CarpForum.co.uk brand mark, a blue stylized fish with a white eye and a smooth modern look, set in the site header against a clean background CarpForum.co.uk wordmark in a bold flowing script style, reading CarpForum.co.uk, displayed in the site header
Menu
Utils
Go Premium Who's Online Members Weather Photo Gallery Articles
Account
Login Register
SIMs (37 posts / 2,625 views)
Barbel-Arch Barbel-Arch
Posts: 157
Post #1 1 Sep 2022 10:37
0
As per my other topic, http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Shared/Messages.asp?TopicID=435553

I'm having trouble getting comfortable on my bedchair. I use an Avid Benchmark X sleep system. I've heard of people using a self inflating mat with their bed but I'm not sure how they are used. Could someone please explain to me where they are used and where they are put ??

I've slept on lots of mats in my hillwalking days so know how they work, but I'm wondering if one incorporated with my bed will help me.

Thanks.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #2 1 Sep 2022 11:17
0
In reply to Post #1
On your bed underneath your sleeping bag,I love my Helium 3.8 I have the valve so I can get to it by just lifting the hood on my bag a little
Barbel-Arch Barbel-Arch
Posts: 157
Post #3 1 Sep 2022 11:41
0
In reply to Post #2
Ok and thanks. But what do they do that makes the bed better ??
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #4 1 Sep 2022 12:27
0
In reply to Post #3
They are effectively a slimline air bed and provide additional support and insulation - they are bulkier but more effective than a slimline camping mat. They're designed for lightweight trekking / camping and using direct to the ground / ground sheet but they work even better on bedchairs - especially stiff flat bedchairs!
Barbel-Arch Barbel-Arch
Posts: 157
Post #5 1 Sep 2022 13:17
0
In reply to Post #4
I could do with extra support, but I don't fish winter sessions, so no need for the extra warmth. Might have to get one.

Thanks.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #6 1 Sep 2022 14:41
1
In reply to Post #3
I have the Helium 3.8 too. A major advantage for me is that it takes up a lot of the difference in the sag of the matress and the bed frame. Being 6'+ my knees always end up on the edge of the bed when lying with my legs up and even if the bed has a skirt over the frame it can cause major pressure pain, something that's a thing of the past now thank god.

You might also want to consider changing the cord of the be to something with little stretch like Paracord or equiv (if not discussed already)
SteveTanner
Posts: 121
Post #7 1 Sep 2022 15:02
0
In reply to Post #1
Recently bought a Wychwood Tactical X compact bedchair and a Helium 3.8 SIM and I find it comfortable. The SIM definitely increases the warmth and comfort.
oldgeezer oldgeezer
Posts: 27,037
Mr Linky Poo
Mr Linky Poo Post #8 1 Sep 2022 15:35
0
some people say there isn't a difference between a cheep SIM or one designed by back packers for backpackers

personally I disagree I think you do get what you pay for especially if you want one that will last a few years and you dont want to sweat like a rapist
mrjcarter mrjcarter
Posts: 1,370
Post #9 1 Sep 2022 18:31
0
In reply to Post #7
Got the same, literally 4 large blows and it's perfect
nicky_napkins nicky_napkins
Posts: 597
Post #10 1 Sep 2022 20:26
0
In reply to Post #8
Yes, I need to get a proper one, mine heats up Unbelievably, I have put up with it for too long..
Barbel-Arch Barbel-Arch
Posts: 157
Post #11 1 Sep 2022 21:11
0
In reply to Post #1
I'm sorry, but I'm still not 100% sure why, when having spent £200-£300, or even £500 plus on a sleep system, sticking a SIM underneath it makes it better ??

What does the SIM do to a sleep system that the manufacture fails to do to it in the first place.
James500 James500
Posts: 670
Post #12 1 Sep 2022 21:25
0
In reply to Post #11
The bedchair manufacturers literally just make a frame and hang some material with a bit of foam ionside it off of said frame under a bit of tension via some bungee cord.

The SIM will help to reduce the sag a little by spreading your weight more evenly across the material, insulating the 'mattress' part of the bed chair and improve comfort because you are sleeping on a layer of air as appose to material.

I personally bought a cheap 15 quid job first for my fox original flatliner and it literally transformed it

When i bought the duralite system, this old SIM was too big, so i bought a 3/4 size type SIM, again less than £20 and again it made a big difference. I notice it most in the winter as 95% of the time i still only use a 4 season bag and no cover. The 5 season bag or thermal cover dont even come out of the house unless its going to be a very hard frost
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #13 1 Sep 2022 22:07
0
In reply to Post #11
It provides more effective support by spreading your weight and cushions hips / knees / shoulders especially if you're a side sleeper . . .

I've got a Helium 3.8 and a cheaper Amazon special (different widths / different sized bedchairs) and IMO there is zero difference in comfort and/or breathability; longevity (and quality of valve) maybe but I've had the cheaper one 2 seasons and it still fine - I've only had the newer more expensive Helium for a few months so hard to tell and I use it a lot less anyway.

Personally would find the right width first and then spend your £ accordingly - the Helium 3.8 does fit the Wychwood Compact X bedchair perfectly however on the standard its too narrow . . .

Trakker used to sell a SIM but I'm not sure whether its now been discontinued
sundance sundance
Posts: 6,762
Post #14 2 Sep 2022 06:13
0
In reply to Post #13
I've got the same standard bed Belch. What is the amazon one called please ?
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #15 2 Sep 2022 09:53
0
In reply to Post #14
Actually bought it from Ebay (buy it now) for £16.95

Adtrek Green XL Single Self Inflating Camping Mat Mattress With Pillow - 3cms

Its saying not available on Amazon but here's a link

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Adtrek-Inflating-Camping-Mattress-Included/dp/B01F8QI0R0

Fits the inner width of the standard perfectly and is a decent length (as the bedchair is long) - I also like the slightly raised headsection as it elevates the pillow end slightly (used to having 2x pillows at home)

Main thing is to measure the bedchair inside the perimeter padding - the thicker the SIM the more bulky the inflated size when folded in the bedchair
Are you sure?

This action cannot be undone.

Yes, continue

Loading…