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Hi Pillarose,

They are Self Inflating Mats. Bit like a memory foam mattress for camping. When you open the valve they suck in air and inflate then you give a couple of puffs to the firmness you require. You roll them tight to deflate. Come in all thicknesses from 2.5 up to at least 10cms but thicker are naturally more bulky and more expensive. Next time you are in Tesco look at the camping section as they do a basic (2.5cm, £15) one and at least you'll get an idea of what they are like.

Hi, they're like an airbed, but with foam inside. To inflate you undo one or two valves and the foam expands back to its  original size. (in theory)

The foam creates a warm barrier, and you can add a small amount of air by mouth, only a few breaths. They are also softer than an airbed. I have two and I love them better than any other type of camping bed that I have. To pack away, undo the the valves again and roll the air out. Once rolled re tighten the valve and it stays rolled up

EDIT       ditto

Not used them camping yet but I got 3 from Costco last week.  They are 7.5cm thick and were about £17 each. DD and DS seem to think they are comfortable and I have to say I'm impressed with them but will still sleep on my Aerobed!

Karen

I sleep on my side on a 7.5cm SIM without 'bottoming out'.  Very comfy.

It helps to have a decent width of mat, especially if you curl up on your side.

Hi Gear Discoverer Sleeping Mat - definately stops the bottoming out as it has a slight raised edge - amazing sleep even for the not so slim of us who also sleep on our side! Not the cheapest but wouldnot swap it for the world

http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/redirect.asp?redir=http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/hi-gear-discoverer-sleeping-mat-p143979

I know that the hi Gear one is only a single but it is large!

Thinner peolple can still have problems with hips etc. contacting the ground. They have a smaller contact area to spread the load  !!!   As I already posted, they give me the most comfortable and warmest sleeping.

Re not like sleeping on a thin camping mat. It would be more like sleeping on about SIX camping mats, with some extra air to adjust to maximum comfort.

Quote: Originally posted by Pillarose on 17/5/2011

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Thanks for that Sooz. Just one last question for the moment: do they come in doubles???

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