Tips for Sleeping Comfortably on an Air Mattress Hosting Help: Tips for Sleeping Comfortably on an Air Mattress I live in a one bedroom apartment with no pull-out couch, so whenever guests come to stay, either they or I usually end up sleeping on my inflatable air mattress. Due to these adventures, I have collected a list of tips and tricks to make the night more bearable (and perhaps even comfortable) if you're sleeping on an inflatable. See below for my list, and of course add your own. 1. If you haven't yet purchased an inflatable mattress and are planning to, splurge and get the double. I'm a small person with a five pound chihuahua, and somehow one of us is always falling off the edge of the twin. 2. Skip the bells and whistles. Air mattresses don't last forever, and a basic inflatable can be just as comfortable as a more expensive, air-chambered version. I have the Guest Choice from Aero Bed, which is as basic as they come, and have had it for nearly ten years with no problems.
Make sure to find one that has a pump which can adjust air. This one has a release button for perfect inflation. Also, find a mattress that is at least 20 gauge vinyl or higher to prevent tiny holes from developing. 3. Utilize your sleeping bags: the original air mattresses. Create a pillow top over an inflated air bed with open sleeping bags, blankets or memory foam. The air inside of the mattress will gradually cool overnight, and likely make you colder than a regular bed. Pad it for comfort and warmth. 4. Make it like a real bed. After creating the pillow top, make up the air mattress like you would any other bed: with a sheet set, blanket and comforter. It's tempting when you're tired to just drop down and use a blanket to cover you, but making it up like your regular bed will provide a better night's sleep. 5. Make sure to place the bed on a soft surface. Most air mattresses have vinyl or plastic underneath to prevent movement and sliding. That will squeak all night on a hardwood floor.
Opt to place it on carpet, a rug, or drop a blanket under it. 6. Create a headboard. If your air mattress doesn't already have one built in, create a faux-headboard by placing the mattress in front of a wall. Beds have headboards for lots of reasons, but one of them is to keep your pillows from falling backwards off the bed. 7. Keep pets away from the unmade mattress! Air mattresses are fun and exciting to curious pets, and claws can damage them with one quick pop. Plus, if you have future guests that happen to be allergic, it will be hard to remove all traces of their dander. 8. When in doubt, have a glass of wine. That always puts me right to sleep! Goodnight and good luck!What’s the worst thing about camping? Maybe you don’t like the mealtime restrictions. It is harder to prepare food, and there is not usually a backup McDonald’s plan. Maybe you don’t like the bugs… Sprays and running away get tiresome. Maybe you don’t like being stuck with that particular person that you didn’t know was THAT annoying, and now you can’t get away.
But for most of us, the worst thing about camping is the change in sleeping arrangements. Particularly when it is cold. Or when it is really cold. Or when it is really, really, really cold. And staying warm is important! I like the comfort of an air bed, but camping on an air mattress in cold weather might seem problematic. I have found, though, that even the cold can be dealt with. Sleeping while camping in the cold does not have to be tragic. In fact, with a little thought and care, and the right air mattress, you can sleep quite comfortably. The first step, as with every aspect of camping, is to be prepared. Know your camping environment and your own limitations. I know that I will not be able to sleep if the temperature gets below zero, Fahrenheit. No matter how many blankets, or heaters, or layers of thermals, or campfires, that is just beyond my ability. But within my limits, I also know what I need to deal with the colder temperatures. I check the weather, and pack accordingly.
But what to pack? There are plenty of equipment options to help make the cold bearable. The ground will be cold, and separating yourself from that cold source is the goal of packing. A frame to keep you off the ground is ideal. Frames can be used for sleeping bags, foam mattresses, and even air mattresses. I don’t like the inconvenience, but you might find it worthwhile. Insulated air mattresses are also available. Some even include heaters that can be plugged into a vehicle, although again, I find them inconvenient. And easier methods of providing insulation exist. If, like me, you want something simpler and more versatile, then consider packing extra insulating material and using it properly. My air bed is my favorite camping gear for sleeping. And with some additional material, I can still use my air mattress for cold weather camping. Remember, if the weather is cold, the ground will be miserably cold. Your main goal in sleeping warmly is to separate yourself from that cold, cold, ground.
Whatever material you choose, do not place it against the ground, but rather use it between the air mattress and your body. Let the air in the mattress take the initial sting out of the cold, and then the insulating material will be used efficiently. A foam strip, perhaps high density or memory, is the best. It is designed to keep you insulated while you sleep. It is also the most inconvenient, being hard to pack and not multi-use. Old fashioned felt is also very good. I use old felt from other projects. It packs up well, and can be used for other needs, like a blanket or picnic table. Sometimes I have used an extra sleeping bag, zipped up and placed between the air mattress and myself. Warm, but bulky for packing. And finally, in desperate times, a folded sheet of plastic will help keep the cold away from your body while asleep. If you want to take an extra measure, you can separate yourself from the cold ground with a cot style air mattress. We recommend the Coleman QueenCot.