Airbeds, sims etc

[Spiderpants]

Hi,
So I need to get something new to sleep on for our camping trip.
So normally would just get an airbeds but keep reading about these self inflating mats and want to know if they are worth the additional cost.
Also do you just sleep on them on the floor? Nothing underneath them?
Because I really dont want to spend loads if they are not worth the additional cost?
Thanks for your help.

Watching with interest

SIMs are far more comfortable and warmer than airbeds. I have a vango 7.5cm one - I've used it on the floor but this year I've bought a campbed and put the SIM on top and the combo is brilliant, just as comfy as my bed at home.

OMG yes. They're amazing.

Thanks for your replies,
Do you have any recommendations on brands, thickness
Best value, I cant really afford to spend loads but dont want to buy cheap and then end up buying twice

I don’t like really thick ones, I roll off them! I do live my Alpkit Dirtba though.

After some helpful recommendations here I got a 10cm single SIMS. It’s ok, better than a leaky air bed but it’s very narrow. If I was buying again I’d get a double one for one adult, if your tent has space. I really would like a perfect leak free air bed but I don’t believe that exists.

I have the Thermarest Neo Air and I love it (I gush about it a lot). It's got a reflective layer to reflect body heat to keep you warm. It's super small and lightweight. Best purchase ever. It's not padded and there's definitely an argument for going down that route (eg if you get a puncture and/or size doesn't matter) but I've had my Thermarest a few years and never had to use the repair kit.

Oh and I don't use anything between my Thermarest and the floor. Except the tent itself.

Thanks everyone, lots to contemplate
I dont think I can justify spending over £100 which limits me to which I can get.
Does anyone know the best value double that is as squishy & warm as possible as I always get a bad back and am cold at night.
There is so much choice

We used two 10cm outwell dreamcatchers with a double mattress topper and sheet over them. Plus our usual duvet and pillows for 2 weeks camping in France and they were sooo comfy. DH and I are both pretty tall and not very small and we could adjust the firmness individually. They don't need pumping up and really do self inflate quickly plus easy to pack away. They are largish when packed but so worth it. They are £65 in Go Outdoors, but if you look around you might be able to get a bit cheaoer with a voucher code. I think i paid £55 each. We dudnt need anything under but i put down a picnic blanket as we were on super stoney ground. I can't recommend them highly enough.

10cm Dreamcatcher £50 each here.

Thanks everyone I've bitten the dust and got some.fingers crossed they are comfy.
Has anyone ever tried the funky airbed from decathlon it is airbed round the side and has slats across the middle. Tried one in decathlon today and they seemed very comfy, you put a self inflating mat on the top. Though at 49.99 quite pricey maybe next years purchase.

which ones did you go for Spider?

Ended up with the vango 10cm ones as need them quite quickly, currently sleeping on them and not ever slept so well in a tent, DH is also very impressed said we will get them for the kids next year as well.
Also put a matress topper on top.
Lovely and cozy
Thanks for all the suggestions

Glad they are good. I love our outwell ones. Cant belive how comfy we were for 2 weeks camping. I love how easy they are to inflate too. Enjoy!!

And if a SIM ever leaks air and goes down , it still works a bit because it's full of sponge.

I put down a foil backed picnic rug first, then the SIM (10cm Dreamcatcher), then the sleeping bag. Then on a bad night any other material I can get hold of.