Back of Car Inflatable Mattress: Best Air Beds for Vehicle Cargo Sleeping
Introduction: Air Mattresses for Cargo Area Sleeping
Sleeping in the back of your vehicle—whether it's an SUV, wagon, crossover, or hatchback with folded seats—has become increasingly popular among road trippers and car campers. Inflatable mattresses designed for vehicle cargo areas make this possible, providing a comfortable sleeping surface that packs down to almost nothing when you need the space for other purposes.
Modern car-specific inflatable mattresses are engineered for the unique challenges of vehicle sleeping. They account for wheel wells, seat contours, and the irregular shapes of cargo areas. They include pumps that work with your vehicle's electrical system. Quality options provide genuine comfort that makes vehicle sleeping a viable alternative to hotels or traditional camping.
This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting an inflatable mattress for your vehicle's cargo area. From understanding design features to proper sizing, you'll find practical advice for creating a comfortable vehicle sleep setup.
Why Choose Inflatable for Car Sleeping
Inflatable mattresses offer specific advantages for vehicle cargo area use.
Compact storage is the primary advantage. When deflated, air mattresses compress to a fraction of their inflated size—often fitting in stuff sacks smaller than a loaf of bread. This means you can have a full sleeping surface available without permanently dedicating cargo space. When you need room for bikes, groceries, or other cargo, the mattress disappears into storage.
Adjustable firmness allows personalization. By adding or releasing air, you dial in exactly the support level you prefer. People who like firm surfaces can inflate fully; those preferring softer beds can leave mattresses slightly under-inflated. Couples with different preferences can sometimes adjust each side independently on dual-chamber mattresses.
Vehicle-specific designs maximize fit. Unlike generic air mattresses, those designed for car camping account for your cargo area's specific shape. Contours fit around wheel wells. Dimensions match actual available space. The result is better coverage and more comfortable sleeping than forcing a generic mattress into a vehicle.
- Compact storage when deflated
- Fits in small stuff sacks
- Cargo space available when not sleeping
- Adjustable firmness via air level
- Personalize support to your preference
- Couples can adjust independently with dual chambers
- Vehicle-specific designs fit cargo areas
- Account for wheel wells and contours
- Better than forcing generic mattress into vehicle
Key Features for Vehicle Cargo Use
Several features separate good vehicle inflatable mattresses from poor ones.
Integrated pump type matters significantly. Electric pumps that plug into your vehicle's 12V outlet make inflation effortless. Built-in pumps mean nothing extra to carry or forget. Pumps that also deflate speed up packing. Some premium mattresses include battery-powered pumps for independence from vehicle power.
Material quality affects both durability and comfort. Thicker PVC or TPU materials resist punctures better than thin budget plastics. Flocked (velvet-like) top surfaces feel better against skin and prevent sleeping bags from sliding. Reinforced seams handle repeated inflation cycles without failure.
Dimensions must match your cargo area. Measure your vehicle's sleeping space before purchasing. Too-large mattresses bunch against walls; too-small leave gaps where you'll feel hard surfaces. Vehicle-specific mattresses eliminate this guesswork.
Thickness when inflated determines cushioning and insulation. 4+ inches provides adequate comfort for most people. Thicker mattresses are more comfortable but consume more headroom.
- Electric 12V pumps for effortless inflation
- Built-in pumps eliminate accessories to forget
- Deflation function speeds packing
- Thicker PVC/TPU resists punctures
- Flocked surfaces prevent sliding
- Reinforced seams handle repeated use
- Match dimensions to your cargo area
- Too large bunches, too small leaves gaps
- 4+ inches thickness for adequate comfort
- Consider headroom with thick mattresses
Top Inflatable Mattresses for Vehicle Cargo Areas
These inflatable mattresses work well in SUV and wagon cargo areas.
Luno Air Mattress 2.0
The Luno is widely considered the gold standard for vehicle-specific air mattresses. Custom fits are available for dozens of popular vehicles, ensuring precise coverage. Dual-chamber design allows independent firmness adjustment. Included pump plugs into 12V outlets. Build quality is excellent. Premium price reflects premium quality.
SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress
This versatile mattress works across many SUVs and provides excellent value. Thickened design offers good cushioning. Two air pillows included—eliminating need to pack separate pillows. Electric pump simplifies setup. Flocked surface is comfortable. Strong value for budget-conscious campers.
IFORREST SUV Air Mattress
The IFORREST offers flexibility—it works with seats folded or as a back seat mattress extending into footwells. This adaptability suits various configurations. Powerful pump handles inflation quickly. Multiple sizes fit different vehicles. Includes dedicated gear storage space.
Heytrip SUV Air Mattress
Mid-range option providing good comfort at reasonable price. 3-inch inflated thickness is adequate for most campers. Compatible with many SUVs and wagons. Included electric pump works efficiently. Flocked surface is comfortable. Good value for occasional camping.
- Luno: vehicle-specific fits, dual chamber, premium
- SAYGOGO: great value, includes pillows, versatile
- IFORREST: flexible configuration, gear storage
- Heytrip: mid-range price, good occasional camper value
- All include electric pumps
- All feature flocked surfaces
- Match mattress to your vehicle when possible
- Premium options worth investment for frequent use
Setting Up Your Vehicle for Sleeping
Proper setup ensures your inflatable mattress provides maximum comfort.
Prepare the cargo area before inflating. Fold rear seats completely using release levers. Remove rear headrests to create smoother surface—many headrests poke through thin mattresses. Clear debris that could puncture the mattress. Ensure the area is clean and dry.
Address the transition between seat backs and cargo floor. Most vehicles have a slight gap, step, or ridge where folded seats meet cargo floor. You can't change this, but you can minimize its impact: place a folded blanket over the transition before laying your mattress, or inflate the mattress slightly underinflated to allow it to conform to the shape.
Position the mattress before full inflation. Place the deflated or partially inflated mattress in your cargo area, then complete inflation. This allows you to position it properly without fighting a bulky inflated mattress in tight space. Verify fit before inflating fully.
- Fold seats completely using release levers
- Remove headrests that might poke through
- Clear debris, ensure clean dry surface
- Address seat-to-cargo floor transition
- Place blanket over gap or ridge
- Or underinflate slightly to conform
- Position mattress before full inflation
- Verify fit while partially inflated
- Complete inflation after positioning
- Check that nothing sharp is beneath mattress
Inflation, Deflation, and Maintenance
Proper use and care extend your mattress life and maintain comfort.
Inflation technique affects comfort. Don't inflate to absolute maximum—this creates a hard surface most people find uncomfortable. Inflate firmly, then release small amounts of air until the mattress feels supportive but not rigid. Lie down and adjust to find your preference. Cold temperatures cause air to contract, so a mattress inflated in warm conditions may feel soft overnight.
Deflation for packing requires some technique. Open all valves, fold or roll from the end opposite the valve, pushing air toward the opening. Some mattresses have deflation functions on their pumps that speed this process. Don't rush—thorough deflation means smaller packed size.
Maintenance is straightforward. Clean the mattress periodically, especially the flocked surface that collects dust and debris. Store loosely rolled rather than tightly compressed. Check for slow leaks by inflating and listening for escaping air. Most mattresses include patch kits for puncture repair.
- Don't inflate to absolute maximum
- Firm but not rigid feels most comfortable
- Lie down to adjust firmness to preference
- Cold causes air to contract overnight
- Deflation: fold from opposite end of valve
- Push air toward opening
- Use pump deflation function if available
- Thorough deflation = smaller packed size
- Clean mattress periodically
- Store loosely rolled
- Check for leaks; patch as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What size inflatable mattress fits in the back of my car?
This varies by vehicle. Measure your cargo area with seats folded: length, width at widest point, and width at wheel well level. Compare to mattress dimensions. Vehicle-specific mattresses are sized precisely. Universal mattresses may need size comparison.
Do car air mattresses stay inflated overnight?
Quality mattresses stay adequately inflated for 8+ hours. Some minor air loss overnight is normal. Temperature changes affect pressure—cold nights cause apparent deflation. Significant deflation indicates a leak. Check pressure before sleeping and add air if needed.
Are inflatable car mattresses comfortable?
Yes, modern car-specific inflatable mattresses provide genuine comfort. Key factors are adequate thickness (4+ inches), quality materials, and proper inflation level. Many campers report comfort comparable to home mattresses when properly set up.
Can two people sleep on a car air mattress?
In larger SUVs and wagons, yes. Most full-size car mattresses accommodate two adults, though width depends on your vehicle's cargo area. Dual-chamber mattresses allow different firmness preferences per side. Check width before assuming two-person use.
How do I stop my car air mattress from sliding?
Flocked top surfaces provide grip. Ensure your cargo area is clean and dry before setup. Proper sizing (mattress fitting snugly) prevents movement. Some users add non-slip pads beneath the mattress. The mattress weight when occupied usually prevents significant movement.
Is it safe to leave an air mattress in my car?
Generally yes, though extreme temperatures can affect materials over time. Very hot vehicles may soften some plastics. Store deflated when not camping to protect from heat. The mattress itself doesn't pose safety concerns.
What's the best pump for a car air mattress?
Electric pumps that plug into 12V outlets are most convenient. Built-in pumps eliminate separate accessories. Pumps with deflation function speed packing. Having manual backup (even mouth valve) provides redundancy. Most car-specific mattresses include appropriate pumps.
How thick should my car air mattress be?
Aim for 4+ inches for comfortable cushioning. Thinner mattresses may bottom out. Thicker (5-6 inches) provides more comfort but consumes headroom. Consider your vehicle's ceiling height when choosing thickness.
Will cold weather affect my car air mattress?
Cold causes air inside to contract, making the mattress feel softer. Add air to compensate. The air can also transfer cold to you—adding insulation beneath helps. For very cold camping, a foam layer under the air mattress improves warmth.
How long do car air mattresses last?
Quality car air mattresses last 3-5+ years with proper care. Store properly, avoid punctures, and don't overinflate. Signs of replacement: significant deflation overnight that isn't from leaks, visible material degradation, or no longer achieving comfortable firmness.
Do I need to do anything special to set up my car for sleeping?
Basic preparation: fold seats flat, remove headrests, clean cargo area, and address any sharp objects. Ventilation matters—crack windows even if weather is cold. Window shades provide privacy and temperature control. These steps plus a good mattress create comfortable sleeping.
Can I use a regular air mattress in my car?
You can, but car-specific mattresses work better. Regular air mattresses don't account for wheel wells, cargo area contours, or vehicle-specific dimensions. They may not fit properly, leaving gaps or bunching. Car-specific options are worth the difference for regular use.