PDA

View Full Version : Side sleeper - need special pad?



Arden
10-19-2019, 21:45
Hey all;
I am a side sleeper, and have found that my Thermarest CCF pad and air pad (used together) are not sufficient to provide a good night's sleep. No matter how much air I blow into the mattress, I am sleeping on what feels like bare ground.
I did notice a slight improvement when I switched from my lighter bag to a winter bag, but that still wasn't enough to make me comfortable enough for a good night's sleep.

I did some Google searches, and found some recommendations on pads for side sleepers. One is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite air mattress.
So I'm curious; what do all you side sleepers who sleep in a tent or tarp use?
I'm not planning any really long distance hikes at the moment, so I can go with something a bit heavier than what a thru-hiker would use.

Thanks for your advice
Arden

Turtle-2013
10-19-2019, 22:26
I have been using a NeoAir for nearly 10 years.... the only thing better for me is a deep bed of pine needles under my ground sheet.... but I usually can't find that at the right time and place ... so, I'll stick with my NeoAir

Slo-go'en
10-19-2019, 23:01
When I use the neoair, I blow it up tight, then after I lay down on it I let out just enough air so that my hip sinks into it a bit. This helps to keep me centered on the pad and not roll off it.

Unfortunately, this reduces the insulating value at the hips and can be a problem if the ground is cold. I always carry a piece of CCF to use as a sitting pad, so I slip that under the neoair at the hip location and all is good. I tend to roll from side to side every couple of hours.

In chilly weather like the fall, I use the thermarest Pro light self inflating mattress. It doesn't have as much give as the neoair, but it's still much more comfortable then a CCF pad like a Z-Rest and has a decent R factor.

There are a lot of factors which can influence how much sleep you get on the trail, especially short trips since your normal wake/sleep cycle gets thrown out of whack. If you can't get comfortable, that complicates the issue. While you might not get a whole lot of sleep, you get some and just laying down for 10-12 hours seems to do wonders.

HooKooDooKu
10-19-2019, 23:14
I've been using the NeoAir xLite for about 5 years and loved it. When I originally purchased it, I was a stomach sleeper. But I've since become a side sleeper and it's still great for me. Compared to a bed I do find that I do need to change sides from time to time.

cliffordbarnabus
10-19-2019, 23:35
i'd go with a closed cell foam pad, like a ridgerest or z-rest. remember, pack heavy...it'll make you stronger!

Dogwood
10-20-2019, 00:38
I have been using a NeoAir for nearly 10 years.... the only thing better for me is a deep bed of pine needles under my ground sheet.... but I usually can't find that at the right time and place ... so, I'll stick with my NeoAir


When I use the neoair, I blow it up tight, then after I lay down on it I let out just enough air so that my hip sinks into it a bit. This helps to keep me centered on the pad and not roll off it.

Unfortunately, this reduces the insulating value at the hips and can be a problem if the ground is cold. I always carry a piece of CCF to use as a sitting pad, so I slip that under the neoair at the hip location and all is good. I tend to roll from side to side every couple of hours.

In chilly weather like the fall, I use the thermarest Pro light self inflating mattress. It doesn't have as much give as the neoair, but it's still much more comfortable then a CCF pad like a Z-Rest and has a decent R factor.

There are a lot of factors which can influence how much sleep you get on the trail, especially short trips since your normal wake/sleep cycle gets thrown out of whack. If you can't get comfortable,

As a side to side night sleeper this is me. My body wt hovers about 195-205. I'm a 6'4" ectomorph. One thing that helps is dishing out a slight depression in the ground or pine needles where my hip lays when I might lose more wt on long duration several month outings. However, I do tend to get a solid 8 -9 hrs sleep on trail regardless. Nature relaxes my mind which is where I can have issue over thinking things. All lights out no electronics on stealth camping away from the interruptions of others! Sounds of water or wind whistling in the tree tops and a light show that rivals the best porthole view in the Space Station with no yapping trail dogs while cozy warm after a day of knowing in my heart I was in the right place at the right time doing the right thing all result in sound sleep. A flat non wet ground also help. Fighting sliding around/down up all night can result in intermittent sleep. 14-16 hr days of actual movement and I'm usually ready to conk 30 mins after stopping for the day. Confidence in one's sleep system and where one has elected to sleep is paramount. Think about it. When backpacking we(I'm) are either sleeping or in camp or on our feet moving. Getting those two aspects right can make or break trips - feet and sleep. Strongly suggest researching foods and drinks that can aid in going to sleep rather than keeping one awake while not over eating just before bed. Foods and lifestyle choices that are anti inflammatory are also useful. Salmon, tuna and other seafood high in B6 are precursors to melatonin. I'm a pesce vegetarian off and on trail. Another option is tryptophan containing small amounts of turkey or chicken. Chamomile and other non caffeine wake up teas and dark chocolate without the sugar and a bit of pistachios or almonds with perhaps some CBD oils added to food round out my pre sleep food and drink go to sleep regimen. Essential oils(just a few dabs on gear) like lavender, valerian, frankincense, cedar wood also have calming affects. In other words it may not be a gear issue but something else that interferes with a sound night's sleep on trail.

DuneElliot
10-20-2019, 05:07
Other than the Neo Air (which I haven't tried) I used the Sea to Summit Etherlight Insulated and found it very comfortable as a side sleeper (as a woman). It is ever so slightly wider than the Neo Air but also heavier. I like it for the comfort but also found I didn't like losing the width of the Klymit pad (which I also find comfortable but 5oz heavier).

OwenM
10-20-2019, 06:22
my Thermarest CCF pad and air pad (used together) are not sufficient to provide a good night's sleep. No matter how much air I blow into the mattress, I am sleeping on what feels like bare ground.
Describe your "air pad", and how/where you are uncomfortable.

kestral
10-20-2019, 07:05
I use a neo air, older version, slightly deflated so it’s not hard, almost so my hip hits the ground when on my side. I also stuff my sit pad (a z pad type) under the hip area. This works well for me. I do have an occasional problem of the z pad slipping out of place and have considered bringing a small strip of that clingy mesh stuff that some folks use under area rugs on wood floors. Saw a guy use this on floor of his silnylon tent to keep his pad from sliding about. You can get this at Walmart, and wash to get off dust and dirt to bring back its stickiness.

I did find I tended to over inflate my neo air when I first used it.

Good luck to you!

Time Zone
10-20-2019, 09:10
Arden -

It helps to be utterly exhausted. I know that sounds trite, but if you are going out for just a night or two, if you haven't just finished a difficult hike, etc., the excitement and (relative) novelty factor of sleeping outdoors makes that first night sleep very difficult. I've found, whether at home or outdoors, if I'm truly tired, I'll sleep.

I use CCF exclusively, but have owned air pads before. I'm side and stomach sleeper, so for me, it's important not to have my ear directly against the pad, for the sound of every slight motion is magnified. [and that's not even with the potato chip bag sound of neoairs!] I've found that using a non-inflatable a pillow when side sleeping helps reduce noise. So do earplugs - I need both. As for stomach sleeping, I don't use a pillow; I just turn my head, so that wasn't good with inflatables.

Another tip, which may work for any kind of pad, not just CCF, is that I've found that, when side sleeping, it's more comfortable to be something other than perfectly perpendicular to the mat. So I rotate a little bit toward stomach sleeping ... just a little off 90 degrees helps alleviate hip pain. I think rotating a little toward back sleeping does that too, but I'm more comfortable the other way.

Benadryl helps one sleep if one isn't exhausted.

Being warm enough helps me sleep. Some people sleep better when slightly cool. I'm the opposite.

If none of this or tips from others work, you may want to try a hammock. More than a few say it provides the best sleep they've ever had outdoors.

nsherry61
10-20-2019, 10:26
I'm surprised nobody has suggested one of the thicker Big Agnes (and still very light) pads yet. Lots of great suggestion above including slightly turning body to keep sharpest points of bones off the ground, adding some CCF padding under the hips, and deflating the pad while lying on it to fine tune the support vs. cushion.

Alligator
10-20-2019, 10:54
I'm predominantly a stomach sleeper but spend some time on my side too. I moved up to the Neo Air from a T-rest prolite. The depth of the Neo Air is kinder to my hips, which sometimes suffer from bursitis. I too fully inflate then let out a little air so the pad isn't so much like a trampoline.

Measure or just check specs on your pads and perhaps find another pad that is thicker. I think you will need to move up to a blow-up pad vs self-inflating so be careful about R-values. You might still need a ccf for colder hiking times, depending on other personal factors.

Arden
10-20-2019, 10:56
Thanks to all;
I now have something to experiment with. I have already been doing a few of the things you suggested;
Lying slightly off-perpendicular. This helps me for a while, but I still find myself turning a lot.
I am using a RidgeRest pad under a Therm-A-Rest air mattress. I'm not sure what the air mattress model is, but it is green. I bought it a while back.
I have used nylon straps to hold the air mattress to the RidgeRest pad, otherwise the air mattress slides off. I haven't tried that clingy carpet matting, although I do have a small piece of it I have used for gripping things like stuck lids, etc. I can see how a length of it near the size of the sleeping pad would help keep the pad from sliding around on the tent floor.

It also doesn't help that I am thin, very low body fat. I am a long distance runner :)

Unfortunately, finding pine needles (or dried leaves) isn't always possible. The last use of my gear was actually doing a week of 'car camping' in Vermont. The site was clear of anything soft.
Perhaps not being tired enough to sleep is my real problem. I seem to recall sleeping easier when I was on the A.T. hiking for the entire day. I may also have used Benadryl and/or Tylenol, but I really don't like the Benadryl, as it makes me really groggy and sometimes aggravated the next morning. Tylenol alone helps without the side-effects of the Benadryl.

How bad is the crinkle sound of the NeoAir pad? The sound of a potato chip bag in my ear would not make me happy...

I have thought of a hammock. For that, I would have to visit an outdoor store where they have them set up so I could 'test-sleep' a few.
On the trail, I am sure hammocks are fine, but at established campgrounds like the one I was at two weeks ago, I think they might frown on their use, as they could damage tree bark after a while. Then, we're not really talking car camping here, are we.

About food: I hadn't really thought about it much, except that consuming anything with caffeine or other stimulant, or alcohol can cause sleep issues. I generally eat processed foods while on the trail, as they are the easiest to prepare. I don't have the equipment, or the patience to dehydrate my own. My meals have been mainly Easy Mac mixed with tuna from a packet, or couscous. I think for a longer hike, I would need to get a bit more creative.

I guess in the end, it's all about trial and error, as it is impossible to know what will work for an individual until he/she has completed a sufficient amount of experimentation. It would be nice if I could experiment without purchasing the equipment, but I don't have any friends or relatives who are into backpacking, or any type of outdoor sleeping, from whom I might be able to borrow stuff. That said, I seem to recall that one or more of the outdoor stores does have a no questions asked money-back guarantee on equipment. If that were the case, I could purchase the NeoAir pad and try it out (at home?) for a few days.

Time Zone
10-20-2019, 11:49
Although you may not have friends or family who are into hammocking, you might not have to rely upon whether an outfitter has hammocks set up in order to try them. Instead, visit hammockforums dot net and see if there's a "hammock hang" in your area. You could bring your tent but I'm sure many people would let you try their own setups, and more than a few might have extra hammocks to borrow. Hammockers have a reputation for being keen to make converts, so I think you'll find ample opportunity to test drive things.

Basic hammock and suspension aren't expensive either - you could get one suitable for afternoon naps and so forth on the trail, as a substitute for a trail chair say. Granted, that's different than one that may be suitable for overnight use (those could be larger, require bug netting, tarp, and so forth) but you'd at least get an idea.

As for the crinkle sound of a neoair, I think they've tried to reduce it lately via design tweaks. I'm not sure how successful those efforts have been. But I can tell you that at one point, I could hear the sound coming from a neighboring tent even though I had earplugs in. Maybe on that night I didn't have the best seal on those plugs, and maybe that neighbor had an old model, but the point is they can be loud. However, they are reputed to be unbeatable w/r/t being light, compact, and warm. Everything has pros and cons.

camper10469
10-20-2019, 11:54
ive always had issues sleeping on my side n did alot of experimenting. my best solution....

put the foam pad on top of the air mat. as someone sugested, overfill the air mat and while laying on it, let out some air so you sink in comfortably.

the stiffer foam pad distributes the weight more enenly instead of just sinking into a hip hole.

Crossup
10-20-2019, 11:58
You may need to shop for pads closer to car camping gear. I have a BA Triple Core 25x78x4.25 and will say its up to letting anyone sleep regardless of the person or situation. Its basically an inch of foam on a 3"+ air mattress with Primaloft inside it. Its very quiet, plush as hell and insulates well. Obviously is bigger than most require and with some digging around you should be able to find the smaller size.

Yes it a bit heavy but not getting good rest make even light gear heavy, but my real point is there is gear out there to suit anyones taste and as long as you dont want the lightest and plushest, quietist, smallest packing warmest all in one, someone makes it.
Because my needs have proven to require less pad than the TripleCore I have moved on to a Klymit but would not hesitate to haul the TripleCore if I were going to be in areas where the ground was always rocky/rough or in cold weather. There is nothing like going to sleep knowing you wont slip off your pad, get cold, have pressure points or be kept up by noise. I smile just thinking about how deluxe the experience is. Research and shop around, your perfect pad is out there.

Hillbillyhanger
10-20-2019, 12:43
I found a Neoair All Season last year on clearance due to a color change. I used it the last two nights and it was comfortable. I slept mostly on my sides and some on my stomach. Low was only 41F and it was very warm. I did stick a Zlite under it for additional protection.

Starchild
10-20-2019, 14:18
I am a side sleeper and here is my summary. I need a thick pad to be comfortable, but also as soft as I can make it. Like mentioned here, blow it up full then when I am in place I let air out. The goal is to let enough air out so I just don't touch the ground, but stay right above it by the smallest distance. That is the most comfortable I can find in a hikable sleeping pad.

Leo L.
10-21-2019, 04:34
As nobody mentioned it, I will do:
Training to sleep outside of the bed helps a lot.
Usually I spice up the bigger part of my civilisation life by sleeping outside, on the terrace, in the backyard or on other places.
This way I'm really comfortable with my sleeping pad (a Thermarest ProLite), the bag, and all the small noises, rustles and winds of the night.

DuneElliot
10-21-2019, 13:51
As nobody mentioned it, I will do:
Training to sleep outside of the bed helps a lot.
Usually I spice up the bigger part of my civilisation life by sleeping outside, on the terrace, in the backyard or on other places.
This way I'm really comfortable with my sleeping pad (a Thermarest ProLite), the bag, and all the small noises, rustles and winds of the night.

Sounds great in theory until you have actual physical issues that create issues. I didn't used to have an issue with most pads but apparently I've developed a hip issue (at barely-40) that is struggling with most air pads right now. Training yourself doesn't work if it's miserable

Arden
10-21-2019, 17:38
ive always had issues sleeping on my side n did alot of experimenting. my best solution.... put the foam pad on top of the air mat. as someone sugested, overfill the air mat and while laying on it, let out some air so you sink in comfortably. the stiffer foam pad distributes the weight more enenly instead of just sinking into a hip hole.
I'm going to try that. I can lay it out on the floor in my bedroom, then try slipping into my bag for a while. I should be able to know within a few hours whether it will work. Of course, a wooden floor won't have the same 'hardness' as the tent floor on hard ground, but it should give me an idea of what it will be like without having to drag myself (and all my gear) onto the trail.

I have attempted to 'over-inflate' the air mattress, but either I don't have strong enough lungs, or I'm not doing it right. Is there a mechanical pump that could help out? Some sort of bellows with a hose that fits over the valve on the mattress, but at the same time allows one to twist the valve closed...
I wish they used a one-way valve with a release button for deflating. It would make inflation much easier.

Alligator
10-21-2019, 19:55
I'm going to try that. I can lay it out on the floor in my bedroom, then try slipping into my bag for a while. I should be able to know within a few hours whether it will work. Of course, a wooden floor won't have the same 'hardness' as the tent floor on hard ground, but it should give me an idea of what it will be like without having to drag myself (and all my gear) onto the trail.

I have attempted to 'over-inflate' the air mattress, but either I don't have strong enough lungs, or I'm not doing it right. Is there a mechanical pump that could help out? Some sort of bellows with a hose that fits over the valve on the mattress, but at the same time allows one to twist the valve closed...
I wish they used a one-way valve with a release button for deflating. It would make inflation much easier.Inflate as much as you can by blowing air into the valve. Then keep your lips on the valve, keep inflating, and twist the valve shut.

Dogwood
10-21-2019, 20:30
The main reason why I previously mentioned my wt, ht, frame, and having a runners frame is because, if I'm recalling correctly you(Arden), have similar traits. Of pics of yourself you've posted you too have little 'padding' on your hips. This can affect your side sleeping comfort. If I'm not having issue also as a side sleeper, as others are saying, it may be your use of your pads ie; inflation, etc OR something else perhaps not gear related.

Arden
10-22-2019, 15:24
Inflate as much as you can by blowing air into the valve. Then keep your lips on the valve, keep inflating, and twist the valve shut.
At some point, it becomes impossible to keep a good seal around the valve with my lips. Perhaps that is the point where the mattress is properly inflated, but I am getting the idea that I could put more air into it if I had a stronger set of lips... I know, that sounds really corny, but I don't know how else to put it.
If it were a one-way valve (with a release for deflating), it would be much easier to inflate further.

trailmercury
10-22-2019, 16:09
Might have better luck if you use your tongue as a valve stop instead of your lips

Leo L.
10-22-2019, 16:09
Maybe it depends on make and model of the pad.
My Thermarests, I can inflate full-power, and put the tip of the tongue over the opening of the valve to keep it sealed while twisting the valve shut.
With a little training, I can inflate the Thermarest to a pressure level where sleeping becomes uncomfortable.

Regarding the topic of this thread, I try to find a spot for placing my pad where there is (or I can create) a shallow groove right under the hip area.
Makes all the difference for me, beeing a boney guy without padding around the hips.

Arden
10-22-2019, 20:03
Thanks for the tongue tip guys; I hadn't thought of trying that.
I did do a bit of testing this afternoon, and have come to think that perhaps I have been over-inflating the mattress. Using the RidgeRest under the green inflatable, it felt too hard, so I started letting air out a little at a time until it felt more comfortable. This felt more comfortable that putting the CCF pad on top of the inflatable.
I also tried rolling slightly off my side, and that also helps, but it causes too much twist in my neck, being that I wasn't using a pillow. I will try it again using a pillow. I've got a down backpacking pillow, and I thought I had an inflatable as well, but I am unable to locate it now. I thought perhaps slipping an inflatable inside the pocket in the down pillow might result in a much more comfortable setup. Don't know what I did with that inflatable... perhaps I tossed it when I bought the down pillow? Oh well. It wasn't expensive, I can always buy another.

Leo L.
10-23-2019, 02:50
I'm using the sleeve of the Thermarest as a pillow, stuffing it carefully with spare clothes, getting best results with the fleece jacket or the down puffy (if its spare).
When the ground is not exactly my favourite shape, I'd use the hiking trousers and even the camp shoes (Flipflops) to do some terraforming.
Most of my hikes are done in desert environment, where its really easy to form the sandy ground, though.

Arden
10-23-2019, 08:48
I have used spare fleece clothing as a pillow as well, but the down pillow I bought is nice - just needs to be a bit higher sometimes. I think that's why there is a pouch sewed into its cover. If I can locate that air pillow, I'll slip it in there and see what it does. Otherwise, I'll try some spare clothing.
Unfortunately, all of my hiking is in the northeast, where it is difficult to find a spot that isn't rocky. In some areas though, there are tent platforms, which helps.

zelph
10-23-2019, 13:30
A few nights out, weight no big deal, sleep is the most important to have an enjoyable time. Maybe go this route:


https://youtu.be/ZhujpjsfbW0

Time Zone
10-24-2019, 12:28
I'm using the sleeve of the Thermarest as a pillow, stuffing it carefully with spare clothes, getting best results with the fleece jacket or the down puffy (if its spare).

Same here - down puffy is a great pillow to use atop other clothes/items in a sack. I wonder how it would be as a "topper" to an inflatable pillow. Side sleeping requires higher pillow height for me. If I don't have to hike far to the backcountry site, I'll strap on a walmart travel pillow and case, and stuff my puffy on top of that. Great height for side sleeping. The pillow alone is enough if you double it up (but by that time you have a pillow that is 10x15 instead of 20x15 travel size, vs. 20x30 standard size). The puffy alone is even smaller, and not big enough by itself for side sleeping, IMO

DuneElliot
10-25-2019, 01:15
Same here - down puffy is a great pillow to use atop other clothes/items in a sack. I wonder how it would be as a "topper" to an inflatable pillow. Side sleeping requires higher pillow height for me. If I don't have to hike far to the backcountry site, I'll strap on a walmart travel pillow and case, and stuff my puffy on top of that. Great height for side sleeping. The pillow alone is enough if you double it up (but by that time you have a pillow that is 10x15 instead of 20x15 travel size, vs. 20x30 standard size). The puffy alone is even smaller, and not big enough by itself for side sleeping, IMO

I smarted out with a Walmart travel pillow. Loved that thing. I now use a Thermarest compressible pillow. Same weight and size but packs smaller. Worth carrying.

chknfngrs
10-25-2019, 10:02
I am a side sleeper and have used z rest exclusively. perfectly light and just enough to mask the ground. FWIW I have spondylolysthesis while only minor, the z does the trick. But YMMV

QiWiz
10-31-2019, 16:39
I am a stomach and side sleeper. I'm quite comfy on a not-quite firm NeoAir.

Sporky
11-11-2019, 02:31
I've been using the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core, which is a whopping 9cm thick. I REALLY need that thickness though, as I'm on the heavier side and I only ever side-sleep. The downsides are that it's fairly expensive (compared to what back sleepers can get away with... forget it for me, as I have sleep apnea), and it can leak. It feels pretty big and heavy when it's all you have, but compared to alternatives, it's pretty good on those fronts. In the end, the biggest problem I've had was that it leaked very slowly and irreparably (likely through the valve) on my first trip within 3 weeks. I got it replaced with a brand new one, no problem, but I'm always going to worry a little about air pads now. It's just part of life as a side sleeper though, I think.
Edit: after reading every other post, I see that you've got a skinny build, so clearly being heavy is not the problem :) Maybe even for me, the heaviness spreads out, resulting in the same thing? Anyway, my Air Core is indeed quite crinkly, and most annoyingly, slippery. I have a nice inflatable pillow (I really need all the help I can get) which has rough rubber dots on the back so that it doesn't slip off the pad, but my bag does slip. And it's always a real pain to get all the air out and roll up an inflatable pad every morning, like we didn't have enough to do... while feeling the aches. Still, for now, my only workable setup is that very thick, relatively affordable Air Core. Oh, last thing, I don't find that having the pad blown super tight is good. I like to deflate it until I'm just above the ground while on my side. Fully inflated feels horrible IMO!
Good luck to you!

Arden
02-14-2020, 22:47
Hey guys;
Sorry that I kind of left this thread dangling. I kind of got sidetracked with other things, and haven't done any overnighting since the Oct car camping trip to Ascutney VT.
Now, I'm starting to think about a SOBO A.T. thru-hike starting in June or July. I need to work on a lot of things before I can attempt such a major trek, but I'm not getting any younger, so I'm starting to think it's now or never (for the thru-hike).

I think what I'll do to start is lay out on the floor of my bedroom. As has already been stated, the wood floor isn't exactly the hard ground I will be laying on while on the trail, but it isn't so far off that the data won't be useful.

I am thinking perhaps to go to my local outdoor store (I live near a Campmor, REI and Dick's) and see if anyone there is willing to spend a little time with me.
Only problem with that is in the retail business, profit = customers x sales / time. In other words, the more customers with the highest sales per customer and shortest time per customer, the higher the profit. So it is not likely I will find a store that is willing to spend enough time with me if I am only buying a sleeping pad and inflatable pillow for under $200 total.

Perhaps if I could transition from a side sleeper to a back sleeper, all of my problems would be solved. Of course I would still need a better pillow. I think the pillow is the most underrated component of the sleeping system, whether it be for backpacking, car camping, or sleeping at home.
I recently purchased a 'memory foam' pillow which is intended for side sleepers. It is more firm, and has a higher loft than the old pillow I was using. It made a huge difference in my side sleeping comfort at home. I'm thinking I might be able to transition from a side sleeper to a back sleeper at home, then do same on the trail - with a new backpacking pillow system.

Maybe I'll just go for the NeoAir and a new pillow, and see what happens. It's not like I'm buying a car; it's only a few hundred bucks. If I am willing to take some (monetary) risks, and spend the time experimenting, I will probably get what I am looking for. If I don't do anything, I'll probably never do another backpacking trek.
And if I'm ever going to attempt an A.T. thru-hike, I've got to start somewhere...

FromNH
02-15-2020, 05:33
Have you considered using a hammock?

IGY6
02-15-2020, 08:30
+1 on hammock. I used a tent originally and would toss and turn all night, might as well not even have a sleeping pad. made the switch to a hammock and now I sleep like a rock, I don't hardly move. and with proper insulation it's the best sleep i get.

IGY6
02-15-2020, 08:34
My wife uses a klymit insulated static v. It has slight inflatable rails help keep you in place. She loves it, r value 4.4, $50 worth a try.

Arden
02-15-2020, 09:15
Have you considered using a hammock?
Not really, but I guess I should try it out. I suppose that if I visit an outdoor store, they would have several models set up for 'test sleeping'.

Puddlefish
02-15-2020, 10:07
I'll second the use of the sit pad under the hip. I use the sit pad initially in my vestibule, so I can kneel as I enter my tent, and keep the inside of the tent clean. I use a standard Klymit green inflatable, if I find my hip is digging into the cold ground, I'll grab that sit pad, knock any loose dirt off it, and stuff it under. I've also been known to use spare clothing underneath the air mattress to level one side of the mattress when I had to pitch on a slight incline, this also helps with the cold.

I've also found that the more I hike, the more weight I lose, the less my acid reflux acts up, and the more sleep positions I'm capable of sleeping in. Especially after a 10 hour day of hiking. I found testing sleep pads on the living room floor at home to be pointless. After a non hiking day, I'm not nearly tired enough to fall asleep on a thin little mattress. Works fine on the trail of course.

FromNH
02-15-2020, 17:00
You have listed pretty much all the reasons why I switched to a hammock:)
Happy hiking, I’m going up to Ethan’s Pond in a couple of weeks.

needlefish
02-16-2020, 08:14
My wife uses a klymit insulated static v. It has slight inflatable rails help keep you in place. She loves it, r value 4.4, $50 worth a try.
i have this pad,i'm 6' 190lbs, sleep on my side, stomach & back. it works fine for me. if you don't mind a little extra weight it's a decent pad.

MtDoraDave
02-17-2020, 07:59
Another vote for trying out the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite .
I started with a Ridgerest CCF pad, doubled (using the short one) for the chest shoulder area. Too firm, couldn't sleep.
Went to a Thermarest Prolite Plus (1.5" thick) and slept better, but still tossed and turned every night on it.
Went to a NeoAir Xlite, and have had the best sleep yet. Toss and turn WAY less. As others have said, don't blow it up firm; leave it slightly soft, just enough to keep your hips and shoulders off the ground when you are on your side.
Putting it on top of a ccf pad is not a bad idea, just in case you lose air overnight, you won't wake up hypothermic.

Kittyslayer
02-20-2020, 10:22
I am a side sleeper and typically my issue is padding for my hip. Wife was sick last week so I self quarantined myself to the floor in the living room. Experimented with my Z-Lite and found a solution for my hip. By putting an extra Z fold in the middle of the pad I got a triple layer of padding at my hips. Worked out well and stayed in place even when I flip flopped. Didn't need insulation for my lower legs in the house and I am okay with my shoulders when side sleeping.

46148

trailmercury
02-20-2020, 12:23
I am a side sleeper and typically my issue is padding for my hip. Wife was sick last week so I self quarantined myself to the floor in the living room. Experimented with my Z-Lite and found a solution for my hip. By putting an extra Z fold in the middle of the pad I got a triple layer of padding at my hips. Worked out well and stayed in place even when I flip flopped. Didn't need insulation for my lower legs in the house and I am okay with my shoulders when side sleeping.

46148

Brilliant!!!

mdax
02-21-2020, 11:28
I've found I really dislike the thicker pads, tried a NeoAir Xlite, UberLite...really didn't like them.
The uberlite would slide around on the floor of my duplex like no ones business, human air hockey...

Found I like pads that are 1-1.5" and the Thermarest Prolite in short is great for me.
I wish thermarest made it as a thin inflatable instead of self inflate so it'd be lighter, but it is what it is and I fall asleep quickly.