. Not only that, but the bed’s cross-cored foam structure also helps it inflate and deflate fast. So, you don’t have to spend ages when packing up waiting for the bed to deflate itself.
Thanks to the fully-bonded foam, you won’t need to carry an extra stretcher for the trip. It’ll insulate your body just fine, keeping the cold from reaching you. The 100-mm thickness will also contribute to comfort since it raises you off the ground by a sufficient bit.
When laid out, the Zempire mattress measures 201 x 132 x 10 cm. It’s pretty large to fit you two but still compact enough to fit in a limited-space tent.
Pros
Insulating foam - The fully-bonded foam won’t let the cold reach your body.
Thick - At 10cm of thickness, you won’t be bothered by the ground under you, no matter how rough it is.
Great for taller people - At 201cm in length, it’s large for the taller campers to sleep comfortably without legs hanging off.
Stretchy fabric - You won’t need to carry a separate stretcher because the fabric is comfortable and warm enough.
Cons
High price - It's not cheap, but if a comfortable and roomy sleeping mat is what you're after, this may be it.
Heavy - At 7kg it's not going to break your back, but it is heavier than most competitors due to the size and the thickness
Sea to Summit Self Inflating Women's Mat
We know that it has "Women" in the title, but if you're after one of the thicker mattress options available and tend to get cold on your camping trips, then look no further. This self-inflating pad from Sea to Summit is among the most comfortable camping mats on the market.
For starters, the mat is 5-cm thick, which is enough to keep you off the ground by a good amount. At the same time, it’s not bulky, so it won’t bother you when packing or when placing it in the tent. On top of that, the mat has a 4.0 R-value, which means it’ll keep you insulated under all weather conditions. The striking cold won’t bother you anymore.
The mat is designed to fit a woman’s body, thanks to its shapely design where It gets narrower near the shoulders and wider near the hips. However, I'd argue that it shouldn't discourage anyone else from buying it if they like what they see.
Furthermore, the mat’s interior is made of PU foam that’s topped off by a women’s Delta Core profile. Meaning, it’ll work on keeping your body warm even when the temperature drops.
Pros
PU foam - The foam layer doesn’t allow for cold spots, thereby keeping you warm all the time.
Thick - At 5cm thick, this sleeping pad offers more than most of the competition when it comes to comfort.
Anti-slip base - The base provides a good grip on the ground, in case you’re camping on a sloped surface.
Cons
Slippery top - Some users complained that the top surface is a bit slippery.
Unecessary Gendered - No this isn't political, but just pointing out that anyone looking for warmth, comfort and features will find it in this product - not just women.
TripHunter Gears Self Inflating Mat
When it comes to convenience, the TripHunter self-inflating mattress is hard to match. It features a thickness of 3.8 cm that’ll raise you off the ground by a sufficient amount. That way, you won’t feel the uneven ground beneath you. On top of that, it’s lightweight and compact, weighing nearly one kilogram and measuring 185 x 56 cm, so it’s perfect for those sleeping solo.
The inflatable mattress is pretty easy to use. You merely take it out of the bag, place it anywhere you’d like, and leave it to self-inflate. Its compact dimensions will help you put it in the tent in an instant, even if your tent is small. Additionally, to help you pack it fast when you need to, it comes bearing two compression belts.
The belts aren’t the only things the kit includes. The bed comes fully equipped with a full mending kit, including a transparent adhesive paper and two fabric squares, in case an unfortunate accident occurs.
The bed features a high-quality plastic valve that’ll keep the air where it should be. Additionally, the top surface has excellent insulation, so you won’t be bothered by severe weather conditions.
Pros
Convenient size - You’ll be able to fit the bed anywhere you’d like, thanks to the compact dimensions and innovative design.
Sufficient thickness given the weight - The thickness will make you comfortable, no matter the position you’re sleeping in.
High-quality construction - The plastic valve is durable and leak-proof, and the material is waterproof.
Cons
Narrow - Some users may not be comfortable with the slim design.
Ubon Double Self-Inflating Mattress
If you can’t sleep without your precious pillows, you’ll love this self-inflating mattress from Ubon. It inflates and deflates in a short time of three minutes, which means you’ll have your sleeping place ready in an instant. Plus, the pad is pretty easy to pack without the need for extra hands.
The sleeping pad features a durable valve that doesn’t leak, which means more years of using the bed for you. In addition to that, the bed’s thickness falls around 3.8 cm, which is ideal for rough grounds.
That’s not the only reason the bed is suitable for rough campgrounds; it also comes with a waterproof, abrasion-resistant material that’s skin-friendly. It’ll stay durable throughout your usage, regardless of the surrounding weather conditions. From the inside, the bed is full of sponge, which is highly comfortable to sleep on.
The bed fits two people (add dimensions here), so it’s ideal for a couples’ trip. Moreover, it comes with two ergonomic pillows that’ll keep your head and neck comfortable while sleeping. The cushions are designed to perfectly fit the curve of your neck. That way, you don’t have to get back from the trip to a doctor’s visit!
Pros
Ergonomic design - The pillows will keep your head and neck comfortable at night.
Fit for two - You won’t have to buy an extra separate bed for your partner.
Waterproof material - You can use the bed in all seasons.
Cons
High price - Similar options are available on the market for lower prices
Things To Consider When Buying A Self Inflating Mattress
Insulation
If you’re going to get a sleeping mat that’ll let you freeze in the cold, you might as well sleep out in the open. Your mat of choice should have enough insulation to keep the cold from touching your body. Insulation is measured in R-value; the larger the number, the better the insulation.
1–3 R-value is suitable for the summer, but you’ll need to opt for better options if you’re planning a winter trip.
If being cold at night is something you struggle with when camping, then check out our top tips on how to stay warm when camping.
If you're particularly prone to getting chilly, then check out our guide on how to keep your tent warm during winter.
Size & Weight
All camping equipment should be easy to pack and lightweight. You don’t want to carry a heavy load that’ll tire you out in the middle of the trip. Therefore, your sleeping mat’s weight and size should be your priority when choosing.
The size depends mainly on your tent’s size. You’ll need to match it, so you’re sure it fits. You may also want to check that you have enough space in your backpack.
As for the weight, around 400–2000 grams should be fine, unless you’re opting for a heavier option.
Durability
If you’re accompanying dogs on your trip, or if you’re planning to sleep out in the open, you’ll want to choose a highly durable mattress. The essential factors to consider are waterproofing and resistance to tears. That way, your dog can tear away at the mat all he wants, and you won’t be bothered by the rain.
These factors typically raise the mat’s longevity of use, but there’s one more rating that you’ll want to consider. The denier rating may not be included in all mats’ specifications, but it has a huge role in determining the product’s durability. Camping mats typically range from 50–150D. The higher the number, the more durable the base material is.