Inside each Airic (read also self-inflating mat here) is a layer of die cut open cell foam. This foam is what makes a self-inflating mattress different and superior to an airbed (subjective viewpoint, methinks). When you open a small valve the foam is able to expand and sucks air into the mat, after a couple of minutes the mat will be semi-firm. A few breaths of air is all it takes to make the mat firm enough to sleep on. Close the valve and catch your z’s.
If you do go for a mat, though, the Airics are a really good choice and not a bad price either. 'Cept they don't seem to have many models in stock at the mo...
On the other hand, Coleman Comfort airbeds are excellent, too.
To add to your confusion, we have both. We have been happy enough with the Colemans, but we tend to get backache on longer trips so decided to try the Fat Airics, which are surprisingly good and comfy. We liked the fact that you can just chuck them down, and not have to use an electric pump before you can hit the sack.
I wish they were a bit wider, but you can't have everything!
They've just brought out a Wide Airic (120cm wide), but only 4cm deep. Think they would be great for kid's bedroom inners, as they wouldn't roll off as easily.
Thanks for that, they look brilliant. I understand now, although they say mat, so I guess some thing labelled as a self inflatable mattress would be different again?
No, that's a self-inflating mattress. There are lots of different makes, but Airic is a really good one and doesn't break the bank. There are excellent reports on these boards of Alpkit's back up service, too.
I've just bought a Thermarest basecamp XL mat and although it cost rather more than I intended to spend (£65 in the sale at Field and Trek), after tryng it out on our tiled kitchen floor this evening I have to say it feels a gazillion times more comfy than any blow up air bed I've used (not that I claim to be an expert on air beds) - easy too, just chuck it down and get on with something else for a bit then go back and give it a few puffs and you're ready for zzzzzz's.
I think there are other self inflating mats which match the comfort and insulation of Thermarest. Having said that, if weight is as important as comfort and insulation I don't think they can be beaten.
Personaly I carry an extra 600 grams and save £50.
Quote: Originally posted by roywin51 on 14/3/2008
Without doubt and having tried them all. The best nights sleep is either to be had by drinking a few whiskys or by using a thermarest.
I intend to try both at the same time just to cover the odds
Quote: Originally posted by roywin51 on 14/3/2008
Without doubt and having tried them all. The best nights sleep is either to be had by drinking a few whiskys or by using a thermarest.
The whisky would be cheaper and make you laugh more. I expect.
Having tried both the coleman airbeds, Fat Airics and Robens self inflating mat I would say they each have their place. We tend to use airbeds for family camping when we are away for a week or more. However when I go away with the Scouts or when we do weekend camping I take either of the self inflating mats. When I am away camping I never have a problem sleeping so I cant say which is the more comfortable. The self inflating mats are just more convenient and the Robens mat is slightly thicker at 10cm than the fat airic.
I do think that the self inflating mats provide better ground insulation. We use picnic rugs under our airbeds and if it is late in the season we line our airbeds with old large sleeping bags to provide further insulation. The sleeping mats however because they containn less air require less insulation.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle
save your money on self inflateing beds there a load of rubbish and mats yeah they do insulate you from the cold ground but not comfy at all buy a proper airbed got all mine from argos about five years ago and there still in perfect nic and we do use them if people stay over too happy camping shylos
------------- TRUE FRIENDS ARE LIKE DIAMONDS MOST PRECIOUS AND VERY RARE FALSE FRIENDS ARE LIKE AUTUMN LEAVES CAN BE FOUND MOST ANYWHERE.
Thanks for all the replies, we went for a self inflating mat in the end, on the basis of warmth. We got an Easy camp double one which was £35. I expect that you get what you pay for, and in the future we might want to spend more on a better make.
Having just paid out for the tent and being in the process of getting equipment it all feels very expensive at the moment.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Air bed or sleeping mat?
