Traditional sleeping bags are still a popular option when it comes to sleeping inside of your tent. When a person goes to purchase a sleeping bag there are different types of bags that one can consider. Some of the choices are rectangular, semi-rectangular and mummy. A rectangular is by far the most comfortable sleeping bag for a side sleeper followed by the semi-rectangular style. The mummy bag is the most efficient of the 3 types of bags. It is the lightest because the mummy cut does away with more material, and it its warmest since you are heating less space inside your bag.
Can you sleep on your side in a mummy bag? Yes. If you are an average sized person you will be able to sleep on your side in a mummy bag. It is important to always test out a bag before purchasing it, to ensure that it fits you properly. If you are a side sleeper check to see how well you can rotate inside the bag. As another option you may prefer to rotate the entire bag as you turn over. Make sure that you are comfortable with your knees and legs being restricted while side sleeping. If you cannot find a mummy bag that you are comfortable in, then purchase a rectangular or semi-rectangular sleeping bag that is one temperature range lower than you would have picked for the mummy.
Table of Contents
Different Sleeping Positions Inside A Mummy Bag
Back
Sleeping on your back in a mummy bag is a very stable position. You can easily center a smaller pillow under the back of you head and neck while sleeping. You will also be better centered on your mattress pad minimizing the chances of sliding off during the night. You be able to comfortably sleep in a more restricted way with your hands by your sides or on your chest and legs nearly straight out. If you are using a sleeping bag hood, than sleeping on your back will keep your hood fitted properly throughout your sleep.
Stomach
Some people prefer sleeping on their stomach with their head on the edge of the pillow. While this sort of sleeping position requires more stretching out than sleeping on ones back it is still more restrictive than side sleeping. Stomach sleeping centers you on your mat less than back sleeping but more than side sleeping. So it is a good option for minimizing sliding off of ones mat during sleep.
Side Sleeping Or Fetal Position.
Side sleeping is a very comfortable way to sleep. Most side sleepers pull their knees up and arch their back at varying degrees. Some really prefer sleeping in a near fetal position with their knees drawn up and the back arched with the head partially tucked. The more extreme the side sleeping position the more a mummy bag will feel restrictive to you. You will also begin to loose the mummy bags insulating value because of compressing the loft with your knees and back. In this case you may be better off purchasing a rectangular or semi-rectangular bag that is one temperature range lower than you would have picked for the mummy.
Side sleeping can also cause you to slip off the mat more easily during sleep. If you are using a narrow mat or one that has a strong taper, part of your body may be on the matt and part of your body may be off it. It is important to purchase a mat that will cover your entire body while side sleeping if you want to benefit fully from its insulating value.
Some side sleepers will draw lines of calking on their mattress and allow it to dry. This can help prevent slipping off the mat during sleep.
Sleeping In a Mummy Bag Inside A Rectangular Bag
In colder temperatures inserting a lighter mummy bag inside of a rectangular bag can provide more warmth. You will also be able to change sleeping positions easily if both surfaces (the interior surface of your rectangular, and outer surface of your mummy insert) are slippery. You will be able to spin around in your mummy bag but will not shift the position of your outer bag.
Some will use a silk insert inside of their mummy bag. Some prefer this since you can more easily turn over without having your bag stick to your thermals. Some feel that this only makes the situation worse now having an extra bag to get tangled in.
Conclusion
Everyone has a right to a good nights sleep. Some will go to great lengths in order to ensure that they are sleeping their best during camping. Others learn to adapt their sleeping posture and get used to sleeping in a mummy bag. Some, despite their best efforts cannot get used to sleeping in a mummy bag. They may feel too restricted, and even claustrophobic inside a mummy bag. If this is you than don’t force yourself, their are many other options available that you can make use of. Enjoy your camping trip.