Should You Choose a Car Air Mattress for Your Car Camping?

Car camping is a popular and convenient way to enjoy the outdoors without spending too much money or time on setting up a tent.

Car camping involves sleeping in your car, either in the backseat, the trunk, or on the roof, depending on the size and type of your vehicle. But sleeping in your car can also pose some challenges, such as finding a comfortable position, staying warm or cool, and avoiding condensation or bugs.

That’s why some car campers opt for a car air mattress, which is a specially designed inflatable mattress that fits inside your car and provides a cushioned surface for sleeping. But is a car air mattress worth it? What are the pros and cons of using one? And how do you choose the best one for your car camping needs? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

Pros of Car Air Mattresses

Using a car air mattress can have several benefits for your car camping experience, such as:

• Improving your comfort and sleep quality by providing more support and softness than the hard or uneven surface of your car seats or floor.
• Creating more space for sleeping, especially if you have a small car or a large partner, by fitting around the contours of your car and filling in the gaps between the seats or the windows.
• Regulating your temperature by acting as an insulator or a ventilator, depending on the season and the location, and preventing sweating or overheating by using breathable or moisture-wicking materials.
• Preventing condensation from forming inside your car, which can damage your upholstery, electronics, or belongings, by creating a barrier between you and your car.

Cons of Car Air Mattresses

Using a car air mattress can also have some drawbacks for your car camping experience, such as:

• Being expensive and bulky to carry and store, costing anywhere from $50 to $300 and taking up a lot of space in your trunk or backseat.
• Being prone to punctures, leaks, or deflation, which can ruin your sleep and comfort, by being easily damaged by sharp objects or losing air over time due to changes in temperature or pressure.
• Being noisy or squeaky when you move around on it, which can disturb your partner or yourself.

How to Choose a Car Air Mattress

If you decide to buy a car air mattress for your car camping trips, here are some factors to consider before making your purchase:

• Size and shape: The most important thing to look for in a car air mattress is whether it fits inside your car and matches its dimensions and layout. You should measure the length, width, and height of your available sleeping space and compare it with the specifications of the car air mattress you are interested in. You should also check if the car air mattress has any special features that make it adaptable to different cars, such as folding sides, split sections, base extenders, or pillows.
• Material and durability: The next thing to look for in a car air mattress is what it is made of and how durable it is. You should choose a car air mattress that is made of thick and sturdy materials that can resist punctures, tears, abrasion, or water damage. You should also look for a car air mattress that has a soft and comfortable top layer that is breathable, moisture-wicking, or hypoallergenic. Some car air mattresses also have a non-slip or anti-skid bottom layer that prevents them from sliding or moving around in your car.
• Inflation and deflation: The last thing to look for in a car air mattress is how easy it is to inflate and deflate. You should choose a car air mattress that comes with an electric pump, batteries, or an adapter that can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter or USB port. You should also look for a car air mattress that has a quick and simple valve system that allows you to adjust the firmness and pressure of the mattress. Some car air mattresses also have a built-in or detachable pillow that can inflate and deflate along with the mattress.

Conclusion

A car air mattress can be a great addition to your car camping gear, as it can enhance your comfort, sleep quality, and space while sleeping in your car. However, a car air mattress can also be costly, bulky, and unreliable, depending on the quality and features of the product. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of using a car air mattress and compare different models and brands before buying one.

You should also follow some tips and tricks to make the most of your car air mattress, such as cracking open opposite windows for ventilation, using a portable solar charger for power, and covering your windows with camping screens for privacy. With these considerations in mind, you can enjoy a cozy and relaxing night in your car.