Travel mattresses: features, types, brands, tips for choosing

Any traveler or professional tourist who conquers mountain peaks and taiga wilds, first of all, going on a hike, should take care of a comfortable rest and sleep. And it's not just a tent and insect repellent, but also a travel mattress or rug that provides a comfortable sleeping place.

Travel mattresses today can be easily purchased in specialized stores, and if you don’t have time to visit them, then online stores that are gaining wide popularity can be an excellent alternative, where you can not only choose the right model, but also order its home delivery.

Consider which mattress is most suitable for tourists in the planned event - a simple traditional sleeping bag or it is worth trying the latest innovative invention for tourism.

For tourists going on a hike for the first time, we can even recommend a simple foam mattress, which, by the way, takes up a lot of space in luggage, so experts recommend packing it in a plastic bag, then pumping out the air with a pump.

The inflatable camping mattress is ideal for both tents and outdoor camping. In the face of fierce competition, manufacturers today offer durable and reliable models that are particularly elastic. When using them, there is no need to have any special knowledge and skills - just fill the mattress with air using the pump that is sold with it.

Good mattresses and the fact that perfect for use on the water - you can swim and sunbathe on it, and then, after drying it, you can comfortably settle down for sleep. Models can be either single or double. If not one person, but a family goes on vacation, then the double option is ideal for this. Mattresses can be selected to exactly match the width of the tents.

If the mattress does not fit your budget, then you can consider options for travel rugs. Most of the models are self-inflating, the inside of which is filled with a special foam filler. To put him on alert it is enough to open a small valve and wait until the interior is filled with air by itself (from 15 to 30 minutes).

Any mattress, including self-inflating, has a number of pros and cons. The advantages of this product include the following points:

• multifunctionality: in addition to the main purpose, it can be used on the water, holding on to it while swimming, or simply sunbathing on it, swaying on the waves;
• on the shore, such mattresses can serve as an excellent playground for the smallest travelers;
• in some cases, these rubber products become a dining table for a short time, for which it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth;
• in the midday heat, you can also take a nap in the shade on a mattress - both in a tent and under a canopy, especially since many copies are sold with a headrest;
• inexpensive price: PVC mattresses are cheaper than foam rubber;
• at home, such a product can be used as a bed in case of unexpected guests;
• the inflatable specimen is easy to clean and clean from sand and dirt.

Concerning self-inflating specimens, then there are even more positive points. Considering innovative developments, such a model will pleasantly surprise its owners.

Thanks to the airtight shell and the sponge inner material impregnated with a special adhesive filler (elastic foam), you will not have to spend time inflating the mattress. When the glued valve is opened, the elastic foam expands, becomes larger and absorbs the air inside. It is the air that will "work" as a heat insulator. Therefore, in cool times, mattresses will not let you freeze and catch a cold on cold soil, especially in autumn or winter.

Such models weigh quite a bit - a little more than 1 kilogram. They are convenient to transport: self-inflating models can be folded into a tube, the length of which is about 30 cm, and in diameter up to 15 cm.

Among the shortcomings, the following factors should be highlighted.

• Unlike models with foam inside, air mattresses can only be used as a sleeping place in warm weather. The fact is that at a temperature of less than 15 degrees, due to the circulating air, the heat of the human body will be “given away” to the earth.
• Models of any type are afraid of punctures and cuts. In addition, avoid contact with hot objects on their surface. Experts recommend having a special repair kit always on hand.
• Inflatable specimens require constant pumping so that the effect of a hammock under the weight of the body does not turn out.
• Such mattresses usually take up a lot of space and sometimes weigh decently - it is rather problematic to take them on hiking trips.

Currently, manufacturers of air and self-inflating mattresses offer a lot of options in various sizes - The main thing is to figure out which one is best for your case.

• A fairly popular model is a single mattress measuring 190x76x22 cm. It is very convenient to swim on it in water bodies, apart from its direct purpose, which is to provide a comfortable overnight stay. Suitable for small tent or small space.
• If you are uncomfortable on a single model (137x191x22 cm), choose a one-and-a-half mattress - such a product is inexpensive, but very comfortable and practical.
• On a family trip, a double mattress is simply necessary. This very comfortable model will allow you to fully relax at any time.
• You can consider the option of an air bed: its dimensions are 208x163x48 cm, so you will feel quite comfortable.
• High double mattresses are also on sale.Only now their weight is quite noticeable (almost 9 kg), but you will sleep at a height of 46 centimeters, and the weight that it can withstand is 280 kg.

When choosing a mattress for rest or sleep, we focus on the most key point: the strength of the product. There are a lot of materials from which these products are made today, but professional tourists already have their own preferences.

Almost all high-quality models are made of two materials: PVC and vulcanized rubber. PVC products are considered high-strength models, they have a fairly long service life. Reinforced polyurethane foam makes them so - a material used in various industries, therefore be sure to look at the label or instructions to make sure it is available.

Convenient self-inflating models are also produced nylon or polyester. This is a durable and non-slip coating, as silicone (Antislip) is applied pointwise to it, allowing the mattress to take a fixed position.

PVC, from which most models are made, is moisture resistant, has a flocked velvet top that does not allow slipping on the surface.

Models made of vinyl material have also proven themselves - a dense layer of such a surface guarantees the strength of the bed.

There are quite a few manufacturers of air mattresses today, but the undisputed leader in the range of models offered is Intex. There are other equally well-known brands: Relax, Bestway, Campringaz. These companies offer not only a wide range of products, but also keep quite affordable prices for them.On average, the issue price is from 600 to 3500 rubles.

For the convenience of users, some models are equipped with built-in pumps, a variety of valve systems that protect the mattress from premature deflation, and comfortable headrests. The same applies to the color scheme, but most often buyers are guided by black or dark blue colors.

Intex offers customers several types of goods depending on the purpose of the trip: camping, hiking, for a tent and relaxing on the weekend.

Self-inflating mattresses and mats from Greenell are in great demand - you do not need to suffer with them in order to fill them with air using a pump. They are perfect for outdoor recreation and at home, convenient for transportation, as they are very compact.

Almost all models have improved profile modifications, in some cases - innovative laminated material. And the internal structure, for example, model "Tourist", is a membrane of a huge number of polyester fibers that connect the parallel sides of the mattress, which gives it a unique elasticity.

An innovative self-inflating mat from an American corporation Cascade Designs has long been breaking records in popularity: excellent heat retention, easy to clean, pressure resistant.

If you want to purchase a personal air mattress for your little family member, we recommend that you pay attention to the Polish manufacturer Fiki Miki. This company has been specializing in the production of children's orthopedic mattresses for many years, so the quality and convenience of your baby is guaranteed. Model Fiki Miki Travel MRR1 (folding, size 120x60) will help the child not only to have a good rest and sunbathe in the sun, but also to sit comfortably in the car, transforming into a real camping bed.

Of course, the choice of mattress should be the envy of the purpose of your trip, whether you are going to the sea beach or the mountains, for a week or a couple of days.

• If you are planning to camp for a few days, then it is better to choose an inflatable camping mattress. It is enough to take a pump with you and make sure that the place where you place your bed is cleared of sharp stones and snags to avoid punctures.
• For hiking in the mountains or traveling in unknown areas, it is better to choose a product made of foam. It will serve as a guarantee that you will not freeze on the cold ground. Their weight is small, but the dimensions are much larger than those of inflatable counterparts.
• For outdoor activities, a self-inflating mattress is ideal. It's the sweet spot between inflatable and foam. You will not spend much time inflating it, and if you suddenly accidentally pierce it, then such a mattress can still serve as a place to sleep for a while.

Subtleties of operation

• When choosing a mattress, pay attention to the flocked surface, which will not allow linen to slide on it.
• If the product has a valve, it is better to choose a screw valve, as it is more reliable.
• Experts do not recommend inflating the mattress often, but it is better to store it in a deflated state, after drying it.
• When cleaning, do not use aggressive detergents, and when using, place the product away from a fire or fireplace.
• If more than one person will sleep on the inflatable product, it is better to inflate it weaker so that the seams do not open.

For choosing an air mattress or self-inflating mat for a hike, see the following video.