6 Best Sleeping Pads for Side Sleepers that Really Work
For side sleepers, not just any sleeping pad will do on our backpacking or camping trips. We need a sleeping pad that is thick enough to keep our hips and shoulders from digging into the ground so we don’t wake up with unnecessary aches. So, what is the best sleeping pad for side sleepers? Here are 6 of the top contenders:
- Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
- Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
- Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
- Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL Sleeping Pad
Sleeping pad thickness is an important factor for side sleepers, but you should also consider R-value, size, shape and weight during your search.
For this list, a sleeping pad must be at least 2.5” thick to qualify as being among the best for side sleepers. Additionally, the sleeping pad must serve well as a 3-season pad and not just for summer camping.
Not sure if you need a sleeping pad? Find out why you most likely do!
1. Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 3.25” with 3.50” outer chambers |
| Length | 72” – Regular |
| Width | 20” – Regular |
| Weight | 18oz – Regular |
| R-Value | 3.2 |
| Price | ~ $150 (check current price) |
| Pump Included | Yes – Inflation Sack |
The Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad is one of several great sleeping pads offered by Big Agnes, which includes the regular Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad. This insulated version outshines its sibling though because the R-Value is higher and fits well into the range of 3-season sleeping pads. Plus, it only weighs two more ounces for a regular-sized pad.
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
The Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad is great for side sleepers because it is 3.25 inches thick with 3.5-inch outer chambers to help keep you from rolling off. It offers a 3.2 R-value and checks in at only 18oz for the regular-sized pad which is pretty lightweight considering how thick it is.
Another plus is that the Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad comes in wide sizes, which can be advantageous to side sleepers who tend to turn from one side to the other during the night, helping you stay on your pad without the fear of rolling off onto the cold ground.
But what puts the Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad on top of this list is what you get for the price. At only around $150 (regular-sized), the Q-Core offers a great balance of thickness, warmth, and weight.
Check out the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad on Amazon!
2. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 4.00” |
| Length | 72” – Regular |
| Width | 21.5” – Regular |
| Weight | 17.3oz – Regular |
| R-Value | 3.2 |
| Price | ~ $190 |
| Pump Included | Yes – Inflation Sack |
Next on our list is one of many great pads from Sea to Summit, the Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. Again, the insulated version of this pad makes it over the non-insulated solely because it is more suitable for 3-season camping. The standard Ether Light XT, while having equal thickness, only has a 1.2 R-value, which is fine for summer camping, but you’ll probably want a little bit more warmth during the cooler months.
It was hard to put this one behind the BA Insulated Q-Core SLX, but the separating factor was the price, as the Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad has a higher price, with the regular costing ~$190.
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
What makes the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad great for side sleepers is that it is 4 inches thick! That’s a lot of cushion to protect our bones! Additionally, the regular pad is 21.5 inches wide, so the extra 1.5 inches can be beneficial for giving you more space to roll around.
The Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad also only weighs 17.3oz for the regular size, which is lighter than the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad while still being a half-inch thicker and having the same 3.2 R-value.
Unlike some of the other sleeping pads on this list, the Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is also available in not only different sizes, but in different shapes as well, offering both mummy and rectangular models.
3. Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 3.00” |
| Length | 72” – Regular |
| Width | 20” – Regular |
| Weight | 15oz – Regular (Rectangular) |
| R-Value | 3.5 |
| Price | ~ $160 (check current price) |
| Pump Included | Yes – Vortex Pump Sack |
The Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is definitely one of the coziest pads for side sleepers. While it is not as thick as the previous two pads, the Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is still a respectable 3 inches thick. In addition, this pad has what Nemo calls Spaceframe baffles that helps to create a more stable sleep surface.
The Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad, like the previous models mentioned above, does have a non-insulated version with a 1.6 R-value, which again, doesn’t make the cut for a good 3-season sleeping pad in my opinion, so the insulated version wins again.
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
The Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad isn’t just one of the best sleeping pads for side sleepers, but one of the best sleeping pads in general. It’s 3 inches thick and the Spaceframe baffle system makes this one of the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market.
The Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad only weighs 15oz (regular rectangular), so to get the amount of comfort this pad offers at such a low weight makes this an awesome choice for anyone looking to get good sleep when camping, back and side sleepers alike. The Tensor also boasts a respectable 3.5 R-value, so it is perfect for 3-season camping.
A wide range of sizes is also available for the Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad. It offers both mummy and rectangular shapes, plus short, wide, and long versions. One of these configurations is sure to be perfect for you, whether you want to cut ounces by going with the short mummy version, or you are big and tall and need a long, wide version.
To top it all off, Nemo designed the Tensor Sleeping Pad to be much quieter than its competitors by using a suspended film construction that eliminates the infamous crinkly sound many campers have grown to hate from other pads. Being as side sleepers tend to switch sides throughout the night, having a quieter pad is a huge win.
Check out the Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad on Amazon!
4. Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 3.25” with 3.50” outer chambers |
| Length | 72” – Regular |
| Width | 20” – Regular |
| Weight | 22oz – Regular |
| R-Value | 4.5 |
| Price | ~ $100 (check current price) |
| Pump Included | Yes – Inflation Sack |
Another great pad from Big Agnes, the Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad is right up there with the best sleeping pads on the market. Compared to its cousin, the Q-Core SLX, the Air Core has a higher R-value at the cost of 4 extra ounces. But to further offset the weight gain, this pad only cost around $100! So, are you willing to pack 4 more ounces for more warmth and spend around $50 less? And do I even need to mention the non-insulated version of this pad?
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
Like the Q-Core SLX, the Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad is 3.25 inches thick and has 3.5-inch outer chambers to help keep you on the pad during the night. Both pads also share a quick inflation valve with a micro adjustment for dialing in your desired firmness, and being able to easily adjust the firmness of your pad can be critical to your overall comfort.
Unlike the Q-Core SLX, this pad has a higher R-value of 4.5 so it will help keep you warmer on colder nights. The Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping pad weighs 22oz, which isn’t very light, but not too heavy either. For such a great price, the extra warmth is worth a few more ounces.
You also have a wide variety of sizes to choose from, including a 50” wide model! That is overkill for backpacking (unless sharing) but if you are just camping it may be perfect for you. Wide, long, and short models are also available.
Check out the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad on Amazon!
5. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 2.5” |
| Length | 72” – Regular |
| Width | 20” – Regular |
| Weight | 12oz – Regular |
| R-Value | 4.2 |
| Price | ~ $185 (check current price) |
| Pump Included | Yes – Pump sack |
No “best” sleeping pad list is complete without including the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, arguably the best overall sleeping pad available and seemingly the most popular for thru-hikers. The NeoAir XLite is only 2.5 inches thick, which is my recommended minimum thickness for a sleeping pad for side sleepers, but for most of us this is enough to keep our bones from pressing into the hard ground.
If you want a similar version of this pad with more warmth, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad is a great choice offering a 6.9 R-value (great for all seasons). At the opposite end of the spectrum, you can try to the NeoAir UberLite which is lighter, but offers less warmth with only a 2.3 R-value. The NeoAir XLite meets in the middle and still offers enough warmth to be an excellent sleeping pad for 3-season camping.
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
As previously mentioned, 2.5 inches is just thick enough for most side sleepers. While that might be a slight negative when compared to the other thicker models, the NeoAir XLite has a 4.2 R-value that will keep you warm even during mild winter nights. This pad also only weighs 12 ounces for the regular sized model, meaning it offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of all the sleeping pads on this list.
The NeoAir XLite is only available in a mummy shape, but they offer various sizing options including a regular, small, large, and regular wide. A wide version is always a perk when it comes to side sleepers to help ensure we stay on the pad throughout our shifting from side to side during the night.
The biggest knock on the NeoAir XLite though is the “crinkly” noise it makes when you move. This may or may not be a deal breaker for you, but there are certainly some quieter options available. However, if you can handle the noise and the 2.5-inch thickness works for you, the NeoAir XLite is possibly the best choice.
Check out the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite on Amazon!
6. Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL Sleeping Pad
| Thickness | 4.0” |
| Length | 76” |
| Width | 23” |
| Weight | 26oz |
| R-Value | 4.7 |
| Price | ~ $85 (check current price) |
| Pump Included | No – Sold Separately |
Paria Outdoor Products isn’t as big of a name as the previous brands on this list, but they have earned a reputation for offering great backpacking and camping products for a great price. The Recharge XL Sleeping Pad is one of those awesome pieces of gear and it comes in at a very budget-friendly price of around $85.
There are other models of the Recharge sleeping pad, but they offer different thicknesses and different R-values. For this reason, I feel like the Recharge XL is best suited for this list, but the thinner and lighter Recharge UL is another great option.
Why this sleeping pad is great for side sleepers
Aside from being the cheapest option on this list, the Recharge XL is a great sleeping pad for side sleepers because it is 4 inches thick and offers the highest R-value (4.7) we have seen on this list.
While the Recharge XL is the heaviest option, it is still respectable at 26 ounces which isn’t bad considering the thickness and price. Plus, this pad is listed as XL for a reason being 23 inches wide and 76 inches long, which is a great size if you need a few more inches of space.
Like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, the Recharge XL uses horizontal baffles that some people prefer over vertical and air sprung systems. If this is you, and the NeoAir XLite isn’t thick enough for your taste and weight is of little concern, the Recharge XL is the sleeping pad for you.
Check out the Paria Recharge XL Sleeping Pad on Amazon!
Recap
| Model | Thickness | R-value | Weight | Price |
| BA Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad | 3.25” (3.50” outer chambers) | 3.2 | 18 oz (regular) | ~ $150 |
| Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad | 4” | 3.2 | 17.3 oz (regular) | ~ $190 |
| Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad | 3” | 3.5 | 15 oz (regular) | ~ $160 |
| BA Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad | 3.25” (3.50” outer chambers) | 4.5 | 22 oz (regular) | ~ $100 |
| Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad | 2.5” | 4.2 | 12 oz (regular) | ~ $185 |
| Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL Sleeping Pad | 4” | 4.7 | 26 oz | ~ $85 |
What to look for in a Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers
Most things you should factor into the equation when it comes to choosing a great sleeping pad for side sleepers are much the same for choosing any sleeping pad.
Sleeping Pad Thickness
Thickness is probably the biggest factor in what makes a sleeping pad great for side sleepers. If a pad isn’t thick enough, you will feel the hard ground at your hips and other points of high pressure. A sleeping pad may not be thick enough if you do not feel the ground when still but you do when you shift your weight.
The thickness of a sleeping pad is also a big contributor in the R-value of a sleeping pad. The thicker a pad is the warmer it will likely be. This doesn’t necessarily hold true when you cross brands, but that is because of the different materials and insulation used in the construction of those pads. If you take any one pad and make it thicker, then that pad will become warmer.
Sleeping Pad Size
Standard size for most sleeping pads is 20” x 72”, but as side sleepers we may require a little additional space to maximize our comfort. Because we tend to shift from side to side, having a wider sleeping pad helps us stay on our pad and not roll off onto the cold ground. If you are a side sleeper that stays put, then a standard size pad might work great for you.
There are plenty of sleeping pad size configurations: Long, short, wide, long and wide. Make sure you choose one that comes in a size that is comfortable for you. If a sleeping pad has plenty of thickness but isn’t wide enough, then it isn’t the right one for you.
Sleeping Pad Shape
The shape of a sleeping pad is another important characteristic to consider. You usually have two options: Mummy and rectangular.
Mummy sleeping pads taper down toward the foot-end and tend to be lighter than rectangular pads simply because there is less material. However, there is less area as well, and this can be a drawback for some backpackers and campers. Know that if you use a mummy sleeping bag, you do not have to use a mummy sleeping pad.
Rectangular pads offer more space, but they will be heavier in general. The couple of extra ounces may be worth it to you though.
Sleeping Pad R-Value
Don’t let the R-value of a sleeping pad go by the wayside! In the list above, I mentioned several other sleeping pad options that will work well for side sleepers, but the lower R-value ultimately kept them off the list.
With that said, if you only want to camp during the summer months, those sleeping pads will work just fine, but most backpackers and campers want to plan at least for 3-seasons, so I recommend an R-value around 2 at minimum. The higher the R-value, the deeper into the colder months a sleeping pad should be able to work for.
If you are looking to camp when temperatures fall into the teens (F) and below, I recommend going with a sleeping pad that has an R-value at 5 or higher. That being the case, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm is the sleeping pad to beat.
Sleeping Pad Weight
How much a sleeping pad weighs does not affect how comfortable a sleeping pad will be for a side sleeper, but it is still something to consider especially if you are a backpacker looking to keep your base weight down.
Sleeping Pad Price
Unfortunately, even though it has nothing to do with comfort, price is often a driving factor in our choice of backpacking and camping gear, so we need to find something within our budget. Find the best sleeping pad that you can afford, even if it is not on this list. A good, budget-friendly option is the Wellax Ultralight Sleeping Pad. Read my hands-on review here.
Where to Buy Sleeping Pads
If you are ready to purchase your sleeping pad, REI is probably your best in-store option. However, REI does not offer every size and shape configuration for many pads in-store and online, so other online retailers like Amazon and backcountry.com are worth checking out.
You can also go directly to that sleeping pad’s manufacturer’s website and usually order straight from them. This is a great option because the factory website will list all possible configurations they make for that model, maybe even options you can’t find anywhere else online or in-store.
Here’s the links to all the above listed sleeping pads’ manufacturer page:
- Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX Sleeping Pad
- Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad
- Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad
- Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad
- Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
- Paria Outdoor Products Recharge XL Sleeping Pad
If you are looking to find one of these sleeping pads for a cheaper price, then eBay and Craigslist are options. You can also check out REI’s used gear section for some awesome deals. They might not have exactly what you are looking for right now but check back regularly to see if anything becomes available.
6 Helpful Sleeping Tips for Side Sleepers
For us side sleepers, there are some techniques we can use to help us sleep better. Here are the 6 great tips that can help you be more comfortable when camping.
- Use the right camping pillow
- Position your pillow correctly
- Use a second pad for extra padding
- Use a pad between your knees
- Deflate your sleeping pad a little
- Ditch your sleeping bag for a quilt
Not all these tips are for everyone, but if you suffer from discomfort when sleeping on your side, then I believe some of these can help you.
1. Use the right backpacking pillow
A backpacking pillow can make all the difference when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep when camping. Unfortunately, not all pillows are ideal for side sleepers.
Using the right backpacking pillow means having a pillow with enough loft to keep your neck aligned with your spine. This can help eliminate any neck pain you may suffer from after side sleeping using a pillow that is too thick or thin.
If your backpacking pillow isn’t thick enough, you can opt to buy a thicker pillow or try using a stuff sack filled with clothes. However, throughout the night, the stuff sack will probably become more compressed requiring you to fluff it up periodically.
If your backpacking pillow is too thick, assuming your are using an inflatable one, release some air until you achieve the perfect amount of loft.
2. Position your backpacking pillow correctly
Not only is it important to have a backpacking pillow with the right amount of loft, but you need to make sure you position it correctly.
Make sure your neck and head are fully rested on your pillow by tucking your backpacking pillow into the shoulder of the side you are sleeping on. This ensures that your neck and head are fully supported and does not create a tilt that will lead to discomfort.
Some backpacking pillows may not be large enough to do this. If this is the case, I recommend finding a larger option.
3. Use a second sleeping pad for extra padding
If your hips and shoulders are pressing into the ground, then your sleeping pad is not thick enough for your body (assuming it is fully inflated).
You can use a second sleeping pad underneath your primary pad to gain some extra cushion. A closed-cell foam pad will probably serve this purpose the best.
Not only does using a second sleeping pad give you extra padding, it is also the best way to increase how insulated you are from the ground, helping you to stay warmer throughout the night.
4. Use a pad between your knees
To alleviate discomfort at your knees, it is a good idea to place a pad between them when sleeping on your side. You can bring a second pillow for this, but a sit pad can also do the job.
This also helps to relieve pressure on your hips, lower back, and spine, all which will help you sleep more comfortably while avoiding aches in the morning.
5. Deflate your sleeping pad
Letting air out may seem to defeat the purpose of having a thicker sleeping pad but doing so reduces the firmness and makes your pad more flexible. Being more flexible means your sleeping pad will be more forgiving to the curves of your body, which you may or may not need.
However, most air sleeping pads have flexibility already, but deflating your pad to achieve your desired firmness can be beneficial to side sleepers and back sleepers alike.
6. Ditch your sleeping pad for a quilt
This tip is sure to be controversial but take it or leave it. I believe a quilt is more comfortable for side sleepers due to your ability to maneuver around inside all while keeping your quilt in place. For this to be true however, you need to have a quilt with a sleeping pad attachment system.
A sleeping pad attachment system enables the usage of a strap or chord wrapped underneath a sleeping pad that can then be attached to the attachment loops on a quilt. This keeps your quilt in place and allows you to turn from side to side while not having to worry about repositioning your quilt.
Sometimes, sleeping bags are too restricting and if you try to roll over, it gets twisted and then you must work to get it straight again. For this reason, I feel that a quilt just works better for side sleepers.
So, what is the best sleeping pad for side sleepers?
As detailed above, there is a lot to consider when it comes to what is the best sleeping pad for side sleepers. Everyone has their preferences so saying one is better than all the rest is ridiculous. That being so, this list is a great start to finding the best sleeping pad for you. Hopefully this, along with the side sleeper tips, will aid you in finding more comfort on your next backpacking or camping trip.
