Self-Inflating Mattress – Outer (Large)Rest assured you’ll be getting the best shut-eye possible with our self-inflating air mattresses (outer) – custom made to fit the ‘GO’Rest assured you’ll be getting the best shut-eye possible with our self-inflating air mattresses – custom made to fit the ‘GO’. These mattresses are the larger, outer mattresses. For the smaller, inner mattresses – check the Store> GO Replacement Parts section. Set of two, Outer Mattresses Dimensions: 72″ x 25″ x 2″ 78 x 32 x 2 in 183 x 63.5 x 5 cm Green (top), Grey (bottom) Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review. You may also like… GO and GO Easy Hitch Lock Self-Inflating Mattress – Inner (Small) GO Foam Deck Cushion GO Bed / Table PanelA tent, sleeping bag and backpack in front of a small mountain in autumn. Although the idea of an air-filled pad that inflates itself sounds like something from a science fiction film, campers have been using self-inflating sleeping pads for years.
These sleeping pads provide campers with the comfort and warmth afforded by an airbed, without requiring them to spend hours inflating it each time they change camps. Some backpackers won't camp without their self-inflating pads, especially those who appreciate big comfort in a small, relatively lightweight package. Self-Inflating Technology Self-inflating sleeping pads consist of a piece of open-cell foam, a valve and a plastic envelope. When rolled up and sealed, the foam is compressed and the bag contains very little air, taking up very little space. But when you open the valve and place the pad flat, the foam expands back to its original shape and size -- this causes it to suck in air as it inflates. Closing the valve prevents the air from rushing back out once you lay on it. When it is time to pack up, simply open the valve and roll the pad into a tight coil, which expels the air and compresses the foam. Once you close the valve on the deflated pad, it cannot draw in air or expand.
The Pros and Cons Although self-inflating sleeping pads operate similarly to those you manually inflate, its automation offers a superior option in many cases. Self-inflating pads are usually very comfortable, well insulated and weigh very little. But in contrast, because of how they roll up for carrying, self-inflating sleeping pads usually feature less insulation, and are rarely suitable for use in extremely cold climates. Avoid blowing these up manually, as human breath contains water vapor, and adds moisture to the air bladder, which reduces its insulating efficacy and encourages the growth of bacteria. The most significant drawback to self-inflating sleeping pads is their high cost, but serious backpackers and campers are often able to justify the expense, given the significant increase in comfort and convenience. Selection Criteria Not all self-inflating sleeping pads are made the same -- choose one that suits your needs and intended use, especially as it relates to your weight, size and shape.
Backpackers must be conscious of space and weight, so they often opt for mummy-shaped pads, rather than the more bulky -- but luxurious -- rectangular pads. Car campers need not make such sacrifices, and should choose the most comfortable pad possible rated for the temperature in which it will be used. Repairing Rips Self-inflating sleeping pads provide a cushion of comfort for trail-weary campers. But if you accidentally puncture your air-filled sleeping pad, you will find yourself sleeping on the hard, cold ground with only a thin layer of polyester beneath your body. Carry a repair kit to deal with such eventualities. For those camping in rugged terrain, it makes sense to select a premium model, as these are often constructed from tougher materials. References REI: Sleeping Pads: How to ChooseEastern Mountain Sports: How to Choose a Sleeping Pad Photo Credits SanderStock/iStock/Getty Images < Go to Camping Pads & Mattresses Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works:
Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top All self-inflating mats I have seen are self-inflating in the sense that you’re supposed to inflate them yourself. [That is, the mat self-inflates a bit, but mostly you have to breathe the air in.] Given this, what purpose does the foam inside the mat serve? If there was none, wouldn’t the mat be lighter? My hypothesis is that the foam prevents the air from moving inside the mat, thus greatly increasing the heat resistance. Is that the case? (Do you have some dependable sources?) I have a self-inflating mat, and I think the foam serves three purposes. In order of importance: It sets the shape of the mat when inflated. Think of the foam as limiting how far the opposite walls of the mat can be in any one place. If you didn't have this, the mat would become more of a circular tube as it is inflated. For cushioning, the foam does little compared to the air pressure. It increases the insulation value of the air inside the mat, as you say, since it keeps the air from easily circulating.
Note that these mats are warmer than just inflatable mattresses. It provides for some self-inflation. Actually I think this is merely a mildly useful by-product of having the foam there for the other reasons, but if you're selling these mats you might as well feature this. I find that my mat self-inflates most of the way, but I still have to blow into it for the right pressure. When you blow into it, you get moisture from your breath in there, which can't be good from a standpoint of mold growth and the like. Letting is self-inflate to the extent it can minimizes this. The foam inside the mat prevents heat loss through convection which would be the case with the air if there was nothing to prevent it moving. This forms part of the open cell vs closed cell argument for sleeping mats. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for?