So, who has a Dozer?

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After a back injury that's taking a long time to get better, I'm beginning to think that I need a thicker and more comfortable SIM, and I'm wondering whether to splurge on a Dozer. Apparently the version for sale at the moment has different material (easier to clean than the peachy fabric, but I'm not that bothered about keeping it pristine, and would rather have something I don't slip off). Has anyone tried the new edition? (think it's called Chimera) Or the older one, and how do you rate it? Is it worth £60 ?

Ooh I'm keen for advice too! Have back trouble & am fed up of leaky, squishy airbeds, doesn't seem to make much difference how much I spend. I just can't get my head around sims being comfortable when they are so thin Really don't want/can't afford to spend more good money after bad. Hopefully someone useful will come along.

I've got an old-version Dozer, and we've also just bought two of the new ones for the children.

THey are easier to clean. And the children think they're great, but I have to say I prefer the old "peachy" fabric. Both equally comfortable though I would say, and if like us you cover them up with a sheet, I don't think the fabric really makes too much difference.

What I'd LOVE actually though, is a fitted sheet type thing that's exactly the right size for them. Does anybody know if such a thing exists?

They're very very comfortable greenfig, btw! About 10cm thick (I'm estimating), but they really are as comfortable as a proper bed. Don't be tempted by cheap imitations though - I think you get what you pay for in this instance!

I would love to know how people rate them in comparison to the Thermarest basecamp SIM's - I have one of these already but sometimes wonder if I should have got a dozer as they get such rave reviews !

See, I've read some negative reviews on the Alpkit site (under SIMs) about leaks and early punctures, which worried me - at that sort of price (and yes, I know Thermarests are even more!) you'd expect them not to puncture so soon.

Wonder if Alpkit have any 'peachy' ones left in stock? As for a fitted sheet, I reckon you could run one up on the sewing machine pretty fast from a standard double sheet - make a sort of sleeve for it?

Thanks, all! Anyone got a reason why I shouldn't treat myself to a Dozer?

I got my basecamp online for around £70 which was a lot cheaper than I had seen them in camping shops incase any one is thinking of getting one. Look online!

I've got one. It's comfier than my bed at home! I keep meaning to sew a double duvet cover into a double dozer cover!

I've made covers for my dozers - you only need a single sheet for each and that gives plenty of margin for error. Just folded it in half and sewed up two sides, leaving a short side open for sliding it in.

Thanks all I'm convinced! The money will be well worth it to have a well slept mummy on hols

I ordered my Dozer Chimera on Monday and it arrived Tuesday. Most impressive service. Currently have it unrolled and inflated as per their instructions for new ones and have had a lie on it and it's fab, really lovely and thick now it's had time to fully inflate. Website says 7.5 cm inflated. Also says to store flat with valves open, not rolled up for maximum inflating benefit. Where does everyone else store theirs?

Reading this with interest, I bought a cheap SIM last year for the first time and also a camp bed (army style with the legs that slot in) and alternated between the two with DS, who will sleep on the floor, he's not fussed. The bed is great for storing stuff under so reluctant to part with that but thinking of trying a better SIM. My SIM had a small tear that I noticed soon after getting it (not sure if it was there before or caused by DS and friend jumping about on them), DS did not notice but I did. I repaired it and it was much better.

I was baffled about the storage instructions last year and had a few suggestions on here, mine is in the gap between the wardrobe and the wall. Under the bed or under the wardrobe are other possibilities or maybe even in the wardrobe.

Hmm, think I'm going to do it. My only remaining reservation is that we made a large 'family bed' with an assortment of SIMs that were the same thickness last time, and now I'm going to be elevated on my lovely Dozer and DH will be several cm lower on his Aldi SIM! (not that he's bothered, he says it's fine, and as for marital intimacy - while camping?? are you mad? ) But I'm co-sleeping with DS2 and need to be able to bf while lying down at night. It was fine last time, he shared my (borrowed) Thermarest and we just about fitted on. Now he's a larger chap and I'm not sure what to do. Maybe I can stick something under his own SIM to elevate him...?