How Do Self-Inflating Mats Work

Wherever you choose to explore on your camping trip, settling down for the night can be a concern for many people, with worries that you’ll be kept awake by cold, hard floors. With a self-inflating mattress, you’re able to sleep comfortably and can be set up in seconds, but how do self-inflating mats work?

In this blog, we’ll explain how self-inflating mats work, what makes them a great camping accessory and what measures you can take to ensure you’re cosy and comfy for a night in the wild. 

Don’t compromise on comfort when camping! Browse our selection of premium bell tents and enjoy your trip with an added touch of luxury. 

What is a Self-Inflating Mat?

A self-inflating camping mattress or mat is a small but spongy sleeping mat that offers extra comfort for nights out camping. A traditional airbed or inflatable mattress requires manual inflation using a pump or your breath through a port on the side. A self-inflating mat however does exactly what it says in the name, inflates by itself once the port is opened. 

A self-inflating mattress is a quick and easy way to get yourself ready for a comfy night’s sleep in your tent. It takes seconds to set up and offers you an extra foam layer of support to help keep you warm at night. If you want some extra padding when laying on natural ground, then a self-inflating mat is a must-have on your glamping checklist.   

How Do Self-Inflating Mats Work?

Self-inflating mats are made from a unique type of foam called open-cell foam. This foam is porous, which is how self-inflating mats are able to inflate on their own. When stored tightly and rolled up in its bag, the mat is emptied of all air and it becomes flat.

Once the mat is set up and the valve is open, the air absorbs back into the foam which causes the mat to inflate. You have the option to customise the firmness of your mattress by removing or adding air through the vent.

Our self-inflating camping mattress has a TPU coated fabric exterior which is strong, sturdy and waterproof. This polyester exterior keeps your mat inflated to stop you from losing air and deflating throughout the night. 

Why Is It Worth Investing in a Self-Inflating Mat?

There are a number of reasons that make a self-inflating mat a brilliant choice for your camping trip.

Adjustable Inflation 

We’ve all been on a camping trip where we’ve felt like Goldilocks with the standard air mattresses being just too hard or too soft to get comfy. With this style of self-inflating mattress, you can choose how soft or firm you want the mat to be, and because the mat is built with foam and not just air, you’ll have actual support when you sleep.

Quick and Easy

After a day of travelling to your campsite, the last thing you want is to spend ages pumping, or even worse, manually inflating your air mattress before you go to bed. Not only does a self-inflating mat remove the need for extra equipment like pumps but it also lets you get down to relaxing in seconds after being removed from the bag.

Durable and long-lasting

One of the worst things to discover when you’re out in the wild is that your airbed has a puncture. You have to feel it slowly deflate underneath you until you’re left with a pathetic, half-inflated mess of plastic. With the durable TPU coating of our self-inflating mattresses, it’s much harder to pick up holes and scrapes.

Should you encounter a puncture, this shouldn’t ruin your trip either as this can be easily repaired and the foam inside will still offer you a firm level of comfort. 

Ground Insulation

When sleeping in a tent, cold air travels up through the ground and you’ll need a thick layer of insulation to ensure you’re kept warm throughout the night. These auto-inflating mats offer a combination of both foam as well as a layer of air between you, your bedding and the ground which helps to keep the cold out and your body heat inside the tent. 

For more ways to keep insulated and warm in your tent, check out our blog on how to stay warm when camping in winter. 

What to Use Alongside a Self-Inflating Mat

A self-inflating mat is most definitely a luxury for any camper, saving you time and effort whilst providing a deeper level of comfort. In order to get the best night's sleep, however, you’ll want to ensure you pair your self-inflating mattress with the right bed and bedding. 

If you’re using a sleeping bag, make sure you choose an option that’s best for the location and weather you’re travelling in. A down sleeping bag retains heat better and a higher GSM will help protect you from the cold. 

For ultimate comfort, utilise our Oxford roll-up bed on top of your mat. This gives you a cosy, cushioned surface just like your covers at home to sleep on top of for a fully relaxed night of sleep.

You can also partake in hot tenting which involves using a stove inside a specially designed fire retardant bell tent to keep you warm and cosy. 

How do I maintain a self-inflating tent?

To ensure you make the most of your fabulous mattress there are a few steps you can take to keep it in top condition: 

• Make sure to store your mat flat and with the stopper open to prevent any issues with the foam and air absorption.

• Always keep your mat stored away from any sharp objects like garage tools to avoid punctures. Also, check the ground around you for anything that could damage your mat before you unroll it.

• Give your mat a clean with gentle wipes or cloth after you’ve used it to remove any dirt or debris. 

• Keep a repair kit on hand so you can fix any holes as soon as they appear should you encounter any.

Sleep in Style with a Boutique Camping Bell Tent

Now you know the answer to “How do self-inflating mats work?” you’re prepared with the best tools to help you get a good night's sleep. Wait just one second though, what about your tent? The greatest night's sleep you’ll experience away in nature is with a Boutique Camping bell tent. Each one of our models has been designed to offer maximum comfort and luxury so you can wind down and wake up refreshed. 

To discover more about our brilliant range, check out our tent guide which explains the brilliant benefits of each one of our tents. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our team and explain the sort of adventures you’ll be off on and we can recommend the right tent for the job.