Car Camping Mattress Guide - Which mattress do we use?

Choosing the Right Sleeping Mattress for Your SUV Camping Setup

As a newly launched brand, we’ve been deep in the testing phase, trying different setups, adjusting our designs, and learning what works best out on the road. One of the biggest questions we explored while developing the Grotto platform was: Which type of sleeping mattress gives the best experience inside an SUV? That question inspired us to create this Car Camping Mattress Guide.

We ended up testing two main options extensively:
1) Foldable foam mattresses
2) Self-inflating car-type sleeping pads

Both have clear advantages and a few drawbacks, and depending on your style of camping, one might suit you better than the other. Here’s what we’ve learned.

Foldable Foam Mattress: Solid Comfort, Simple Build

Foldable foam mattresses are the classic choice. Simple, sturdy, and extremely comfortable. Because they come in a fixed rectangular shape, they naturally fit snugly inside the vehicle and create a firm, stable sleeping surface. When you lie down, you feel that familiar “mattress” comfort, and your bed stays consistent throughout the night.

But they’re not without limitations:

• They take up a lot of space when folded.
You need a good amount of storage room in your vehicle, which isn’t always ideal for compact setups.

• Their height can be a challenge.
Most foldable foam mattresses are around 10 cm thick. In an SUV, that extra height reduces headroom and can make the interior feel a bit cramped.

• They’re heavier and harder to carry.
They don’t pack down small, and manoeuvring them can be awkward.

• Tight spaces can distort their shape.
In the limited width of an SUV, you sometimes have to squeeze the mattress into place, which can leave the sleeping surface uneven.

Despite these downsides, the comfort level is undeniably high. If you value a traditional mattress feel and you have the space, this option still delivers excellent sleep quality.

Self-Inflating Car Sleeping Pads: Lightweight, Adjustable, SUV-Friendly

The second option we tested quickly became a favourite: self-inflating car-specific sleeping pads.

These pads offer a great balance of practicality and comfort:

• They’re lightweight and inflate on their own.
Just open the valve and wait. No pumps, no effort. You can always add a bit of extra air to fine-tune the firmness.

• They create a very spacious interior.
Because they’re thinner, the SUV feels more open, and even with the Grotto platform at its highest usable height, headroom remains excellent.

• They pack down small and are easy to store.
Space saving is crucial when living or travelling inside a vehicle, and these pads shine in that department.

• They pair beautifully with the Grotto platform.
Their flexibility allows them to adapt to the platform height and shape, creating a level, comfortable sleeping area.

Of course, no solution is perfect:

• Punctures are possible.
As with any inflatable gear, sharp objects are the enemy.

• Long periods of storage can reduce self-inflation efficiency.
If the foam inside compresses over time, you may need to inflate it manually, but that’s usually a quick fix.

Overall, for ease of use, minimal space consumption, and adaptability, self-inflating pads are incredibly hard to beat.

The Most Budget-Friendly Option: Quilts and Blankets

There’s also the simplest approach: laying down several thick quilts on top of the platform and sleeping right on them.

It’s low-cost, easy, and flexible, but the comfort level varies a lot depending on personal preference. For short trips or quick overnight setups, it can actually work surprisingly well.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

It all depends on your priorities. If you want maximum comfort and don’t mind the bulk, the foldable foam mattress is a solid pick. If you prefer a cleaner, more spacious feel and a setup that's easy to pack away, the self-inflating pad is the clear winner. And if you’re just getting started or working with a tight budget, quilts can get the job done.

As we continue to test and refine our gear, we’ll keep sharing insights like these. Real experiences from real trips, all to help you create the best possible SUV camping setup with your Grotto.