[at-l] Air Mat Sleeping questions

[hopefl@juno.com (hopefl@juno.com)]

On Tue, 29 May 2001 14:07:58 -0500 "t." <tjfort@netdoor.com> writes:
> i'm curious.   Has anyone used a air mattress / pool float?  they
> can't be that heavy, and inflate to at least 4 inches??

For a couple years I used an air mat. If I recall it weighed in at about
2.5 pounds. To me that was too heavy. Also, in cold weather, I found that
I needed to put a closed cell foam pad between me and the air mat or I
would sleep cold all night. That was more weight. 

I had been using a 3/4 length thermarest but found that I had to sleep
with my feet on something or I'd wake up with a back ache. Actually I
always had back pain so I moved from the 3/4 thermarest to the air mat. I
have to say that I've never had such comfort while sleeping on the ground
as when I was using the air mat. 

One year, my wife got me a full length thermarest for our anniversary.
All she got was 31 roses and some ear rings, boy did I feel like a dirty
dog. Every time I lay down on my full length thermarest, my conscience
really bothers me......right up til the moment I drop off to wonderful
sleep!!

When I car camp, I still take my old air mat because sleeping on it and
the closed cell pad is just great. If I had back troubles or just could
not get used to a slimmer pad, I think I'd find some way to dump gear so
I could carry the air mat. Fortunately, the full length thermarest is
good enough. My method for using it is to let it self inflate and then
huff and puff til I over inflate it. Next, I lay down on it and open the
valve to let some air out. I do this while on my side. Just as I feel my
hip start to touch the ground, I close the valve. I find that there is
enough air in side to give me good support and padding and yet not so
much that the thermarest feels bouncy.  Hopeful

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