Self-inflating sleeping mats
How to Choose the Ideal Self-Inflating Mattress for Your Outdoor Adventures?
When it comes to comfort and practicality during a backpacking trip, among all types of trekking or hiking mattresses, the self-inflating mattress is a must-have. However, several factors must be considered to find the model that will perfectly meet your expectations. Besides size and weight, it's essential to consider the type of terrain and the frequency of your outdoor outings. Are you an occasional adventurer or an experienced hiker? Do you prioritise lightness and compactness over comfort, or vice versa? Think about these questions to determine the thermal insulation level, thickness, and shape of your ideal self-inflating sleeping pad. Remember that each sleeper has different comfort preferences. Explore our selection of self-inflating mattresses offered by renowned brands such as Sea to Summit, Nemo, or Ferrino, and choose the night model that will transform your nights on a trek into peaceful and restorative sleep.
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Recommended price
£86.91
-25%
£65.16
The Sea to Summit Camp Mat Self Inflating Olive is a year-round mattress with a great comfort-to-weight ratio.
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Recommended price
£95.61
-41%
From £55.59
The Ultralight Self Inflating Orange Airbed from Sea to Summit is compact, lightweight and comfortable. Ideal for minimalist treks.
- Regular Short (170 x 51)
- Regular (183 x 51)
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Recommended price
£130.41
-36%
From £82.56
The Sea to Summit Comfort Light Self Inflating Green Mattress is designed to provide volume where it's needed.
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Recommended price
£95.61
-25%
£71.70
Further reductions
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Recommended price
£91.26
-35%
£59.07
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£234.81
-32%
From £159.12
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- Double
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Recommended price
£113.01
-34%
£73.86
The Ferrino Couple Dream Green is an all-season, self-inflating double sleeping pad, offering optimal comfort and insulation with a robust polyester exterior and expanded foam interior.
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Recommended price
£147.81
-30%
From £103.46
- Regular Wide
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Recommended price
£130.41
-30%
From £91.29
The Sea To Summit Pursuit S.I Mat is a self-inflating, non-slip outdoor mat offering optimal comfort, quick inflation/deflation, effective thermal insulation, and easy portability.
- Large (198 x 64)
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Recommended price
£95.61
-30%
£66.92
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How Does a Self-Inflating Mattress Work?
The principle of the self-inflating mattress is very simple. This type of mattress consists of an inflatable outer shell equipped with a valve and an inner foam padding. When you open the valve, air automatically enters, and the hollow-celled foam inside, which was compressed, tends to return to its original volume. As a consequence, it inflates, pushing against the mattress walls and creating a vacuum. In the end, the mattress autonomously draws in air. Once it has finished inflating on its own, you can finish inflating it by mouth to achieve the desired firmness.
Self-Inflating Camping Mattress: Both Comfortable and Highly Insulating
Beyond its ease of use, the main advantage of a self-inflating sleeping mat lies in its insulating power. The combination of an air-inflated mattress and hollow fibre foam inside offers exceptional thermal insulation. It is the perfect mattress for winter or cold weather camping. Some brands even let you choose the thickness of your model. Classic 3.8 cm models already offer good insulation, while 5 cm models provide great comfort. For the most demanding conditions, you will even find 7.5 cm thick mattresses, ideal for frozen grounds.
Weaknesses of a Self-Inflating Mattress
Obviously, such comfort comes with a weight cost. While a self-inflating mattress compresses very well, it is significantly heavier than an inflatable mattress and much heavier than minimalist foam mattresses. It may not be the type of mattress to pick for long treks, but it will be perfect for one or two-night adventures. It will also be very beneficial for sleeping on frozen ground or snow.
Sea to Summit, Nemo: The Best Brands of Self-Inflating Trekking and Hiking Mattresses at Glisshop
Glisshop offers a selection of top self-inflating mattresses brands that have proven their worth over the years. Sea To Summit, Nemo, and Ferrino all offer robust and durable products. The materials used on the outer part are designed to withstand the most aggressive terrains and prevent any risk of puncture. The valves used are also high-end to prevent any leakage during the night.
What Thickness for Your Self-Inflating Mattress? Which Model to Choose?
Self-inflating mattresses are indeed available in different thicknesses depending on the desired comfort and thermal insulation.
Here is a table illustrating the differences between the various possible thicknesses, noting that the insulation and weight of the mattress can vary significantly depending on the brand, model length, and internal foam technology.
| Thickness | Season | Thermal Resistance (R Value) | Weight |
| 2.5 | shoulder-season / 3 seasons | 1.7-3.1 | 550-650 |
| 3.8 | 3 seasons / 4 seasons | 2.4-4.5 | 650-880 |
| 5 | 3 seasons / 4 seasons | 3.1-6 | 620-1820 |
| 7.6 | 4 seasons | 4.4 | 820 |
2.5 cm thick models will be perfect for camping in mild weather. 3.8 cm models are highly versatile and can be used as 4-season self-inflating mattresses by some. 5 and 7.6 cm thick models are more suited for cold weather and winter nights.
Now, all you have to do is choose the mattress that fits your needs and complement your gear with a matching sleeping bag to enjoy pleasant nights under the stars.