Checking for leaks

If your sleeping mat continues to deflate overnight you could have a slow puncture.  The hole can be hard to identify, even with a large magnifying glass, so here’s some advice to help you locate and fix the leak.

Locating the leak
The best way to see if there is a puncture in the fabric of the mat is to fill a clean water spritzer bottle (like the kind that holds bathroom or kitchen cleaner) with a solution of water and washing-up liquid.  It doesn’t have to be too soapy, just enough to form bubbles.  Then spray the entire surface of the inflated mat with the solution until it’s just damp all over.  Then slowly roll the mat from the bottom.  The pressure formed by rolling the inflated mat will force air out of any holes and cause the solution to bubble.  If it is just a small hole, the repair kit that you got with the mat should do the trick.
Surface puncture
Apply first aid patch: make sure the area around the puncture is clean and dry. Deflate the mat and place it over a flat surface. Apply the glue provided and leave it for 30 seconds. Apply one of the patches and press firmly leaving to dry fully before reinflating the mat.

Leaking from the valve
Clean the valve cap: unscrew the cap fully and then pull sharply or prise it off. It can be a bit stiff. Remove the rubber o-ring and give the valve a good clean making sure there is no grit inside the valve. Check to see if the o-ring has perished, if not pop it back in making sure it is truely aligned and replace the cap.

Leaking from the seam
Everyone’s worst nightmare: seam leakage is the most difficult fix. You may be able to fashion a short-term solution with the puncture repair kit supplied but it is not likely to be very durable. The best way to fix small leaks is to very carefully run a iron around the edge. Done correctly this can reseal the mat, done badly you could finish your mat off for good.

 

For further clarification on any of these techniques please do not hesitate to get in touch.

For a more visual guide, check out our Locating the Hole video.

Created: May 23, 2013
Category: Products

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