My sleeping mat seems to lose air overnight, what's happening and what can be done?

Here’s what you need to know to fix a puncture or tear in your air sprung cell or self-inflating mat. Our mats are manufactured and rigorously tested to the highest standards – but sharp objects can damage even the best camping mats.

Repairing our mats is pretty straightforward if you follow these steps – and our customer service team is here to help you if you should need assistance.

Step 1 | Determine the point of air loss

If the mat is deflating and you’ve visually checked over the surface without finding an obvious point of damage, here’s how to track down the point of air loss.

Submersion method

You will need:

• Bathtub, pool, tub or still body of water—the bigger, the better. A swimming pool is ideal, a sink is difficult, and a bathtub is a good compromise.

1. Inflate your mat as firmly as possible. Slowly submerge the inflated mat section by section, folding it to increase the air pressure of the section under water. Try submerging 12” / 30cm sections at a time. Most punctures are relatively easy to identify because they release a small stream of bubbles.
2. If you do find a puncture, mark the spot with a permanent marker.
3. Even if you find one puncture, continue testing the rest of the mattress as there may be multiple points of air loss.

Soap method

You will need:

• Spray bottle or bowl and sponge filled with a soap-water mix (you probably have our Wilderness Wash in your pack)
• Towel for drying

1. Lay mat on a clean surface and inflate to a firm pressure.
2. Using your spray bottle or sponge, cover the surface of the mattress with a light film of soapy water. You may need to massage this into the fabric to make sure that there is a complete film across the top of the mat.
3. Push down on the mattress to increase the internal pressure. Small bubbles will form on the surface of the fabric where there is a puncture.
4. Use a permanent marker or ballpoint pen to mark any punctures. Make sure that you check the entire surface of the mattress.
5. Turn the mattress over and repeat this process on the other side.
6. Make sure you completely rinse the surface of the mattress free of soap or detergent before continuing.

Once you’ve identified the puncture, continue on to Step 2.

Step 2 | Repairing your mat

Air Sprung Cell mats

You will need:

• Adhesive 3M patches (included with all our ASC mats)

1. The repair procedure is completed with a fully deflated mattress – if you haven’t marked the points of air loss, go back and repeat Step 1.
2. Ensure your mattress is free of soapy residue and completely dry.
3. Lay the deflated mattress out on a clean, smooth surface.
4. Clean the area around the leak thoroughly.
5. If available, use isopropyl alcohol to clean the area around the puncture.
6. Pick the appropriately sized patch from the repair kit. Contact us for spares if needed.
7. Peel the adhesive backing and place over the puncture, ensuring the mattress fabric is not creased.
8. Smooth from the center outward to eliminate air pockets and weight it down.
9. Wait five minutes, then repeat Step 1 to confirm the repair and check for additional leaks.

Self-Inflating mats

1. Repeat Step 1 to identify and mark any punctures.
2. Ensure the mat is clean and completely dry.
3. Lay the deflated mat flat on a clean surface.
4. Clean the area around the leak, especially removing oil or residue.
5. Use isopropyl alcohol if available to prep the puncture site.

The repair method depends on the mat model. For Camp Mat SI, Camp Mat Plus SI, Ultra Light SI, and Comfort Light SI (and the underside fabric of Comfort Plus SI and Comfort Deluxe SI):

You will need:

• Silicone adhesive (included with all our SI mats)
• 3M patch (included with all our SI mats)

Pro Tip: Use gloves if you have sensitive skin when handling silicone adhesive.

1. Choose the appropriate patch.
2. Apply a thin layer of silicone adhesive over the hole.
3. Place the 3M patch over the adhesive and smooth it down carefully.
4. Weight the patch and allow to cure for 2 hours.
5. Repeat Step 1 to confirm the repair was successful.

Top fabric: Comfort Plus SI and Comfort Deluxe SI

You will need:

• Silicone adhesive
• Mesh
• 3M patch
• Plastic square

For holes less than 1/8" | 3mm wide

1. Apply a thick layer of silicone adhesive at least 3/4" (20mm) in diameter over the hole.
2. Let dry for 2 hours before re-testing.

Holes from 1/8" | 3mm to 3/4" | 20mm wide

1. Cut mesh slightly larger than the hole.
2. Apply silicone adhesive around the tear. Use the plastic square to work it into the fabric.
3. Place the mesh over the hole and apply another layer of silicone adhesive on top.
4. Let dry for 2 hours before re-testing.

Pro Tip: Gloves recommended to avoid skin contact with silicone adhesive.

Step 3 | Testing for air loss from the valve

Our custom valves are extremely reliable, but if air loss is suspected, use the following method:

Dunking method

You will need:

• Bathtub, pool, or tub of still water

1. Submerge the inflated mat for at least 30 seconds.
2. Watch closely for bubbles, especially at the valve hinge.

If valve leakage is confirmed, proceed to Step 4.

If air loss is elsewhere, return to Step 2.

Step 4 | Preventing air loss from the valve

You will need:

• Clean hands or gloves
• Microfiber cloth with no frayed edges
• Petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline)

1. Wipe the valve clean with the microfiber towel to remove any dirt or grit.
2. Apply a thin film of petroleum jelly to each valve surface.
3. Let sit for 24 hours to allow absorption.
4. Wipe clean again before use.

Pro Tip: Store your mat with the valve open to allow moisture to escape and prevent pressure on the valve.

If you’re unable to locate the air loss after following these steps, or find multiple leaks, please contact us via our warranty form. We’ll need:

• Where and when the mat was purchased
• The batch number (see valve or seam depending on mat type)
• Photos from the submersion or soap test

Our team will be happy to further assist you.