The BEST Camping Mattress for Side Sleepers: Exped MegaMat Max 15

[@amandac6681]

Hi Ryan, thanks for making the review I appreciate the in-depth review and it helped make my decision. Keep up the good work best wishes Amanda

[@rtmadani]

Hey, thank you so much, your support means a ton to us!

[@cyndimontanaro2902]

bought a 10 and a max a few years ago, and as side sleepers, we found the 10 just wasn't enough, so we went back and got a second max. Then we got another ten. We can build a ten inch queen by putting all four of them in a queen sized zipper mattress cover and it's amazing!

[@rtmadani]

That sounds comfy!

[@abkayla1T]

I wish i read this comment before returning my megamat 15. I originally purchased it with the intent of sleeping in back of car. I got for a good price since they had a 25% sale and i also had a $200 giftcard from work. Ended up paying $85 for megamat 15. Decided that i was exchanging it for the MW 10 to better fit the back of my car. But i miss the thickness of the 15. So much better for sleepovers. Tempted to return and get the 15 again. I wish exped had the 15 thickness in MW size. That would be best for me..

[@francinesparks5404]

Hello Ryan, Interesting comparison. Curious if you noticed if the 15 is much bigger when it is packed? Does it take longer to deflate? I am like you, always interested in ways to make camping more luxurious. Thank you.

[@rtmadani]

Hey, so right now I have the 15 in a single and my 10s are in double sizes. However, if the 15 were a double I can already tell after rolling the single, it’s going to require a bit more time to decompress with all that extra foam. I’m surprised even on the thickest version that there’s only one deflation valve, particularly on the duo version. The single 15 wasn’t too bad to roll up, though I’m used to always rolling doubles. Always nice to hear from you!

[@TheSpyNZ]

I wonder if you use a portable metal bed frame when camping and place either the 4inch or 6inch thick mattress on top of it instead of on the ground, would there be a difference felt then between the thicknesses and if 4 inch would be just as comfy as 6inch version?

[@rtmadani]

I think the 6inch may still feel a bit more supportive even on slats.

[@richardaddicott5228]

Just what I needed to help me decide. Informative as always - Thanks Rich, Cardiff, UK

[@rtmadani]

Hey, glad to hear the video was helpful! Thank you for your support!

[@erickhart6159]

I just bought the 10 for use in a roofnest. I figure the 10 duo with the roofnest 2"memory foam..... Hopefully should be a comfortable setup.

[@rtmadani]

I think the 10 is great on its own, should feel even better though on top of the stock mattress!

[@MeMe-cd1wy]

Over the years, I have purchased many Expeds. 3 megamat xlw, 2 megamat lite, 1 downwinter lite, 2 sun mats, 1 megamat duo and 1 megamat MW. In my opinion, they are the best going. I would like to see the 15 in MW. It wouldn’t fit in my tent otherwise. I have gone to smaller tents and the big XWLs are loaned out to friends with big tents.

[@rtmadani]

Wow, you've owned quite a few models! I'm not sure why the 15 isn't produced in more sizes, hopefully they increase their size offerings! Thank you for watching!

[@lennygarrison6836]

Hey Ryan, I’m enjoying your content! Quick question, is there any chance the Exped MegaMat would fit in a 2024 Subaru Crosstrek? I’m talking the front seats would have to be pushed all the way towards the front of the vehicle. I’m trying to decide between getting this, or the Luno Life Air Mattress. What are your thoughts?

[@rtmadani]

Hey, just tried it in my 24 Crosstrek and like you said with front seats all the way forward, including the seat back recline, it’s an exact fit front to back. I’ve never tried the Luno, but I’ve been using the MegaMats for a while and the quality and comfort is top notch. I briefly looked into Luno and it appears to just be air, so I don’t think it would be as comfortable, but again I’ve never laid on it.

[@lennygarrison6836]

Ryan, thanks for the reply! And thank you so much for checking if it fits in your Crosstrek! I was currently watching your solo camping video from 3 months ago, and noticed your 24 Crosstrek! From all the reviews I’ve seen, the Exped is #1 when it comes to overall comfort and quality. With your recommendation and experience, I think I’m going to give it a try! Btw, where abouts did you film that solo camping video? That place is beautiful!

[@lennygarrison6836]

@@rtmadaniand you’re right, Luno being just an air mattress, doesn’t instill confidence when it comes to long term sleeping comfort. I much prefer the foam coil technology with the Exped.

[@rtmadani]

@@lennygarrison6836 Of course, I've been wanting to do a car camp setup like this in the future, so this was a great test run. The solo trip is a HipCamp in Port Angeles, WA.

[@lennygarrison6836]

Ryan, I’ll be looking out for that future video! Btw, the PNW is stunning! I’ll have to make it back out that way soon! I’m really just starting my camping and overlanding journey! I love the outdoors, and I LOVE adventure!! You put out good content Ryan! Stay safe brother!

[@kporter1979]

Hey Ryan, I’m debating between the 10 and 15 for my RTT. Can you compare the thickness of the two when fully deflated? I’m curious if the foam in the 15 compresses a lot and is marginally thicker than the 10 at full deflation - or if there is a significant difference. Thanks!

[@rtmadani]

Hey, I don't own the same sizes mats to compare but I have seen both the 10 LW and 15 LW deflated and can tell you the 15 isn't significantly bigger as long as you take the time to get ALL the air out. It will be harder to roll the double because of how much foam there is, but if you're going with a single size it's not bad at all to roll up.

[@cireincognito]

Hi Ryan, I tried using your link for the MegaMat Max 15 Double, but it doesn't seem to be working for me. Your other links worked fine, though.

[@rtmadani]

Hey, thank you for the heads up on the link! I appreciate your support!

[@hestoutdoors]

Have you tried a HEST yet? Great for side sleepers :)

[@rtmadani]

Hey, my wife and I recently tried the HEST Foamy on a camping trip and it is very plush feeling with great contour! I'll be getting a full review of the Foamy up on the channel soon. Thank you for watching!

[@starbuckskrys]

Looks like the max will be discontinued. Do you know if a better version is coming out soon?

[@rtmadani]

Yeah I think they’ve switched all their mats to having more deflation valves. Oddly enough, they just released a pump that completely deflates the mats to factory size. Personally, I don’t like the additional valves, just more things that could go wrong.

[@rdwok14]

It looks like they are replacing it with a new version that has 15 dropped from the name but is the same dimensions and $20 more. $350 for the Megamat Max 15 and $370 for the Megamat Max (new Spring 2025). Duo LW+ is going from $500 to $520 also.

[@rtmadani]

@@rdwok14 Yeah it looks to be the same, with additional deflation valves and side handles for carrying. I think the max paired with the new MegaPump might be the best option out there for most people.

[@dcfavorite]

Hi Ryan, thanks for the video, just wondering, it is a good idea to elevate these mattresses on a cot? I've heard so many stories of inflatable mattresses leaking when it's placed directly on the ground.

[@rtmadani]

Hey, it's not necessary to use the Exped mattresses on a cot. I've had mine for several years now and haven't experienced leaking when using it on the ground in a tent. However, on the floor in my tent, I use either the snow peak mat or a queen size Pendleton wool blanket. Both provide a bit of insulation from the ground. Having said that, I still think the Exped Mattresses will not loose air over night. Using them with a cot is nice though and gives a more bed like feel while also allowing for storage underneath.

[@dcfavorite]

@@rtmadani big thanks for answering! Having a blanket on the floor is an excellent idea! To be honest, I always had leaking problems with Intex air mattresses, so while I'm heading out to get a Megamat 10, I'm really concern about making it last for many years to come. :D

[@pitstop_calvin]

Do you think it has 2 more inches of foam or 2 more inches of air? In other words, is the foam thickness the same in the 15 as in the 10?

[@rtmadani]

There’s 2 inches more foam in the 15 vs. the 10. The foam in these mats fills the entire mattress edge to edge and adding air just makes it feel more dense.

[@pitstop_calvin]

​@@rtmadani REI had them on sale for their yearly Memorial Day sale so I jumped on the MegaMat 15 Long X-Wide. I'm a big guy and 60 years old, I need all the foam I can get in a camping sleeping pad! Thanks for the information!

[@LowKey253]

how durable are these? can they handle dogs?

[@rtmadani]

They are durable but I’d say not suitable for dogs. I’d avoid anything with air and just go all foam with a dog.

[@LowKey253]

@@rtmadani thanks. you have any suggestions? I use the 3in foam mattress topper from walmart but i wake up kinda stiff, and its pretty cumbersome.

[@rtmadani]

@@LowKey253 I've heard some people just throw a waterproof mattress protector on their Exped which should help reduce a puncture. Also dog booties, but I don't know that all dogs would want to wear those. The safest is all foam, but the cons I've found with all foam is they are just too soft for me. The popular all foam choice seems to be Hest, but I haven't slept on one myself to confirm longterm feel. I'd say if you're looking for something to dial in the firmness try an Exped out with the protector.

[@bcon900]

I would have liked to see a packable size comparison.

[@rtmadani]

Hey, thanks for sharing this, I will put together a new video showing pack sizes as well as the whole user experience of it from start to finish. Appreciate the feedback!

[@HDMOVIECREATOR2012]

@@rtmadanidid you create the video?

[@rtmadani]

@@HDMOVIECREATOR2012 Not yet, but Exped is sending me a new version of this mattress to try out so I'll be sure to show all the steps during the review this time around! Thanks for watching!

[@HDMOVIECREATOR2012]

@ have you looked into exped covers? Not made by exped, but just a bed cover for these luxury beds

[@rtmadani]

@@HDMOVIECREATOR2012 I use Sijo Eucalyptus Sheets and Pendleton wool blankets and it feels just like a bed out there!

[@McQzv]

Too bad the 15 doesn’t come in queen

[@rtmadani]

They should consider!

[@Jakelol1980]

I would love to see the max as a mummy shaped long version that is 25” wide.

[@rtmadani]

@Jakelol1980 I hope they make it more sizes!

[@Jakelol1980]

@@rtmadani Yes because i would really love to have a 15 MAX in my Bivy.