Sea to Summit has two types of sleeping mat: Self-Inflating (SI) mats and Air Sprung Cell (ASC) mats.
A self-inflating mat draws itself full of air up to the point where the internal pressure and external air pressure are equal. At this point, the mat is still a little soft for most sleepers, so 'topping up' via mouth inflation is normal.
Your breath contains moisture vapor which will condense inside the mat. The foam core is not anti-microbial, so it is important to store the mat with the XPEL valve opened to allow any moisture to dry out.
You may also care to use an Air Stream Dry Sack Pump for ‘topping off’ SI mats.
Sea to Summit Air Sprung Cell mats use an advanced manufacturing technology that creates an air-proof laminate which is extremely resilient to moisture. The airproof barrier also includes an anti-microbial compound that prevents mold from growing inside the mat.
Since Spring 2018, Air Sprung Cell mats have been supplied with an Integrated Pump Sack which significantly reduces the amount of condensed breath in the mat. If you still choose to mouth-inflate an Air Sprung Cell mat, make sure to store it with the XPRESS Valve open (which you should do even if you use the Pump Sack.
Was this article helpful?
Articles in this section
- My self-inflating sleeping mat isn't inflating
- How do I get the Pillow Lock patches?
- Which size of Air Chair will I need for my sleeping mat?
- How should I clean my sleeping pad? Is it OK to machine wash it?
- What are the differences between the Camp Plus SI and the Comfort Plus SI mats?
- How should I store my sleeping mat?
- My sleeping mat is a little noisy, why don't you make a quieter mat?
- My sleeping mat seems to lose air overnight, what's happening and what can be done?
- Will mouth inflating my sleeping mat damage it?
- Do sleeping mats contain PFCs, PFOA, BPA, or flame retardants?
Add comment
Article is closed for comments.