Most people buy a cheap roll mat or dodgy air bed when first starting out. I did too, until I woke up with a cold back, rained on in Cornwall, and had to admit—comfort matters, especially on a wild British night. A self-inflating mattress isn’t just a posh luxury; it’s the difference between a night of broken sleep and actually looking forward to bedtime in the tent.
In this guide, I’ll share the best self inflating mattresses, what to check before you buy, and some mistakes (and hard lessons) from a life spent sleeping outdoors. Whether you camp solo or want double-sized comfort for you and your partner, you’ll find smart picks to suit every trip—and every bum.
Why Choose a Self-Inflating Mattress for Camping?
Forget soggy airbeds and dense foam mats. Self-inflating mattresses (SIMs) blend air and foam to give you cushioning and carryability—without lugging a bed. The clever bit? Inside, open-cell foam sucks in air when you open the valve, inflating itself. All you need to do is top up with a few puffs.
Compared to old-school mats, SIMs are much warmer and comfier. Unlike airbeds, they insulate you against cold ground, need no pump, and are far less likely to deflate at 2am. The comfort is a genuine game-changer—on long trips and cold British nights, being able to sleep well means you’ll stay cheerful, not grumpy!
Important Points to Check Before Buying
If you’re new, buying a SIM can be overwhelming (been there). Skip the confusion—here’s what truly matters:
- Comfort/Thickness: Thicker equals comfier, especially for side sleepers. Go for 7.5cm+ for all-night support.
- R-Value (Warmth): The higher this number, the warmer you’ll feel. Look for R-Value 3+ for UK spring/autumn. Go above 5 for winter.
- Weight: Backpacking? Keep it light (under 2kg if possible). Car camping? Weight hardly matters.
- Pump Type: Most self-inflate. Some need a top-up by mouth or tiny pump. More valves = easier/faster setup.
- Pack Size: A thick double takes a lot of room. If compactness is key, check the packed dimensions before you buy.
- Durability: Heavy-duty fabrics (like 75D or above) survive rough ground and clumsy teenagers.
Check these before you buy—easier than freezing and fuming in a boggy field when your “bargain” fails you.
Best Double Self-Inflating Mattresses
If you’re sharing a tent, a good double SIM is a life-saver. No crack down the middle, just a bed-like feel. Here are the standouts for this year.
Outdoor Revolution Skyfall Double 150
Thick, squashy, and tough—the Skyfall Double 150 is as close as you’ll get to a mattress at home. It gives you 15cm of depth, so you can’t feel rocks (or lost pegs) underneath. Cyclone valves make inflation easy, and the fabric is soft, not sticky. It’s heavy and packs large, so don’t plan to hike with it. Best for car camping when comfort is king.
Decathlon Quechua Luxury Ultim Comfort SIM
This one is a solid all-rounder. At 8cm thick, it’s not as plush as the Skyfall, but it’s warm (R-value 8.6), packs slimmer, and comes in well below most rivals on price. You get clips to join several SIMs—a fun bonus if you ever want to build a mega-bed. Ideal if you want comfort without paying silly money.
Vango Comfort 10 Double
Vango’s 10cm-thick mattress has a cult following for good reason. You get instant cushioning and real warmth. The fabric grippy top helps keep your sleeping bag in place. It’s a touch bulky, but worth it. I’ve used it through a howling Welsh storm and woke up dry, warm, and smug—can’t say fairer than that.
Andes 10cm Double
If you’re new or don’t want to spend much, Andes’ double SIM offers proper comfort with a lower price tag. The 10cm thickness is great for most UK weather, though packing it away is a workout. You’ll need both hands and maybe a mate. If value is your top priority, this is the double to beat.
Berghaus Air 10 Double
Berghaus kit is always solid, and this SIM proves it. At 10cm thick and with a flocked surface, it’s comfortable and feels tough. The flip valve is simple, inflation quick. It’s on the pricier end, but you’re paying for reliability. Good for taller or heavier campers—no fear of sinking to the floor.
Outwell Dreamcatcher Double
The Outwell Dreamcatcher gives good warmth and is light for its size. At 7.5cm thick, it suits lighter or shorter campers best. The R-value is impressive, making it a great shout for cold weather if you don’t need a super-thick mat. Easy to store and quick to set up.
KingCamp Deluxe Double
Want a SIM that looks smart and performs well? KingCamp’s Deluxe features a grippy wavy top and decent thickness (7.5cm). It’s more compact than Vango or Berghaus options and comes in slick colours. Brass valves add some class. I rate it for weekenders who want something a bit different.
Best Single Self-Inflating Mattresses
Camping solo or building your own double with two singles? These are the top performers right now:
Therm-a-Rest 3D MondoKing Single
This is the king of comfort in a single SIM. Thick (up to 11cm), supportive, and incredibly warm (R-value 8.0), it suits even freezing winter nights. The vertical sides mean you can butt two together for a DIY double. Not cheap, but if you like your sleep, it’s worth every penny.
Trekology 7.5cm SIM Single
On a budget but still want decent comfort? The Trekology 7.5 has enough cushioning for UK three-season camping, weighs just 2.7kg, and packs small. The outer fabric is a bit slippery, so add a grippy gel mat if you wriggle at night. Good support up to 15 stone.
Kampa Kit Highrise 15
If pure comfort is your game (think glamping or long campsite stays), the Kampa is ridiculously thick. At 15cm, it feels hotel-luxury, though it is a beast to pack. I once used this after a long coast walk in Northumberland—my aching back has never been so happy.
IForrest Sleeping Pad Single
This is smart for wild camping or if your car boot’s packed to the rafters. Integrated pillow and little armrests make it feel more posh than its price. It’s lightweight and packs tiny—a reliable pick for three-season use, though bigger folk may need more support.
Single vs Double: Which Suits Your Trip?
The age-old debate. I’ve done both, and here’s what matters:
Double SIMs are amazing if you always camp with a partner—they’re quick to set up, no gap in the middle, and feel more homely. But they’re chunkier to pack and a pain for solo trips.
Two singles give you flexibility. If one of you likes a firmer/higher bed, you can choose separate models. And if you’re off on your own or with friends, just grab the one SIM. Downsides? You’ll get a small gap unless you butt them tight, and it takes a tad longer to set up.
My verdict: For couples always camping together, a double is spot on. For everyone else, or if your group changes, two singles win for flexibility.
Understanding Mattress Warmth (R-Value)
R-value. It sounds like jargon, but it’s simple. The higher the R-value, the more insulation—you stay toasty, even when it’s five degrees and lashing rain. For UK summers, an R-value of 2-3 is enough. For chilly spring or autumn, go above 3. If you’re bold (or daft) enough for winter camping, get 5+ or combine two pads.
Cheap mats often skip this info, but ignore it at your peril. I once ignored R-value on a Dartmoor trip—spent all night shivering, no sleep, and nearly packed up at dawn.
Self-Inflating Mattress Care and Storage
Treat your SIM well, and it’ll last for years. Always air it out when you get home. Store it loosely (valve open) in a dry spot, not rolled tight. Wipe muck off with soapy water, never harsh chemicals. Avoid sharp stuff—stones, tent pegs, dog claws. Patch holes the second you notice them (a pack of self-adhesive patches is a smart purchase). And yes, always dry your SIM fully if it gets wet, or you’ll end up with mould—the enemy of every British camper.
Quick FAQs
How long does self-inflation take? Usually 5–10 minutes. The first time may be slower. Topping up with a few breaths makes it firmer.
What if my SIM punctures? Use a patch kit—clean, dry, stick the patch on. Most brands include repair sheets.
How small does it pack down? Depends on thickness. Slim singles can pack into a 40cm bag; thick doubles need their own corner of the car boot.
Can you use an electric pump? You don’t need to. SIMs use foam to suck in air. For a super-firm feel, a few extra puffs by mouth does the trick.
Final Thoughts
A self-inflating mattress isn’t just a status symbol; it means less midnight misery and better sleep—no matter the weather. You’ll wake up ready for another day, not aching from rocks or shivering from the cold. Whether you’re watching the rain drum on the tent in Wales, fighting midges up north, or battling windy coasts, the right SIM keeps camping fun, not a slog. Invest in comfort, and you’ll never look back—trust me, I learned that the hard way.
You can find more advice and real kit reviews on our page for best camping mattresses. Now, go pack your tent—but don’t forget your sleep!
