New to this lark, looking to buy two single airbeds, one each for hubby and myself, wondering what the difference is between bare pvc and flocked, as the pvc ones seem to be cheaper - is there something better about the flocked ones?
I used to have a flocked airbed for guests, and it ended up a bit marked with what looked like damp patches possibly with not being left to dry out thoroughly before being pout away. I'm thinking pvc would store better ( till hubby gets the bug and wants to upgrade to SIMs)
This topic has been covered many times with regard to the damp patches on the flock beds.
In a nutshell its warm moist body on cold plastic bed, one popular solution is cheap waterproof backed picnic blankets under a thick sheet or matress protector. This should solve the problem. Ive used this system myself for the last 2 or 3 years and its worked well for me even in extreme temperatures.
All I can say is don't scrimp on the kipping depatment if you are starting out. Many people do buy the cheapest airbeds and sleeping bags when 1st starting out, which is quite understandable. However, they are then put off for life after spending a night being uncomfortable and freezing their ***s off.
I'm not saying you need to spend an absolute fortune. Just do plenty of research before investing. Sleeping is quite an individual thing, so whats good for one persone might not be for another. When were in the small tent, we use a Aerobed Active double airbed and a Coleman Hudson double sleeping bag and always have a decent nights sleep.
The Aerobed is comfortable enough, just makes a bit of noise when tossing and turning . It took us a few attempts at getting our sleeping arrangements right. We have had cheap airbeds, the worst being a god awful Camping gaz one that was about as comfortable as a bed of nails!!
There are also some really good self infating mats, and as mentioned, camp beds. The only problem with camp beds is they are no good if you like to get snuggled up.
There are pros and cons to each and it can be tricky picking the right set up for you, but like I said take your time in chosing, and buying the cheapest may cost you more in the long run as you may end up buying something else when you are not happy!!!
we've overnighted on camp beds before and hated it hence the airbed route. already have a couple of ordinary sleeping bags and a couple of 3 season mummy type and we've yoga mats for insulation so it's just airbeds to get the sleeping arrangements sorted ( and a onesie for me )
The best airbeds are the rubberized ones. Our Royal rubberized one has lasted since 2004 & never needed topping up even during a 9 night holiday.
A tip which I learned from this forum a few years ago was, inflate the airbed enough to press your hand on it & just be able to feel the ground. Never fully inflate it, as when you lie on it, it will always feel firmer, so if it's fully inflated you'll feel like you're sleeping on a board.
We always use a fleece blanket & a fleecy matress cover on our airbed, to prevent dampness through condensation.
Just ordered a Aero Bed Comfort Raised Double. looks very comfortable. Should be delivered 6-8 days so hope it is here before we go away on the 4th April
Cheaper does not necessarily always mean poor quality. We started camping in 2005 and we have the basic campbeds, cost about £19
On top of them we have these type of airbeds
We put a fleece blanket on them and then cover with a double bed sheet that has been cut in half, before placing our £10 Dunelm sleeping bags on top, covered by another fleece blanket.
We're off the ground so no rising cold air and plus you have some extra storage space under the bed.
I sleep better on my camp bed than I do in my bed at home, so you don't always have to spend alot!!
------------- May/June - Spring Valley
Aug/Sept - Leekworth
Our rubberised double goes down enough to need pumping the following day a little - but it is over 30 years old. Our son's one stays full for days.
Must admit, when we can we use our Coleman Comfort airbeds which are so comfortable (and you don't roll with the double given the separate compartments), although I do need to top them up at least every other day (especially when it gets hot inside the tent).
We use Wilkos fleecy mattress protectors, which have proven excellent insulation and act as cosy sheets as well. With SIG, footprint and inner groundsheet underneath the airbed, we've never needed any additional insulation under the bed. The mattress protector on top is sufficient insulation.
------------- Love our set-up and need no more tents or gear, so trying to stop looking!
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: Flocked versus PVC airbeds question
,but if you REALLY must go for one,flocked will stop your bedding sliding all over the place,
. It took us a few attempts at getting our sleeping arrangements right. We have had cheap airbeds, the worst being a god awful Camping gaz one that was about as comfortable as a bed of nails!!
,
. Our son's one stays full for days. 
