Ashwin Lewis
Sleeping mats are essential for camping and hiking trips, providing insulation and comfort for a good night's sleep. While they haven't changed much over the years, the valves used to inflate and deflate them have. The most common type of valve is the twist lock, which involves pushing in, twisting, and pulling out a small black cylinder to open and close the valve. However, these have been replaced by flat valves and speed valves, which offer faster inflation and deflation rates. Sleeping mats with faulty valves can often be repaired with a simple repair kit, but it's important to take care of your mat by keeping it away from sharp objects and ensuring it's thoroughly dried and stored in a cool, dry place to prolong its life.
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What You'll Learn
Fixing a slow leak
If the leak is coming from the valve, you may need to take a different approach. Valves can sometimes become clogged with material or debris, so it is worth checking this first. If the valve is glued in, be careful not to break the seal when removing it. You can try regluing the valve with super glue or coating the inner rings in superglue.
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Repairing a valve
If your sleeping mat has a broken valve, you can repair it by following these steps:
First, open the old valve as far as possible. Then, using a pair of pliers, grab the valve cap at its base. Hold the sleeping mat material below the pliers and pull away from the pad while twisting and pulling the valve straight out. Clean the valve area before proceeding to the next steps.
Get your new valve and adhesive. Apply a thin layer of adhesive around the outside of the barbed valve end. Carefully twist and push the new valve into the valve opening on the pad. Avoid pushing the valve too far past the base. Wipe away any excess adhesive. Let the adhesive cure for at least three hours.
Once the adhesive has cured, inflate the sleeping pad and let it sit inflated for 8-12 hours to make sure the valve isn't leaking. If the valve is still leaking, you may need to add more glue to the valve.
If repairing the valve seems too difficult, you can always send your sleeping mat to the manufacturer for repairs. Many well-known sleeping mat brands, such as Thermarest and NEMO, offer limited lifetime warranties and repair services. Alternatively, you can invest in a repair kit to fix the valve yourself. The best repair kits are usually the ones provided by the manufacturer, as they are personalized to your mat and should fit perfectly.
It is important to note that different types of sleeping mat valves exist, such as twist lock valves, flat valves, and speed valves. Each type has its own unique mechanism for inflating and deflating the pad. Familiarize yourself with the type of valve on your sleeping mat before attempting any repairs.
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Different types of valves
Sleeping mats are designed to be portable and easy to use, and the valves on these mats are no exception. The valves on sleeping mats are designed to be durable and user-friendly, allowing for easy inflation and deflation. While there are different types of valves available, the push-pull valve is a common choice for sleeping mats due to its simplicity and effectiveness.
Push-Pull Valves
Push-pull valves are designed to be easy to use and maintain. As the name suggests, this type of valve involves pushing and pulling a small mechanism to control the airflow. The valve is usually made of durable plastic or metal and has a tight seal to prevent air leakage. To inflate the sleeping mat, users push or pull the valve to open it, allowing air to flow into the mat. Once inflated, the valve is pushed or pulled back into place, creating an airtight seal. To deflate the mat, the process is simply reversed, making it a convenient and straightforward option for outdoor enthusiasts.
Twist Lock Valves
Twist lock valves are another common type of valve found on sleeping mats. This classic design involves a small black cylinder at the end of the mat. To inflate the mat, users push in the cylinder, twist it, and then pull it out to open the valve. After inflation, the cylinder is pushed back in, twisted, and locked into place to secure the air inside. While this type of valve has been reliable for decades, it has a slower flow rate compared to newer designs.
Flat Valves
Flat valves are a more modern innovation in sleeping mat valves. Designed to address the shortcomings of twist lock valves, flat valves feature a three-layer mechanism that enables rapid inflation and deflation. Flat valves are also known for their low profile, making them less likely to be accidentally damaged or opened. This type of valve is often preferred by users who want a faster and more streamlined option.
Speed Valves
Speed valves, such as the Thermarest speed valve, take convenience to the next level. Instead of requiring manual inflation, this type of valve uses a wide opening to capture surrounding air and quickly fill the sleeping mat. With just a few large puffs of air or a few rolls of a pump, the mat is ready for a good night's sleep. Speed valves are an excellent choice for those who want to minimise the effort and time spent setting up their sleeping arrangements.
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Caring for a sleeping mat
Sleeping mats are a must-have for adventurers, providing comfort and insulation during camping trips and festivals. They are available in two types: self-inflating and foam. While they don't require a lot of maintenance, there are some important care and storage guidelines to follow to ensure your sleeping mat lasts for years.
During Use
Avoid placing your mat on very rocky or rough surfaces. If this is unavoidable, slightly underinflate the mat to reduce the chance of puncture, and consider placing something underneath it. Keep the mat away from sharp objects, and always store it with the valve open when not in use.
After Use
Before storing your sleeping mat, ensure it is thoroughly dried and that no dirt, grit, or sand is left in contact with it. If necessary, clean the outside of the mat with a cloth or soft-bristled scrubbing brush and lukewarm soapy water. You can also use biodegradable soap to remove pine sap and insect repellent, which can damage the fabric. After cleaning, dry your mat outside, ensuring it is not exposed to direct sunlight as UV rays will degrade the material.
Storage
Store your sleeping mat in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Always store it uncompressed, laid flat or upright, with the valve open. This will help prevent the build-up of mildew and minimise the risk of damage to any foam or insulated fillings inside. If you have a foam-only pad, no special storage precautions are needed. However, if you have an air-core or foam-core sleeping pad, it is recommended to pack it inside your backpack during your travels.
Repair
Even with proper care, sleeping mats can get punctured or develop faulty valves. To repair a puncture, use a self-adhesive patch, pressing it firmly onto the affected area. For a faulty valve, you will need to replace it with a new one.
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Self-inflating sleeping mats
Preventative Measures:
Keep your mat away from sharp objects, and always store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. After use, dry your mat thoroughly and ensure that no dirt, grit, or sand is left on the surface. If necessary, clean the mat with a soft-bristled brush and lukewarm soapy water. Avoid machine washing, dry cleaning, or tumble drying your mat, as this can damage it.
Valve Maintenance:
Always keep the valve open when the mat is not in use. When storing, keep the mat uncompressed, laid flat, or upright with the valve open to prevent the build-up of mildew and minimise the risk of damage to the mat's fillings. If your mat has a twist lock valve, be cautious as this valve style can be prone to accidental opening or damage. Flat valves, on the other hand, offer a faster inflation rate and a lower profile.
Repairing Leaks and Valves:
If your mat develops a leak, you can use a repair kit to patch small holes. Many sleeping mat brands offer limited lifetime warranties and repair services, so you can send your mat to the manufacturer for expert repair if needed. For faulty valves, you may need to replace the valve entirely. This can be done at home with a sleeping mat valve repair kit, a pair of pliers, and superglue.
Inflation and Deflation:
When inflating your self-inflating sleeping mat, open the valve as wide as possible and remove any adapters. The mat will suck in air until it is full. If it is a new mat or hasn't been used for a long time, you may need to blow in some additional air. However, avoid using a compressor or pump, and refrain from consuming alcohol before blowing into the mat, as this can cause damage. To ensure optimal comfort, do not inflate the mat fully, leaving room for it to adjust to your body shape. To deflate the mat, open the valve and fold the mat in half or thirds to push out the air. Close the valve and repeat if necessary, then roll the mat towards the valve to remove the remaining air.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three types of sleeping mat valves: twist lock valves, flat valves, and speed valves.
Twist lock valves are the classic way to inflate/deflate a sleeping pad. They are tiny black cylinders at the end of the mat that you push in, twist, and pull out to inflate/deflate the pad. Once inflated, push the cylinder back in and twist the valve to lock it in place.
Flat valves have a three-layer design that allows you to rapidly inflate and deflate the sleeping pad.
Speed valves use a wide opening to blow the surrounding air into the pad. It takes 2-3 puffs of air to fill up the pad, so there is no need for a separate mechanical/sack pump.
If you suspect that your sleeping mat valve is faulty, submerge the sealed valve in water and apply pressure to the mat. If you see bubbles, the valve will need replacing. You can contact the manufacturer to source a replacement valve, and they may be able to repair it for you.
