What Is The Best Sleeping Pad For Side Sleepers?

Unless you are an alien from an entirely different planet, we all have to get some sleep . A good sleep helps our cells to regenerate themselves and allows us to relax. Therefore, manufacturers nowadays have specially designed our pillows, mattresses, and even duvets to deliver optimum comfort. But what happens when you go camping and far away from the comfort of your home? Well, there is no cause for alarm because there are sleeping pads that have also been built to deliver the sort of comfort your mattresses deliver, or close at least.

However, different people sleep in different ways, and while some people lay on their backs, some lay on their sides. But research has shown us that around 70 percent of the world’s population sleep on their sides, which explains why we are focusing on side sleepers in this article. Since the majority of the world population are side sleepers, we will be reviewing the best sleeping pads for side sleepers in this article. We will also provide a buying guide that will help you make the right choice when weighing your options.

Reviews of the Best Sleeping Pad For Side Sleepers

**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.

Top 5 Best Sleeping Pad For Side Sleepers Reviews

1.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M9I8RAN” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Outdoorsmanlab Ultralight Sleeping Pad[/easyazon_link]

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M9I8RAN” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Outdoorsmanlab Ultralight Sleeping Pad[/easyazon_link] is a perfect option for people who are sensitive about the space consumption and weight of their sleeping pads. Weighing just 0.95lbs and measuring just 9 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches, this sleeping pad is very compact and lightweight and is even smaller than your water bottle or travel umbrella, which is why is much revered.

In addition, this sleeping pad perfectly pairs with the Outdoorsman Lab sleeping bags. Using the highly durable lightweight 20D Nylon fabric with high-grade TPU coating, this bag is durable, weatherproof, waterproof, and tear and abrasion resistant. In short, this bag has been built to last for many years.

Inflating this sleeping bag is quite easy with the easy to use valves that enable you to inflate the bag with ten to fifteen breaths. However, this sleeping bag doesn’t come without a few cons. First of all, it isn’t suitable for cold weather camping. Besides, its cushioning is insufficient, and some side sleepers will probably experience discomfort sleeping on it.

Pros

• Affordable
• Ultra compact
• Air support design

Cons

• Narrow

2.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L1N7FDK” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Fox Outfitters Self-Inflating Camp Pad[/easyazon_link]

While some campers would like a sleeping pad that comes with all the sophisticated features often found in high-quality sleeping pads, some just prefer something with just the basic features. If you are under the latter category, then you have found the perfect option for you in the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L1N7FDK” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Fox Outfitters Self-Inflating Camp Pad[/easyazon_link].

At first sight, you will instantly realize that this sleeping pad is the perfect companion for any camper. The reasons being that it is made from highly durable materials and elements that are sure to withstand the test of time. Besides, the self-inflating sleeping pad is also compressible, lightweight, and softer than most sleeping pads you will find on the market.

Being self-inflating, everything about this sleeping pad is quite easy and straightforward. However, most users don’t like the fact that the material used in the manufacturing of this pad tends to be slippery. If you are camping in the summer, then the pad should be perfect for you. However, if you are camping in fall, this pad might perform a tad short of your expectations because something heavier might just be more suitable.

Pros

• Self-inflating
• Lightweight and compressible
• Very soft
• Stuff sack included

Cons

• Slippery material
• Easy to puncture

3.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PZKU3F2″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Exped Megamat 10[/easyazon_link]

Probably the plushest and softest sleeping pad you will find on the market is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00PZKU3F2″ locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Exped Megamat 10 sleeping pad[/easyazon_link]. This pad comes without the normal firmness or squishy feeling that foam pads usually have. When this sleeping pad is pitted against other sleeping pads with similar thickness and size, you will realize how much lighter and smaller this one is. Besides, it is extraordinarily warm.

Furthermore, this sleeping pad has an outstanding craftsmanship. With its sublime, high-quality, and non-slippery material, this sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold. Besides, inflating this pad is very easy, and the sleeping pad provides optimum comfort.

In addition, the air cored foam insulation provides self-inflating convenience, which a lot of consumers will greatly appreciate. However, the only drawback of this product is its width. While its 30 inches isn’t bad, 40 inches would have been more comfortable.

Pros

• Comes in colors
• Self-inflating
• Mini pump included
• Extra width

Cons

• Poor air pump
• Expensive

4.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B00G4V212E” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro[/easyazon_link]

If you are a person who prioritizes ease of use and comfort as compulsory requirements when purchasing a sleeping pad, then you’ll love the [easyazon_link identifier=”B00G4V212E” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Therm-A-Rest Trail Pro Mattress[/easyazon_link] self-inflating sleeping pad a lot. If you are someone that sleeps on the side, you ought to be able to lie on your side without your hips touching the ground, and this sleeping pad has perfected this requirement.

For people looking for a reliable, comfortable, durable, compact, and affordable sleeping pad, then this pad comfortable ticks all the boxes. The diagonal shape is efficient in bring warmth without adding up to the weight. Also, the sleeping pad is very lightweight, thanks to its vacuum-poured foam.

Furthermore, if you don’t like to glow in the dark, then the color of this sleeping pad is perfect for you. The pad does not show any dirt and is extremely easy to store away. With this sleeping pad, you are guaranteed to get an outstanding experience, and we highly recommend it.

Pros

• Comfortable
• Very reliable
• Versatile
• Packs down small

Cons

• Deflates quickly over time

5.   [easyazon_link identifier=”B077Y928YH” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Wacool Air Core Sleeping Pad[/easyazon_link]

If you are looking for a sleeping pad that is lightweight and compact, look no further than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B077Y928YH” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]WACOOL Air Core Sleeping Pad[/easyazon_link]. This sleeping pad has better performance than the old air mattress and provides supreme comfort. Besides, this pad is extremely easy to use; you don’t need to use an air pump or breath inflation even when utilizing this sleeping pad.

Furthermore, this sleeping pad has a very wide width, which makes it perfect for side sleepers. And you don’t have to worry about tear because this sleeping pad was made with very durable fabrics that will withstand the rough terrain of long distance hikes. Besides, the pad features an in-built pump, which makes inflation incredibly fast and the 2 valves offer the fastest and thorough deflation to fit in the bag.

In addition, it is also worth mentioning that the pad is waterproof. Regardless of the kind of environment your adventure is taking you, you should never be worried as long as this sleeping pad is with you.

Pros

• Affordable
• Air tube system included
• Waterproof

Cons

• Air is hard to pump initially

What To Look For When Buying A Sleeping Pad

You should never make any purchase without carrying out proper prior research, and this includes a sleeping pad. From performance to comfort level, sleeping pads differs in different ways. Therefore, remember to check the following factors before buying a sleeping pad for side sleepers.

Weight

Most sleeping pads on the market are not weighty. It is very vital to buy one that you will be able to carry easily from one location to another without breaking a sweat, particularly if you are going on long distance track. Opt for a sleeping pad below 2lbs in weight, to make sure the weight doesn’t get you exhausted.

Comfort

If you are looking to enjoy sleeping on your sleeping pad, then you must ensure you choose one that is very comfortable. While different folks have different needs, side sleepers generally will require additional cushioning since they sleep on the side, and that part of their body will rest heavily on the mattress. Back sleepers, on the other hand, sleep in such a way that their weight is distributed evenly.

Durability

This factor determines whether a sleeping pad is worth buying or not. It doesn’t make sense to spend money on something just to last for a single trip. You can quickly determine the durability of any item by the warranty the manufacturer puts on it. Another way you can determine the durability of a pad is checking out the fabric if it is waterproof, tear resistant, and abrasion resistant.

Thickness

Most pads are usually between two to four inches as regards thickness. However, side sleepers normally require thicker sleeping pads so as to provide additional comfort. But while it takes a bit more to inflate these thick pads by mouth, that shouldn’t worry you, considering the sort of comfort you will be getting in return.

Setup

This thing will be required to be set up more than once, therefore ensure setting it up won’t give you a lot of trouble. You have two options when it comes to this; its either you buy a sleeping pad with a built-in pump for automatic inflation or buy a pad that has been designed specially to require only a couple breaths for inflation.

Conclusion

Now that we have introduced some of the best sleeping pads for side sleepers on the market to you, by now you should agree with us that it’s possible to sleep comfortably in the outdoors. Regardless of the season in which you are camping, this list has something for you. From high insulation pads made for cold weather to lightweight pads made for every season, you are guaranteed to find something suitable for your next voyage.

Everyone is different and while some pads may be comfortable for some people, they may not be comfortable for others, but based on the criteria of how durable, lightweight and comfy each sleeping pad is, we’ve found that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01M9I8RAN” locale=”US” tag=”outdoorintensity-20″]Outdoorsmanlab Ultralight Sleeping Pad[/easyazon_link] is the best overall that embodies of all these qualities while still remaining affordable.