Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
  Camping under canvas
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Self inflating mattress advice please Post Reply Post New Topic
23/6/2009 at 7:55am
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Sunncamp Evolution 300 & 400
View fairfriend's Profile View Profile   Reply to fairfriend Reply   Quote fairfriend Quote  
Joined: 12/5/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   30
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Nearly forgot the sleeping arrangements in all the excitement!  lol

We're upgrading our sleeping to self inflating matts and are struggling to decide between getting two (10cm) or one double (5 cm).  I'm worried that 2 singles will slip and my OH (or even worse me!17) will end up sleeping on the floor.  However I also want a decent night's sleep - is 5cm too thin?

So for all you 'self inflaters' do you go double or single?  And what's the best way of keeping the singles together?

Thanks for all responses!

 



23/6/2009 at 8:06am
 Location: Loose
 Outfit: Wolf Lake 5 2013 and Outwell Minni 4
View SmilerUK's Profile View Profile   Reply to SmilerUK Reply   Quote SmilerUK Quote  
Joined: 03/9/2003

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   307
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We used to use two single Thermorests held together with two home made "Mobius Strips"

Basically I got an inch wide piece of nice tape, the length of which was just over four times the width of the mattress, which my wife sewed the ends together, but after turning one end through 180 degrees.

The strip is then held in a figure of eight and the the mattresses fed through the two "O's" of the figure of eight.

What the Mobius Strip bit does is to ensure the tape lays flat across the whole of the two mattresses.

Just make two of them up for top and bottom and Bob's your uncle.

They work really, really well.

Steve

-------------
There are 10 types of people, those that understand binary, and those that don't.


23/6/2009 at 8:42am
 Location: Bergamo Italy
 Outfit:  ESVO Pyramid & Ridge
View spudz's Profile View Profile   Reply to spudz Reply   Quote spudz Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   766
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Singles all the way, and I believe the quality of the insulation to be more important than the thickness of the mattress. My 17 year old 2.5cm Therm-a-rest still offers a comfy nights sleep.

-------------
Are we there yet?


23/6/2009 at 8:47am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: flowery bell tent!
View Sarah+Simon's Profile View Profile   Reply to Sarah+Simon Reply   Quote Sarah+Simon Quote  
Joined: 01/8/2004

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   171

Site Reviews Total: 6
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

go for singles as the others have said

it also means you could seperate them by a few inches-pack gap with a blanket allowing more space without being kicked lol-especially valuable if you're used to a big bed at home!

-------------
usually sarah posting ...


23/6/2009 at 9:11am
 Location: Farnborough Hants
 Outfit: Florida 6 Frinton 4 2seconds XXL
View nikkid21's Profile View Profile   Reply to nikkid21 Reply   Quote nikkid21 Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2004

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   279
Tent Reviews:   3

Site Reviews Total: 9
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We have 3 X 5cm singles across the entire bed pod.  This way we can stretch out without falling off the edge.  They were the cheap ones from Aldi and are fab.


Advertisement



23/6/2009 at 10:42am
 Location: EAST SUSSEX
 Outfit: Outwell Vermont plus others.
View Portia Hussey's Profile View Profile   Reply to Portia Hussey Reply   Quote Portia Hussey Quote  
Joined: 25/11/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   679
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Do you share a sleeping bag? If you both sleep in your own bag go for singles, if you have a double go for a double.

I have tried thin and thick mattresses and they were both fine - I went for the fat airics simply because they were wider not because they were fatter.



-------------
pork
Remember a good wife always helps her husband with the dishes.


23/6/2009 at 11:11am
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View STEVOSMUMMY's Profile View Profile   Reply to STEVOSMUMMY Reply   Quote STEVOSMUMMY Quote  
Joined: 07/1/2009

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   207

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

yes defo go for singles we have 2 vango xl ones and a outwell dino for our 4 year old would never ever go back to airbeds no matter how good they say they are nats are soo much better and easier.

x



23/6/2009 at 12:42pm
 Location: Berkshire
 Outfit: Khyam special edition
View kathmandu's Profile View Profile   Reply to kathmandu Reply   Quote kathmandu Quote  
Joined: 14/6/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   36
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

I have been known to add a few extra breaths of air to my self-inflating mattress. Does anyone else feel the need for this?


23/6/2009 at 12:54pm
 Location: Otley
 Outfit: Terra Nova Laser Com
View sanhozay's Profile View Profile   Reply to sanhozay Reply   Quote sanhozay Quote  
Joined: 25/9/2005

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   733
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 10
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

On my lightweight Karrimor mat I need to. I also have an older, thicker mat that I use early/late season and that pretty much inflates itself. In fact, I usually let that one inflate, sit on it to squeeze a bit of air out and then close the valve.

Storing these mats unrolled with the valve open is best. They can struggle to inflate if stored rolled up.

-------------
Richard


23/6/2009 at 6:43pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Bell tent & lavvu & Coleman Avior X2
View petemillis's Profile View Profile   Reply to petemillis Reply   Quote petemillis Quote  
Joined: 25/4/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1391
Tent Reviews:   3

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Def go for singles - that way, if you suffer from a bout of flatulence then at least OH can move away from you and still sleep comfortably.


Advertisement



23/6/2009 at 8:17pm
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Sunncamp Evolution 300 & 400
View fairfriend's Profile View Profile   Reply to fairfriend Reply   Quote fairfriend Quote  
Joined: 12/5/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   30
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Great responses - fab advice guys thanks!  Two singles it is!

Petermillis obviously that would be the OH making smells and me escaping 17



23/6/2009 at 11:03pm
 Location: Bath
 Outfit: Khyam Petworth & Excelsior XXL
View Viscount Bisquet's Profile View Profile   Reply to Viscount Bisquet Reply   Quote Viscount Bisquet Quote  
Joined: 15/2/2008

Silver Member
Silver Member

Forum Posts:   105

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

My tuppenny worth...

We use 2 x fat airecs (singles) but a double sleeping bag. They are kept together (more importantly to stop the sleeping bags slipping off) by a double cotton sleeping bag liner that the fat airecs are actually inside.

Mind you Lady Bisquet "complains" that she always ends up halfway across my Fat Airec leaving me with 30cm of space. She also ends up with about 80% of the double sleeping bag. So personally I'd advise separate sleeping bags AND separate bedrooms!

And yes a full lungfulls are required to inflate them.

VB




23/6/2009 at 11:16pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0

I went for the mother of all self inlating matresses, the ThemaRest DreamTime XL, and I have to say they are the Dogs!, they have straps to fasten together so you can make a Queen size bed with two, more of a sleeping system than a mattress!. silly price now, but I got mine last November, even then I whinced at the cost.


24/6/2009 at 7:36am
 Location: Herts
 Outfit: Sunncamp Evolution 300 & 400
View fairfriend's Profile View Profile   Reply to fairfriend Reply   Quote fairfriend Quote  
Joined: 12/5/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   30
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks guys! 

Would love the ThermaRest Dream but really can't justify the cost (trust me I tried!).

  I'm thinking Fat Airics or Rubens are within price range... However can't seem to find anywhere online that has any in stock.  Does anyone happen to know of a site (or indeed a shop!) that I happen to have missed....bit of a long shot (especially with the shop) but if you don't ask.....

Loving the advice and really appreciate it - thank you!



24/6/2009 at 10:16pm
 Location: Middlesex
 Outfit: Cabanon Tents
View johnwils's Profile View Profile   Reply to johnwils Reply   Quote johnwils Quote  
Joined: 03/2/2007

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   899

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Have you tried PJ Camping in St Albans, I know they sell Outwell and Robens mats.

Helen




In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Camping under canvas - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














7873 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder