Closed Cell Vs. Self-Inflating Air Mattress

Air mattresses and closed cell foam pads provide needed insulation during winter months.

Air mattresses are an essential tool when camping in all weather conditions. They can be especially valuable in rocky and/or cold conditions. Mattresses serve as a vital layer of insulation between the ground and a sleeping bag and camper. There are two predominant types of air mattresses or sleeping pads--closed cell and open celled. Each type offers advantages and disadvantages in terms of comfort, insulation and weight. Depending on how and where you intend to use them, either type can be a valuable addition to your gear.

Open Cell

Open celled sleeping pads are lighter than their closed cell cousins; however, this reduction in weight comes at a cost. Made from delicate foam, open celled sleeping pads do not insulate as well as closed cell pads but can be more comfortable to use. However, the open cell structure of the foam means that the pad more easily absorbs moisture. In certain situations--warm weather, comfortable terrain, dry conditions--open cell sleeping pads can be good choice.

Self-Inflating Open Cell

Self-inflating open celled pads are made of open cell foam between two layers of a puncture resistant material. They provide a bridge between open cell foam and closed cell foam mattress in terms of weight and insulation. The layers of material surrounding the open cell foam provide greater insulation but also increase the weight of the pad. This type of pad has several advantages--the layers of material surrounding the foam provide a barrier to moisture, the intake valve allows for adjustment in the amount of air in the pad, and they can be rolled up to save space.

Closed Cell

The heaviest option of the three, closed cell foam provides the greatest degree of insulation and is made of a thick foam material. The stiff foam is harder than the open celled variety and can provide varying levels of comfort. The closed cell structure allows for the capture of air that can be warmed by the body and does not easily absorb moisture. Closed cell foam pads are ready to use at a moment's notice and can be employed for quick stops and emergency tent pitching.

References

• Hiking Gear and Equipment Used for Camping: Sleeping Pads--What You Should Know
• Travels and Trails with Mara Factor: Sleeping Pads--Summer and Winter