Alpine Design Self-Inflating Mattress

Comments about Alpine Design Self-Inflating Mattress:

Bought this for backpacking. Used it about 4 times, always in a tent with groundcloths. About 4th use, realized it was leaking around the valve. Doesn't appear to be fixable so will have to buy another. Will definitely go with better quality as low price at beginning did not pay off.

Comments about Alpine Design Self-Inflating Mattress:

Product worked great. I am tired of hauling around inflatable mattresses on camping trips so decided to invest in this. Saw another self-inflating mattress pad at another well known outdoors company with a type of vegetable in their name. It had high reviews and a high price tag to match. My Alpine Design self-inflating mattress pad worked fantastic for my 4 day camping trip!! My downsides are 1)the traction on the pad. I used my yoga mat underneath and it did not slip or slide in my tent. 2) It could also be about an inch thicker, but regardless it still worked well. and 3) Include instructions with your product!! The mattress is idiot proof, but some tips/pointers would be great.
I would 1st lay the mat out flat and open the valve to the left. it will immediately begin self-inflating. Leave it be for a few minutes to fully expand by itself, then blow a few puffs of air (7-10) until it begins expelling air and close the valve to the right. It should be pretty firm with a bit of give to compensate for moving around in your sleep. Woke up with no back or knee pain, which I usually get from air mattresses seeping air during use.
To collapse: simply open valve to the left again and it will begin to release air. Roll the mattress tightly TOWARDS the valve and when you get to it, close the valve to the right. If you do not do this, the mat will begin to self-inflate again! *NOTE* have your Velcro closure wraps handy to keep the roll tight after deflation!!