Exped - MegaMat Max 15 Duo

The megamat is one of the hybrid mats. I’m also a side sleeper and it’s my go-to recommendation.  I think your biggest issue is the squeaky cot. I have a basic wooden platform in the back of my 4Runner. No creaks or squeaks and the bed is raised up.  Granted I’m only 5’8 / 140lbs and only have one leg — so you being 6’4 / 260lbs might limit you on sleeping inside the car. ??

Megamat for sure. We have a double quilt that we love, the enlightened equipment accomplice

Same. OP, given that you have the space, I would recommend memory foam or something similar. I use a 6” trifold mattress, but in your case, given that you have the space and have trouble sleeping, I would recommend a normal one-piece mattress for you. If you do use the Exped, the secret is to adjust the air pressure. Everyone is different, but for me, if I let out air until my butt just barely touched the floor while sitting on it, that would be ideally comfortable (though not as comfortable as memory foam) when I laid down on it.

My exped is really comfortable and warm

Exped megamat.

I wonder how it compares to the exped mega mat. The specs are nearly the same and that’s a very popular pad (for good reason). Thanks for putting this one on my radar!

After various attempts of finding the right set up: Exped on top of a cot. Watch for REI sales for the Exped, and watch the garage sale area for the cot.

I (64M) swear by my Exped. Not cheap but comfort in a relatively small package. It comes in a bag that can be attached to anything. YMMV

I just bought the MegaMat the Plush 6” thick one! I finally fucking slept the night without tossing and turning every 30 mins and waking up groggy Get the mini electric pump, just turn it on continue with your camp setup and come back in ten mins or so and your done Rolling it up there’s a technique people moan about it but it’s doable just takes 5-10 mins

Exactly. I picked up a used one for $106, and it is comfy, but I don’t think it’s worth double.

Exped Megamat is my favorite one to sleep on. Don’t be fooled because it isn’t super thick - it’s amazing.

Same. OP, given that you have the space, I would recommend memory foam or something similar. I use a 6” trifold mattress, but in your case, given that you have the space and have trouble sleeping, I would recommend a normal one-piece mattress for you. If you do use the Exped, the secret is to adjust the air pressure. Everyone is different, but for me, if I let out air until my butt just barely touched the floor while sitting on it, that would be ideally comfortable (though not as comfortable as memory foam) when I laid down on it.

This is the best answer! Also some friends got the rei camp dreamer and it’s pretty similar to my exped. I would also recommend regular bedding if you can.

I’ve used the megamat and even the megamat max and can’t seem to dial in the comfort. It’s either rock hard or a waterbed for me.

Buy once, cry one. I have a dozen different sleeping pad/cot/mattresses stored because I kept thinking that *this* is the one that will finally work. You know what finally worked? Dropping $500 on an Exped Megamat. I’ve been using that one for 5 years. No regrets.

For durability why not just buy a real bed/mattress? I love my megamat but I still like my real bed better.

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

Exped pads are highly underrated!

I unroll it and open the air cap. It self inflates in an hour or so. I top it off with a few pumps before I lay down on it. Super easy.

In that case I can say the Exped megamat is the best I've ever tried. REI usually has one in their test area if you live near one you could check it out.

I (64M) always used a cot when camping. REI had Expeds on sale and I have read such good things about them, so I bought one. They are the best mattress for camping I have ever used. Even weighing 230lbs, side sleeper, I would have a tough time touching the ground through the mattress. They are quick to fill up with the enclosed hand pump and quick to deflate. They are light and I now prefer it over the cot that I have used for many years.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

The answer is exped megamat or the Nemo roamed. Expensive, but as comfortable as it can get.

I’ll second the Exped Megamat. Have slept on it in 12F and was warm and toasty. It’s almost as comfy as my bed at home. Not lightweight or super portable, but perfect for car camping.

Megamat for sure. We have a double quilt that we love, the enlightened equipment accomplice

Exped is one of the most popular (for good reason) and on sale at REI currently. We have a Megamat duo mat that is amazingly comfortable. I also have a deep sleep mat for solo. Def bigger/heavier than basic inflatable but 100% worth it for the comfort. They make several different thicknesses depending on what you'd like but even the thinner mats are extremely comfortable and warm.

I have an Exped Duo that looks just like that and is probably more comfortable than my real bed at home.

Go EXPED. Best pads IMO. The vertical baffles make a huge difference and they are not crinkly at all.

I have the Duo M as a single adult male. It is maximum comfort. If this is what fits in your truck bed, then purchase with full confidence. I absolutly adore mine and look forward to getting to sleep on it.

That's how I feel about my exped megamat. I think it just turned 12.

Exped Megamat sleeping pad.  Expensive, and too heavy for backpacking, but worth every penny for car camping. Nemo Fillo pillow.  Best camp pillow ever.  I bring it backpacking, camping, even for hotel stays. For a sleeping bag, try a quilt instead of a bag - much better for side and belly sleepers than a mummy bag.

Slept on this while visiting family and its super comfortable. Bought one for my partner and I and it made a huge difference for camping. Its insulated well and I wake up feeling great and well rested. Compared to an inflatable mattresses or two cots, this takes a similar amount or lesser amount of space, but is significantly more comfortable. Like a legit mattress. If you have the budget and space for one, highly recommend. Echoing what other redditors have said, wait for it to go on sale. If youre buying from Altitude sports, you can get a 20% off coupon for your first order by subscribing to their newsletter. Brings down the price to $391.99. Not sure how much they go for one sale. We bought ours on clearance last year from a outdoor shop that was closing down, got ours for $249.99

We got an Exped Megamat for car camping with the little ones. We used them a lot early on but now that they’re bigger, it’s hard to justify - mostly because they take up a lot of space even when stowed. I generally opt for the ultralight route as much as I can now. Maybe it’s a reaction from having to take so much when they are really young. But in any case, the Megamat is great but expensive and bulky. I would get a pretty large tent since you’ll have a ton of shit.