A cross between an inflatable airbed and a camping mat, a self inflating sleeping matress gives you the best of both worlds. Easier to use than an airbed, just unroll the self inflating mat and it will blow up on its own without any pumping. This gives you an air filled mattress to sleep on, offering more comfort than a flat camping mat. Like anything filled with pressurised air, these mattresses are susceptible to springing a leak . Air beds do tend to lose air naturally and gradually anyway. If you notice a rapid loss, there could be a hole somewhere. But where? Follow these steps to help detect the source of the problem: One of the key benefits of air beds is the adjustable tensions. Simply make the bed firmer by inflating more. No matter who needs to use the air bed, they'll be able to add air to the optimum tension for their preferences. This depends on how much your budget will stretch. There are three main types of pumps: a foot pump, an integrated pump or an electric pump. The majority of the top of the range airbeds come with a rechargeable or mains-operated integrated pump. They will also have a remote control that can inflate and deflate the mattress within a matter of seconds. It is recommended to store the Outwell Dreamboat unrolled, though we've been using it so often that we've not done so :-| The Dreamboat, after nearly two summers

Outwell do provide some instructions and advise that as the mat has been rolled up since manufacture, the first time you inflate, you will need to gently blow into the valve to help it on its way. This is usual on self inflating mats; you often have to give them a little blow. Air bed with built-in electric pump - For fast inflation and deflation!, Inflates the mattress in 3-4 minutes Patch repair kit included Luxurious comfort for two. You need a double 12cm or 10cm self inflating sleep mat. Great for family holidays, romantic getaways, touring holidays. Use soapy water to clean your self inflating mat, let it dry, then spray with a fabric freshener like FebreezeA waterproof mattress protector is ideal if you have young children, as it will protect the soft top surface of your air bed from accidents and spillages. The mattress protector is essentially just a sheet with an absorbent surface and is much easier to clean than an entire air bed. Fitted sheets are also recommended to protect memory foam topped air mattresses. Inflation: There are two kinds of air beds: those that have a built-in pump and those that require an external pump. This is something you need to consider when choosing an air bed, as you need to figure out what you’d rather. As you can imagine, a self-inflating air bed is much easier to use on a regular basis - but it’ll also be more expensive. Stay comfy from top to toe with a soft camping pillow and an Outwell air bed. Our camping pillows come in different shapes and styles so you’re sure to find the perfect place to rest your head. Once inflated the Outwell Dreamcatcher is very firm. In fact, Outwell also advise that you may wish to let some air out if you want a softer bed.

Of course, a SIM isn't the only alternative. We'd also recommend the best sofa beds and the best chair beds for something more permanent and stylish. How easy is it to inflate and deflate an air mattress? Sure enough, after leaving the mat for a few minutes it was clear that it needed some help. Quite a bit actually, but I was not as out of breath as when blowing up balloons. Update 2015: We have been using the Outwell Dreamcatcher for the last year and it's still going as good as new. Comfort and convenience are king for shorter trips and touring. You want an air bed that will keep you cosy all night. But you don’t necessarily need a top-of-the-range model, as you’ll only be using it for a few days at a time. If you’re travelling from place to place, you’ll also want an inflatable bed that’s easy to carry. Once you find the hole, circle it gently with a permanent marker so you don’t lose it and then deflate it.

Use a 50:50 white vinegar and water mix to safely disinfect your self inflating sleeping mattress. Then sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda and leave for a few days to remove the smell.

Enter Outwell's new range of Self Inflating Mats: the Dreamboat, the Deepsleep, and the Dreamcatcher. I saw these when they were first unveiled at the Outwell trade show, and was extremely impressed. They looked a lot better than other brands' SIMs that were coming onto the market. Traditionally used for camping, an air bed has a range of features which mean they can be used in several situations. In the house, blow up beds make perfect guest beds and are great for small spaces as they don't take up much room. If the leak is too small, it might be hard to hear so another popular method is to gently wipe over the mattress with a soapy sponge and look out for small bubbles. Washing up liquid is good for this. They roll up small, similar to your average yoga mat and are extremely light. Some people might find them too thin and firm. However, note that they can also be used with a camp bed base for an off-the-ground set-up. Air beds follow the same sizing rules as regular mattresses, but they can feel a bit smaller based on their level of inflation. Over inflating your air bed will put excess pressure on the seams, which could cause a blow out. The same goes for bouncing and jumping on the air bed. Under inflating your air mattress will mean it will sag in the middle and not offer the right support. You need to find the happy place where the air mattress feels firm, is free from creases, and the seams don’t look shiny or stretched.

Blow Up Beds

Warm and comfortable– self inflating air mats provide a cushioned barrier between you and the ground for a happier night’s sleep

There are all sorts of things that can keep you awake at night when camping: windy weather, noisy neighbours, and of course, snoring! Ideal for children's' sleepovers or as an extra bed for guests or relatives, Ideal for Camping Inflated Double Dimensions: 191 x 137 x 46 cm View Outwell self inflating mattresses before you buy at one of our many dealerships across the UK. And while our range of blow-up beds are designed for camping, they are so versatile you can use them at home as a spare mattress for when friends or family stay over. If your air mattress doesn’t come with a repair kit, there are many available online, or you can repair the hole in the same way as you would with a bike puncture. How we selectUnless your air bed comes with an in-built pump, you’ll need a manual or electric air bed pump to inflate it. Electric pumps require a power outlet. Outwell manual pumps have a smooth action for effortless inflation.