Self inflating mat or air bed?

[leanne_win]

So we (me and other half) had a double air bed which we've used a few times. The dog decided to chew it earlier this week when it was thundering just after we had checked it for holes

[Mr_Grump]

Air beds every time for me - however it all depends how you're getting your stuff to your camping pitch (if you've got a trolley then it's a no-brainer).

Rather than forking out for two singles, you can get a double air bed with separate air compartments that can help eliminate you being impacted by him fidgeting (plus it allows you to have different firmness on each half).

A good example of these types is the Coleman Comfort (around £30/£40)....have a look at the reviews on Amazon;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coleman-2000012345-Comfort-Double-Airbed/dp/B0030BGA6O

Probably be able to get it cheaper if you surf the net.

[lcb172]

it would always have to be an airbed for me and my other half. they are a lot more comfortable to us than the self inflating mat. however i could not help you with what type to get because we have only ever used the cheap ones.

[plainlazy44]

Self-inflating mat every single time. If you spend a decent amount on one (£40+) they're far more comfortable than an airbed. Mine is almost as comfortable as my £700 mattress at home! Be sure to remember though that, despite it saying "self inflating", it is still best to give them a bit extra at the end using your lungs.

[ink1ing]

Been a bit spoiled by being able to get my car backstage so have used an actual mattress in the last few years.

Before that I did both the self-inflating and airbed. Airbed is definitely better but bring a camping mat to put under it to insulate you.

[frostypaw]

If you want comfort you can't really beat the airbeds until you're spending a lot on a thick self-inflator - they just don't have the thickness to support much deformation as your curves and bits weigh down on them

Strongly suggest visiting a camping store that will do a demo of a self-inflator for you so you can lie on it and try. people want different things from their bed

[caramello]

Fuck airbeds and their uncomfortable seasickness....too soft for old codgers with bad back problems like me!

Bought this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andes-Explora-Inflating-Camping-Mattress/dp/B00K81NBMA (when it was £49!) and it really is 10cm thick and well supportive too.....a total fucker to roll up mind but it is a lot lighter than a double airbed, and you dont fall out of bed when yer munted mrs gets up for a slash at stupid o'clock!

They do a 5cm one too....decent prices and just as good as a Vango/expensive brand name one.

Might actually get some sleep this year if I dont take too many drugs!

Might.

[psydersuze]

munted mrs gets up for a slash at stupid o'clock!

Or your muntered mister!!!???

[incident]

After having had too many low quality airbeds deflate under me during the night, I'm going for the 3rd option this year, and opted for a traditional camp bed.

One of these to be exact -

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3407129.htm

Reviews are fairly positive, the main complaint being that it's difficult to put together which doesn't bother me too much. Saw one ready assembled in Go Outdoors, and it looked to be fairly sturdy and comfortable although I was too self-concious to actually have a proper lie down in the store.

Having said that, I will have an airbed stashed away in the car just in case it's a disaster.

[mrfinn]

After years of sleeping on those foam roll mats, we gave in and got an air bed. We have a coleman convertible, which is two single air beds that zip together. It really is very comfy and we dont have the issue of one of us moving and distubing the other. However, we have used it for a few festivals now but are finding that both of us are colder than we used to be and it gets damp from the air condensating. We went camping last week and after researching how to fix the dampness I used a foil blanket underneath and a thermal sheet on top. First night was a great improvement but by the second we were shivering again and woke to find the bed damp.

So, I have decided to scrap the airbed idea and instead have just purchased 2 thermarest self inflating mats and the couple kit that holds them together. As both of us are under 5'6 we went for the womens trail lite mats as they are warmer mats but still light enough for us to carry as we camp and festival on foot/public transport.

http://www.facewest.co.uk/Thermarest-Womens-TrailLite.html

Fingers crossed that this will keep us warmer but will not compromise on comfort....we will find out in just over a week!

[owenmc606]

It's gotta be the double airbed! Nice and comfy sleep when coupled with a proper pillow and decent sleeping bag!