The Alpkit Dozer SIMs are fantastic, the wife has a bad back and doesn't have any trouble. I suffer from insomnia and didn't wake up on Sunday until 12 noon! That was a full 10 hours sleep!
At the end of the day, it really depends on you. Sim's or sims with a mattress or a camp bed maybe the answer... go and see if you can have a closer look at any or all of the above suggestions.
The best thing for me about the SIMs is that they aren't cold, your own body temperature heats them up... very clever
They are remarkably good at supporting your body.
We have a large double thats quite thick (7.5cm when inflated).
Ours folds in half,so single size, then roll with as much pressure you can so stays as flat as poss.
It fits into a snug sack and is probably twice the size of a rolled/packed sleeping bag so not too big.
We have also dumped the airbeds.....totally useless. We have invested in 2 vango dlx 7.5cm for us and 5cm ones for the kids. We wish we had bought these in the first place. They are so comfortable and all of us can recommend them.
I know I'm in the minority here but I don't find SIMs at all comfortable.
Recently we bought campbeds - OH wanted to try one again as he has difficulty getting up off low beds. He got the Vango one & I bought one of those fishing chairbed things like carp fishing people use. His doesn't find the Vango very comfy unless he usues a `swag' of some sort. I found it diabolically uncomfortable & far too narrow for my liking. The fishing chairbed is the comfiest campbed I've ever used - but still not nearly as comfy as an airbed imo.
Both of us prefer airbeds - any airbed - to campbeds or SIMs. Best of all is the Aerobed, he tried it and agrees it's comfiest of the lot.
I thought about a SIM this year, as my air mattress based ReadyBed (SERIOUSLY; DO NOT BUY ONE!) let me down badly when in France last year.
The trouble with SIMs is, they still need to hold air, so are still susceptible to air leaks. Also, they are still too low to the ground, & all but the cheapest are out of my budget this year (sadly money's even tighter this year).
I use one of the roll up camp beds with the wire legs. some have 3 legs, some have 4, mine has 4 & will put up with some serious punishment, nothing kinky I assure you (I should be so lucky!). I put an inside-out single sleeping bag on it for extra padding & sleep in a winter grade double duvet, folded in half long-ways.
With normal pillows this works a treat for me, now I've just gotta get some vac bags to put the bedding in!
I know I'm in the minority here but I don't find SIMs at all comfortable.
Me too but if I have my kit in a rucksack there is not a lot of choice.
If you have the space in your vehicle and a few spare quid then I also would recommend a fishing bed. A great range of prices but mine is oh so comfy (TF Gear Comfort Zone)
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"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
I tried a SIM last year and did not get on with it at all. When I was on my side my hips and shoulders were still pressed into the floor. Probably because it was only a 5cm one and I may have been better with a 10cm. I also thought that they were bulky to transport and taking 4 of them would have taken up a lot of space. We are still on our airbeds.
I found air beds bulky as well.
Since I discovered my tent will accommodate a proper camp bed I've never looked back.
I love being properly off the ground, it gives you some storage space underneath (not a lot I know, but it all helps) & takes practically no space in the car.
They can be a bit of a pain to put together, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
& I'm so glad I moved over to using a double duvet wrapped round me (I put the sleeping bag inside-out under me). Saves the expense of a 3 or 4 season bag & gives me more freedom.
Quote: Originally posted by John in Leeds on 08/6/2011
Quote: Originally posted by La-la on 07/6/2011
I know I'm in the minority here but I don't find SIMs at all comfortable.
Me too but if I have my kit in a rucksack there is not a lot of choice.
If you have the space in your vehicle and a few spare quid then I also would recommend a fishing bed. A great range of prices but mine is oh so comfy (TF Gear Comfort Zone)
Definitely found it much comfier than any other campbed I've slept on. My one is useless as a chair though - the bit to park your bum on is far too deep even for OH.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: dumping the airbeds...
