My trusty old airbed has finally given up the ghost, or at least I've given up on it after tiring of waking up on the floor after my bed deflated overnight during a recent trip.
So, do I go for a sleep mat or a new airbed? There's a Vango mat in argos, and they also have aerobeds in there which someone has recommended in the past.
Any advice or recommendations would be appreciated, both in ones to look at and ones to avoid.
Our airbed died last year and we switched to SI mats - 5cm ones I think, we'll be switching back to an airbed soon, I like the look of the Coleman comfort one, we're both finding the mats too hard, for the past 2 trips I had 4 fleecy blankets each folded up twice giving me 16 layers of blanket on top of the mats and I still had sore shoulder and hip joints !
People on here rave about the airic mats but sadly I can't afford those ! My SIL has an aerobed, just the single height one, I tried it out when we met up and it did feel really stable.
------------- April/May - Georgia destroyed in high winds sob
May - Loch Ken, 1st outing for the wolf lake
July - Waterside House, Lake District
July - Inside Park, Dorset
I have 2 double aerobed actives bought mine last year and wouldnt swap it for anything else, he decided after a cheaper one left him floored every night to get one too lol.
Hi sleepyol.
For the second year running, we have used our two ThermaRest DreamTime XL's, for our fortnight's camping in Southern France, they fasten together to form a QueenSize bed, and I have to say they are the Muts Nuts, downsides are, large pack size and price, other than that they are truly superb, also noticed that the "Camping Magazine" September issue are giving a DreamTime XL away for free!.
Try putting your SI mat on top of an airbed, bet you'll enjoy that. I hate airbeds, I find they are much too firm, almost like laying on the ground. The SI on top will retain boddy heat, and give a more comfy bed. I also don't like the fact, that most have an inflatable pillow, that is then too high when I add my proper pillow. I did get round this by buying one with seperate pillow inflation though.
------------- Canvas tent, paraffin light, petrol stove. Heaven
I'd rather be kayaking.
Spent up, not pent up, just had my new tent up.
I have used both the Coleman comfort and a a 5cm self inflator. I weigh 18 stone. I suffer from a bad back.. (who would guess hey?)
I camp frequently and for days on end.. so I need some comfort, plus my weight is far from average.
I find I can cope very nicely with the self inflator, though not fully inflated. The only problem is putting it away. It is far too much effort to roll up.
On the plus side, it is easy to get out of.
I have to admit that due to the difficulty in packing it, I am moving back to a blow up one.. The Coleman Comfort.
After last year airbed hell we have invested in two outwell self inflating mats 10cm's, covered by a fleecy underblanket, sheet, two duvets and pillows.
Admittedly haven't given it an outing yet, but have tested on living room floor and I am confident that it will be warmer and more comfortable than annoying cold squidgy airbed.
------------- 28/29 June
30/31/1 July/Aug - Cambridge folk festival
5/6/7 August - The Quiet Site
29/30/31 August - Wowo
The Actives im sure i read are outdoor classed slightly thicker material and can stand outdoor conditions better, as well as the rechargable pump, whareas the other normal ones have a plug attachment and if theres problems with EHU you could be in trouble.
Im glad I found this thread as Ive been asking myself the very same question. Im looking for a new airbed/mattress for my son as he was sleeping in the Kampa bumper bed which is fab - just wish they did it for adults as Im always falling off. Ive been thinking about changing ours too as me and DH have 2 singles. I hate the noise that the airbeds make plus they always feel a bit too hard no matter how much air is in them. Im attracted by the Areobed but we have a superking size bed at home which is the reason for the 2 singles because we like our space so Im liking the idea of the king size one. Im a bit worried about falling off this though at the extra height and for that reason had been looking at the mats but really cant see how these can be comfortable - anyone else got any more advice on the subject as Im totally confused.
i bought the double vango SI from argos and then added a thin duvet over it. A vast improvement on the blow up mattress, really found it warm and comfy With argos you can return it if you dont like it if you keep the packaging.
bx
I also had (still have) the very large double depth beds. They are comfortable, but very big in a tent bedroom. Also quite high actually, especially if the site has a slope to it.
The thinner beds are just as comfy, makes any of them a bit more comfortable. I would avoid most doubles, My OH has been known to be thrown out when I got in...
I bit the bullet and ordered an Aerobed - at half price it would have been rude not to - I think this may just be the right decision - as you can see my kids have already approved
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Topic: What to sleep on....?
