Very comfortable. For me more comfortable than an airbed.
I can imagine that weight does matter a bit. There are differences in quality of foam used inside. The more expensive brand also use a better quality of foam, giving more resistance and hence more comfort. Also in case of puncture (still possible, although not likely) these betters ones remain much more comfortable.
One to two inches is OK, mine is 4 cms thick is fine. More is not necessary for comfort. If one wants more one may just as well return to a normal airbed.
Remember, thicker inflatables are not necessarily more comfortable. Best is to try in the shop. The better shops have a pebble bed in the shop. You put down the inflatable on that and lay down on it to feel.
Also the pressure needed differs per person. I usually don't inflate extra or just one blow. If one inflates too hard the matrass actually becomes less comfortable.
Some price differences also depend on the outside materials used e.g. anti-slip. Choosing one made of the more traditional materials is cheaper and not necessarily worse. Mine in theory slips down a bit more if laying on a slope, but it hardly ever noticed. One has a tendency to slowly 'crwal down' a bit anyway on a slope, every time when turning from one side to another when asleep. This is not a matter of slipping materials.
So don't go too cheap, but also don't pick unnecassary properties.
Or this cheaper one looks quite good but you will have to ask our members for a comparison... http://www.alpkit.com/products/airic.php click on any of the three for pics n info...
------------- DELTA..
aka Paul
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”
I've tried others but they are rubbish. Although thermarest are expensive they last for years. I've got a 3/4 one I used for backpacking 15 years ago and my son now sleeps on it. I've got a luxury base camp one and few weeks ago slept more than 8hrs every night for 10 nights, and I'm quite heavy!
We use Thermarests and find them extremely comfy and warm, quick to set up and pack away. So comfy that I positively look forward to bed time when camping - 10 hours sleep a night on these beauties is bliss . We've used ours lots for both camping and sleep-overs for 3 years and there is no sign of wear at all.
Having said that, try before you buy, what suits one person may not be right for the next - after all we all like different matresses at home.
We also have Thermarest (2 x luxury camp and 1 x expedition). We are all sleeping well on them and what a relief not to have the faff with the airbeds deflating, etc.
Not cheap - but then well worth the money. The shop I bought them from said we could take them home and 'try' them, if not happy we could return them. (Cotswold Outdoors). I did return one for a different type with no problems.
Have recently purchased two Alpkit mats - the Airic and the Wee Airic. Have only used for a night each but both comfortable (and I'm well over 13st!!). The Fat Airic has a good review in Outdoorsmagic:-
Given the price difference between these and Thermarests felt the Alpkit ones must be worth a try - even come with a puncture repair kit should the worst happen!