How to inflate a sleeping pad?

There are several ways to inflate a sleeping pad. The best method for inflating your sleeping pad or mat varies depending on the person and the mat. In this article, we’ll explain more about inflating a sleeping pad using:

• Pump bag
• Hand pump
• Electric pump

Good to know: most sleeping mats come with a pump bag or hand pump as standard.

Pump Bag

A pump bag is a large bag that "catches" air. You just need to hold the bag open. Then you roll or push the air from the pump bag into the sleeping pad via the valve. Once you get the technique, it’s quick. Because a pump bag is just a bag, it's the most lightweight method. In addition, you can sometimes use the pump bag as a dry bag.

Hand Pump

This is a small pump you use to manually pump air into your sleeping pad. It’s a compact and lightweight method, but it does require more time and effort. Especially for larger sleeping pads, the hand pump can be a challenge. Depending on the type, some hand pumps can also be used as foot pumps, which require less energy.

Does the sleeping pad have a universal valve?

Does every pump bag or hand pump fit every sleeping pad? No. Have you lost the pump bag or hand pump that came with your mat and need a new one? Contact our customer service, they’ll be happy to help.

Electric Pump

We offer several electric pumps from Exped. Connect the pump to the valve of your sleeping pad and inflate it quickly and effortlessly. The electric pumps from Exped come with a universal adapter, allowing you to use them with sleeping mats from other brands. All electric pumps in our range are battery-powered, small, lightweight, and easy to carry in a backpack.

Electric pumps sometimes offer extra features. For example, some electric pumps also function as a camping light or power bank. There are even pumps that can deflate a sleeping pads well as inflate it. This is ideal for thick self-inflating pads, where deflating them electrically saves a lot of time and effort! Below are the electric pumps in our range with extra features:

Exped Ultra Pump

€50.00

Exped Ultra Pump

Lightweight electric pump with camping light, perfect for backpacking adventures. In addition this electric pump is able to inflate and deflate sleeping pads. Note: deflation only works with mats from Exped, Thermarest, and the self-inflating 3D mats from Nemo, Nomad, Sea to Summit, Human Comfort, and Bardani. 

• Weight: 100 grams
• Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 90 mm

Exped Widget Pump

Special Price €44.00 Regular Price €55.00

Exped Widget Pump

Lightweight electric pump with camping light function, perfect for backpacking adventures.

• Weight: 190 grams
• Dimensions: 65 x 85 x 65 mm

Exped Mega Pump

€65.00

Exped Mega Pump

For inflating and deflating sleeping pads, perfect for thick self-inflating mats. Note: deflation only works with mats from Exped, Thermarest, and the self-inflating 3D mats from Nemo, Nomad, Sea to Summit, Human Comfort, and Bardani. 

• Weight: 350 grams
• Dimensions: 62 x 74 x 122 mm

Inflating a self-inflating sleeping pad

Do you have a self-inflating sleeping pad? Unroll the mat, open the valve, and it will inflate itself. Self-inflation takes some time. If the mat is new out of the packaging, it can take up to a day (24 hours). After that, it usually takes around 20 minutes. It’s a good idea to inflate a self-inflating mat at home the first time.

Many self-inflating mats also come with a pump bag for adding extra air. It’s often more comfortable to inflate in a bit more air so the mat has the firmness you prefer. We recommend not inflating it by mouth. With your mouth you blow warm air into the mat, causing moisture to enter the sleeping pad. which can lead to mold and unpleasant odors.

When is the sleeping pad at the right pressure?

If your sleeping pad is under-inflated, it may be less comfortable. But what many people don’t know is that over-inflating can reduce the lifespan of your mat. Tip: sit on the sleeping pad. If your butt just touches the ground, the pad is at the right pressure. When you lie down, your weight is distributed, allowing you to lie comfortably without touching the ground. Of course, personal preference plays a role in how firm or soft you like it.

Good to know: when you lie on the sleeping pad, the air inside warms up, making the mat firmer. The opposite is also true. If you inflate the mat in the afternoon during warm weather, it may feel noticeably softer in the evening as the air cools and contracts.

Deflating and storing a sleeping pad

When deflating and storing your mat, we distinguish inflatable and self-inflating sleeping pads.

Deflating and storing an inflatable sleeping pad

After use, you’ll want to pack the sleeping pad compactly again. Open the valve and let the mat deflate. Once it’s empty, roll it up so it fits into its storage bag. Depending on the size of the storage bag and the width of the mat, you may need to fold it in half once or twice lengthwise. Always roll toward the valve to let out any remaining air.

Tip: leave the valve open during storage so any moisture can escape through the valve.

Deflating and storing a self-inflating sleeping pad

A self-inflating sleeping pad has:

• 1 valve with two settings
• or an additional valve for deflation

After deflating, roll up the mat and place it in its storage bag. You may also need to fold it lengthwise to fit the bag.

Storing a self-inflating mat long-term

Planning to store your self-inflating sleeping pad for a longer period? It’s best to store it unrolled. If you keep it rolled up, the foam inside stays compressed. If stored this way for too long, the mat will gradually lose its ability to self-inflate and you’ll eventually need a pump to fully inflate it.

• If you have the space, store the mat upright somewhere.
• Don’t place heavy objects on the mat if stored flat.
• Preferably store it in a clean, dry place with minimal temperature fluctuations.