Inflatable Matress

Jo-grez · #1 (**permalink**) 19-09-2004, 09:23 AM

Has anyone got one of those self-inflating camping mats? I don't mean the big pump-up beds but those slim mats that are about an inch or two thick. I used to camp quite a lot but I found it more and more difficult to have a good nights sleep on those rolls of expanded foam.

The self-inflatables always looked very tempting, but they're quite expensive too. Are they worth the money? When I last looked they were about £60-70.

Sue Wright · #2 (**permalink**) 29-11-2004, 12:13 AM

Hello J-grez,

Just thought I'd have a quick look at the camping part whilst feeling my way around the site (as my Husband & I love camping) and found your query.

We don't have the slimmer mats that you're writing about, but we do have 3 of the inflatable ones. All are extremely comfortable, so long as you achieve the right amount of air in them; fill them until hard enough then test out by lying on them. If you've too little air in then it will be more uncomfortable.

They're no longer as dear as when they first came out and this Summer we bought our first self-inflatable one which is luxurious and only cost £30 from a high street store shop beginning with M (can't remember about use of names here!). That was on offer at the time, but none are too expensive now and we would definately recommend you give one of the self inflatables a try as they give a great night's sleep! Good luck.

Sue

Eileen · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2004, 11:51 PM

Hey Sue that wouldn't be the shop I use for our camping equipment now would it? You know the one that has the same name as a type of seed for canaries beginning with M and ending in T????

Eileen.

Sue Wright · #4 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 02:26 AM

Now, now Eilean , you know me better than that !

I would never dream of meaningfully disclosing such details, wonderful mattresses they are though and well worth trying for a good night's sleep.

By the way Eilean - yes, that's the one!

Sue

StuartDH · #5 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 09:44 AM

If you're going for one of the big inflatables I'd recommend getting two singles rather than one double. If, like me, you're regularly defeated in the 'duvet wars' in an ordinary bed then you won't have a chance of winning the 'inflatable wars'.

Who was it that said that women are the weaker sex? Any man who has ever tried to get some of the duvet at 2am will know that women possess a herculean inner strength.

P.S. As for brand names, websites, book titles etc - if they're relevant, and not blatant advertising, then they're probably all OK to post.

Eileen · #6 (**permalink**) 04-12-2004, 05:15 PM

PHEW!!! Thought I was in for a rollicking there.

Thanks Stuart.

Eileen.

Sue Wright · #7 (**permalink**) 11-12-2004, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartDH

If you're going for one of the big inflatables I'd recommend getting two singles rather than one double. If, like me, you're regularly defeated in the 'duvet wars' in an ordinary bed then you won't have a chance of winning the 'inflatable wars'.

P.S. As for brand names, websites, book titles etc - if they're relevant, and not blatant advertising, then they're probably all OK to post.

Oh dear Stuart, you've not been camping very much then!

We don't take duvets on camping trips Stuart, sleeping bags are far better and we zip the 2 together! That way neither can have any more than the other - well, not unless you pull the other 'being' on top of you!

I agree about us possessing a herculean strength though - anytime!

Sue

jo · #8 (**permalink**) 24-06-2005, 10:16 PM

Well i went camping just last year 2 St Ives Cravan Park . Totally unprepared . We had a wonderful time . We didn't get to go to lands End or the Eden Project, horse riding etc... The time was spent on the beach . now we have the dilema wether to go again and experience the rest of St Ives or try some place different like Wales or Devon .

. But i am all for taking everything but the kitchen sink . Duvets blow up beds pillows blankets (sleeping bag dont forget) .

.

nightshade · #9 (**permalink**) 24-06-2005, 11:08 PM

As an old hand at pop festivals and camping the self inflating mattresse is wonderful, worth every penny, but do shop around
Singles are better for comfort or two doubles for luxury

hillybilly · #10 (**permalink**) 11-07-2005, 10:18 PM

Is it better to go for a thicker mattress ie 5cm? I intend to go cycle camping and want to be comfy in my tent. Weight and size on the bike are quite important too though.

headsortails · #11 (**permalink**) 11-08-2005, 04:01 PM

I have used the Thermarest Prolite 3 and I highly recommend it. Rolls up to the size of Kitchen Roll but gives you an excellent layer of insulation and comfort.

http://s11.oeoeoeoeoeoeoeoeoeoeoeoe.com/Tramp/in...p?showtopic=11

Diane · #12 (**permalink**) 25-08-2005, 02:11 PM

We bought some Thermarest mattresses last year, when we discovered we couldn't get our normal camping beds into the smaller weekend tent we just bought! They are excellent, but this year, on a two week camping holiday, we had to go out and buy two thicker inflatable mattresses, as they were just not too comfy after one week of use. I suspect they're OK for weekend trips or backpacking.

But you're probably sorted now, looking at the age of this thread!!

Boddie · #13 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 04:36 PM

Is this the most popular thread ever on the site?

Alan · #14 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 04:45 PM

Has anybody tried them person shaped ones?

Just curious

Boddie · #15 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:01 PM

What sort of shops do you frequent mate?

Alan · #16 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

What sort of shops do you frequent mate?

Extreme camping supplies!

Boddie · #17 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:07 PM

Not that extreme I hope

Alan · #18 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

Not that extreme I hope

Well I tried extreme ironing but I kept getting burnt! So I thought I try this instead....but I still got burnt

Imaginos · #19 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:09 PM

Thermarests are great-I spent 6 months on one on a concrete floor in Africa & never had cause to complain. And they pack up so small too. They may be a toch pricey, but I'd say worth every penny

Boddie · #20 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:11 PM

Hey what are these?

I am interested as intend to do alot of camping this year

Imaginos · #21 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:16 PM

Thermarests are the self inflating camping mats Jo-grez described at the start of this thread (18 months ago!?!-note to self, check before you post!) as I said they are the best camping invention this side of the sleeping bag. I still mourn leaving mine in the back of a policeman's pickup in Thailand

Boddie · #22 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:21 PM

I did not make the connection between Thermarests and inflatable matresses. Is thermarest a brand name?

Imaginos · #23 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I did not make the connection between Thermarests and inflatable matresses. Is thermarest a brand name?

Yes, I don't know of anyone else who makes them though, as far as I can tell it's going the same way as the hoover (or vacuum cleaner - see?

)

Boddie · #24 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 05:26 PM

Actually I have one, it is called an exped. Yeah very good too. Not cheap but very good. I think it is the same. It has a valve on the side and when you open it you dont have to blow as it inflates itself?

Very light and wraps up pretty small.

Jonny · #25 (**permalink**) 27-03-2006, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boddie

I did not make the connection between Thermarests and inflatable matresses. Is thermarest a brand name?

Yes thermarest is a brand, but just about everyone make inflatable mattresses nowadays. I have a 3/4 size 1" thick thermarest which is tiny, but keeps my body warm................Jon