In camping, a ground pad, sleeping pad, sleeping mat, roll mat, or iso mat is a simple device often used in conjunction with a sleeping bag. Its purpose is to provide padding and thermal insulation. All types currently available use air as their primary form of insulation. Closely related to the air mattress a pad of this type requires an external pressure source to inflate, typically in the form of a pump or by blowing orally.[1] Convection of the air inside the mattress reduces the amount of insulation it provides and more complicated mattresses include methods to reduce this by either partitioning the internal cavities, or by filling the cavities with material to trap the air such as down feathers or synthetic insulation. An example of a 183x51x3.8 cm self-inflating mattress, made from diamond ripstop. The black high volume valve can be seen in the left foreground. An extension on the conventional manually inflated mattress, this type is capable of self-inflation due to the open-cell foam that fills the internal cavity.
For many years this design was protected by various patents held by Cascade Designs[2] and they were an unusual and premium item. But since these patents expired many other manufacturers are now producing this type of mattress and they are now commonplace. These mattresses are lightweight and pack to a small size, which make them popular amongst hikers and campers. A self-inflating mat typically measures 183x51x3.8 cm, weighs about 700 g, and packs to about 28x16 cm.[] Closed-cell foam is used to produce mats that can be used without requiring any inflation. Closed-cell foam pads are lighter and more durable than their air-filled counterparts, as they are constructed of fewer materials. Many may also be trimmed to size should the user choose to do so. However, they are generally not as comfortable as air-filled mats because they are thinner, and may also take up more space in a pack, depending on the materials used. Variations include textured or shaped foam to increase the unrolled volume and/or change the stiffness of the mattress.
This can also be used to trap the air within ridges or an egg-carton type of texture. 25 inches X72 inches X 1.5 inchs Stansport Self-Inflating Air Mattress The Stansport Self-inflating Air Mattress is a practical and sophisticated, no-fuss air mattress. It is ideal for almost any situation where you will be laying on the ground, from inside your camping tent to your living room floor. Simply unroll, unscrew the air valve, and it is ready for you or your guests in seconds. Throw it under your blanket or sleeping bag for instant comfort. Thanks to the convenient design, this air mattress is easy to use anywhere and anytime. This mat is made from high-density, premium grade, open-cell foam that is bonded to the outer fabric. With dimensions of 30” x 78”, this mattress is very accommodating. Inflates to 3” thick for excellent support. Features a brass valve and nylon cover for protection. Uses 400mm polyurethane coating for added protection and durability. A good night's sleep is the most crucial component of any successful camping trip, and this durable, self-inflating air mattress from outdoor outfitter Stansport ensures just that.
The mattress features a die-cut, mummy bag shape, reducing weight and volume for those who like to travel light. The lightweight bag comes in three sizes, with the 20 by 72 inch (W x D) model weighing just one pound, five ounces. A Plastic air valve is durable in the extreme, and offers a reliable seal. Fully bonded for a lifetime of outdoor comfort, the bag comes complete with a mesh storage bag. About Stansport: Stansport has produced quality camping gear for more than 50 years, from tents to backpacks and rafts to cookware. Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Domestic Shipping: Item can be shipped within U.S. International Shipping: This item is not eligible for international shipping. Item model number: 4-AirMat Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #176,534 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors) in Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Camping & Hiking > Sleeping Bags & Camp Bedding > Sleeping Pads 5 star53%4 star28%3 star12%2 star5%1 star2%See all verified purchase reviewsTop Customer ReviewsAlmost as comfortable as my Sealy Pillow top mattress...||
Veeeery comfortableComfortable pad for under sleeping bag.||Found a HOLE at the seams in TWO different pads.||Watch out for sharp elbows...||If you're like me and really want to get good sleep to ...|| See and discover other items: full bed mattress, mattress, queen air bed, serta mattresses, flat bedBest Camping Mattresses and Pads of 2017 Extra thick and luxurious, today’s camping mattresses are supremely comfortableProductsSub CatalogsFurniture RangeAccessories RangeBeddingTent Range Rivergum Self Inflating Mattress A Very Comfortable Sleep The Rivergum Self Inflating Mattress' excellent insulation is a result of combining open cell foam, air-tight vinyl, and velour backing. The open cell foam sucks in air when the valves are open and before you know it you have a thick, comfortable mattress to sleep on. They fit perfectly in all of our tents and even fit on the top of stretchers. Features Insulation loss prevention with CFC-FREE, extra-thick open-cell foam Slip resistance with our airproof and waterproof non-slip fabric Automatic rapid inflation Pliable foam core won’t become brittle or stiff in extremely low temperatures 5" thickness for extra comfort Unique construction which means you don’t have welded seams on the corners
Specifications Inflated Size: 6'5" (l) x 2'6" (w) x 5" (h) Packed Size: 3'1" (l) x 1'1" (Diameter) Weight: 11 lbs Downloads Download Product Manual 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.