--- title: "How to care for your inflatable sleeping pad in 6 steps" description: "6 tips on caring for your inflatable sleeping pad so it lasts longer and no unexpected trouble finds you out on the trek." canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/how-to-care-for-your-inflatable-sleeping-pad-in-6-steps" last_updated: "2024-07-22" --- # How to care for your inflatable sleeping pad in 6 steps Authors: Petra Kovalčíková Date: 2024-07-22 6 tips on caring for your inflatable sleeping pad so it lasts longer and no unexpected trouble finds you out on the trek. If you care about quality sleep on your treks, an [inflatable sleeping pad](/c/sleep/sleeping-pads) is the obvious choice. Compared to a foam pad it packs down smaller, offers better thermal insulation from the ground and, above all, it's far more comfortable. On the other hand it isn't indestructible and needs a bit more care if the investment is going to pay off and last you as long as possible. That's why we're bringing you a few tips on how to look after an inflatable sleeping pad properly, so its lifespan gets longer and no unexpected trouble finds you right out on the trail. Because there's nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night on a pad that's slowly but surely losing air… ## 1. A suitable place to sleep Always pay close attention to the surface you're putting an inflatable or self-inflating pad on, so it doesn't get punctured or damaged. If you like sleeping under the stars or you only use a [tarp](/c/sleep/tarps), we recommend putting a **Tyvek footprint** under the pad – we stock it in a size for [one person](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-230-x-75-cm) (75 x 230 cm) and for [two people](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm) (150 x 250 cm). Tyvek protects the pad from dirt, ground moisture and, in part, from punctures. If your inflatable is made from really ultralight, thin materials (such as the [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Lite NXT](/p/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt)) and you're heading into rougher conditions, you can put a thin [EVA foam pad](/p/eva-foam-pad-3-mm) underneath as well – on top of puncture protection it raises your thermal comfort and stops the inflatable pad from sliding around on the footprint. - [Tyvek 75x230 cm (for 1 person)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-230-x-75-cm.md) - [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md) - [EVA Foam Pad 3 mm](/p/eva-foam-pad-3-mm.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 Footprint (2025)](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-footprint-2025.md) - [NEMO Dragonfly 2P Footprint](/p/nemo-dragonfly-2p-footprint.md) - [Warmpeace Cirrus](/p/warmpeace-cirrus.md) - [Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Footprint (2025)](/p/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul3-footprint-2025.md) ## 2. Repairs and lifetime warranty If, despite all your care, you do puncture the pad, try patching it with a [**repair kit**](/c/gear/maintenance-and-repairs). It's often part of the package, or you can buy one separately (e.g. from [Sea To Summit](/p/sea-to-summit-air-mat-repair-kit) or [Therm-a-Rest](/p/therm-a-rest-permanent-instant-field-repair-kit)). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for a proper repair. We'll write more about repairing inflatable sleeping pads in a separate article. If a manufacturing defect shows up on your pad after a few years (say an internal baffle bursts, which shows as a bulge in that spot), check whether the manufacturer offers a **lifetime warranty**. These days most reputable outdoor brands really do stand behind their products and offer great customer service plus a lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects. If you happen to be out on the [Pacific Crest Trail](/blog/pacific-crest-trail-pct-guide), they'll send a new pad straight to the trail within a few days. A lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects is offered by [Therm-a-Rest](/b/therm-a-rest), [NEMO Equipment](/b/nemo) or [Big Agnes](/b/big-agnes), for example. If you bought your inflatable from us, don't hesitate to [get in touch](/contact) and we'll be happy to advise you. - [Sea To Summit Air Mat Repair Kit](/p/sea-to-summit-air-mat-repair-kit.md) - [Therm-a-Rest Permanent Instant Field Repair Kit](/p/therm-a-rest-permanent-instant-field-repair-kit.md) - [Therm-a-Rest Permanent Home Repair Kit](/p/therm-a-rest-permanent-home-repair-kit.md) - [Gear Aid Tenacious Tape Repair Tape](/p/gear-aid-tenacious-tape-repair-tape.md) - [Gear Aid Seam Grip+WP 2x7 g](/p/gear-aid-seam-grip-wp-2x7-g.md) *Therm-a-Rest Instant Field Repair Kit – repair kit for an inflatable sleeping pad* *Therm-a-Rest Permanent Home Repair Kit – repair kit for an inflatable sleeping pad* ## 3. Inflating: pump sacks and pumps Inflating a pad with your mouth gets moisture inside it, and that moisture **isn't easy to dry out.** That can lead to mold forming and growing inside the chambers. And if you inflate the pad by mouth in freezing temperatures, the trapped moisture inside **can condense and freeze**. Neither of those problems does anything for the pad's lifespan. You can avoid them by using a **pump sack** or a **pump**. **A pump sack comes with most pads as part of the package,** either on its own or doubling as the pad's stuff sack, as with the [STS Ether Light XT™ Insulated](/p/sea-to-summit-ether-light-xr-insulated). **For us, though, the pump is the clear winner –** with one, getting your pad ready for the night takes zero effort! There are plenty of them on the market, but the [Flextail ZERO pump](/p/flextail-zero-pump) with its rechargeable battery is one of the smallest and lightest pumps (50 g) in the world for inflating sleeping pads. [Flextail ZERO pump](/p/flextail-zero-pump.md) If you happen to have a **self-inflating** pad at home, neither the pump sack nor the pump applies to you. You simply unroll the pad, open the valve and wait for it to inflate itself. At the end you only top it up by mouth as needed. **Self-inflating pads are always heavier and less packable than inflatable ones, though.** As for **deflating the pad**, the process is very intuitive. The goal is to get all the air out and pack it down as small as possible. Simply open the valve and start rolling the pad from the end opposite the valve. If you don't manage to squeeze all the air out on the first go, **unroll the pad and repeat the process once more.** You can use a pump for deflating too – most of them have a **reverse mode** and turn into a vacuum pump in an instant. - [Flextail ZERO pump](/p/flextail-zero-pump.md) - [Flextail TINY pump 2X](/p/flextail-tiny-pump-2x.md) - [Therm-a-Rest BlockerLite Pump Sack](/p/therm-a-rest-blockerlite-pump-sack.md) - [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Micro Pump](/p/therm-a-rest-neoair-micro-pump.md) - [Tyvek 75x230 cm (for 1 person)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-230-x-75-cm.md) - [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md) ## 4. Storage on the trek Just like a [sleeping bag](/c/sleep/sleeping-bags), an inflatable sleeping pad can get damp from condensation or from the ground. Before you deflate and pack it, try to **dry and air it out** as much as you can. In your backpack, carry it ideally **in its travel sack**, which usually comes as standard with the pad. If you're saving grams on the sack, be extra careful that the pad doesn't get scratched or punctured by the rest of the gear in your backpack. If you're **camping in one spot for several days**, don't leave the inflated pad in direct sunlight, or inside a closed tent during the day. An inflated pad with a closed valve could over-pressurize in the heat and burst. Better to deflate the pad in the morning and inflate it again in the evening before bed. With a [pump](/p/flextail-zero-pump) you'll have it done in moments and without any effort. ## 5. Storage at home At home, store your inflatable pad **deflated** and **with the valve open**, ideally **unrolled**. If you don't have room for that at home, at least take it out of its sack now and then, unroll it and air it out. Always store it **well dried and in a dry place** – in a damp environment it could go moldy and musty. **Never leave the pad in a hot car or anywhere with high temperatures** (an attic, next to a radiator and so on). If you're traveling with the pad **on a plane**, make sure the valve is open. A pad with a closed valve could deform or even split from the pressure change at higher altitudes. ## 6. Cleaning and maintenance Always store the pad clean. With the pad inflated and the valve closed, wash it using **soapy water and a soft sponge, towel or damp cloth**. Then rinse the pad and let it **dry really thoroughly** before you deflate and pack it. Never use aggressive chemicals when cleaning the pad. Watch out for using harsh insect repellents near an inflatable pad, too. Don't forget to **clean the valve** regularly (with water and a soft brush). **Stains most often appear under your head from the oils and dirt on your face or hair,** especially when using [quilts](/c/sleep/quilts), which don't have a hood. You can prevent that by using a [pillow](/c/sleep/pillows), a hood or [a sleeping bag liner with a hood.](/c/sleep/sleeping-bag-liners) [Sea To Summit Reactor Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-liner-mummy.md) Check the condition of your pad **regularly,** especially before you head out on another trek or a long trail. **Check the valve, the surface and the seams of the pad** and if you find any fault or damage, fix it in advance so no needless trouble catches you out on the way. Even though it looks like a pile of work, caring for an inflatable sleeping pad is a breeze. Following these simple tips raises the odds that you'll be roaming the world with your favorite inflatable and enjoying comfortable sleep on the trail for many years to come. - [Gear Aid Seam Grip+WP 2x7 g](/p/gear-aid-seam-grip-wp-2x7-g.md) - [Warmpeace Universal Repair Adhesive 3×5 g](/p/warmpeace-universal-repair-adhesive-3x5-g.md) - [Sea To Summit Reactor Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-liner-mummy.md) - [Sea To Summit Reactor Fleece Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-fleece-liner-mummy.md) - [Sea To Summit Breeze Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-breeze-liner-mummy.md) - [Sea To Summit Mat Coupler Kit Loops](/p/sea-to-summit-mat-coupler-kit-loops.md) - [Therm-a-Rest Permanent Home Repair Kit](/p/therm-a-rest-permanent-home-repair-kit.md) - [Therm-a-Rest Permanent Instant Field Repair Kit](/p/therm-a-rest-permanent-instant-field-repair-kit.md) - [Tyvek 150x250 cm (for 2 people)](/p/tyvek-groundsheet-250-x-150-cm.md) - [EVA Foam Pad 3 mm](/p/eva-foam-pad-3-mm.md) This post is also available as [HTML](/blog/how-to-care-for-your-inflatable-sleeping-pad-in-6-steps). ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/sitemap.md) for all pages.