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HI I was also keen to buy self inflating mats as I've heard they are much warmer than aiebeds and we have just bought Fat airics form alpkit they're about 8cm thick.  I'm new to camping and a warm and comfy nights sleep is a must.  While I've not used it in the tent yet I have tried it out at home and was really impressed by them slept really well.  I also have friends who recommend them and they have ventured further than there bedroom floor!!!  They are £45 each though but you get £15 off it you buy two.  They also have thinner ones.  Website is www.alpkit.com

Hope this helps.

L

If your looking for a good Matt, have a look at the ThermaRest DreamTime XL's, I got two of these as they can fasten together to form a Queen Size bed, more of a sleeping system than just a Matt, although they are pricey, I paid £119 each back in November, although they do come with a life time warranty.

Hi

I've got an Airic, and it's great.  However, you could look at the Costco version, which is a bit thicker but also a bit heavier. It's less than £20 for a single, and much much better than the bricks that the likes of Aldi and Lidl have had on sale recently.

Z

Tried out our Fat Airics for the first time this weekend.

Impressed with the thickness and ease of inflating, putting away and the weight of them.  Couldn't feel the floor through it, unlike cheaper mats (including the Costco one).

Less impressed with the stiff back and dead arm that had me up and out of bed at 7am each morning!   Was longing for my airbed which was in the roofbox, but didn't want to give in and admit I might just have wasted £40!

Christine

We like our Airics (Fats for us, Regulars for the kids) for camping earlier or later in the season, but tend to use airbeds (Coleman) in summer.

I don't honestly think there is that much time difference in using either; the airbeds have to be inflated and deflated, then folded,  but so too do the Airics, and they seem to take a bit more manual effort to roll, then re-roll. There really isn't that much to be gained in terms of pack size either, and to be honest it is probably easier to stow a folded up airbed than a cylinder-shaped rolled up mat.

The obvious benefit of the Airics is that you don't need a pump to inflate them,  just a few puffs to get them to their appropriate size (and that's a few more puffs than the manufacturers would have you believe).

So,  horses for courses; it all comes down to personal preference at the end of the day, like all things camping. Our teenage son prefers the Airic, our teenage daugter prefers the Coleman. I think they both have their uses, at different times.

Seems my advice is to get both (even though that wasn't your question! ).

Quote: Originally posted by jill987 on 31/5/2009

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I currently have a coleman double airbed but do find it chilly and not very comfortable (stiff shoulders). Today I tried these self-inflating mats only 3cm thick and was surprised just how comfortable it was. The 3cm being more comfortable than a 5cm! The chap from Yeomans assured me that the chill does not travel thru these but a £50 for a double I would like to reassured by others experience. Can anyone help?

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You could try putting a decent picnic mat under the Coleman Comfort, then using a fleece or quilted underblanket on top, then a fitted sheet. It does make a considerable difference. It's most important to insulate underneath you, with an airbed.

Best of luck, whatever you decide.