Therm-a-Rest Trail Lite Sleeping Pad

To ensure optimal performance, follow these steps to inflate your self-inflating sleeping pad:

1. Inflate the pad with air by using your breath, a pump, or a sack.
2. Leave the mattress fully inflated for 2-4 hours before your first use.
3. Check the firmness of the pad, and add or release air as needed to achieve your desired level of comfort.

By properly inflating your self-inflating sleeping pad, you can enjoy a comfortable and restful night's sleep during your outdoor adventures.

To inflate your self-inflating pad during freezing conditions, it is recommended to avoid using your breath as the moisture from it can freeze inside the mattress. Additionally, the mattress may self-inflate slower in cold weather. Instead, consider using a pump sack or an electric pump if the pad needs additional air.

Self-inflating sleeping pads use a combination of open-cell foam and atmospheric pressure to self-inflate. The compressible and rebound-able open cell foam cores within the pad are designed to trap air when the valve is closed. When the valve is opened, the atmospheric pressure around the pad pushes air into the rebounding open cells, causing the pad to inflate. The foam then expands and fills with air, creating a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. This process makes self-inflating sleeping pads a convenient and efficient option for campers and backpackers, as they do not require any additional equipment or effort to inflate.

Self-inflating pads typically take between 5-15 minutes to fully inflate on their own. However, the exact time may vary depending on factors such as core construction, trained compression, elevation, and temperature. Trained compression, in particular, can significantly impact the inflation time, especially if the pad is new or has been stored rolled up for an extended period. In such cases, the pad may take longer to inflate as the foam cells have not yet fully expanded. It is worth noting that the self-inflation process can be expedited by manually inflating the pad using a pump sack or an electric pump.

Self-inflating pads may not fully inflate because the amount of air inside the pad may not meet the user's comfort level. When the valve is opened, self-inflation begins, and it ends once there is an equilibrium between the atmospheric pressure outside the cells and the air pressure within the cells. However, most users require more air than the equilibrium level to achieve their desired level of comfort. As a result, self-inflating pads may not inflate "all the way." In such cases, additional air can be manually added using a pump sack or an electric pump to achieve the desired level of firmness and support.

For self-inflating sleeping pads, it is recommended to store the mattress unrolled and fully inflated in a dry place with the valve open. This ensures that the foam self-inflates faster when used during camping. However, storing the pad for an extended period in a damp space may cause mildew damage, which is not covered by the Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For NeoAir sleeping pads, it is recommended to leave the valve open and store the mattress rolled tightly in a stuff sack to protect it from dirt and sharp objects. This method ensures that the pad remains clean and undamaged during storage, and the open valve allows any residual moisture to evaporate.

To extend the life of your sleeping pad, it is recommended to clean it regularly, especially if you sleep directly on its surface. However, it is important to avoid putting the mattress in a washing machine. Instead, cleaning with a hose or in a bathtub is the best method. Ensure that the valve is closed while washing. For general cleaning, it is best to use a quick scrubbing with Formula 409®, BioClean™ All-Purpose Cleaner, or another general household cleaner.

For tree sap, spot cleaning with a cotton rag soaked in rubbing alcohol is recommended. However, removing tree sap may take some effort, and it may leave a stain. After cleaning, a dusting with talc or baby powder can help eliminate any residual stickiness.

For more detailed instructions, we provide a video on our product page, "How to Care for Your Therm-a-Rest® Mattress."

If you suspect that your sleeping pad is losing air, it may indicate a puncture in the pad. To identify the puncture, first inflate the pad fully and listen and feel for any hissing or escaping air. You can also submerge the pad in a bathtub or a large container of water and watch for bubbles forming, which indicate the location of the puncture. Once you have identified the puncture, we have a variety of Therm-a-Rest® patch kits to repair small punctures, such as the Therm-a-Rest® Instant Field Repair Kit or the NeoAir® Mini Pump.

The ASTM F3340-18 is a new testing standard used to determine the R-value rating of sleeping pads. While Therm-a-Rest has always used the R-value to rate their sleeping pads, this new standardization allows for more accurate "like-for-like" comparisons with competitor's pads. The R-value measures the resistance of a material to heat transfer, and a higher R-value indicates better insulation and warmth. To determine the warmth level of a sleeping pad, check its R-value rating.

The use of stretch knit fabric on a sleeping pad provides unrivaled support and a superior next-to-skin feel, making it an ideal choice for campers who prioritize comfort. The fabric conforms to your body, providing supple support that can help reduce pressure points and promote a restful night's sleep. With its ability to stretch and move with your body, the fabric ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the night, even as you change positions. Additionally, the use of stretch knit fabric can enhance the durability and longevity of the sleeping pad, making it a worthwhile investment for frequent campers.

Yes, it is possible to replace the valve on a Therm-a-Rest mattress. If the valve becomes damaged or starts to leak, Replacement valves are available for both self-inflating and air mattresses. However, it is recommended that you contact us or refer to their website for guidance on how to properly replace the valve.

To inflate a sleeping pad with a WingLock™ Valve, first, unroll the pad and twist the valve cap counter-clockwise to open the valve. Then, use a pump sack or your breath to inflate the pad, making sure to continue until it is fully inflated. The one-way valve will prevent air from escaping, and once inflated, twist the valve cap clockwise to close the valve.

To deflate a sleeping pad with a WingLock™ Valve, open the wings to open the one-way valve. Then, twist the valve cap counter-clockwise to allow air to escape. Roll the pad toward the valve end, pushing any remaining air out of the pad.

For a more detailed guide, refer to the step-by-step instructions provided on the product page video for the WingLock™ Valve.

It is not possible to install a WingLock™ or TwinLock™ Valve on a sleeping pad that originally came with a Classic Therm-a-Rest Valve. The valves are not interchangeable, and attempting to install a new valve may result in damage to the sleeping pad. However, Therm-a-Rest offers replacement valves for Classic Therm-a-Rest Valves, as well as the newer WingLock™ and TwinLock™ Valves. If you need to replace a valve on your sleeping pad, make sure to purchase the correct replacement valve for your specific model.

The WingLock™ Valve offers several advantages over the Classic Therm-a-Rest Valves. First, the WingLock™ Valve features a larger valve opening and one-way inflation, allowing for three times faster airflow compared to the Classic Valve. This means that the mattress can be inflated quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the unique design of the WingLock™ Valve ensures that air does not escape during inflation.

When it comes time to break camp, the WingLock™ Valve also offers a faster deflation method. The valve includes "wings" that can be twisted open to release air, deflating the pad twice as fast as the Classic Valve. These features make the WingLock™ Valve a convenient and efficient option for inflating and deflating sleeping pads.

The TwinLock™ Valve is designed for larger sleeping pads and features two one-way valves: a one-way inflation valve and a one-way deflation valve. The use of two valves allows for five times faster deflation than the Classic Therm-a-Rest Valves, making it a more efficient option for breaking down larger sleeping pads. The one-way inflation valve ensures that air flows in only one direction during inflation, while the one-way deflation valve speeds up the deflation process. Overall, the TwinLock™ Valve offers a convenient and efficient option for inflating and deflating larger sleeping pads.

To inflate a sleeping pad with a TwinLock™ Valve, first, unroll the pad and twist the "IN" valve counter-clockwise to open the valve. Then, use a pump sack or your breath to inflate the pad, making sure to continue until it is fully inflated. The one-way "IN" valve will prevent air from escaping during inflation. Once inflated, twist the valve cap clockwise to close the valve.

To deflate a sleeping pad with a TwinLock™ Valve, twist the "OUT" valve counter-clockwise to open the valve. The one-way "OUT" valve will keep air from flowing back into the pad during deflation. Roll the pad toward the valve end, pushing any remaining air out of the pad.