sleep mats

[popperdoodles]

we have always used inflatable mattresses but they need replacing and considering self inflating mats
are they warmer? more comfortable? or is is purely a case of personal preference?

[bagsofbats]

Self inflating all the way for us (dh and I have a Vango double) much warmer and far more comfy imo.

[popperdoodles]

how thick is yours? I have seen lots which are only 2.5 or 3cm

[GobblersKnob]

Self inflating so much better for me, just got back from 9 nights on my new 10cm ones and slept like a baby, just as comfy as my bed at home.

That said I know lots of campers who hate them and find air beds far more comfy (personally they are agony for my back and hips), I think it's a very personal thing.

[moveon]

I had just replaced my inflatable mattress with a 10cm sim. It's on top of a camp-bed and super comfy.

Also had an electric blanket on top of my aerobed to keep the cold out, but the sim is not only warm but much more comfy (for me, side-sleeper) than the aerobed - 6 years later! Should have swapped out years ago.

[madoldwoman]

Gobbles - which 10cm ones do you have? I posted a few days ago about trying my new 5cm one which was ok for a bit but then I got bad shoulder pain, so am considering having that for one of the kids and getting myself a thicker one (along with a couple of decent proper pillows!)

[popperdoodles]

it seems the thicker the better then. if we cannot afford proper thick ones I might stick with the blow up ones.

[madoldwoman]

Does anyone have the outwell dreamcatcher 10cm mat? It seems to get great reviews.

[LikeASoulWithoutAMind]

I much prefer self inflating mats, even the thin ones (which we've had for about 15 years) I personally find much more comfortable than an airbed.

We've just bought new Outwell Dreamcatcher 7cm mats, as the original 15yo SIMs seem to have finally given up the ghost. Not tried them properly yet but they seem very comfy.

[LikeASoulWithoutAMind]

SIMs are warmer too.

[stargirl1701]

We are toying with these:

www.cascadedesigns.com/ie/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-comfort/neoair-dream/product

Are they worth the money?

[CarlaSun]

I have the 10cm dream catcher & it is very comfortable. Bliss when used in top of a campbed, but still very good by itself.

[alexw]

Outsell dreamboatse the business!

[madoldwoman]

I hope so alexw - I have just ordered one!

[hillbilly]

We have Vango 7.5cm which we bought about 5 years ago. There are thicker around these days but it is still excellent and very comfortable. I always give it some extra puff to make it as thick as possible.

DH reckons he sleeps better camping than at home!

[TheRobbingBastards]

Watching with interest as poor DH is about to settle down for his first night at camp on my Vango trekking sim.
He considers SIMs to be obscenely expensive so am waiting with bated breath for the cries that we need to purchase something more comfortablefor his elderly bones