If there is one set back to self inflating mattresses, its packing them away into their "oh so small bags". However, packing away your mattress 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 mattress 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. 

My Mattress has a Brass Valve

1. Keep the bag and straps nearby.
2. Set the valve to open
3. If you have a double mattress, fold it in half to create a single sized mat.
4. Working from the opposite end of the mattress, begin the roll the mattress towards the valve. This way the air should escape the mattress.
5. Once a significant amount of air has left the mattress, lock the valve closed - the reason for doing this, is to stop the air coming back into the mattress.
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 compressed out of the self inflating mattress.
10. Use bag and straps to secure mattress.

How to deflate a Vango mattress or an 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 into the mattress, 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 airflow out of the mattress.
2. Working from the opposite end of the mattress, begin the roll the mattress towards the valve. This way the air should escape the mattress.
3. Lock the valve in the deflate position.
4. Then unroll the mattress and repeat option 2, which will allow any air left in the mattress to leave it.
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

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Read more

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