If there is one drawback to self inflating mattresses, its packing them away into their "oh so small bags". However, it away doesn’t need to be too strenuous, see our simple guide on how to effectively pack down the sleeping mat. The first thing to do is identify the type of valve you have, as they all pack away slightly differently depending on the valve. Rest assured though, you will never get it back to that factory perfect roll.

We also have an article on how to inflate your self inflating mattress. 

Brass Valve

1. Keep the bag and straps nearby.
2. Set the valve to open
3. If you have a double, fold it in half to create a single sized mat.
4. Working from the opposite end of the mattress, begin to roll it towards the valve. This way the air should escape via the valve.
5. Once a significant amount of air has come out, lock the valve closed to stop the air coming back in.
6. Unroll the mattress, which should be quite compressed.
7. Begin the rolling process again with the valve locked shut, this should force any excess air back towards the closed valve.
8. Once the air pressure begins to build, unlock the valve and it will allow the air to escape.
9. Lock the valve again once all the air is removed.
10. Use bag and straps to secure the mattress.

How to deflate a Vango or Outwell mattress

The process for Vango self inflating mattresses and Outwell self inflating mattresses is much the same as above, with some slight difference as these valves allow for inflow and outflow of air separately, which makes them easier to deflate, as you can lock the airflow, to stop it inflating whilst you are attempting to pack it away.

1. Set the valve between open and closed - halfway - this allows for maximum air to flow out.
2. Working from the opposite end, begin to roll towards the valve. This way the air should escape via the valve.
3. Lock the valve in the deflate position.
4. Then unroll, and repeat option 2, which will allow any air left to leave.
5. Once rolled, use the straps, or bag to secure your mattress.

Steps With Diagrams

For those who don't much like reading.

Step 1

Step 2

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Step 4

Read more

• How to inflate a self inflating mattress
• How they work