Airbeds ok?

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

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 ;)

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adm333

..... 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

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I hope it was just 'condensation' Dave:p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FenianEel

I hope it was just 'condensation' Dave:p

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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:

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.

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

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.

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