BajaNomad - Inflatable Mattresses

Inflatable Mattresses

k-rico - 11-5-2009 at 08:09 AM

I'm thinking about buying a couple of twin sized inflatable mattresses to use in the Ford Condominium and a tent.

I'm also curious about the inflating mechanisms. I think I prefer a manual pump so I don't need to rely upon batteries. Perhaps one that connects to a bicycle tire pump. Make sense?

Is deflation while asleep a concern?

Any recommendations or brands that I should stay away from?

I know nothing about them.

Thanks

mulegemichael - 11-5-2009 at 08:15 AM

we have a couple of Sofina inflatables that we love for camping...it's two twins that zip together to form a king and it fits perfectly in our small tent...as a bonus it has a built in pump that you can run off a cigarette lighter OR charge up a built in battery in a wall socket before leaving..believe me, this is the ONLY way to go...

beachbum1A - 11-5-2009 at 08:16 AM

No, no, no...stay away from air mattresses period! Always a problem with leaking and a real pain to inflate & deflate,
Buy a couple of self inflating mattresses and you'll never regret it. I bought two of them maybe 10 years and they are still serviceable with no problems.

mulegemichael - 11-5-2009 at 08:18 AM

beachbum...are those self inflatable ones the ones that are like, one inch thick?....this old body doesn't do well on those...these sofina ones are like, 10 inches thick with a pillowtop and very very durable..

k-rico - 11-5-2009 at 08:51 AM

self inflating??

sounds like that eliminates the "self deflating" problem I'm concerned about.

also sounds like a medical problem I'm struggling with.

any other opinions?

DENNIS - 11-5-2009 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
self inflating??

sounds like that eliminates the "self deflating" problem I'm concerned about.

also sounds like a medical problem I'm struggling with.

any other opinions?

Don't say no to self-inflating till you look at these. I have one and it's comfortable. I loaned it to my big fatassed friend and he said the same thing.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?i...

[Edited on 11-5-2009 by DENNIS]

David K - 11-5-2009 at 09:05 AM

We have been using a Simmons air mattress for a few years now... The air pump (110v) is external... For a little more $ you can get an internal pump model.

Purchased at Target... about $100, Queen size. It is Baja Proven, no leaks, comfortable.

The Tacoma has a 110v outlet in the bed of the truck and with an extention cord to our tent, filling the mattress is quick and easy.

Diver - 11-5-2009 at 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum1A
No, no, no...stay away from air mattresses period! Always a problem with leaking and a real pain to inflate & deflate,
Buy a couple of self inflating mattresses and you'll never regret it. I bought two of them maybe 10 years and they are still serviceable with no problems.

A maximum of 2 inches of air does NOT make for a comfy night's sleep !
It will do in a pinch but a 6" air matress or 4" foam makes for sweet dreams.
Stay away from the cheap air matresses; they don't hold up.
.

[Edited on 11-5-2009 by Diver]

Martyman - 11-5-2009 at 09:17 AM

Aero beds are pretty good. Count on them lasting 2-3 years then buy a new one. I've tried multiple self inflaters...no way for my fatass.

DENNIS - 11-5-2009 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

A maximum of 2 inches of air does NOT make for a comfy night's sleep !
It will do in a pinch but a 6" air matress or 4" foam makes for sweet dreams.
Stay away from the cheap air matresses; they don't hold up.
.

The self inflators arn't like a typical air mattress. It's a piece of medium density foam with air cells that fill when it's unrolled. Hard to explain but worth looking into.

Diver - 11-5-2009 at 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
...no way for my fatass.

This one might be worth some consideration ?? :lol:

Diver - 11-5-2009 at 09:40 AM

I have 5 self-inflating camp mattresses; the best available.
I am over 6' tall and not skinny.
They are tolerable for camping with the kids but NOT ideal.
If you are smaller or younger like my wife and kids, it might be a different matter.

DENNIS - 11-5-2009 at 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

This one might be worth some consideration ?? :lol:

Jeeezo...That is spooky. All my blow-up dolls have hands and feet. It's part of the "anatomically correct" guarantee.

Martyman - 11-5-2009 at 09:50 AM

Diver;
Do you have her number?

Martyman - 11-5-2009 at 09:55 AM

I used to sell inflatable boats-kayaks, zodiac type sportboats, etc.. Anyway, I made a magnetic sign that went on the side of my car saying
MARTY'S INFLATABLE BOATS and my phone #. I went to a party and one of my friends used different colored tape to change the sign to ..you guessed it...MARTY'S INFLATABLE DOLLS.
I drove around for a day before I noticed it. I was busting up

vandenberg - 11-5-2009 at 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver
This one might be worth some consideration ?? :lol:

Would have to sleep on your belly and would be tough to roll over. :biggrin:

Biggest problem with air mattresses I've always found is the deflating and trying to stuff them back in whatever package they came out off. :no:

ncampion - 11-5-2009 at 10:47 AM

Quote:

Biggest problem with air mattresses I've always found is the deflating and trying to stuff them back in whatever package they came out off.

I use a portable vacuum to suck the air out. Quick and really makes it compact.

.

TheColoradoDude - 11-5-2009 at 11:03 AM

http://www.rei.com/product/750899

Aero All-Terrain Air Mattress with Dual Power Pump - Twin

I have the queen and it's awesome! If you ever have a problem with it you can just take it back. Don't mess with a hand pump. The pump that comes with this bed is rechargeable and comes with an adapter to plug into a 12v cig lighter connection.

k-rico - 11-5-2009 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
http://www.rei.com/product/750899

Aero All-Terrain Air Mattress with Dual Power Pump - Twin

I have the queen and it's awesome! If you ever have a problem with it you can just take it back. Don't mess with a hand pump. The pump that comes with this bed is rechargeable and comes with an adapter to plug into a 12v cig lighter connection.

Looks good but 2 out of 3 reviews on the REI site are scary.

I really want to stay away from electric pumps and just use a manual pump.

Packoderm - 11-5-2009 at 05:12 PM

A therm-a-rest self-inflating used in conjunction with a 2 inch thick memory foam is ideal. I've been through the aero beds, and they always seem work well only to give out later at the most in-opportune times. That double self-inflating mattress on that Cabela's site looks pretty interesting.

DonBaja - 11-5-2009 at 05:46 PM

Don't buy cheap!!! Aerobed for us. We have had ours (2 doubles) for 5 years now and have not had any leaks or holes. I use a portable 12v jump starter with the 12v plug. Plug a inverter into it and the bed is pumped up in about 1 min.

The only problem with air beds is that when it is really cold outside the air inside the mattress gets cold and you can never warm it up...kinda like sleeping on a large ice block.

woody with a view - 11-5-2009 at 07:57 PM

sheesh, and i thought my bed rug with 1/2" neoprene pad and 2 comforters was groovy! it musta been all those tuna wearing me out...

air mats suck. i've never woke up to the same amount of9 air as when i fell asleep. and we happen to favor cold climates (central desert in winter).

i've got an air mat for sale. used once! best offer for battery op.

BTW, who was the guy with the pta banda yacht club license plate rim and a pop up camper at BA tuesday?

[Edited on 11-6-2009 by woody in ob]

DENNIS - 11-5-2009 at 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
BTW, who was the guy with the pta banda yacht club license plate rim and a pop up camper at BA tuesday?

I think it's George Conlon. He and a few others are down there somewhere.
George is a Nomad...GC.

Paulina - 11-5-2009 at 09:23 PM

We have Cabela's self inflating sleeping pads and love them.

Skipjack Joe - 11-5-2009 at 10:07 PM

The cabela self-inflating air pad is a copy of a thermarest who originally came up with them. They're both equally good.

I have used my thermarest now for over 10 years (every night each august) without a leak developing. They're suprisingly comfortable given their thickness (about 2 inches).

One of their best features is that they insulate you from the ground below and keep you warm. Unlike many other air matresses and pads the bottom part of the sleeping bag feels warmer than the other areas. Basically the pad retains your body heat somehow.

http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/thermarest-neoair-sleeping-pad.html?avad=2469_c53af39

Jack Swords - 11-6-2009 at 07:18 AM

The Thermarest neoair (Skipjack's link) is NOT self inflating. It is an extremely thin, lightweight pad intended for the ultralight backpacker. I would not suggest it for any other purpose. It does serve that purpose well. Other Thermarest pads are self inflating (and heavier for the ultralight fanatics).

Diver - 11-6-2009 at 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Swords
The Thermarest neoair (Skipjack's link) is NOT self inflating.

Then what's that filler valve looking thingy at the upper left of the photo ?
My Thermorests all have it - the self inflator valve.

Skipjack confirms my suspicions; I am guessing he is around 5'9 and 150 lbs ??

vandy - 11-6-2009 at 07:41 AM

I used to use foam rubber, then Thermarest pads, then air mattresses, but I finally settled on an excellent cot.
The good ones weigh about 40 lbs, are large, have steel cross-legs, and are suspended like a hammock (meaning you feel no steel).
The one I've been using for two years now is a Wenzel (I think from Sam's Club), cost $60, and is the most comfortable bed I have ever camped with.

One problem with any inflatable is that the temperature in your tent may get to over 100 during the day, and down to 40 at night. It'll be over-inflated in the heat and under-inflated in the cold.

Jack Swords - 11-6-2009 at 08:16 AM

Diver, the neoair has a valve to inflate it. It does not have the foam inside to inflate itself. YOU get to blow into it to inflate it. The selfinflators only require a few puffs to tighten them up. The neoair must be totally inflated by your mouth. My torso length pad requires a full 25 puffs to inflate, in that little valve. The same valve is used to release the air, rendering the pad down to a waterbottle size. The size and weight is the attraction of the neoair to ultralight backpackers. My pack weight for a full 7 days in the high Sierra is 21 pounds, thanks to these new technologies. The neoair is also quite expensive due to the new technology involved. I use a traditional selfinflating full length Thermarest pad when car camping.

beachbum1A - 11-6-2009 at 09:06 AM

Quote:

I have used my thermarest now for over 10 years (every night each august) without a leak developing. They're suprisingly comfortable given their thickness (about 2 inches).

One of their best features is that they insulate you from the ground below and keep you warm. Unlike many other air matresses and pads the bottom part of the sleeping bag feels warmer than the other areas. Basically the pad retains your body heat somehow.

http://www.usoutdoorstore.com/outlet/thermarest-neoair-sleeping-pad.html?avad=2469_c53af39

This is what Dennis & I have been trying to tell you. This is the way to go, beliebve me!

DENNIS - 11-6-2009 at 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum1A
This is what Dennis & I have been trying to tell you. This is the way to go, beliebve me!

Obviously these guys have forgotten what they learned in basic training....how to sleep while standing at attention. :lol:

Diver - 11-6-2009 at 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by beachbum1A
This is what Dennis & I have been trying to tell you. This is the way to go, beliebve me!

Obviously these guys have forgotten what they learned in basic training....how to sleep while standing at attention. :lol:

If you put an infant in my arms, I can still do the standing "baby sway" while I sleep ! :lol:

Honestly, I guess it's all a matter of taste, size, bone structure and whether your a woosie or not.
I guess I am a large, heavy, big-boned, woosie.

Skipjack Joe - 11-6-2009 at 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jack Swords
I use a traditional selfinflating full length Thermarest pad when car camping.

So do I.

Couldn't find a link to one so I provided the one for Neo-Air. Didn't know the fine differences between Neo-Air and it's precursors. Still a great product.

They come in different sizes, Diver. There's one to match anyone.

I use mine for tent camping and car camping. They're extremely comfortable. I never wake up sore, nor do I toss and turn at night.

Regarding the self-inflation. Mine is self inflating but not to a pressure I like. So I still end up inflating it. The more air, the more comfort.

The biggest drawback with it is it's narrowness. There is a tendency to partly slide off during the night.

Jack Swords - 11-6-2009 at 10:38 AM

http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-rest/mattresses/camp-and-c...

Hook - 11-6-2009 at 11:07 AM

I have found the REI copies of the Thermarests are a much better bargain than the real thing and are just as good.

But, really, it is not enough to just refer to these self inflating pads by their brand names. Once upon a time Thermarest only made pads for the backpacker. They now have a pretty cushy line of much thicker and heavier mattresses. REI has followed suit.

For me, the combo of a cot AND a self inflating mattress is the way to go. Sleeping on your side in a cot only is not comfortable to me. Your spine curves downward at the hips and you can wake with sore hips as well.

beachbum1A - 11-6-2009 at 06:13 PM

Quote:

For me, the combo of a cot AND a self inflating mattress is the way to go. Sleeping on your side in a cot only is not comfortable to me. Your spine curves downward at the hips and you can wake with sore hips as well.

Especially after age 60!

Packoderm - 11-6-2009 at 06:17 PM

This is the biggest one I have: http://www.rei.com/product/778151

Packoderm - 11-6-2009 at 06:24 PM

I never considered getting a cot. It might be a good idea once I get the money for one. A plus would be that you can store stuff under it saving space in the tent or palapa. I found this one on rei.com http://www.rei.com/product/378067

Jack Swords - 11-6-2009 at 07:19 PM

That cot is one we have used for the past 10 years. It rolls up and fits in the sack that doubles as a storage bag on the cot. It is perfect with the pad (needed for warmth) and keeps you off the ground. Rocky ground, muddy ground, or, as a buddy insists, away from scorpions and rattlesnakes. We have found both under the cot upon awakening. Baja proven and also Nevada and the Mojave desert proven. It is a good product.

Hook - 11-6-2009 at 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Packoderm
I never considered getting a cot. It might be a good idea once I get the money for one. A plus would be that you can store stuff under it saving space in the tent or palapa. I found this one on rei.com http://www.rei.com/product/378067

You'll have to account for protecting the tent floor from the cot feet. Some people use squares of carpet, others use sanded discs of plywood. Very necessary.

[Edited on 11-7-2009 by Hook]

vandy - 11-7-2009 at 03:22 PM

The nicest part of the new big heavy-duty steel-framed cots is that when you wake up, you just put your feet on the floor and stand up.

Then you can fall down again if you want...that's when the aluminum ones collapse.

And yeah, you need insulation of some sort on an air mattress or a cot, as they get cold at night. A Thermarest is good. I just use an extra blanket.

rhintransit - 11-7-2009 at 03:30 PM

KISS. air mattresses have always worked fine for me. the cheapo Coleman and Walmart/Target generics on sale can be bought in bulk and when you get a leak, either fix it or go to a back up unit. the 10 buck two way foot pumps also work fine and no batteries, plugs, etc to deal with. if you want simple and inexpensive that's the way to go. if you have the space, using two, one on top of the other, gives better support.
mine tend to last a year or two. I don't get cold on them but have heard complaints. if it is cold and if you are on cold ground, put a blanket under you.

DENNIS - 11-7-2009 at 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rhintransit
if it is cold and if you are on cold ground, put a blanket under you.

Winos use cardboard. :yawn:

k-rico - 11-7-2009 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rhintransit
the cheapo Coleman and Walmart/Target generics on sale can be bought in bulk and when you get a leak, either fix it or go to a back up unit. the 10 buck two way foot pumps also work fine and no batteries, plugs, etc to deal with.

That's exactly what I've decided to do after reading all the info that was posted and seeing the prices of the quality products.

Thanks all,

cheapo-rico

monoloco - 11-8-2009 at 09:09 AM

Stick with a 2" medium density foam mattress, the inflatable ones always end up with a leak leaving you on the hard. All it takes is one guisapole.