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Quote: Originally posted by Nethernut on 27/6/2010

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I've just got a self inflating mat from alpkit.com, great bit of kit, very comfortable. I have the 5cm version but they also do a 7cm one too. Great service from them as well. Son has owned one for some time and swears by it.

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I've got disc problems and have been using a Coleman Double Comfort airbed for some years now, with no problems. Howevere recently I tried one of the thick Aldi self inflating mats and it was a revalation. Just as comfortable but also a lot warmer under my back. I think sleeping on a cold airbed, even with insullation, can't be great for backs.

Yes, you just use a SI mat straight down on the groundsheet.

Try having a small cushion placed between or under your knees or neck regardless of what you sleep on!

You may need to experiment as to the best place for you but, this'll take the pressure off your back.

I sometimes use x2 at a time & it does make a difference!

hi. you could try tesco ,we got a queen sized airbed for £26.99.

not sure of the make bit it had a built in electric pump and its been the best airbed we have tried so far .cheers ali&paul

Hi

I know exactly what you mean, I have suffered with a bad back for years and used to get really fed up when camping as I couldn't move in the mornings after sleeping on an airbed. 

However, we invested in the Outwell Deluxe extra large camp beds last year and I have not had backache since.  I would really recommend them.  My brother and his wife came to visit us whilst on a camping trip earlier this year and he also suffers with a bad back.  He had a lie down on my camp bed to give it a try and went out the next week and bought 2 for their next camping trip.

Cant recommend them enough - well worth the money.  Really easy to put up and take down and take up as much space as a folding chair.  Hope this helps.

http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1428744-10475506?url=http://www.outdoormegastore.co.uk/acatalog/Outwell_Aluminium_Camp_Bed_Large_Deluxe.html

I too suffer with my back and thought we'd have to stop camping because I started getting such awful back pain after spending the night on a Coleman Comfort airbed (was fine for years, then not!).

I thought about splashing out on a couple of Thermarest Dreamtime XL SI mats, but the pack size was huge, so have bought 2 x Basecamp XL instead. I bought a couple kit then found that, if I put the mats inside our Fleece sleeping bag liners they fit perfectly, then topped with a kingsize (5ft) fitted sheet, they don't budge an inch and don't need the couple kit. It makes a huge bed, very comfy, and no back pain at all in the mornings after sleeping on them.

Before the Basecamp XLs we tried the Fat Airics, also very comfy but not as wide as the Basecamp XL mats, which I'd recommend if your bedroom inner will take them (they are 76cm wide).