How do self-inflating sleeping mats work?

Sleeping mats come in two main types: inflatable and closed-cell foam. Inflatable mats are further divided into self-inflating and “pump-up” models. In this post, we look at how self-inflating sleeping mats work.

There are plenty of self-inflating mats from different manufacturers, but they all work on the same principle. You unroll the mat, open the valve and air starts flowing in.

The valve on the Thermarest Trail Lite has two moving parts. The black cap works like a bottle top, and the yellow tab twists to the open or closed position.

How to inflate a self-inflating sleeping mat

1. Unroll the mat
2. Open the valve
3. Blow in a little air if needed
4. Wait a few minutes for the mat to fill
5. Finish off with a few extra breaths if you like
6. Close the valve

How to deflate a self-inflating sleeping mat

1. Open the valve
2. Open the yellow tab too, if your mat has one
3. Fold the mat in half lengthways
4. Check that air is escaping from the valve
5. Start rolling from the end opposite the valve
6. Roll it up tightly and close the valves
7. Put the mat in its stuff sack

A new self-inflating mat won't inflate very well at first. The more you use it, the better it works.

One video is worth a thousand words:

You'll find all our sleeping mats here. Use the features filter to browse self-inflating mats or other types.