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@Bearlegged
Having used self-inflating mats in the past, and air mats these days, I'd say air mats are better at smoothing out the ground beneath you.
The other key component to comfort is insulation, as the ground you sleep on is a massive heat-sink.
If going down the air mat route, look for one with some form of insulation inside it (e.g. Exped Synmat/Downmat, Thermarest etc.). As a rule of thumb, something with a stated R value of 3 or more should be good enough for year-round use in the UK unless you're doing winter mountaineering.
Decent summary article here: https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/r-value-explained-i206
Letting some air out for a little 'give' helps with comfort and can guard against blown baffles.