This is a review of the best sleeping pad for side sleepers.
It’s not easy to sleep comfortable on the sleeping pad, right?
I got you, as I’m also a side sleeper!
As a side sleeper, we need extra support for our shoulder and hip when we sleep on the sleeping pad.
We need sleeping bags that can give better balance and support.
I know the pain and I found some of the best sleeping pad for our side sleepers!
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
- If you are a frequent hiker and side sleeper, then you might be interested in Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad. It is a compact and ultralight sleeping pad suitable for campers who consider weight and comfort in a sleeping pad. It is also inflatable.
- If what you want is an excellent self-inflating sleeping pad, then you should consider Therm-a-Rest Prolite Ultralight Backpacking Pad. It is an affordable yet durable sleeping pad, has good support, and also lightweight.
- If you looking for the best sleeping pad for cold winter and for couples, we recommend KingCamp Deluxe Series sleeping pad. It has the size for couples. It can self-inflate and deflate easily, also comes with a High-R value and great support. It has an excellent ability to keep you warm.
- If you prefer car camping and are looking for the best sleeping pad, then you should consider Therm-a-rest LuxuryMap. It is an excellent all-season sleeping pad, and it delivers great warmth and comfort.
4 Best Sleeping Pads for Side Sleepers
1. Klymit Static V Luxe Sleeping Pad
The Klymit Static V Luxe sleeping pad has v-shaped baffle system and it’s 3 inch thick. It means it can give side sleepers great support at key points. Say bye-bye to the shoulder and hip pain!
It’s 76 inch length and 30 inch width, so it’s no problem for holding a big guy. There’s enough space.
It’s good for the hikers since it’s only 1.7 lbs. You can easily deflate it and pack it small to the size of 4.5 x 8 inch and bring it for camping.
While the R-value of it is 1.3! So it’s not a sleeping pad for winter days.
What we like:
- V-shape system offers great support for side sleepers.
- Lightweight and can be packed in small size.
- It is made from durable materials for tear-puncture resistance.
What we don’t like:
- R value is only 1.3!
2. Therm-a-Rest Prolite Ultralight Self-Inflating Backpacking Pad
Therm-a-Rest Prolite pad is an ideal 3 seasons sleeping pad for side sleepers.
It makes you feel stable when you sleep on it as it doesn’t give any bouncing sensation.
Also, this is a self-inflating sleeping pad, which means lesser work for you. With WingLock valve, it can be inflated 3 times faster!
It’s not thick, only 1.5inch, but the R-value of it is 3.2, making it perfect for 3 seasons camping.
What we like:
- It is very light, only 1.4 lbs.
- It has 3 different sizes and it can be easily packed small.
- Self-inflating, and the WingLock is an option for faster inflating.
What we don’t like:
- It is could be thin for the heavy guy.
3. KingCamp Deluxe Series Camping Sleeping Pad
The KingCamp deluxe series comes in two sizes – double and single size. It’s a great option for the couples and side sleepers if any of you are.
It has high R-value of 7.5, which will perfectly keep you warm in the winter day.
It’s self-inflated and can take up to 4 inches of thickness, which relax your hands and give you great comfort as side sleepers.
Another significant advantage of having it is that it takes only three minutes to deflate completely.
What we like:
- It comes with a high R-value, which makes it perfect for winter camping.
- It offers excellent comfort and self-inflate.
- It offers different sizes.
What we don’t like:
- It is quite big and bulky, which makes it hard to roll over.
4. Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Self-Inflating Sleeping Bag
Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap offers great comfort and warmth as well.
It features a mapping system that keeps track of your pressure points to give you a pleasant sleeping experience, which is every friendly for side sleepers.
Also, it is one of the most insulated sleeping beds, as it comes with a 6.8 R-value, which makes it awesome for cold weather.
With two Valves, that makes deflation and inflation easier.
What we like:
- It is suitable for winter camping.
- It offers great comfort with the mapping technology.
- You can adjust the thickness of the sleeping pad when you inflate it.
What we don’t like:
- It is quite heavy, only good for car campers.
Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers: What You Should Consider
Warmth and Comfort
Your sleeping pad can keep you warm because it isolates you from the cold floor.
R-value of your sleeping pad will determine the degree of insulation that you will get against the cold ground.
The higher the R-value, the warmer your pad keeps you.
Therefore, pads with high R-value are recommended for colder weather and vice-versa.
Also you can think about to add a sleeping bag to sleep on the pad which helps you stay warm.
Shape and Size
The length of your sleeping pad must be able to accommodate your whole body.
The width might not matter a lot for a side sleeper. But a wider one is a better choice.
If you tend to roll a lot, then you should go for pads with raised edges to keep your body centered.
Thickness
For side sleepers, all pressures are put on your shoulder and hip when you sleep.
So a thicker one at least can help you not hit the ground when you turn around.
The thickness will also determine the level of insulation your sleeping pad will give you.
So for the foam sleeping pad, the thicker will make you feel more comfortable.
Weight and Packing
If you go for a backpack camping, ultralight will be an excellent choice for backpackers.
If you go to car campings, then you don’t need to put wight in priority.
As you know, most sleeping bags are inflatable and deflated and those are friendly for packing.
How fast and how easy to inflate and deflate can bring different levels of joy for your trip.
So find out your needs and get the one covers your needs!
Useful Tips and Resources
A self-inflating sleeping pad will automatically inflate when you open the valves, but you may need to add a few breaths for the pad to reach its peak.
Also, you can adjust the firmness of your sleeping pad by letting out air from it.
You can learn how to set up and deflate your sleeping pads from this video.
Final Words
As a side sleeper, the key is to choose a well-insulated sleeping pad that gives you enough support and balance.
Beside, right R-value keeps you warm and self-inflating can give you a relax.
Take care of your should and hip, and you will be happy in the morning!
