Sleeping pads for side sleepers

Lincsco

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Jul 31, 2017
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The prior sleeping pad post got me thinking - I'm primarily a side sleeper sand frequently wake up with my arm, shoulder or hand numb. I currently have a Xped and a Klymit but neither does a very good job. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good mat for side sleepers?
 
I got a Klymit Insulated Short pad off Massdrop earlier this summer, only slept on it a couple times, but it is comfortable to this side/belly sleeper.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/38684

Wish I could help more, but usually I'm in a hammock :)
 
Side sleeper too. Been using the Xtherm and loving it! If you don't need that warm of a pad, the 3 season version (Xlite) works too!
 
My wife uses the NEMO Cosmo Air Sleeping Pad with Pump and loves it. She has used a variety of pads over the years to stay ahead of circulation issues and this one was a great step up for her.

I have a version of that pad and it is a pain to inflate if you try to do it in a one man tent. It is comfortable to sleep on, but the inflation process is not worth it. I hate that pad :)
 
I have that NeoAir Xlite too. Only been out on it once, but no problems. I'm a back/left-side/front/right-side sleeper depending which half hour you peek inside the tent throughout the night.
 
Thanks for all the responses. I now have a good idea of what to look at.
 
I'm older than dirt. I'm a side sleeper. I need my sleep.
Xtherm Large. For the width not the length. 2 months continuous use and approaching 4 months total use. Combined with an Exped Air Pillow.
Best sleep ever!
Wayne


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Last edited:
This is what I use.

Actually, I've used with and without the pump. Great pads, good price, and packs small.

How do you use it without the "built-in" pump?
 
How do you use it without the "built-in" pump?
The model without the built in pump inflates with about 1 minute of heavy breathing. :)
You just blow it up with your own hot air.

The stem has a push/pull sealing mechanism, so just push the stem down if you need to catch your breath
and then continue blowing.

Having used both, the pump is really nice and probably worth the higher cost.
 
With the inflatable pads it can help to not inflate it completely.

Bingo! Just enough to keep you from bottoming out while lying on your bag and lifting your hand off of your pillow. It's amazing how much lifting your head an inch or two changes your CG.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The model without the built in pump inflates with about 1 minute of heavy breathing. :)
You just blow it up with your own hot air.

The stem has a push/pull sealing mechanism, so just push the stem down if you need to catch your breath
and then continue blowing.

Having used both, the pump is really nice and probably worth the higher cost.

That makes sense, I did not realize there was one without the built in pump. Personally, I like the pad once it is inflated, but I hate the built in pump. I wish I had the "heavy breathing" model :)
 
Big Agnes Air Core passed the hip test. It's kind of a square though...:cool:
 
I use a Klymit insulated one and I am a big side sleeper most of the time. it works usually though I have had a couple mornings with sore hips. May of just been me not inflating it enough though. Could always add a pad under it though.
 
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