How To Sleep Comfortably In An SUV!

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Sleeping in SUV

Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Paul S.

Sleeping comfortably in an SUV is a great way to save money and time.  Money, because you don’t have to stay in that expensive hotel, and Time because you can be closer to that trailhead, bike path, or adventure. Sleeping in your SUV means get up and GO once the day breaks!

Now sleeping comfortably in your SUV can be difficult.  Typically your SUV will have the space but now you need to fit it with the gear to get you a good night’s sleep comfortably!

This article will focus on items that are must-haves in order to convert your SUV into a literal dream mobile. We have searched for these items by reading reviews, checking out actual buy comments, and basing a lot of it on our own nightmare camping expeditions. We have used our nightmares to turn them into your dreams!

We have used our nightmares to turn them into your dreams!

So read on to get the best of the best for sleeping comfortably in your SUV!

Car Camping Organizer

Organization is one thing to help you sleep better in your SUV that could be overlooked.  The first thing with organization is that you can find everything you need because it is put in the correct spot. The second is that you won’t roll over and start sleeping on some food that wasn’t placed back in its location. It’s never great to wake up to crushed goldfish crackers all over your face!

We have found some great organizational tools to help you keep your car neat and tidy.  Check them out below. In them, you can store your books, maps (if you’re off grid), headlamps, water bottles, and snacks.  The list can go on! 

H Helteko Back Seat Car Organizer

This car organizer is great because you get two back seat organizers that have 9 different-sized pockets for each chair. There are plenty of pockets for two people.  

What we like about the organizer:

  • Clear tablet holder so that you can watch movies or videos
  • Adjustable for different sized vehicles
  • Comes with 2 Organizers

Cons:

  • Supersized water bottles will not fit into the bottle holders

Tsumbay Car Back Seat Organizer

This is another 9 pocket organizer similar to the one above but this one is set up a little differently. This one has a foldable tray that is great to sit a laptop down and then two pockets for bottle holders, 2 pockets for phones, 2 pockets for tablets, and 3 locations for miscellaneous items. 

The foldable tray is our favorite item because the table could be used for so many things. 

What we Like About It:

  • Adjustable tray that has a rim to keep things from falling off easy
  • Made of artificial leather for easy cleanups
  • Adjustable straps to adjust the organizer while sleeping in the back

Cons:

  • Only comes with one seat organizer

Conclusion

Both of these systems are great but since we like to add as much value as we can on this site we choose H Helteko back seat organizer as our top choice.  It beat out the other one because you get two for almost the price of the other one and the reviews on the internet are so great!

How to Sleep Comfortably in An SUV – Vehicle Ventilation

While sleeping in your SUV seems like a no brainer don’t forget that your natural body heat and breathing could cause your SUV to get too hot depending on the weather conditions. In this case, you need to allow some movement of outside air to inside air to occur, and keeping your windows closed is not an option. 

We have some solutions to help a stuffy SUV get some fresh air or at least cool you down a bit. This can be very critical depending on the weather to get you to sleep comfortably in an SUV.

Xool Electric Car Fan

A fan is the easiest way to keep you cool while trying to sleep in your SUV. The Xool Car fan provides two independent fans that can rotate in both directions to assist two people at the same time. 

It fits conveniently on the headrest and plugs into the 12V receptacle every SUV has. An issue it has is that it will drain your battery so be sure to have a strong battery and to make sure you don’t use it too often before you drive again. 

What we like:

  • Dual fans that swivel in many directions
  • Fits on the headrest so it can cover your sleeping area from above
  • Comes with 6 adhesive clamps to assist in hiding the power cord

Cons:

  • The cord is only 4.5 feet long so will fit most SUVs but not if you need to locate the fan in a location far away from a 12V receptacle

Portable Camping Fan

Another fan but this portable camping fan by AMACOOL is battery powered so it can be located anywhere. The battery is rechargeable via a USB cable and it comes with a hook so that you can hang it as well! 

The best thing about the fan is that it has a light and a scent diffuser so it checks the box for many utilities which is great for space saving when it comes to sleeping in your SUV. 

What we like:

  • Portability with hook and battery powered
  • Utility: LED Flashlight, fan, diffuser!
  • Can be operated with a USB cable as well

Cons:

  • The fan does make a noise so for light sleepers it could be an issue but if you like white noise then you could be in heaven!

Qualizzi Car Window Sun Shade

While fans are great for blowing air in your SUV you still need to crack a window to be able to exchange fresh air with the stale air that quickly consumes your car while you are sleeping. 

The Qualizzi Car window shade can act as a screen for your window so that you can crack it open to allow for some ventilation. You don’t want any mosquitos or bugs to get in while you are sleeping. 

It can also act as a shade when it is really sunny or to help block that annoying street light as you fall asleep.  

Be sure to measure your window and door frame and match them up with the appropriate size before you order. 

What we love:

  • The window shade acts as a sun shade and bug barrier
  • Easy Install and Removal
  • Comes with Two

Cons:

  • Not for rainy days. Some reviewers mentioned that it will actually assist the rain in getting in the vehicle. But you could still crack the window just a bit because every bit helps if it is warmer out. 
  • Not for vehicles that have sliding doors

Roadie – Overnighter SUV Window Tent

The Overnighter by Roadie has provided the best overall solution to being able to get fresh air through your window while sleeping no matter the conditions. This product has a screen and a small awning to protect you from bugs and the rain. Check out the photos at the link below to see it in action.  

It also has great photos from reviewers so be sure to check them out at the link below.

This is one of those products that will make your life easier!

What we love:

  • Keep the windows down and don’t worry about bugs or the weather!
  • Universal fit for most SUVs
  • Easy install and removal, then pack it away until its next use

Cons:

  • The most expensive item on the ventilation list but also is the top item by far in this section. 

Magnetic Window Screen

This window screen is for your sun/moon roof.  This is a great option for those that have the sun/moon roof package on their SUV because as we all know hot air rises and this will help get that old hot air out of your SUV. 

What we love:

  • It’s magnetic so it makes for an easy install/uninstall on your SUV
  • Can even be placed on a window if needed
  • Budget priced
  • Can be used as a sunshade during the day

Cons:

  • Do not use it while driving

Be sure to measure your SUV’s moon/sunroof prior to purchasing

Conclusion

The Roadie Overnighter made the top of the list because you can use in almost all conditions. If you have ever experienced a humid vehicle in the middle of the night you will know that this ventilation system is a lifesaver!

Sleeping Pad For Back of SUV

This is the top category of this article to make your sleep in your SUV the most comfortable. These mattresses were chosen for their adaptability and ability to fit in the back of your SUV and avoid the wheel wells. If you choose a traditional inflatable mattress you may be a little uncomfortable because the mattress will ride the wheel well and cause your mattress to slope and reduce the flat space provided to you.

If you are checking out an SUV and need a little help on which one is the best to sleep in check out our article on it here: Best SUV to Sleep In!

HeyTrip SUV Inflatable Air Mattress

This inflatable mattress is made up of two chambers to allow one or two people to sleep on it. The other great thing about the separate chambers is that it allows you to adjust your firmness to your liking while your partner can adjust it to theirs. 

This mattress is shaped to allow for space for the wheel wells so that the mattress does not ride up and cause a slope while sleeping on it. 

Vehicle Fitments From Users:

  • Chevy Equinox
  • 2021 Toyota RAV4
  • Toyota 4runner
  • Tesla Model Y
  • Ford Escape Hybrid
  • Nissan Rogue
  • 2019 Acura RDX
  • 2017 Subaru Forester ( reviewer mentioned not ideal but it worked)

Here is what it comes with:

  • Dual Sided SUV Mattress
  • 12V Electric Pump
  • Storage Bag
  • User Manual 
  • Repair Kit

What we love:

  • Two chambered air mattress for firmness adjustability and allows for solo use
  • Comes with an electric pump
  • Great reviews on Amazon
  • Durability

Cons:

  • Highest price item

Goplus SUV Air Mattress

This air mattress like the Heytrip mattress offers separate chambers for inflation but to differentiate itself it offers a total of 8 chambers! This allows for many different combinations to be able to ensure a fit in your SUV. 

Vehicle Fitments From Users:

  • 2019 Rav
  • Subaru Crosstrek
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Jeep Liberty
  • Subaru Forester
  • Toyota 4Runner
  • LexusGS470
  • Honda Element
  • GMC Terrain

Here is what it comes with:

  • Air Mattress
  • 12V air pump
  • Nozzle Set
  • Repair Patches

What we love:

  • 8 inflatable areas to fit many different areas
  • Foldable to adapt to different sitting positions
  • Wings fold up to avoid wheel wells while still offering cushion

Cons:

  • Not as good of reviews as the Heytrip Mattress
  • Takes more time to inflate because of the separate inflatable areas

WEY&FLY SUV Air Mattress For SUV

This SUV air mattress offers 4 separate compartments for sleeping flexibility. At 76 inches x 51 inches this allows it to fit a wide variety of SUVs. 

This mattress has two wings on the sides that fold up to allow space for the wheel wells. 

Vehicle Fitments From Users:

  • Kia Sportage
  • Cadillac SRX
  • Subaru Crosstrek
  • Subaru Outback
  • Nissan Rogue
  • Toyota Highlander
  • Mitsubishi RVR
  • Nissan Pathfinder
  • Subaru Forester

Here is what it comes with:

  • Air Mattress with 4 inflatable compartments
  • Carry Bag
  • 12V air pump
  • Repair Kit
  • Instruction Manual

What we love:

  • 4 inflatable compartments offer flexibility 
  • Comes with 2 layer inflation valve that offers quick inflation

Cons:

  • Has a beige side of the mattress that will appear dirty quickly because of the material used but with camping that is to be expected.

SUV Sleeping Accessory Reviews

Alaska Bear Sleep Mask

A sleep mask can get you a couple more hours of sleep because it keeps the sun out of your eyes. Sleep masks are essential no matter where you are sleeping but for camping, they should be on top of everyone’s list. Getting that extra bit of sleep before you hit the hike or that ride can be a game changer.

The Alaska Bear Sleep Mask is a very simple design not made to break the bank. It offers a silk outside so it is very soft to the touch and most importantly it keeps the sunlight out. 

We chose this one over the expansive models because let’s face it, you are going to lose it while camping eventually. So reordering this isn’t going to hurt so much.

One cool thing is that it comes with many different colors and patterns to choose from. 

HOTOR Car Trash Can

Another miscellaneous must-have is a trash can. While using a plastic shopping bag is frugal breaking one of those filled with trash in your car can be a nightmare. 

This trash can by HOTOR is simple and very budget friendly. It comes with an adjustable strap so you can hang it on the headrest or door grips. Wherever you put it, the trash can provides a simple way to throw all your garbage and even liquids as it is a leak-proof container. After you use it, it is simple to clean and get ready for your next adventure. 

Summary – How To Sleep Comfortably In An SUV

We have summed all top products from each category above into our top pick chart below.  It doesn’t necessarily mean the other options are bad but if you are looking for advice go with these options to ensure you sleep comfortably in your SUV!  Click on the links to get great photos and reviews from Amazon as well!