Caring for a self-inflating mattress involves three main points: inflation, transport and storage...A self-inflating mattress does not require any sort of inflator or pump to inflate. Just open the air valve(s), and the inner foam core expands to its original shape, drawing air into the chamber.This self-inflating process can take anywhere from a few minutes to hours, depending on the thickness of the foam and on how long it has been compressed.Once the foam has fully expanded, close the valve and lie on the pad. If it feels too soft, a breath or two of air can be added to firm up the mattress.Larger pads usually have two valves to the same air chamber. Open and close both to self inflate and to seal the inflated mattress shell. While inflating a self-inflating mattress that is new or has been stored compressed for a long time, you can occasionally grab one end and give the pad a few gentle whips to encourage the foam to expand.Valves on self-inflating camping mats seal differently than the valves on inflatable air mattresses.
Twist valves on self-inflating pads usually have a screw cap that twists approximately a quarter turn clockwise to close and counterclockwise to open. The air enters through slots in the top of the cap.Twist valves are easier to seal than the plug valves on standard inflatable air mattresses, which require a great deal of air to inflate and can attach to inflators.For transport the pad is rolled up and compressed similar to a rectangular sleeping bag. The valve is closed and the pad stays compressed.Unlike a sleeping bag, a single, self-inflating pad isn't folded in half before rolling, so the rolled pad is usually wider, but smaller in diameter than a rolled-up sleeping bag. A transport bag or attached compression straps are then placed around the rolled-up pad to keep it from unrolling during transport.A double, self-inflating pad, however, does get folded in half before being rolled up and strapped or bagged for transport. These are not common, but are used occasionally by couples.
Thin pads roll up the easiest. Rolling up a thick, self-inflating pad, so that it can fit into a carry bag, is somewhat akin to squeezing the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube:Be sure to carefully pack the rolled pad, so that it doesn't get punctured during transport.Unlike an inflatable air mattress, a self-inflating mattress is stored fully inflated with the valve(s) open.Once home from a camping trip, it's easy to treat the rolled-up pad like a sleeping bag and put it in the corner or on the shelf until the next trip, but over time this will shorten the life of the pad.If it is continuously stored in a rolled up, compressed state, the foam core may eventually get crushed and lose its ability to fully expand to its original shape. This can also happen to any folds in the pad, so do not store the pad folded, either.Better self-inflating mattresses will have high-quality, foam cores. This foam will be able to better recover from a long-term compressed state. Before storing the pad, take a moment to unfasten the straps and open the valve and let the pad self inflate.
Since self-inflating mattresses are stored fully inflated, they cannot be stored in a compact space. Here are some ideas for storing them:While lying flat, pads can be stacked on other pads or with unrolled sleeping bags.Double, self-inflating pads are unfolded, as well as inflated for storage, so they will need the largest space. Couples who want to sleep together, may find it more convenient to use a double sleeping bag on twin, self-inflating pads.Storing the pad fully inflated also allows it to self inflate in the shortest period of time when you set up camp. Leaving the valve open during storage allows moisture inside the shell to evaporate out.To get the best performance from a self-inflating pad, remember these three states for the pad:If you love camping but also love a comfortable night’s sleep, without the hassle of inflating a blow-up bed, you are going to love the collection of self inflating mattresses we have picked out for you. Yes, that’s right, due to the internal design structure, they blow up on their own.
Gear gurus have figured out how to make you more comfortable with little to no work on your part. The lightweight material of these beds means they are easy to carry on overnight trips without compromising on strength and quality. We have cut out the hot air and made selecting the perfect self inflating pad an absolute breeze. If you pick up one of these winners, we are absolutely confident that you will soon be sleeping in awesome comfort on your next trip into the wild. Our winner for this review is the Coleman Self-Inflating Camp Pad with Attached Pillow. The obvious benefit of this comfy camping essential is that it inflates on its own. The Coleman inflatable pad is thick, durable, and comfortable. It is designed to deflate as easily as it inflates and rolls up into a compact roll with compression straps to keep it secure and easy to transport. If you like a firmer sleep, you may have to put in a few extra breaths to get your perfect tension. We are okay with the minimal extra effort for maximum added comfort.
The pillow attached to the pad does not self inflate so you will have to save a few breaths if you intend to use it. This is the case with most similar products. If you value an effortless, good night’s sleep when spending the night in the outdoors, this mattress is the answer you have been looking for. You won’t find an easier sleep setup. Separating yourself from uneven or cold ground will make all the difference. At number two, we have broken the rules and included an imposter, the Klymit Static V Lightweight Sleeping Pad. This camping pad is technically not a self inflating bed but its genius design requires minimal air input for maximum comfort. All it takes is 10 – 15 easy breaths into the valve to fill this outdoor sleep essential to perfection. This camping pad has a V-Chamber design which offers added stability, comfort and even better insulation. Granted, this inflating camping mattress does not do the job of its self-inflating cousins but it’s that comfortable, durable and easy to inflate that it could not miss a mention.
This is the perfect pad for you if you are focused on comfort over anything else and don’t mind giving up a few extra breaths for a little luxury in the wild. You can feel confident that this camping companion will serve you for years to come and if for some reason it doesn’t, you have a lifetime warranty to fall back on. At number 3 we have the Stansport sleeping pad. It is the ideal, no-fuss solution for using anywhere, from camping to setting up a quick guest bed on the living room floor. This durable mat is made from high-density foam and bonded to the outer fabric which has a polyurethane coating for added protection and durability. It does not come with a built in pillow so you would need to order one separately. This however offers you the choice of the pillow you prefer. In some cases, the built in pillow is more of an afterthought and not even worth using. This air mattress is for you if you want a simple and comfortable surface to sleep on when camping or if you have kids who need an extra bed for sleepovers.
This simple and versatile camp pad pays itself off instantly in any busy and active household. The Lightspeed Outdoors PVC-Free Warmth Series Sleep Camp Pad comes in at number 4. We do love that this product comes in 3 sizes and thicknesses, accommodating your preferences. It inflates itself in 2 minutes. Heavier or larger people who need a wider base and more support will love the thicker option which feels as close to a bed as you will get in an inflatable mat. Likewise, older people who prefer a softer feel to firmer support, you should choose the thicker Warmth 3.0 and you will wake up refreshed and feeling great. The material of the pad is a little on the slippery side so you may find yourself slipping off it in a sleeping bag. This is easily remedied by laying a towel or t-shirt over it before lying down. This is the perfect match for you if you enjoy backpacking or car camping and want a more custom choice as opposed to the standard width of the narrower mattresses.
This is an all round great camping bed with a luxury feel. The most affordable camping mat on our list is the Camp Solutions Lightweight Self-Inflating Air Sleeping Pad which is sold in three great colours, blue, green and orange. This little durable mattress should not be underestimated. It meets the highest quality standard and offers comfort and warmth on rough and cold terrain. Should anything happen to your mat, the manufacturer offers excellent after-sale support. You may have to add a few breaths of air to get this to your perfect firmness, but a few extra puffs are well worth the great night’s sleep that awaits you. These will also work a dream if you want to be able to travel light and carry them on a backpacking trip as they fold away to an incredible small size. If you have a large family with kids who need a reliable yet affordable camping pad, then these are the perfect investment. The kids can even each get their own color to make identification easy.
This review would not be complete without at least one look at a double self inflating pad, the ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Series Self-Inflating Air Pad is number 6 on our list. Made with ripstop fabric, this durable design is made to fit two people or it can be doubled up for extra comfort for one person. It comes with a repair kit and a bag to keep it compact so it can be stored away easily. The double mattress is actually two sleeping mats joined with Velcro. This design offers you versatility and the option to convert to two singles. This is perfect for you if you are camping as a couple or just want more space for yourself. We love the options this simple but clever concept offers. Sleeping outdoors under the stars just got a lot more comfortable. If you have not used a self inflating mattress when camping, your experience is about to change in a big way and you will never look back. Camping when you are exhausted from a night of uncomfortable, restless sleep is simply no fun.