HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Camping with fibromyalgia?

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 7/23/2008 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I am wondering if anyone has advice/tips on the most comfortable sleeping arrangements for a fibromyalgia-sufferer who loves to camp. Giving up camping is not an option! :) It's one of my favorite things to do but finding a comfy way to sleep eludes me.

Air mattresses are fairly comfortable but inconvenient and the last time I had one it deflated in the night leaving me miserable.

Thermarest pads?

Cots with egg crates?

I'm open to suggestions on what any of you guys use/like for camping.

Thanks in advance!

Posted 7/24/2008 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, Abigailbelle, and welcome! I'm so glad you joined us. Well, I'm not a camper. I've gone camping once and will never do it again. I don't go anyplace that doesn't have room service! tongue But, since you ruled out the air mattress, I'd go for the cot and egg crate or even memory foam. You won't be as comfortable as you would be at home but it's better than a sleeping bag!

I know I sleep on a pillow top mattress with an egg crate on top of that with a fiber bed on top of that! So, depending on the space in your car, I'd take several "softy" things to help out. But you definitely would want a cot. You stiffen up at night and it would be murder trying to get off the floor of the cabin or tent!

Hopefully some people that go camping will be on soon with some better advice. I don't blame you for not wanting to give up something you love. You are doing the right thing. You just can't allow fibro to rule your life.

Let us know what you decide to take! Hope to hear more from you.

Sherrine
Posted 7/24/2008 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
i didn't have a problem with my air mattress. but make sure you get a twin. double or queen mattresses aren't good.

i just came back from camping for a week. i had an awesome time
: )))
Posted 7/24/2008 2:14 AM (GMT 0)
I'd recommend one of the "bed in a bag" type air mattresses, not the ones you can use in a pool. I use one in our van for the grandkids that has its own pump that runs on batteries and it stays inflated all night. It also has a little valve to let out some air if it's too hard. Works for me.
Posted 7/24/2008 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
hi and welcome. i am an avid camper. A couple things i learned was I need my own tent. I don't sleep well at all even with close family members. I have a 12 year old dog, she sleeps with me but has her own sleeping pad. I did best with a thick foam sleeping pad covered bt a feather bed (less expensive if fibre filled rather than down filled._) Then a heavy blanket or comforter on top. I didn't do well in sleeping bag, I felt my legs were tied down and I couldn't wiggle into a comfy position. It also matters where you pitch your tent. I  always looked for a mossy, level spot. No problem getting up, just crawled out on hands and knees. it was worth it, maybe will go this weekend. Good luck.
Posted 7/24/2008 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
do people actually use those pool mattress thingies to sleep on? ha omg

it's great!

and it comes with this neat little thing you can pack it into when yer done.
: ))

my sleeping bag is really awesome too.

my sister uses an air mattress as well as an egg crate pad thingie on top of it for more comfort.

i was fine with just the mattress.
be sure to dress warm.. cuz it can get pretty cold sometimes..

the cold will hurt you more than anything i think.

my sleeping bag is good for temperatures up to minus 6 degrees Celsius.
Posted 7/24/2008 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Put duct tape over the air valve so it can't pop out in the middle of the night.
Posted 7/27/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Abigail and welcome. I'm doing a little catching up today. I use to camp a lot but not in a tent. I'm with Sherrine on this one. Roughing it isn't my cup of tea anymore.

 

But I do have a queen size air mattress in a bag for the overflow of grandkids when they stay. I've not slept on it.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 7/27/2008 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Abigail! camping is one of my passions. I can most deffinately offer a few tips! first off, make sure you set the tent in the most level spot, and thorougly check the ground for roots, rocks etc. a small slope can be a pain in the butt! I have 2 sleeping pads- one for backpacking, and one for "car camping" -which is anytime I don't have to carry all of my supplies on my back- the latter- is very comfy! its got a small amount of padding, and you are also able to blow it up. it seems to get you that perfect amount off the ground without being too high- which can happen with a lot of air matresses that are not ment for camping.I don't know about you, but at night, I get hot, and cold, and hot- so I always bring a small blanket besides the sleeping bag- its enough extra if I get cold, and its perfect if its too hot for the sleeping bag. I also always bring my pillow from home. I save the camping pillow for backpacking trips. I reccomend looking for the sleeping pads at outdoor outfitters- a few I can reccoment are REI or eastern mountain sports, mountain hardware....MSR maybe too. if you happen to live near one, usually you can go in and tell people exactly what you are looking for, and they can help tons. hope I have helped! and good luck!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply