The first thing to know is that inflatable air mattresses perform best when they are fully inflated. For example, our Flex™ Air and Ultralight Mattresses operate on the concept of forming an insulating bubble between your body and the ground. It’s easier for your body heat to warm up this insulated bubble than it is for your body to warm up the ground. The more air, the more comfort and warmth. The more air, the farther you are from the cold ground. Even at max air pressure, the air cells ensure you'll feel supported yet cushioned on either mattress.
Both mattresses feature offset air cells. When fully inflated, the air cells create a diagonal baffle pattern. This design provides enhanced support by twisting against the body's natural fold lines, while preventing the mattress from collapsing into these folds. This collapse is common with other sleeping pads' horizontal and vertical baffle patterns.
On our Flex™ Air Mattress, the 4-way stretch fabric adds even more comfort to this equation. Unlike other camping mattresses that use tightly woven, non-stretch fabrics which transfer weight and create a stiff and bouncy feel, our Flex™ mattresses utilize an exclusive 4-way stretch fabric. This fabric conforms instantly to your body, minimizing weight transfer and relieving pressure points.
Zenbivy’s sheets will also fit more snugly on a mattress that is fully inflated. This prevents the sheet from bunching up beneath you and provides the full intended insulation when paired with the quilt.
Additionally, a fully inflated mattress allows the prime insulating material—mylar—to remain suspended within the mattress to reflect heat and deliver an R-value of 4.5+. This allows air pockets to exist on either side of the mylar, an attainable amount of space for your body heat to warm up. This suspension also allows the mylar to perform quietly whereas other mattresses can have a crinkly “potato-chip bag” sound to them when you shift positions.
So, how can you tell when it's fully inflated?
The air mattress should have a firm feel to it. When crawling across it to get into your tent or to put the sheet over it, your knees will most likely touch the ground through the mattress—and this is okay. It is still fully inflated even if your knees touch the ground. When you lay down on it, your weight will evenly distribute throughout the entire pad and you’ll be able to rest comfortably on the pad without touching the ground. Instead, the warm air bubble you will have created by inflating your sleeping pad will keep you from the cold ground, and you can have a cozy night’s sleep inside your Zenbivy.
When fully inflated, Zenbivy’s air mattresses are sure to provide you with the maximum amount of comfort and warmth on your backpacking trip.
What happens if I puncture my inflatable mattress?
Even if you do pop your inflatable mattress, there are efficient measures you can take to repair it in the field. Anytime you use an inflatable mattress, there is a chance of it popping. Be mindful of your site selection. Ask yourself, are there sharp rocks or roots here? If I set my tent up on top of them, will they still be able to pop my mattress, or should I find a new site? An inflatable mattress can last for a long time with the proper care.
