Oh noes, my sleeping mat!

[DaveGwy]

So, we've just moved into our new house, and since we don't have any furniture, I slept on my self-inflating mat. I have 2, a Therm-a-rest (Prolite) and a Denali (from Anaconda in Brissy). I "slept" on the cheapo Denali.. and well it turns out there is a hole in it. I learnt this because I didn't sleep at all, and I was incredibly cold. Anyway, my question is this: If anyone else has any experience with a punctured SI mat, what did you do?

I have searched (audibly) for the hole, but no luck. I'm pretty sure it's not the valve, since it doesn't seem to leak when I sit on the mat, but there is definitely a leak somewhere! I found a topic where a member mentioned that the polyurethane coating can degrade and allow mass exodus of air (http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=5462), but I don't know if that is the case here.

What does everyone recommend for finding the hole? Immersing the mat in water (would it ever dry??)?

Many thanks, as you will be helping me get a good night's sleep!

Cheers
Dave

[tasadam]

Immersing the mat in water

+1

[Maelgwn]

+1 it will dry out fine. Give it a day or so. You might need to squeeze on the mat to increase the pressure so you can find the bubbles quicker.

[sailfish]

I am not familiar with the Denali brand matt, I own a Prolite. Surely it’s just like any other inflatable. Just mix a little detergent in some water, take care not to foam it. This is to help the water to wet out the surface and also to create some bubbles you can see. Inflate the matt with a little pressure. You can put a little weight on the matt to maintain pressure as it loses air. Wet out the matt, carefully to minimise foaming. You may see a cluster of bubbles forming indicating the leak. If you have searched both sides and not locate the hole, it’s time for a full immersion in the bath. As long as the pressure inside the matt is greater than outside, you will not get water inside the matt. Immersion tends to ensure this as holding the matt under will pressurise it. I don’t think drying will be a problem as your only wetting the outside.

Hint, check the whole surface in case there are multiple leaks.
Use Aquaseal, Seamgrip, Stormsure etc type of glues. These will take 12 hr or so to set and require moisture (usually from the air) so they work even on damp materials. This type of glue is perminant, waterproof and bonds stronger than the original material. It will generally outlast the product being repaired without a patch. Glues sold in repair kits generally fail in a few months so it is well worth the extra expense. PS, store the glue in a zip lock in the freezer otherwise you will not be able to use it again.

Regards,
Ken

[Orion]

PS, store the glue in a zip lock in the freezer otherwise you will not be able to use it again.

I've certainly used these glues more than once but they do eventually harden through, given enough time. I've never heard of freezing them as a way to prolong their (post opened) life. Interesting, I'll have to try it... assuming the better half doesn't mind toxic substances in with the food.

[sailfish]

PS, store the glue in a zip lock in the freezer otherwise you will not be able to use it again.

I've certainly used these glues more than once but they do eventually harden through, given enough time. I've never heard of freezing them as a way to prolong their (post opened) life. Interesting, I'll have to try it... assuming the better half doesn't mind toxic substances in with the food.

Moisture in the air sets the glue off so it's difficult to keep fresh. Sealing in a bag reduces the amount of air available. Freezing dries the air and slows the chemical reaction. Even in the freezer it will still set in the tube after a year or 3.

How long is eventually?
I got my feet tangled in unseen barbed wire while fly fishing resulting in a 5 cm gash right through the foot of my wader boot. The repair is glue only, no patch, flexes with every step and still strong after 15-20 years. The waders on the other hand are about worn out. Of course, there may be something better out there that I don't know about. Can you suggest better glues or repair methods?

Regards,
Ken

[Liamy77]

i just used a pushbike repair kit for my old one..... worked well

[Orion]

Sailfish/Ken: I meant harden in the tube, so that it's no longer possible to apply it.

By the way, I got the okay from the Ms. to put any nasty toxic glue I wanted in the freezer next to the fish, so long as said glue is properly bagged!