Car camping in a Subaru Forester is one of the most popular ways to hit the road without a big RV or camper.
But the key to a good night’s sleep is having the right mattress that fits your cargo area.
The Forester has wheel wells that reduce usable width, so a normal air mattress may not sit right.
Most Forester owners need a mattress around 40–42 inches wide to fit between the wheel wells without squishing or awkward gaps.
Here is a simple comparison of two top options that work well in this space.
How To Measure Your Sleeping Space
Before you buy, grab a tape measure and check the width between your Forester’s wheel wells:
- Fold down your rear seats
- Measure at the narrowest point between the wheel wells
- You should get around 40–42 inches
Knowing this number helps you pick a mattress that fills the space without bending or folding.
1. Luno Life Car Camping Air Mattress — Best Overall Fit
Why it’s great: The Luno Life Car Camping Air Mattress is widely known as the “gold standard” for Subaru owners.
It is designed to fit SUV cargo spaces and fills the area between wheel wells with minimal gaps.
What you get:
- Custom sized for SUVs like the Forester
- Good balance of comfort and firmness
- Easy setup and storage
- Compatible with most 12V pumps
This mattress gives you a flat, stable surface that feels more like a bed than a floor.
The fit is snug without being tight, making it ideal for Forester owners who want a simple, reliable sleep setup.
2. Willpo Certipur Memory Foam Mattress — Best Comfort Option
Why it’s great: The Willpo Certipur Memory Foam mattress is not custom shaped for SUVs, but it brings luxury comfort and support.
If you value a plush sleep surface and do not mind a tiny trim or wedge to fit the wheel wells, this is a top pick.
What you get:
- Thick memory foam comfort layer
- Supportive feel that reduces pressure points
- Can be trimmed or paired with foam risers
- Great for long trips or tall campers
This option is more about comfort than perfect fit.
If you are okay with some simple adjustments (like foam wedges or a topper layer), this mattress feels like a premium bed inside your Forester.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Luno Life Air Mattress | Willpo Certipur Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Fit for wheel wells | 👍 Custom intent | ⚖️ Needs minor adjustment |
| Comfort level | 👍 Balanced | ⭐ Plush luxury |
| Easy setup | ⭐ Plug and inflate | ⚖️ Set in place, adjust as needed |
| Best use case | Most Forester campers | Comfort focused sleepers |
How To Install An Air Mattress In The Subaru Forester
- Fold down rear seats flat
- Lay the mattress between the wheel wells
- Inflate (air mattress) or place foam (memory foam) so it sits evenly
- Add bedding and sleeping bag
Simple setup means more time relaxing and less time fiddling.
Final Thoughts
If you want the best mattress that fits your Subaru Forester with minimal fuss, the Luno Life Car Camping Air Mattress is hard to beat.
It fills the space between the wheel wells and gives you a flat sleep surface ready for a great night’s rest.
If ultimate comfort is your top priority and you do not mind some small tweaks, the Willpo Certipur Memory Foam mattress brings a plush feel that rivals a real bed.
Either way, measuring your Forester’s cargo width first ensures you get a mattress that fits right and helps you sleep better on the road.
Sweet dreams under the stars!
