Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM Review: The Ultimate Car Camping Comfort Test

There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that comes from trying to sleep in a car seat. I remember one particularly memorable—for all the wrong reasons—trip up the coast. We’d planned to drive through the night, but a sudden downpour made the roads treacherous. Pulling over at a desolate service station, we reclined our seats as far as they would go, using bundled-up jackets as pillows. The night was a torturous cycle of waking up with a stiff neck, a numb leg from the seatbelt buckle digging into my hip, and the incessant drumming of rain on the roof. By sunrise, we were groggy, irritable, and questioning the very spirit of adventure. It’s a scenario familiar to many road trippers, festival-goers, and spontaneous campers: the freedom of the open road clashing with the brutal reality of an uncomfortable night’s sleep. This is precisely the problem the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM aims to solve, promising to transform the back of your vehicle into a comfortable, mobile bedroom.

What to Consider Before Turning Your Vehicle into a Bedroom

An in-car air mattress is more than just an inflatable rectangle; it’s a key solution for unlocking a new level of freedom and spontaneity in your travels. It fundamentally changes the economics and logistics of a road trip, eliminating the need for expensive last-minute hotels and allowing you to rest comfortably wherever you can safely park. The main benefits are clear: significant cost savings, unparalleled convenience, and the ability to be closer to nature or your destination, whether that’s a remote trailhead or a festival campsite. It turns your everyday vehicle into a versatile micro-camper, ready for adventure at a moment’s notice.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who frequently embarks on road trips, enjoys car camping, attends multi-day outdoor events, or simply wants a reliable emergency sleeping solution for their vehicle. It’s for the adventurer who values flexibility over the rigid schedules of hotel check-ins. However, it might not be suitable for those who are solo ultralight backpackers, where every gram counts, or for individuals who primarily need a guest bed for their home, as those often have different power requirements (mains-powered pumps) and dimensions. For home use, a traditional air bed might be a better fit, while a backpacker would be better served by a lightweight, self-inflating mat.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Fit: This is the most critical factor. The Sgizoku mattress measures 175cm by 135cm. Before purchasing, you must measure the back of your vehicle with the seats folded down. Check the width between the wheel wells and the length from the back of the front seats to the tailgate. Ensure the mattress will lie flat and not be squeezed in a way that could damage its seams.
• Inflation System & Power: This model comes with a 12V electric pump that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter. This is incredibly convenient for on-the-go inflation but means you need to be near your vehicle to use it. Consider the length of the power cord and how quickly it inflates. A slow or weak pump can turn a quick setup into a frustrating chore.
• Materials & Durability: The Sgizoku uses a flocked PVC material. The flocking on top provides a soft, velvety, non-slip surface that is much more comfortable than bare plastic and helps reduce squeaking noises. PVC is standard for air mattresses due to its durability and water resistance, but its thickness and seam quality are paramount for preventing leaks—a common point of failure for all air beds.
• Weight Capacity & Design: With a maximum capacity of 150kg (approx. 330 lbs), this mattress is designed for two adults. It’s essential to be realistic about this limit. The split design, with a separate support cushion for the footwell area, is a significant feature that creates a level sleeping surface, but you should inspect how these separate chambers hold air independently.

Understanding these elements will ensure you choose a mattress that not only fits your car but also meets your comfort and durability expectations for many trips to come.

While the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM is an excellent choice for vehicle-based adventures, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, including those for home and traditional camping, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Sgizoku: First Impressions and What’s Inside

Pulling the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM from its surprisingly compact box, our initial impression was one of thoughtful practicality. The entire kit—mattress, two inflatable pillows, 12V electric pump, and three nozzle attachments—fits neatly into the included storage bag. This is a huge plus for car travel, where space is always at a premium. The deflated mattress, weighing just under 2kg, is easy to handle. Unrolling it for the first time, the flocked top surface felt soft and almost luxurious to the touch, a far cry from the sticky plastic feel of older, cheaper air beds. This flocking, as one user rightly pointed out, “makes a big difference” in comfort and preventing sleeping bags from sliding around.

The mattress itself is constructed from what feels like a robust PVC. The seams appeared to be well-sealed, and the two-part design—a main sleeping surface and a separate base to fill the footwell gap—immediately made sense for in-car use. The dual-layer valve system is also a clever touch; the first layer is a one-way valve for inflation without air escaping, and opening the second, larger valve allows for rapid, unrestricted deflation. The included pillows have the same flocked finish, and while basic, they are a welcome addition that means two fewer things to pack. The entire package felt coherent and purpose-built for its intended environment, which is more than can be said for simply trying to jam a standard home air mattress into the back of an SUV. You can see its full feature set and included accessories on the product page.

A Deep Dive into the Sgizoku’s On-the-Road Performance

An air mattress can look great out of the box, but its true value is only revealed after a night—or several—of use in its intended environment. We put the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM through a rigorous testing process, focusing on the entire user experience from setup to sleep quality and pack-down. We wanted to see if it could truly replace a tent and sleeping pad setup for casual car camping or provide a genuinely restful space during a long-haul drive. Our testing took place in a mid-size SUV, the exact type of vehicle this mattress is designed for, over a weekend trip.

Inflation, Deflation, and the 12V Pump Test

The heart of any air bed’s convenience is its inflation system. The Sgizoku’s included 12V electric pump is both a major selling point and a potential limitation. In our test, it was a resounding success. We plugged it into the rear 12V socket of our SUV, attached the largest of the three included nozzles, and set to work. The mattress is divided into several chambers that need to be inflated separately: the two main bed sections, the footwell support base, and the two pillows. The pump is surprisingly powerful for its small size, and it inflated the main mattress to a firm state in just under three minutes. The support base took another minute. The entire setup, including the pillows, was complete in about five minutes, which is impressively fast and requires minimal physical effort.

The noise level is what you’d expect from a small electric pump—a noticeable high-pitched whir, but it’s short-lived. The double-sealed valve design proved its worth immediately. The one-way flap on the first valve layer prevents air from rushing out the moment you remove the pump nozzle, allowing for easy topping-off to achieve the perfect firmness. Deflation was even quicker. Opening the second, larger valve plug releases the air with a satisfying whoosh, and the mattress collapses almost instantly. By applying a little pressure and folding it, we had it completely empty and ready to be rolled up in a couple of minutes. The entire process is efficient and painless, a crucial feature when you’re tired at the end of a long day of driving or hiking. However, it’s worth noting, as one user experienced, that this system is weather-dependent. You must inflate it next to your car, which could be an issue in heavy rain if your tailgate doesn’t provide enough cover. We found the convenience of the quick-inflate pump to be a defining feature of this product.

In-Car Fit and Real-World Comfort

With the mattress fully inflated, the real test began: how well does it fit and feel? In our mid-size SUV, the 175x135cm dimensions were a near-perfect fit. It stretched from just behind the front seats all the way to the tailgate, and from door to door, leaving very little wasted space. The genius of this design is the separate support cushion that fills the gap in the rear passenger footwell. This creates a completely level and contiguous surface, transforming the entire cargo area into a proper bed. Without this feature, half the mattress would sag unsupported, making it useless. This “safety block” design is essential and works brilliantly.

In terms of comfort, the Sgizoku performed admirably. The flocked surface is warm and soft, preventing that cold, clammy feeling of bare plastic and keeping our sleeping bags from slipping. The manufacturer describes the firmness as “Medium,” and we found this to be accurate and easily adjustable by adding or releasing a little air. We tested it with two adults whose combined weight was approximately 140kg, just under the 150kg limit. While it was cosy, it was certainly comfortable enough for a night’s sleep. The internal structure provided decent support, and we didn’t experience the “taco effect” where both occupants roll towards the middle. The product also claims its internal flow blocks noise from the bottom of the vehicle. While it’s hard to quantify this, we did feel that the thick layer of air provided excellent insulation from the cold ground and dampened ambient sounds, leading to a quieter, more peaceful rest than we’re used to when camping. For anyone looking to make their car a viable sleeping space, this mattress is a serious contender.

Durability and Longevity Concerns

No review of an inflatable product would be complete without addressing the elephant in the room: air leaks. This is the Achilles’ heel of even the most expensive air beds. During our multi-night test, the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM held its pressure exceptionally well. We experienced no noticeable deflation overnight, waking up on a surface just as firm as when we went to sleep. The PVC material feels thick and resilient, capable of handling the bumps and scrapes of being used inside a vehicle.

However, we cannot ignore the user feedback that highlights potential quality control issues. Several buyers have reported receiving units with small holes or faulty seams that cause the bed to deflate on its own, sometimes straight out of the box. One user noted, “Nice product but with added small hole. Not exactly what you need with an airbed,” while another expressed devastation after their mattress leaked on its first use months after purchase, outside the return window. This suggests a possible inconsistency in the manufacturing process. While our test unit was flawless, it is crucial for any potential buyer to be aware of this risk. We strongly recommend inflating and testing the mattress at home immediately upon receipt. Check all the seams and leave it inflated for at least 24 hours to ensure it holds air before you find yourself stranded with a flat bed on a trip. The mattress does come with a patch kit, but as one user found, it may not be sufficient for a proper repair. The long-term durability is promising if you receive a solid unit, but the initial quality check is a vital step for the consumer. It’s a risk factor to consider when you check the latest price and availability.

What Other Users Are Saying

Synthesizing feedback from other buyers provides a broader perspective that complements our hands-on testing. The general sentiment for the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM is largely positive, with users frequently praising its core functionality and convenience. Many, like us, highlight the soft flocked finish as a significant comfort upgrade. One reviewer noted it “folds up very compactly to fit in the supplied bag,” a point we wholeheartedly agree with and a critical feature for car travel.

However, the most prominent and recurring negative feedback revolves around air leakage and product quality control. There are several distressing reports from users who opened their mattress only to find it had a pre-existing hole or a faulty seam, causing it to deflate. One user stated, “I opened the box and inflated the bed, only for it to deflate on its own. Apparently there is a leakage and I can’t return it now.” This is the ultimate frustration with any inflatable product and underscores our recommendation to test the mattress thoroughly as soon as it arrives. These contrasting experiences suggest that while a good unit is an excellent piece of kit, there is a tangible risk of receiving a defective one.

How Does the Sgizoku Compare to the Alternatives?

The Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM is a specialized tool for a specific job. To understand its value, it’s helpful to compare it against other popular types of inflatable beds, each designed for a different purpose.

1. Silentnight Single Air Bed with Built-in Pump

The Silentnight Single Air Bed is a classic guest bed designed for home use. Its primary advantages are its significant height, making it easier to get in and out of, and its built-in mains-powered electric pump, which offers effortless inflation. However, it’s completely unsuitable for car camping. It requires a wall socket for power, and its single, high-rise shape would not fit correctly in the back of an SUV. This is the ideal choice for someone who needs a comfortable, temporary bed for a guest at home, but for the road-tripper, the Sgizoku’s 12V system and car-specific shape are far superior.

2. Active Era Luxury Double Inflatable Mattress

The Active Era Luxury Double is another premium option for home use, similar to the Silentnight but in a double size. It boasts a powerful built-in AC pump, an integrated pillow, and a taller profile for a bed-like experience. It’s an excellent, comfortable solution for hosting couples overnight. Like the Silentnight, its reliance on mains power and its standard rectangular shape make it impractical for vehicle use. The Sgizoku, by contrast, is specifically engineered to overcome the uneven floor and space constraints of a car’s interior, a task the Active Era mattress simply isn’t designed for.

3. TREKOLOGY UL80 Inflatable Camping Sleeping Mat

The TREKOLOGY UL80 represents the other end of the portability spectrum. This is an ultralight, compact sleeping mat designed for backpackers and hikers where weight and packed size are the most important factors. It offers basic comfort and insulation from the ground but lacks the width and plushness of the Sgizoku. You could use it in a car, but it wouldn’t fill the space or provide the same level of luxury. This mat is for the minimalist adventurer carrying everything on their back. The Sgizoku is for the “car-supported” adventurer who can afford the space for a much more comfortable and expansive sleeping platform.

The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict on the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress 175x135CM is a strong, yet conditional, recommendation. For the right person, this product is a game-changer. It brilliantly transforms the back of an SUV or minivan into a genuinely comfortable sleeping space for two. The thoughtful design, including the footwell support, the soft flocked surface, and the incredibly convenient 12V pump, makes it a superior solution to sleeping in car seats or trying to adapt a standard air mattress.

The primary condition, however, is quality control. While our unit performed flawlessly, the recurring reports of leaks upon arrival cannot be ignored. We recommend it to any road tripper, festival-goer, or car camper who values comfort and convenience, with the strong advice to inflate and test it thoroughly the day it arrives. If you receive a solid unit, you will have purchased an excellent piece of gear that unlocks a new world of travel possibilities. If you’re ready to upgrade your road trip experience and leave restless nights at service stations in the past, the Sgizoku Universal Inflatable Air Mattress is an investment in comfort well worth considering.