Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Camping and Caravanning Equipment

Topic: Airbeds or Self inflating mats?

DPELEC

19/8/2012 at 11:48pm
Location: Skipton N Yorkshire
Outfit: Swift Challenger 470 se & Trout lake 4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/2/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 205

Site Reviews Total:	1

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

Hi all we are just upgrading our camping equipment and wondered if the new multimats are as comfy as airbeds.
Yeomans say they are comfy but please could you give me and good points.We are sick of pumping airbeds up!!

Bernie47

20/8/2012 at 12:06am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/7/2006

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5533
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	13

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

It is purely a matter of personal choice.

If you are constantly pumping up your airbeds then you are either pumping them up too hard or you are using plastic airbeds instead of rubberised cotton airbeds.

-------------
Bernie

heath63

20/8/2012 at 6:45am
Location: wirral
Outfit: Outwell Nevada m Vango sigma 300

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 02/3/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 2115
Tent Reviews: 1

Site Reviews Total:	16

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	1
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

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

I think you are a bit unfortunate with your airbed. I did 5 nights and the beds did not need re-pumping.

I like my airbed soft where I just sink into it; rather than hard. Therefore I find SI mats too uncomfortable. For you why don't you try out the thickest.

I have done that myself, tested them out, in the shop, try before you buy sort of thing.

Thus airbeds for me.

heath63

-------------
New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel

martinjp65

20/8/2012 at 8:45am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 20/8/2007

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 212
Tent Reviews: 10

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

It really does come down to your definition of personal comfort. Our bed at home is quite firm when we started out using airbeds (including "quality" ones)I was waking up feeling my back had been subject to a hangmans drop and we got fed up with untraceable leaks. We now use an Outwell posadas double folding bed topped with a 5CM double Outwell comfort SIM and would never go back.

HAP50

20/8/2012 at 9:20am
Location: East Midlands
Outfit: Vango Icarus 600 Tigris 800 Quechua3

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/10/2008

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 69
Tent Reviews: 4

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

We have SIMS and find them warmer than airbeds and as they are thinner the bedrooms of the tent actually fit in the stated number of people and the tent feels more spacious. I find it very comfortable indeed but I do sleep on my front. I have heard that some side-sleepers find their hip unsupported by thinner SIMS.

-------------
If it doesn't fit inside the cars it's more than your family needs :-)

arsenaldes

20/8/2012 at 1:24pm
Location: Aston Clinton
Outfit: Kampa Holkham + Outwell Yukon River*

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/6/2010

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 5090
Tent Reviews: 12

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

Again all a matter of personal comfort we started off with airbeds then tried SIMs then went back to airbeds. We also find air beds are better when under inflated and also with some form of insulation underneath them

-------------
Experience enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.
Everything has been said before, but since nobody ever listens we have to keep going back and saying it all over again and again and again

Fotogen

20/8/2012 at 1:30pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 13/6/2009

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1404

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

In those long ago days when I could get down to floor level I went from rollmat to airbed to Thermarest SIM. Rubberised cotton airbed was brilliant and comfy. Modern airbeds don't seem to have that quality. I used a Thermarest 3cms and changed from side sleeping - I rolled off narrow beds - to front or back sleeping which was better. Now I need full height so after using high airbed which deflated got Kampa camp bed. Tried it for a week and have decided to invest in a SIM to go on top for even more comfort.

If I were physically able I would only use a 7cms thick SIM and buy the best I could afford.

-------------
Mavis
It is easier to smile than frown so share a smile every day

Rivvy

20/8/2012 at 3:58pm
Location: Lancashire
Outfit: Minnesota 4 Vermont L

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/9/2004

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 15
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	11

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 wife and I use Alpkit Dozer SIMs (7.5cm thick) and we both find them vastly more comfortable and warmer than an airbed.

They're not cheap but are excellent quality.

We have two thinner High Gear SIMs for our young boys (4 and 6) and they sleep like logs.

SIMs all the way for us.

krazykamper

20/8/2012 at 5:37pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 27/8/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 3113
Tent Reviews: 5

Site Reviews Total:	37

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

Quote: Originally posted by Rivvy on 20/8/2012

My wife and I use Alpkit Dozer SIMs (7.5cm thick) and we both find them vastly more comfortable and warmer than an airbed.
They're not cheap but are excellent quality.
We have two thinner High Gear SIMs for our young boys (4 and 6) and they sleep like logs.
SIMs all the way for us.

I have to agree with you on this one Rivvy. We also use the Alpkit SIMs and have done for for a while now. For us they are far more comfortable and warmer than blow up air beds. If you choose the air bed remember to insulate both underneath and on top otherwise they are just like big cold slabs of concrete!

-------------
2015 Trips

January - Red Squirrel
February - Red Squirrel
March - Gimme Shelter
April - Elie
May - Noah's Ark
May - Riverside, Skipton
May - Blair Castle
June - Braithwaite Bridges
July - The Star
July - Witches Craig
July - Scone
August - Highburn House
September - Gimme Shelter

CornwallSavvy

20/8/2012 at 6:55pm
Location: England
Outfit: Between units

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 23/2/2005

Silver Member

Forum Posts: 189
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	21

Site Reviews 2024:	1
Site Reviews 2023:	1
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	3
Site Reviews 2020:	1
Site Reviews 2019:	1
Site Reviews 2018:	2

Site Nights 2024:	6
Site Nights 2023:	5
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	20
Site Nights 2020:	3
Site Nights 2019:	3
Site Nights 2018:	6

We've never tried SIMs but are really happy with our 6' wide Intex airbed. It's more comfortable than what we have at home. We have a carpet underneath and a very thin duvet under the flannelette sheet. We have never felt cold. With a battery powered pump to inflate, its no trouble at all.

KewGardener

20/8/2012 at 7:32pm
Location: London
Outfit: Tent

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 11/9/2006

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 534

Site Reviews Total:	12

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:	2
Site Nights 2018:	0

We have Coleman Comfort airbeds and good quality sims.
I find the airbed more comfortable when I first lie down on it but by the early hours of the morning I usually have a slight back ache. Consequently I always get a better nights sleep on a sim and as has already been said, they provide good insulation so are superior for out of season camps anyway.
Edited to add, I totally agree with the above comment about electric pumps. You don't need EHU, they just plug into the lighter socket of the car and take away all the effort of inflation/deflation.

cllr_gyppo

20/8/2012 at 8:29pm
Location: Wells
Outfit: Vango Euphoria

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 05/7/2010

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 261
Tent Reviews: 3

Site Reviews Total:	13

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	3
Site Reviews 2022:	1
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	23
Site Nights 2022:	7
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

When we First started Camping, We used Cheapo Intex Airbeds, which cost a £10/£15 or so, Found they went Flat by the morning, particulary mine, Which I put down to my Weight (23 St)

We then got a Couple of Outwell Avant Garde 10 Cm SIM, Which are absolutely Fab, Can't Fault them. They could take my Weight without any problems. We have a Roll Mat underneath them to protect them.

Then one Night the Wife went Sleep walking, and ended up Standing on My Air mat (with me using it) , in effect Popping it. It goes flat by the morning, but it is still comfy.

We are away next week, and I managed to get hold of an Aerobed "Active Raised" for £29.99, (which went straight back up to £99.99, but I got mine) We are going to try this out and see how it goes.

Gut Reaction would be to get another SIM, but we may have one of each, or get another Aerobed, if the Price is right of course.

My Mind is still open.

-------------
Best Regards
Nathan

dk168

21/8/2012 at 12:16am
Location: Devizes Wiltshire
Outfit: MWB VW Crafter PVC

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/6/2009

Diamond Member

Forum Posts: 9601
Tent Reviews: 6

Site Reviews Total:	56

Site Reviews 2024:	9
Site Reviews 2023:	9
Site Reviews 2022:	8
Site Reviews 2021:	9
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	45
Site Nights 2023:	47
Site Nights 2022:	46
Site Nights 2021:	34
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Based on personal experience, camp bed + SIM beats airbed hands down.

DK

-------------
* Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *

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 and Caravanning Equipment - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

4523 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

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

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

Request a Reminder