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R-values for uninflated air mats?

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Diana Nevins BPL Member
PostedFeb 22, 2012 at 10:49 am

Manufacturers always list the inflated R-value for their various air mattresses on their websites. But is there any way to find out what the mattresses' insulating values are in their uninflated state? I assume the R-values would be low – but presumably not zero, as these days many mattresses have high tech internal baffles with reflective silver coatings or are stuffed with various insulating fillings. Given the possibility of popping the mattress on a longer trip, it occurs to me that such information could be helpful in choosing between mattresses.

Dustin Short BPL Member
PostedFeb 22, 2012 at 11:29 am

Pretty much only foam core mattresses will have some r value, though minimal (specifics would require testing data that I don't have and can't acquire).

The reflective coatings really only work for radiant heat so you need an air gap between the film and your body which you mostly lose when the pad goes flat.

Most foam cores also use open cell foam which compresses pretty easily unfortunately, same issue with down and synthetic air mats.

So the values will all be pretty minimal regardless of technology used since every non CCF pad relies on uncompressed elevation from the ground to insulate. If you are truly worried about a flat pad bringing a thinlight (on top of airmat) to boost the r-value and provide backup insulation is the best compromise in my opinion.

EDIT: I should throw out there that actual testing may provide some surprising findings, but looking at the r-values of the minimum height from the latest SOTM for sleep pads seems to confirm this. Most drop to the 1-2 r-value range while still having enough air to keep you 0.5 to 1 inch off the ground. The exceptions are the DAMs and Synmats which werent measured much under 30mm of height (they may have enough structure to keep you from fully bottoming out?)

PostedFeb 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm

I've seen 0.7R for an original NeoAir. Floating around these parts, I assume it has some validity and isn't just hearsay.

Pure air mats will have an R value of 0. You will get a Vapor Barrier effect though.

Self-inflating (foam) mats will have an R value equal to their foam thickness.

Down or synthetic fill will be very small (after all, it will be near completely compressed).

PostedFeb 22, 2012 at 1:00 pm

From my readings on this site and others, the consensus seems to be that for safety and comfort in the deep cold, most people will bring their inflatable mat and also a CCF mat to go along with it, so that if they pop their inflatable they are not on the ground.
A popular combo seems to be something like a Neo-Air and a 1/4" evazote pad to go on top of it. Of course, there are other options like a Z-Rest or a thicker or thinner evazote pad too. Whatever keeps you comfy and safe. It's some extra weight and bulk, but it affords some dependable insulation if the inflatable goes flat.

Diana Nevins BPL Member
PostedFeb 23, 2012 at 9:41 am

Thanks, everyone. Looks like I might want to add a closed-cell foam pad to my list of things to pick up, just for safety's sake.

Jerry Adams BPL Member
PostedFeb 23, 2012 at 9:46 am

I think it's too heavy to double up

I have used Thermarest matts. Never popped. 100s of nights.

I have had a slow leak once where I had to re-inflate in the middle of the night, but even then it provided some warmth.

I have had delamination with the most recent Prolite, but that was just cosmetic. Used it for maybe 20 more nights before I finally replaced it. Eventually it would have been more of a problem.

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