Hmmm. Haven’t gone cot but I am intrigued. A bit concerned that in addition to the cot, you still need some kind of pad, although I assume you could get away with a light, thin one. Seems like 3lbs for the large thermarest version plus a 1 pound pad is a lot of weight, not to mention that those things are $$$.
I am a side sleeper also and heavy (#250). I converted to an inflatable pad a couple of years ago and I have a neoair and an extherm. I also have a klymit static v. I like the therma rests the most.
I find the inflatables much better than my old school self inflators, especially for side sleeping. I tended to bottom out at the shoulder and hip with the old self inflators pads so I picked up the habit of running them with a closed cell foam pad underneath. Prior to switching to a inflator, my set up was a 3/4 thermarest on a full length ridge rest or zlite pad.
I still like a closed cell pad for camp cushions and to protect from punctures so I recently added a very thin closed cell pad from seek outside to the mix that is cut to the width of the inflatable pads and weighs 4.5 oz.
I now mix and match the inflators and the closed cell foam pads based on packing weight and duration of the trip. For lightest and least comfort I go with just the closed cell pad or the neoair. Normal set up is the neoair or xtherm with the light foam pad which doubles as a camp and glassing / blind sitting seat. Heaviest set up is the xtherm + ridge rest gets used for snow camping and when a little extra weight is not as much an issue. It gives the best cushion and the ridgerest is a bulky but bombproof camp seat and glass pad/mat.
Just a thought but a $30 closed cell foam under your pad may help a lot and might be worth a try before you dive into the cot thing.
