I'm wanting to buy a self inflating mat but I always sleep on my side. I have slept on a few mates floors before and been fine for a night (usually drunk) but not sure I fancy sleeping on something that uncomfortable in my tent after a hard days walking..

So does anyone else sleep on their side on self-inflating mats, if so are they comfortable enough. I would be doing using it for several days not just one night. Otherwise I might have to train myself to sleep on my back!

I quite fancy a Alpkit Slim Airic, cheaper than a Therm-a-rest ProLite 3.

I also like sleeping on my side and use an Exped Down mat 9, which is rather more expensive than a slim airic, but it's thick enough that you can keep it less than fully inflated and you're still off the ground and it's squidgy enough to be comfortable for sleeping on one's side.

I sleep on my side, and have used a Prolite 3 for years. The only problem's been getting holes in the prolite rather than being uncomfortable, so I've switched to a Z rest.

I have a slim Airic and dont really have a problem sleeping on my side on it. You can safely blow them up quite firm with a couple of breaths for some added bounce to keep your bum off the ground. Alpkit is definitely the best budget choice, IMO.

You could also look at the Insulmat Max Thermo, which are cheaper than Expeds, I think. There was a Oz site selling these with very cheap shipping, but I can't find the link right now, I'll keep looking though...

Have looked at the Exped Down mat 9 before but looks a bit heavy at 940g + sack. Will be carrying it for 5-7 days on some trips.

I think I should be OK as Simon says with the Slim Airic. I guess I can try it, only £25 better than buying the Therm-a-rest and deciding its not very comfortable.

Thanks all :-)

Here's the Oz site for Insulmats. There also seems to be an Ether model or two now, but I don't know the difference...

I use the Wee Airic (same thickness as Slim) and manage to sleep on my side ok. I find it much better than the cheapo foam mats at least. Mine has done 20 nights or so now, so im getting my money's worth.

Saw someone else mentioning Insulmats before and certainly looked interesting. I have just ordered a Slim Airic but if I find it too thin I may try an Insulmat. Hopefully I wont need one would rather not throw money away, had a good look at the Slim Airic at the Outdoors Show on Saturday and think I will get away with it.

Otherwise I'm just gonna have to learn to sleep on my back (or get drunk every night).

Nothing so far beats the exped downmats. Far better than anything else. The downmat 7 is the best for most people - far warmer and far more comfortable than anything else.

They pack smaller than standard self inflating mats - 15cmx22cm with ease!

They are only a little heavier than thermarest etc but so much better especially if you sleep on your side.

The only down side is having to pump them up but the new models only take 10-12 pumps of the sack.

I have a Vango ultralite 3/4 length mat and its excellent. I was shoked at how comfy omething so thin kcould be but it definately does the trick. Not had experience with other mats other then a really old thermorest which is nothing like the Vango. I got my Vango free wi ha rucksac, but would deffo invest the 35 quid or so in getting one now after using it. The only disadvantage is that is packs up fat and short, would be better long and thinner as you could strap it to a bag easyer, but its fairly small anyway and light so wil lgo in your bag fine.

I`ve been using the Insulmat Max Thermo since 2004.

Last september I went back to a TAR, never again, I had 3 bad nights sleep.

I find I can sleep anyway on the Thermo-Max back side or front, only problem is you have to blow it up.

BW

Thats about £35 plus shipping

To be honest, I can't tell much difference between my Exped Downmat and my Insul Mat Thermo except that the latter is much lighter. They are both superbly insulating and very comfortable. However, if anything, I prefer my IMT because it is slightly wider and seems to be less slippy. Also, if necessary, it can be inflated by mouth which is a bit quicker and less space occupying than using the stuffsack pump that comes with the down mat.
IMT, very small and light pack size.
BTW my IMT cost me US$76 including shipping, duty and VAT from Sierra Trading Post. That's a little under £40, or at least it was then.

To update InsulMat Max Thermo info - I just got one from Sierra Trading a couple of weeks ago. Ordered on a sunday and arrived 2/3 days later. £30.95 including delivery - good $ £ exchange rate at moment!

I always sleep on my side. If I don't, no one on the campsite (hillside) would get to sleep!

I'm currently using a Wee Airic and have no problems with comfort.