A self-inflating mattress includes a waterproof casing bonded to open-cell foam in which air can circulate. When you unfold your mattress, it will return to its shape and thickness (2.5 cm for the trek 500 mattress) and fill with air. You must however finish inflating it with your mouth, which also enables you to adjust the pressure for your comfort. Self-inflation is more or less visible depending on the thickness of the mattress.

When using your mattress for the first time, unroll it, leave the valve open for 24 hours on a flat surface then inflate it and leave it for 24 hours with the valve closed, pressurised. You can put it away again. When bivouacking, take out and unroll your mattress as soon as you set up camp, valve open to facilitate pre-inflation. A self-inflating mattress inflates itself to approximately 60 to 70%. The rest of the inflation should be done by mouth to adjust the pressure to your comfort.

Thermal insulation thanks to the foam. The R-Value expresses the performance and thermal resistance of the mattress. The higher the R-Value, the more the mattress insulates you from the cold ground. R-Value 2.3 (measured in an external EMPA laboratory) An R-Value of 5.9 corresponds to a minimum use temperature of about -24°C. 0.7 corresponds to +11°C The R-Value is not a standard; each manufacturer can use their own criteria. A standard process is currently being developed.

The sleeping comfort, also known as "postural comfort", of the mattresses is defined by our Research and Development Centre. All our mattresses are subjected to mechanical tests to check the performance and resistance of the mattress in order to guarantee you the best sleep and the best recovery. We also carry out numerous field tests in real-life conditions. Postural comfort is a very personal thing. You can adjust the pressure of your mattress.

To prevent your sleeping bag from slipping on your mattress, the silicone patches must be placed in contact with the sleeping bag.