The clue is in the name right? A self inflating mattress should inflate itself, but each style is different and each valve works slightly differently. See some handy tips below, to ensure you inflate your mat correctly. If it is brand new, the first time you use it, it will not fully inflate by itself. This is because it has been packed and folded for such a long time, the best thing to do here, is let it inflate, and then top it up manually using your mouth to blow air into the valve. Once the foam inside settles, you will find it will inflate itself quicker and easier.
A Regular Self Inflating Mattress (Brass Valve)
Does your model have one of the above valves, if so follow this brief guide to inflation:
- Unroll your mattress, and be sure to keep the bag and straps safe.
- Open the brass valve by unscrewing it.
- You should hear air rushing in.
- Leave for 5 minutes.
- Top up using your mouth to blow air into the valve, to reach the desired pressure.
How to inflate a Vango branded mattress
Does it have the Cyclone valve as above?
- Open the valve cover
- Twist the internal toggle to half way between inflate and deflate.
- Allow five minutes to inflate.
- Turn cap to “inflate”
- Top up to desired level by blowing air in.
How to Inflate an Outwell branded mattress
Does your mattress have the APC valve as shown in the image above.
- Unroll
- Secure toggle from deflate to half way between deflate and inflate - this fully opens the valve.
- Leave for 5 minutes or so to allow air to enter
- Turn the green clip to Airtight - this closes the valve to stop air coming out, but you can then use your mouth to blow more air in.
- See video below for more information.
Frequently asked questions:
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Can I use a pump to inflate my self inflating mattress?
No, you cannot use a pump to inflate the mattress - the valve will suck in, you should never attempt to use an air bed pump or tent pump to inflate it.
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My mattress never reaches the full depth without me topping it up manually, is it faulty?
Each one is different, the design with the brass valve will never reach the full 100% capacity of air inside, and you usually need to manually top it up. The more modern models are far better at getting the air in, and you may only need to firm it up manually if you want it to be more solid.