Thread: Airbeds ok?

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Numpty's Missus

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.

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