Seasider Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 My college kids are prone to bringing home more friends than I have beds for. I would like to pick up a couple of easy to store bedding options. What do you think is better - an actual fold up rollaway, or are those double height inflatables worth their salt? I'm willing to spend a reasonable amount but don't need top of the line. Also I do not want something that stays set up permanently. Would love to hear your recommendations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 I like the intex inflatable mattresses. They have a built in air pump and are reasonably comfortable and easy to store. The raised comfort one is around $40 for a twin but the price varies quite a bit. I put prices watches on and grab them when the price drops. I've bought the more expensive ones and they don't last any longer. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 College kids can live rough. I vote in favor of camp mats. https://www.amazon.com/camping-sleeping-pads/b?ie=UTF8&node=3401781 I think those double height inflatables are freezing, wobbly, and horribly uncomfortable. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Tick Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 Or just plain, single height inflatables. They don't have problems with their knees yet, right? We use ours occasionally for camping, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 College kids can live rough. I vote in favor of camp mats. https://www.amazon.com/camping-sleeping-pads/b?ie=UTF8&node=3401781 I think those double height inflatables are freezing, wobbly, and horribly uncomfortable. lol given the choice many of them would be content to tie their hammocks up in the backyard trees! However, if I'm going to buy something, I would like something that could also serve a less flexible visitor. I didn't think about the cold factor indoors, of course it should have occurred to me since inflatables are colder for camping. I'm also considering folding cot types, so the temp is something to note. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kassia Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 We use the intex inflatable mattresses, too. When we have a bunch of kids over, they are fine on couches or even the floor. I give them sleeping bags or just a bunch of pillows, sheets, blankets, and they are happy. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 Some friends of ours would arrange their Rubbermaid storage totes in a block and put an inflatable mattress on top of that to give it a bit of height. It worked great and was reasonably comfortable. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happypamama Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 We have inflatable mattresses from WalMart that work well, even for adults. We use them for camping mostly, but we've also used them for visitors on occasion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storygirl Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 I vote for inflatable mattresses. DH and I actually slept on one for several months when we were transitioning from an old house to a new one and were living part time in both homes. We set up an inflatable in our new bedroom, since our bed was still at our old house, and it was more comfortable than I expected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RioSamba Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 I like the intex inflatable mattresses. They have a built in air pump and are reasonably comfortable and easy to store. The raised comfort one is around $40 for a twin but the price varies quite a bit. I put prices watches on and grab them when the price drops. I've bought the more expensive ones and they don't last any longer.These have worked very well for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 We have extra, cheaper mattresses that are stored under the girls' beds. They've worked great over the years for guests, and stay out of the way when we aren't using them. I keep a fitted sheet on them while under the beds to keep the dust off, and change it when we have company. I've had the worst luck with inflatable mattresses, and find them very uncomfortable. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 We bought two twin rollaways. Our guests have rated them as very comfortable! They come with zip-up covers and we store them in the garage. Found them on Amazon. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 20, 2016 Author Share Posted November 20, 2016 We have extra, cheaper mattresses that are stored under the girls' beds. They've worked great over the years for guests, and stay out of the way when we aren't using them. I keep a fitted sheet on them while under the beds to keep the dust off, and change it when we have company. I've had the worst luck with inflatable mattresses, and find them very uncomfortable. I would love to have trundles but we have moved to streamline much of our furniture and a full mattress will not slide neatly under the kid/guest room beds. We had lots of fun with them, though, when the kids were little! Thanks for the intex suggestion, with several satisfied echoes here that's what I will look for first. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maize Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 (edited) I like these, we all sleep on them at my house and put them away during the day: https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-fold-Mattress-Removable-Non-Slip/dp/B00DJ8HX96 Edited November 20, 2016 by maize 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommyoffive Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 I like these, we all sleep on them at my house and put them away during the day: https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-fold-Mattress-Removable-Non-Slip/dp/B00DJ8HX96 Wow so smart. I kind of wish I could get rid of all my beds for this. But they are all pretty new mattreses. Hmmmm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 I do think the inflatable air mattresses are more comfortable that folding cots and sofa beds. I use a regular single height air mattress when I visit my parents, and it is fine. It is nice to be able to easily lean it up against the wall to make more floor space during the day. I did have the opportunity to use one of the double height ones over the summer. The self inflating feature is wonderful. I liked that I could sit up on it and not "bottom out" like with the regular ones. For sleeping, I did not notice much difference between the two. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted November 20, 2016 Share Posted November 20, 2016 college students are less picky than an older adult. I'd be fine with giving them air mattresses - and they take up less room between uses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 The double height inflatables are very comfortable and last a long time. Some of them are guarenteed never to leak. I use a regular mattress pad on them, so they are not noticeably cold, unless they are filled with cold air. That means that at the cabin, where it cools off a lot between visits, it takes them a couple of days to warm up if we leave the air in when we leave. So we don't. We get there, turn on the heater, and don't inflate them until the air temperature is comfortably warm. The Thermarest sleeping pads are surprisingly comfortable, and I think most college kids would love them, if you have sheets or indoor sleeping bags to use on them. They are easier to inflate and a little less hassle than the big inflatable air mattresses, and almost never leak, but they are not nearly as versatile for older folks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 We have two double bed inflatable camp matresses and a single camp cot. The double height are nice and work well. I bought ones that advertised deep pocket sheets would work since all of our sheets are deep pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybee Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I'm thinking that eventually we'll buy some mattress toppers to use for pallets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MiMi 4under3 Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I like these, we all sleep on them at my house and put them away during the day: https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-fold-Mattress-Removable-Non-Slip/dp/B00DJ8HX96 :iagree: We have double height inflatables, and while they're comfortable, I dislike the wobbliness. These memory foam mattresses look fantastic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Inflatables are lovely! I slept on one for an entire summer one time, no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted November 21, 2016 Author Share Posted November 21, 2016 I like these, we all sleep on them at my house and put them away during the day: https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-fold-Mattress-Removable-Non-Slip/dp/B00DJ8HX96 Oh man if I had one of those I would probably not get up! It looks sooooo comfy! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vida Winter Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I like the memory foam topper or folding mattress better than anything inflatable. The inflatables always develop leaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southern Ivy Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 The thicker inflatable mattresses are great. We use ours for company all the time and it's currently with my mom as she is staying at my sister's helping her with post-surgery recovery. Don't get a cheap one, but get one that is high quality and durable. We've had ours for several years and no problems whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Only me Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I am also looking for ways to provide room for 20 people to sleep. My daughter's college hockey team is stopping on the way to an out of state game. They will only be here for about 10 hours. Two can fit on the sofa sleeper and probably another one on the chaise lounge connected to the sofa sleeper. Then we have two more couches and a love seat so that will provide spaces for 3 more. Other than that I have a cot, a queen size air mattress and a twin size air mattress. That leaves me with 10 to figure out. A few girls supposedly have air mattresses but I'm not sure how many. I am willing to buy a few more air mattresses or some kind of sleeping pad but it needs to be inexpensive. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Oh my! We're not so luxurious here... when we run out of couch space, young guests use a sleeping bag on the floor or a yoga mat from 5below. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fairfarmhand Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I am also looking for ways to provide room for 20 people to sleep. My daughter's college hockey team is stopping on the way to an out of state game. They will only be here for about 10 hours. Two can fit on the sofa sleeper and probably another one on the chaise lounge connected to the sofa sleeper. Then we have two more couches and a love seat so that will provide spaces for 3 more. Other than that I have a cot, a queen size air mattress and a twin size air mattress. That leaves me with 10 to figure out. A few girls supposedly have air mattresses but I'm not sure how many. I am willing to buy a few more air mattresses or some kind of sleeping pad but it needs to be inexpensive. Any ideas? Survey your friends, especially if they camp. They probably have inflatables to borrow. Almost everyone I know has one or two, even if they don't camp. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 I vote double height inflatable with heated mattress pad. Guests can firm them up with a push of a button and the heated mattress pad eliminates the chill. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Since you wanted versatility -- Speaking as an adult, I second the camping pad idea. I have slept on rollaway beds and just plain old beds in people's houses. Those are the only times I have ever had an achy back. We camp a lot, use various types of coming pads, and I do not get a backache. Just my 2 cents. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 The thicker inflatable mattresses are great. We use ours for company all the time and it's currently with my mom as she is staying at my sister's helping her with post-surgery recovery. Don't get a cheap one, but get one that is high quality and durable. We've had ours for several years and no problems whatsoever. Since you wanted versatility -- Speaking as an adult, I second the camping pad idea. I have slept on rollaway beds and just plain old beds in people's houses. Those are the only times I have ever had an achy back. We camp a lot, use various types of coming pads, and I do not get a backache. Just my 2 cents. Brands, please. Bonus cyber chocolate for links. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted November 21, 2016 Share Posted November 21, 2016 Brands, please. Bonus cyber chocolate for links. I really can't recommend brands, because I buy for reasons different from yours. I am generally looking for light weight and small size when rolled up (think backpacking) and/or insulating power (for cold weather). I have quite a number of sleeping pads -- closed cell, self-inflating, and ones that you inflate by breathing into. I often use two pads of different types together. If you can go to a good camping store and get advice, that would help. If you are not near a store, I can recommend Campmor.com. They have a range of price points and excellent advice. Not to disparage any other places, like REI. Campmor just happens to be a personal favorite. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwik Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I would love to have trundles but we have moved to streamline much of our furniture and a full mattress will not slide neatly under the kid/guest room beds. We had lots of fun with them, though, when the kids were little! Thanks for the intex suggestion, with several satisfied echoes here that's what I will look for first. I just have a 100 mm foam mattress that you can squash a bit and a cot mattress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I like these, we all sleep on them at my house and put them away during the day: https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Tri-fold-Mattress-Removable-Non-Slip/dp/B00DJ8HX96 I have always wanted to do that. It makes so much more sense. We do have a large (to us) house right now, so I don't feel the need to put the beds away as much. So everyone has one and puts it away during the day? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I like the memory foam topper or folding mattress better than anything inflatable. The inflatables always develop leaks. No kidding! My cousin had me sleep on an inflatable on a hardwood floor and by 2am, I was on the hardwood and didn't get back to sleep. She didn't leave the pump in the room and I would have worried about waking people anyway. We have had a couple of expensive inflatables and still had issues. I would not want any of my guests to deal with that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 Bedroll. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AngieC Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I prefer a mattress topper with a comforter on top. I find that very comfortable, and I find anything inflatable impossible to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 22, 2016 Share Posted November 22, 2016 I am also looking for ways to provide room for 20 people to sleep. My daughter's college hockey team is stopping on the way to an out of state game. They will only be here for about 10 hours. Two can fit on the sofa sleeper and probably another one on the chaise lounge connected to the sofa sleeper. Then we have two more couches and a love seat so that will provide spaces for 3 more. Other than that I have a cot, a queen size air mattress and a twin size air mattress. That leaves me with 10 to figure out. A few girls supposedly have air mattresses but I'm not sure how many. I am willing to buy a few more air mattresses or some kind of sleeping pad but it needs to be inexpensive. Any ideas? They'll be fine on the floor! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 (edited) I am not a fan of bean bag chairs or well, bean bag anything, but GMA has this item on its Deals & Steals today. Still pricey (IMO) after the discount, but here is the link to the CordaRoy Convertible Sleeper. It's 50% off whiles supplies last until midnight tonight. Three sizes available. Note the size chart at the top of the page. Edited December 1, 2016 by Angie in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel-in-CA Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 We use our self-inflating queen mattress for guests and for our own camping. If it's cold you can try putting an opened up sleeping bag on top of the mattress and under the fitted sheet for insulation....and more sleeping bags unzipped on top for warmth. Or put it in the room w/the gas furnace. 8-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted December 1, 2016 Author Share Posted December 1, 2016 I did end up getting one raised (about 18" high?) Sealy self inflatable. It was around $50. My guest who used it said it was really comfy. I may add more to our "fleet" over the next months. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMJ Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Air mattresses are wonderful and store quite compactly. That said, keep in mind that a so-called two-sleeper (like a queen size) isn't really because the sides tend to squish under someone lying close to the edge, even on air mattresses that are supposed to be more supportive there. In our experience here we have found that one person per air mattress works best. In my kitchen I actually got a 3' by 6' Wellness Mat, a thick gel mat for standing on (I have tile flooring laid directly on the cement slab). I have actually pulled this mat out from time to time to use as an exercise mat, and fell asleep on it once and had a nice nap. This holiday season we will have more company, and if we need one more air mattress than we have I will conscript my Wellness Mat into use as a sleeping pad. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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