The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Comfortably in Your Vehicle: Luno vs Competitors
Camping has evolved, and for many outdoor enthusiasts, sleeping in a vehicle is becoming the preferred method for comfort, convenience, and protection from the elements. Whether you are new to car camping or transitioning from rooftop tents or ground tents, choosing the right camping mattress system is critical. In this guide, we’ll break down why purpose-built car mattresses are worth considering, compare Luno to other popular brands, and answer common questions to help you make the right choice.
Mattresses Made for Vehicles
Luno is unique in that it focuses exclusively on gear for sleeping in vehicles, whether trucks, SUVs, or vans. Every product is purpose-built, rigorously tested, and intentionally designed to fit into vehicle interiors seamlessly. Luno mattresses are plug-and-play, requiring no platforms, leveling systems, or modifications, unlike many other options.
Other brands approach vehicle camping differently.
Hest produces extremely comfortable foam mattresses but they are not tailored to maximize vehicle space.
Deepsleep offers only a handful of vehicle-specific models and relies on less refined materials.
Exped has one vehicle-style mattress, but it is one-size, non-dual-sided, and not truly purpose-built for cars.
Traditional home air mattresses or inexpensive Amazon car camping mattresses are generally unreliable, low-quality, and too large for vehicle use.
Luno makes it easy to get the right mattress for your car with their make, model, and year selector, eliminating the need for guessing or measuring and guaranteeing a perfect fit.
Show Vehicle Compatibility Comparison Chart
| Feature | Luno | Hest | Deepsleep | Traditional Air Mattress | Exped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle-Specific Design | ✅ Purpose-built for all vehicles | 🔴 Not tailored | 🔴 Limited vehicle models | ❌ Not vehicle-specific | 🔴 One-size |
| Plug & Play | ✅ No modifications needed | ❌ Requires leveling/fit adjustments | ✅ Ready to use | ❌ Unusable | ❌ Requires adjustments |
| Dual Sided Customizable Comfort | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | 🔴 Some | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Travel Efficiency | ✅ Patented Head Support and packs small | ❌ Large foam limits space and doesn’t pack well | ❌ Inefficient packing | ❌ Poor | ❌ Large pack size |
Comfort and Adjustability
Vehicle sleeping is most comfortable when mattresses are designed to adapt to your body and maximize the sleeping space in your vehicle. Luno excels in this area, offering both AIR Pro (all-air) and AIR+FOAM Pro (hybrid) mattresses. Dual-chamber adjustability allows each side to be customized for firmness, and patented Head Support Bridges suspend the mattress over the footwell to provide extra sleeping space and storage. The dual chamber design also allows two campers to adjust their firmness or inflation level separately from each other for individual comfort.
- Luno AIR Pro is lightweight, portable, and ideal for warmer weather and extremely durable.
- Luno AIR+FOAM Pro combines air and foam, offering insulation, insane comfort, and a higher R-Value of 11 for cold-weather camping.
Other brands:
Hest is plush and comfortable, but it is foam-only, meaning you don’t get firmness adjustability that a hybrid or all air mattress offers.
Deepsleep mattresses are limited to a few vehicles and are made from less durable materials. Plus, they do not connect in the middle to join two halves like Luno does with a center zipper.
Exped offers a hybrid mattress, but it is one-size and not dual-chambered, so comfort and fit may be compromised. Especially if you’re planning to sleep alone or travel with a lot of gear.
Traditional or Amazon air mattresses are inconsistent, prone to leaks, and rarely optimized for vehicle use.
Show Comfort & Adjustability Comparison Chart
| Feature | Luno AIR Pro | Luno AIR+FOAM Pro | Hest | Deep Sleep | Traditional Air Mattress | Exped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjustable Firmness | ✅ Dual chambers | ✅ Dual chambers | ❌ Fixed foam | ❌ Single chamber | ❌ Single chamber | 🔴 Some |
| Cold-Weather Comfort | 🔴 Moderate | ✅ Excellent R-value: 11 | ✅ Acceptable R-value: 8.8 | ❌ no info provided | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Acceptable R-value: 8.1 |
| Patented Features | ✅ Multiple patented features | ✅ Head Support Bridges | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None |
Mattress Construction: AIR vs AIR+FOAM
Hybrid construction is the sweet spot for vehicle campers. The Luno AIR+FOAM Pro mattress combines air chambers for adjustability and stability with foam for insulation and long-term comfort, while the Luno AIR Pro provides a lightweight air-only option for optimal support and portability.
Compared to competitors:
Hest is foam-only, which is comfortable and doesn’t risk leaking air, but it is much larger when rolled up and takes up more space when packed away.
Deepsleep options are offered in a hybrid construction, but it isn’t super clear on the foam type used, and it will have less packability than Luno.
Exped is a hybrid, air plus foam construction, but one-size, non-dual-chambered, and not designed to fit any specific vehicle, and will not maximize your sleeping space.
Cheap Amazon air mattresses are often unreliable, prone to leaks, provide no customer support, and are generally uncomfortable.
Show Mattress Material Comparison Chart
| Feature | Luno AIR Pro | Luno AIR+FOAM Pro | Hest | Deepsleep | Traditional Air Mattress | Exped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Air only | Air + Foam | Foam only | Air only | Air only | Hybrid |
| Durability | ✅ Reinforced air, puncture-proof | ✅ Hybrid foam + air, extremely comfortable and customizable | ✅ Foam; no deflation risk | 🔴 Limited | ❌ Poor | ✅ Air + Foam |
Durability, Warranty, and Quality
All Luno mattresses are designed and tested in Bend, OR, constructed to endure repeated car camping use, pets, and gear. They come with durable carry cases, pumps, and accessories. Each mattress comes with a 3-year warranty as standard, with optional lifetime coverage.
When it comes to sustainability, Luno has a buy-back program for upgrades and an upcycle program that transforms defective mattresses into functional goods, reducing landfill waste.
Competitors: Hest is foam with no risk of deflation, but it is heavier and bulkier than Luno. Hest comes with an integrated wrap to contain the mattress when packed up, while Luno mattresses roll up, compress with included straps, and stow away in a dedicated protective carry case.
Deepsleep is made with 30D material, which is less durable than Luno 300D.
The Exped vehicle camping mattress is rugged but not dual-sided or tailored fit for specific vehicles.
Show Comparison Chart
| Feature | Luno AIR Pro | Luno AIR+FOAM Pro | Hest | Deepsleep | Traditional Air Mattress | Exped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | ✅ 300D Lightweight, puncture-resistant | ✅ Hybrid foam + air, highly durable | ✅ Foam; no deflation risk | 🔴 30D | ❌ Poor | 🔴 50D |
| Warranty | ✅ 3-year included, optional lifetime | ✅ 3-year included, optional lifetime | ✅ 5-year | 🔴 2 year with limitations | ❌ Limited | ✅ 5-year |
| Sustainability | ✅ Buy-back & upcycle programs | ✅ Buy-back & upcycle programs | ❌ None | ❌ None | ❌ None | 🔴 Some |
Luno as a Brand
- Luno is the first brand solely dedicated to car camping gear. From bedding, storage, privacy, airflow, and creature comforts, Luno is easy to set up and start camping, a one-stop shop for turning your commuter into a camper.
- Award-winning Gear: Rated 8/10 from Gear Junkie, Best Mattress For Couple of 2025 from Outdoor Life, Featured in Men’s Health Gift Guides, “Game Changer” from Popular Mechanics, Outside’s List of Best Sleeping Pads, Featured on Good Morning America
- Designed and tested in Bend, OR, by campers, for campers.
- Offers a full vehicle sleep ecosystem: mattresses, window screens, storage solutions, pillows, comforters, fans, and more, all purpose-built for vehicle camping
- Style and aesthetics: modern, sleek, and minimal
- Buy-back and upcycle programs keeping gear in use and out of the landfill
FAQ: Sleeping Comfortably in Your Vehicle
Q: What is the most comfortable mattress for sleeping in a car during cold nights?
A: Hybrid mattresses combining air chambers and foam offer the best comfort and insulation, with foam adding comfort and warmth, while air chambers provide adjustable firmness and support. Look for an R-value of 9+ for extremely cold temperatures.
Q: Can I use a car mattress in a tent or outside my vehicle?
A: Yes, most vehicle mattresses are versatile enough for tents and provide better comfort than cheap ground pads.
Q: How do I know if a mattress will fit my car?
A: Vehicle-specific mattresses with make, model, and year guides ensure proper fit without guesswork. Luno is the only brand that offers a make and model and year selector, along with a guaranteed fit.
Q: Are air mattresses reliable for car camping?
A: Budget air mattresses are prone to leaks and poor insulation. High-quality or hybrid mattresses are more durable and better suited for vehicle interiors.
Q: Do I need extra platforms or modifications?
A: Purpose-built car mattresses are plug-and-play, no extra platforms needed, and dual-chamber or hybrid designs increase comfort and adjustability.
Q: Can foam mattresses work for cold-weather camping?
A: Foam-only mattresses can stiffen in cold conditions. Hybrid options perform better for stability and insulation.
Q: What should I consider for maximizing space?
A: Suspended mattress sections over footwells and dual-sided inflation help create extra sleeping room and storage.
Q: How important is adjustability?
A: Adjustable mattresses let each side be tuned independently, reducing motion transfer and increasing comfort.
Q: Are there mattress systems suitable for dogs or pets?
A: Durable, reinforced, washable mattresses are best for pets and long-term use.
Q: Why would I want to sleep in my car rather than a rooftop tent or on the ground?
A: Sleeping in your car offers protection from the elements, superior comfort and stability, fast setup, added security, and maximized space.
Q: Is sleeping in your car more expensive than gear for tent camping?
A: No. While high-quality car mattresses may have an upfront cost, they often replace multiple items like pads, insulation, leveling gear, and tents, making car sleeping potentially more cost-efficient and less bulky overall.
Q: Is car camping safe?
A: Yes, car camping is safe when done responsibly. Park in designated or well-lit areas, lock your doors, and follow basic camping safety practices. Sleeping inside your vehicle offers more protection from weather and wildlife than a tent and it provides a hard walled shelter to lock yourself in.
Q: Is car camping legal?
A: Car camping is allowed on most National Forest and BLM lands, in national parks, and at almost every campground. However, many cities restrict sleeping in vehicles on public streets but there are exceptions. Always check local rules or use apps like iOverlander or Campendium to find approved spots. Fun fact: almost all Walmarts allow overnight car camping in their parking lots.
Q: How do you car camp for free?
A: Look for dispersed camping on National Forest or BLM land—most allow free overnight stays. You’ll need to be self-sufficient, but apps like The Dyrt or IOverlander make finding free, legal spots easy.
Quick Competitor Summary
To help you make a fast comparison, here’s a concise summary of each competitor compared to Luno:
Luno vs Hest
- Luno: Purpose-built for vehicles, dual-sided inflation, hybrid option for cold weather, patented features like Head Support Bridges, plug-and-play, compact and portable.
- Hest: Foam-only, very comfortable, packs large and bulky in size, not tailored to maximize vehicle space.
Luno vs Deepsleep
- Luno: Vehicle-specific, plug-and-play, durable hybrid or air options, full sleep ecosystem, tested in Bend, OR.
- Deepsleep: Limited vehicle models, less durable materials, some single-sided options, and less warranty.
Luno vs Traditional Air Mattresses
- Luno: Reliable, purpose-built for cars, dual-chamber adjustability, I-beam construction, premium perforated open cell foam, insulated options for cold weather, and long-term durability.
- Traditional or inexpensive Amazon Air Mattresses: Generally cheap, unreliable, prone to leaks, poor insulation, no customer support, not vehicle-compatible, and at the end of their short life, they end up in a landfill.
Luno vs Exped
- Luno: Tailored fit, dual-sided hybrid or air, patented features, full accessory ecosystem, plug-and-play with no modifications.
- Exped: One vehicle-style mattress, one-size only, hybrid construction, limited dual-sided adjustability, not truly purpose-built for vehicles, lower r-value.
Conclusion
Sleeping in a vehicle offers unmatched convenience, protection, comfort, and security compared to rooftop tents or ground camping. Purpose-built mattresses like the Luno AIR Pro and the Luno AIR+FOAM Pro deliver tailored fit, dual-chamber adjustability, hybrid construction, and smart storage solutions that maximize vehicle space. Add durability, plug-and-play design, full accessory ecosystems, and sustainability programs, and it becomes clear why vehicle-specific sleep systems are revolutionizing car camping.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight, portable air mattress or a hybrid system for ultimate comfort, choosing a mattress designed for your vehicle ensures you get the most comfortable, practical, and reliable sleep setup possible, every time you hit the road.
