Airbeds ok?

[Captain_Rightfoot]

We have a foam mattress at the moment that we roll our bedding into. It's comfortable, and quick, but it's HUUGE.

I'm thinking about trying an airbed for our forthcoming trip. Does anyone have any thoughts on these? Do you like your airbed? Is it cold in winter?

[Bushie]

After using airbeds for years, they can be very cold in winter. For the last few years we have been using a self inflating mattress and consider it great. Not much size advantage over foam probably though.


Martyn

[JohnE]

Ditto
For years I have slept on air during my winter sojourns and have always been cold no matter what grade of sleeping bag i was in, changed over to a light foam one a few years ago, definately better, but bulkier.

john


ps martyn i think those self inflaters have a foam insert in them

[Xavie]

if you get a thin blanket or sleeping bag to lay across the top of it like a sheet the cold doesn't come through so much I found.

Also, take a puncture repair kit for them.

The best thing is if it is one of the ones that floats well they are the best!

Xav

[Captain_Rightfoot]

So they are probably good for trips to warmer places but not so much for cold stuff. Are they comfortable though?

[waynep]

We swapped from an airbed to self inflating mattresses ( good quality "Thermarest" brand ) a few years ago and would never go back. Expensive, but well worth it.
The air beds do add considerably to set up and pack up time, even if you use an electric pump. This can be frustrating on overnight stops. Once set up they are fairly comfortable - but do let the cold seep up through. This can be counteracted somewhat by putting one of those rubber backed picnic blankets unnder the mattress.
I think self inflating mattresses (if you get good quality ones) are about the same comfort as high density foam - but they roll up much smaller.

[oldyella 76]

We went from a foam to an air, or several because of room constraints when we carted 3 kids around. Now we are on our own we use a foam mattress 4" thick. It is warmer, quicker to unpack & pack up. We roll ours with the bedding in it and place straps around it. We got sick of being cold, blowing it up and letting it down, having a 12 volt pump fail, not to mention trying to get to sleep when it is going down due to a slow leak that you can't find in the desert with no water. Stick to a foam or self inflating.

[werdan]

If you go airbeds do the missus a favour and get a 12v pump to blow them up with.


I've been using an airbed for years in the Vic high country without any problems. A good quality sleeping bag helps (Mine's rated at -10°c)

Definitely invest a 12v air pump, a high volume, low pressure type. You should be able to get on for about $10-$15.
One trick I've learnt is to blow up the matress after setting up camp and then top it up before going to sleep. The pump warms the air a little as it inflates. The air then cools again and deflates the mattress a bit. Letting it cool and then topping it up keeps the pressure up overnight and you don't wake up on the ground.

[Utemad]

I used to use an airbed but never liked them. Always uncomfortable. Now use a roll up foam one. Much bulkier but much more comfortable.

Although haven't used it lately. We have a camper but if by myself I just sleep on the laid back front seat of the Disco which is foam :)

[loanrangie]

We have a self inflatinf mattress but the missus finds it too thin so we might get a foam 1 the same size to use together, in the cold you should place something between the ground and the mattress to prevent the cold seeping up- a space blanket works best or even a silver tarp with the silver facing down.

[Xtreme]

I think almost all aspects have been covered except the fact that both the self inflating mattresses and airbeds are prone to puncturing.

I changed to the self inflating type (which still need a bit of blowing up) a few years ago after using the same air beds for over 20yrs. Used the rubber backed rug underneath to stop cold from rising and never suffered from cold. Last time I was out I used both the SIM and the AB as the SIM has developed a very slow undetectable leak - had the best nights sleep ever. As NM suggested, I also put the AB pillow at my feet.

Roger

[FenianEel]

Have used airbeds for years with no dramas, good ones are very comfortable, and take up bugger all room. (Most times with a full 7 seater, space is important for us)
If you're concerned about the cold with them (never have been), get one with a velour side (oooh), place something between it and the ground, and use a sleeping bag.
Definately get a 12v pump, don't buy a cheap airbed and look after it.
Never had any issues with them ;)

[adm333]

Something to consider ..... which I had not.

We bought 3 single inflatable air matresses which is handy because you sleep on an individual one so that movement doesn't affect the other person. You also only need to take as many as you need each trip.

However last weekend, sleeping at Stanthorpe (which is quite cold this time of year even for QLD), I was packing up and noticed a small amount of moisture on top of the air mattress.

I was toast warm and slept very well, so I can only assume that the temperature differential from the ground underneath to the surface on top caused condensation of the air.

Dave

[vnx205]

We have used air beds for over 30 years and yes a couple of them are the same ones we started with 30 years ago. They had a fair bit of use, including every night for 3 months at one stage.
With a 12V low pressure fan type blower I could inflate two of them in less than 3 minutes. When we had four and a hand pump I generously let the kids do them.

We never really had a problem with the cold coming through them. We used to just put a blanket folded on top of the air bed. As we got older we also tried putting a space blanket, silver side up under the air bed. I think it helped.

It is important to learn just how much to inflate them and the tip about topping them up just before you go to bed can make a big difference.

The only occasions I have found the pillow uncomfortable were the times I put too much air in the pillow.

We were always sufficiently happy with them that there was never any reason to even consider the extra cost and bulk of alternative systems.

With the Trayon, all that has now become irrelevant.:p

[FenianEel]

..... I was packing up and noticed a small amount of moisture on top of the air mattress.

I was toast warm and slept very well, so I can only assume that the temperature differential from the ground underneath to the surface on top caused condensation of the air.

Dave

I hope it was just 'condensation' Dave:p

[adm333]

I hope it was just 'condensation' Dave:p

A little slower than I had anticipated, but delivered nonetheless. :p

No, the situation would not have been improved by my wearing an adult daiper.

:eek:

[martin r]

If you want to sleep warm forget the airbeds, unless of course you employ some sort of insulating material between you and the ground. Air by nature is a great conductor of both cold and heat. Closed cell foam is the go although bulkier to transport and the large ones are a pain to roll up. All in all a better nights sleep.

[ashman]

Hi
We have been using air beds for about 12 years now and haven't had any problems as we use good brands ours are the canvas rubber ones and they are warm in winter as well they only take a few mintes to blow up with a good electric pump, they are also good in a swag as they role up so thin, I can also carry mine on my motorbike I strap it to the handle bars and its out of the way when I'm on trips...
My daugthers air bed is finely worn out and have replaced it with a self inflatting one and she said it is as comfortable but like anythink you buy it has to be of good quality.

Good luck with the choice..Ashley

[Bigbjorn]

I always get leg cramps sleeping on an air bed and changed to a roll-up foam mattress, now no problem. I agree with the comments re air beds being cold. I roll up the mattress, blankets and sleeping bag in one roll with webbing straps and carry it crosswise behind the front seats on top of the false floor I made that goes from the rear door to the back of the front seats over the wheel arches. This has a piano hinge in the middle and is supported at the front by eye-bolts in the false floor hooked to turnbuckles on the B-pillars.

[87County]

a self-inflating mattress is the way to go - much, much warmer than an inflatable airbed

[Captain_Rightfoot]

Well thanks all for your feedback!

We started with a coleman self inflating. Unfortunately it had issues. Mainly it was slow to pack up, and if they get a hole in them (as ours did) then you're in real trouble as they don't compact down anymore. I think it's a fine solution if you're staying somewhere for a few days.

Then last year we made up a foam mattress. It was supremely comfortable. We wrapped all our bedding in it and just rolled it up like a swag. So it was comfy and fast. The only downside is it's huuuge.

So, we're now at the stage where the kids are getting bigger. We used to run the fridge in the back seat. However this isn't our first choice as it makes it much harder to get the second child in (especially now he's bigger). Also the two kids are wedged together which is not always a good thing. Lastly, even though it's tied down as well as it can be I'm just a tad uncomfortable with it being in the cabin with us.

So, if we went with an airbed I reckon the saved space will allow us to move the fridge behind the cargo barrier into the back, and for the kids to have more room.

I'm tempted to give an airbed a go and see how we like it. This next trip is northward bound into warmer climes so that should be a positive for it. I might just ruminate on it for a bit but there isn't much time left...

If we go ahead I'll be sure to post back on our experiences.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

individual air beds are the go,,
take a look at who said foam,, the victorians,,

half the time up here you need the air to get rid of the body heat,,
a bottom sheet and a pair of stubbies (they're shorts to you long panted vics:p) is about it most times,, its only around dawn the sea breeze tends to get a bit cool,,, ;)

[zulu Delta 534]

When we camp we use an air bed and quite enjoy it, but I must add that it is one of those doubles with two separate chambers, so that when I get into bed the missus doesnt pop up into the air, as she would on a single chamber mattress. As for temperature control, a couple of golden rules when sleeping on an air bed or a stretcher are, 'one blanket under is worth two on top', 'wear as little clothing as modesty allows', and 'one blanket inside a sleeping bag is equivalent to about three on top'.
Regards
Glen

[hiline]

i put the thin silver builders insulation under my kids airbeds
even have it under the beds in the campervan to stop the cold

stops the cold a treat and easy to carry and pack ;)

[Vinnie]

I have got an air bed and it's fantastic. Used it over Easter weekend at Omeo (Vic High Country) and had no issues with cold (and yes it was very cold). As previously said don't buy a cheap one, buy a good one and a little 12V pump and you can't go wrong. Like others have said put a blanket underneath it if you're really worried and it'll be fine. Mine has the velour top on it.

Cheers

Vinnie

[Panda]

We used airbeds for a number of years, but found them very cold & prone to puncture. Admittedly, if you got a really good quality one, you probably wouldn't have as many problems with punctures, but we went for the cheapies. Then went to a foam mattress, really comfortable but bulky, & a pain if they get wet!!! :(

Now use the self-inflating mattresses, which are really comfortable & easy to pack.:) Highly recommend them. (You can get them different thicknesses too.)

[loanrangie]

Who sells a good quality air bed ?

[loanrangie]

I think age has something to do with how you feel about airbeds too

Obviously a younger person does not usually feel the cold in their bones like an older person :D

Or those with bone injuries :(.

[carjunkieanon]

Does anyone every use hammocks?

[Panda]

Very good suggestion. I thought about that a few months ago. Wanted to string a hammock up in the back of the SIII. Found it very difficult to find any round here, so had a look on the internet. The Americans have them really well laid out, but they're not cheap.


Does anyone every use hammocks?

[Panda]

The American ones I was looking at a really versatile. The come with poles & the like, so you can set them up anywhere. (Sort of as a make shift tent arrangement). They come with different layers i.e. mozzie protection layer, warm protection layer, like sleeping bags & the like. I'll try & find the site I was looking at & post it for you.



Ok in fine weather and in tree'd areas

Be a bugger to put up in a tent :D
Be a bugger to put up out on the plain :D
Bit of a pain if you are a family of 6 say :D
Might also be a bit cold on your back at times too

Can anyone comment on how comfortable they are to sleep in?

[westcoasterjim]

I learnt in the Field in the Antarctic to use a Thermal Blanket ( Fiol Ground sheet) inside the Floor of the tent. This stops the Perma Frost. I have used it for years of Winter Bushwalking in Tasmania. It helps with 'Cavity' beds. Actually makes all Tents a lot warmer! I use a Therma Rests, self inflating Matress. Have done for years. I hope that makes Camping a Bit Better for everyone. I come from a Bike Background & still travel light and compact. Get out there and enjoy it. But with a 'Tad' comfort. jim. :).

[Captain_Rightfoot]

We got a coleman airbed yesterday. It inflates in 1 minute (I timed it) and much the same going down. It would appear quite comfortable. Leaving the bedding in it doesn't look like being a problem either and when packed it occupies probably only 20% of the space our foam bed did. Overnight it didn't leak.

The biggest problem so far is that my little boy and girl appear to be compelled to use it as a bouncing castle. :eek::D It has saved so much room that I think we'll be able to move the fridge to the back of the car rather than in the back with the kids which should make for a more pleasant trip.

Thanks for the tips about the space blankets.

[weeds]

We got a coleman airbed yesterday. It inflates in 1 minute (I timed it) and much the same going down. It would appear quite comfortable. Leaving the bedding in it doesn't look like being a problem either and when packed it occupies probably only 20% of the space our foam bed did. Overnight it didn't leak.

The biggest problem so far is that my little boy and girl appear to be compelled to use it as a bouncing castle. :eek::D It has saved so much room that I think we'll be able to move the fridge to the back of the car rather than in the back with the kids which should make for a more pleasant trip.

Thanks for the tips about the space blankets.


spuds like you are all sorted

make sure you take a repair kit:D

[waynep]

The biggest problem so far is that my little boy and girl appear to be compelled to use it as a bouncing castle. :eek::D

We borrowed one once. It wouldn't stay up so I took it down to the river and pushed it under - it was like a spa pool - there were so many holes. Turns out their kids liked to use it as a jumping castle - but with shoes on.

Coleman stuff is generally pretty good so you should be happy with that choice. If you have a reasonable thick canvas or similar bag you can put it all in whilst travelling, it will stop it scraping and rubbing and making little holes..

[Captain_Rightfoot]

That might be fun for them - but it won't be for you when you're patching all the holes in your airbed. ;) :(:)

I realise we're going to have to work on that :eek::eek::(

[vnx205]

I learnt in the Field in the Antarctic to use a Thermal Blanket ( Fiol Ground sheet) inside the Floor of the tent. This stops the Perma Frost. I have used it for years of Winter Bushwalking in Tasmania. It helps with 'Cavity' beds. Actually makes all Tents a lot warmer! I use a Therma Rests, self inflating Matress. Have done for years. I hope that makes Camping a Bit Better for everyone. I come from a Bike Background & still travel light and compact. Get out there and enjoy it. But with a 'Tad' comfort. jim. :).

My recollection of High School Physics from about 45 years ago tells me that the silver side should go up to reflect back the heat radiated from your body.
Does that sound right?
It seemed to work for me.

(I think "reflect back" is a tautology, but I'll leave it anyway.)

[disco_mitch]

after the amount of air beds i have bought i decided to buy a 10cm self inflating mat and yes they do take up more room but i will never turn back, even if you do puncture a self inflater you still have a good night sleep it seems heaps warmer we slept on ours for 12days straight and never woke up sore never had to pump it up every day the last air matress i had was 120 and it was good but the self inflater is soooo much better

[Captain_Rightfoot]

on our last trip we camped for fourteet of our twenty one days away. The air bed went really well and were very happy with it. It probably wasn't qiluite as warm as the foam mattress but it definately had more cushioning than the foam bed. Also the Coleman quality was great. It didn't leak once. :)

[Tombie]

after the amount of air beds i have bought i decided to buy a 10cm self inflating mat and yes they do take up more room but i will never turn back, even if you do puncture a self inflater you still have a good night sleep it seems heaps warmer we slept on ours for 12days straight and never woke up sore never had to pump it up every day the last air matress i had was 120 and it was good but the self inflater is soooo much better

You were certainly well rested :angel::wasntme: