How to Choose a Sleeping Mat

Sleeping mats fall into 3 categories. Self inflating mats, Non self inflating mats and Closed cell foam mats. Before we look at each type, a few words about what a mat does for you.

The most important thing the mat does is keep you warm. Tests have shown that you loose 3 times as much heat to the ground (conduction) as you do to the air (convection). Also your sleeping bag insulation is compressed under you and is less effective that when it is properly lofted, so it really is your mat that keeps you warm. If you are cold at night, buy a better mat not a bigger, bulkier sleeping bag, it will be less expensive too. The second thing a mat does is make you comfortable enough to sleep. It's no good being warm and having a stone in your shoulder blade. The different mats offer different levels of firmness much like different styles of sprung mattresses. There is no right or wrong here, but if you like a firm bed, you will probably prefer a firm sleeping mat. When comparing the insulation offered by a mat we use the R value. R values are Warmth Resistance Values and offer a standardised method for comparing the insulation properties of mats. The higher the number the more insulation the mat offers

For more specific information please read our Sleeping Mat Comparison Chart.

Self inflating mats are a layer of foam sandwiched inside an air tight shell with a valve. When the valve is opened the foam expands and sucks air into the mat. Once the foam has fully expanded the valve is closed and the mat is ready for use. Different models vary how much foam and air is inside and this affects how much insulation and comfort the mat offers the user, against how much the mat weighs and how small it packs.To pack the mat, open the valve and roll up the mat to squeeze out all the air, then close the valve again and the mat will stay rolled up.
The most well known of brands for this type of mat is Thermarest, but their are many other makes. Self inflating mats tend to be thinner and firmer than non self inflating mats with typical thichnesses from 2.5 to 5cm. R values* 2.3 - 4

Non self inflating mats, comprise the same airtight outer layer and valve as self inflating mats but have an alternative filling for insulation or no filling at all. Since it is the foam that sucks the air into self inflating mats, these mats must be inflated by the user. An air only mat has low insulation and is really only for summer use but are incredibly light and have tiny pack sizes. Down or synthetic filled mats have excellent insulation with down being more expensive but more packable. Non self inflating mats also tend to be thicker when inflated than self inflating mats, typical thichnesses of 7-10cm, which gives a softer feel. Non self inflating mats are packed in the same way as self inflating mats, by opening the valve and rolling the air out but since there is no foam to compress they tend to be lighter and pack smaller than self inflating mats. R values* 0.6 - 8

Closed cell foam mats have no outer airtight skin, they are a simple piece of foam that does not compress. You just roll them out and roll them back up again. They are 'closed cell' because they will not absorb any water, rather than 'open cell' which is more like a sponge. These mats are much cheaper and maintenance free but offer minimal comfort and insulation. Once you have used one of the other two styles you will never be happy on a closed cell mat. The main advantages being cost and puncture proof. R Values* 2.2 - 2.6