Mattress options

[FallenSkies]

Hi everyone, usually we take blow up mattresses when camping (2 double ones for a family of 4) but I have heard lots of people talk about self inflating matts. They look quite thin though.

What does everyone use for their bedding? Are self inflating matts comfortable and better than the big blow up ones?

We don't have a huge amount of car space and they look nice and compact, but we camp for 4 nights a time so need comfortable bedding.

Any advise very much appreciated

Outwell do some that are 10cm thick, and possibly other ones that are thicker (though more expensive). I've not slept on the 10cm one (yet) but have slept on thinner, possibly 3cm before and it was so much more comfortable than an air bed. I'd buy the best/thickest you can afford. Some have foam within so are extra comfortable.

Outwell do some that are 10cm thick, and possibly other ones that are thicker (though more expensive). I've not slept on the 10cm one (yet) but have slept on thinner, possibly 3cm before and it was so much more comfortable than an air bed. I'd buy the best/thickest you can afford. Some have foam within so are extra comfortable.

We have the 10cm Outwell Dreamcatcher SIMs and would never go back to airbeds. Much more comfortable.

That's good to know. I will have a look at SIMs then. Thank you

SIMs are great - I am FINE on a 5Cm or 7,5Cm thickness, and kids are fine on 2.5 or 3Cm because they don't weigh much. The bottom of your sleeping bag adds another layer of padding.

Aldi have them at the moment - ones that would be fine for kids.

The 10Cm ones are so expensive and very bulky.

They are memory foam with air in too. The foam creates a layer of good insulation between you and the ground - blow up beds just conduct your heat out into the ground and are much colder.

Got airbeds for our first year camping and they were awful. Now have Vango Shangri la 10cm SIM and they are so comfy x

I've just bought the Kampa kip highrise 10cm double (they now do a 15cm too). I got it for £160 down from £225. My last SIM
I had nearly 10 years but was quite thin and uncomfortable but I know I will get the use out of this one and I can do longer trips now.

Also it doubles up as a spare bed for visitors on the rare occasion we have someone stay. My spare room is mostly used as a study / exercise room so I don't want a permanent bed in there but this makes a great option for visitors.