bed alternatives?

throwaway4372 · Monday at 18:28

This thread was inspired by the sleeping bag thread which got me wondering why we don't use a mat and sleeping bag in the house.

I've heard of Japanese putting mats on the floor, but not of anyone doing that in the UK.

So I'm wondering if anyone has, or has ever had, something other than a standard issue bed?

I'm also partly interested in this because of dust mite allergy, avoiding bedding and fabric in general would be huge if I found a good alternative.

dpbadger · Monday at 18:41

What about hammocks?

henry hoov3r · Monday at 18:43

Coffin? Good enough for vampires and they got a lot done.

bainbridge · Monday at 19:42

Beds are just easier and comfier.

I even have a special room named after it.

Derek W · Monday at 19:43

I hang upside down like a bat overnight. Really stretches out the back!

Hades · Monday at 19:54

When staying at my daughters uni flat I use this mattress and quilt. They roll up/squash down quite small and take up very little space when stored.

Dozer Self-inflating camping mattress

A self-inflating camping mattress that's 7.5cm thick and is comfier than your bed at home. Sleep in luxurious, 5-star comfort.

alpkit.com

Cloud Nine Ultralight down filled rectangular sleeping bag

An ultralight, 3-season rectangular sleeping bag with a 0°C limit filled with 400g of 750 fill power DownTek™ hydrophobic down. Enjoy more sleeping space than a regular sleeping bag or unzip to form a comfortable quilt.

alpkit.com

[FnG]magnolia · Monday at 20:27

Sofa bed for when you shop in IKEA, make bad health choices and want to be a little bit woo a little bit way*

* do not do this you idiot

ANDREW GREEN · Monday at 20:30

I used to have a mate who had a bad back and swore sleeping on the floor was better for his back. He wasn't that bright though so I kind of doubt it'd help

Meridian · Monday at 20:48

Mattress straight on the floor? Couldn't afford the bed and it works just fine.

Participant · Monday at 20:59

Closer to the floor = closer to the bogies and spiders. Stick me on a bunk bed tbh.

Jim99 · Monday at 21:02

Meridian said:
Mattress straight on the floor? Couldn't afford the bed and it works just fine.

Yeah I've done this at various points and it was fine.

The worst thing was the extra effort involved in getting in and out of bed, compared to one raised off the floor. But unless you're pretty old it's not exactly challenging.

Puzzled · Monday at 21:36

It's time for the water bed to make a comeback and the OP is the one we have been waiting for to do it

Haggisman · Monday at 21:39

ANDREW GREEN said:
I used to have a mate who had a bad back and swore sleeping on the floor was better for his back. He wasn't that bright though so I kind of doubt it'd help

Been sleeping on a blanket on the floor for the last few months (thanks kids...), and to be honest it isn't too bad. It's probably not as good as a proper medical/orthopaedic mattress, but potentially better than a cheapo bed-supermarket job.

Depends on what you're comparing it to I guess (and also your floor - we have a relatively thick carpet & underlay in the bedroom, wouldn't want to sleep regularly on a wood/tile floor!).

Either way, it's far from the worst place I've slept :cry:

ANDREW GREEN · Monday at 21:41

Puzzled said:
It's time for the water bed to make a comeback and the OP is the one we have been waiting for to do it

Reminds me of 1 of those comical Corrie episodes in the early 90s, where the water bed was leaking through the ceiling.

potatolord · Monday at 21:45

Meridian said:
Mattress straight on the floor? Couldn't afford the bed and it works just fine.

I did this for a few years, back in the good old, bad old days.

ianh · Monday at 21:48

Boring military story - In Thumrait, Oman supporting the '01 invasion of Afghan and sleeping in something we called the BFOT (Big **** Off Tent), I made a "futon" from wooden pallets with a thin 3in deep foam mattress on it and slept on that for about 2 months rather than our US-Style cot beds which I hated. I had absolutely no issue sleeping on the futon apart from one massive deal breaker towards the end - you shared with floor with other things like spiders etc - and after having "something" try to burrow into my ear one night, I had to get rid.

Stumble Bum · Monday at 21:48

I'll let you sleep on my rope for two penny.

slinxy · Monday at 22:14

I slept on an ikea futon, which was basically a wooden pallet with a cushion for about 4 months while waited for an issue with the house I purchased to be sorted.

It was similar to Japanese bedding… not fun!

Being so close to the floor with little padding meant it was cold.. also dusty…

It all depends on what you get used to… I like a firm mattress… and I can feel my back if I sleep on something too soft.

D-Ranged · Monday at 22:25

At one point in time, humans slept on hard floors in caves or on some sort of Hay. A bad mattress will destroy your back, and sleep, ask me how I know!

Do what ever is best for your sleep habits.

Dis86 · Monday at 22:41

Slept on a futon for years.

Miss it. Was nice.