Frequently Asked Questions

Sleeping Pads  |  Sleeping Bags  |  Prop 65  |  PFAS

Sleeping Pads

Optimized for industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratios, Triangular Core Matrix is used inside our lightest, most compact sleeping pads. ContourCore Matrix uses the same thermally efficient design (two stacked layers of triangular chambers that disrupt convective heat loss) but incorporates a more flexible urethane material that allows for a thicker pad and superior contouring support. It’s heavier and less compact but maximizes comfort.

Check the floor dimensions of your tent to see if they will accommodate the extra width of a NeoLoft pad. Lengthwise, every NeoLoft size will fit in the typical backpacking tent. The floor dimensions of most 2-person backpacking tents are typically 50-52 in (127-132 cm) wide by 88-90 in (223-229 cm) long. If your 2-person backpacking tent is 52 in (132 cm) wide, then it will fit two Regular Wides or two Longs, or one of each. If your 2-person backpacking tent is 50 in (127 cm) wide, two of the wider NeoLofts will bulge slightly against the sides, but it will easily fit one Regular Wide or Long and one Regular.

No it’s not; we borrowed the ‘Neo’ moniker due to similarities in the internal constructions of the NeoLoft and the NeoAir pads. The NeoAir uses Triangular Core Matrix construction and the NeoLoft has ContourCore Matrix construction.

A Regular Wide NeoLoft measures 26 in x 73 in (66 cm x 185 cm), whereas a Regular XLite™ NXT measures 25 in x 72 in (64 cm x 183 cm). The NeoLoft’s 3D construction utilizes a sidewall band that attaches the top and bottom fabric. The sidewalls bulge out a bit when inflated, adding a touch of extra length and width.

For best performance, inflate your self-inflating pad with air by breath or pump and sack and leave the mattress fully inflated for 2-4 hours before your first use.

In freezing conditions, avoid breath inflating your self-inflating pad. The moisture from your breath can freeze inside the mattress. The mattress may self-inflate slower in cold weather. Use a pump sack or electric pump if the pad needs additional air.

Self-inflating sleeping pads rely on the compressible and rebound-able open cell foam cores to self-inflate. The atmospheric pressure around the pad pushes air into the rebounding open cells when the valve is opened. Check out our blog post for more information.

Generally, it takes 5-15 minutes for any of our self-inflating pads to inflate on their own. That 10-minute variance range is probably due to one of the following factors: core construction, trained compression, elevation and temperature. We find the most significant factor is trained compression (i.e. if your pad is new and has been factory rolled on the shelf for some time or stored rolled up for a few months). Check out ourblog postto find out why.

Self-inflation begins when the valve is opened and ends when equilibrium is reached between the atmospheric pressure outside the cells and the air pressure within the cells pushing the other way. In our experience, most users’ comfort level requires more air than the equilibrium level, which is why self-inflating pads don’t inflate “all the way.” Check out our blog post for more information.

  • Self-Inflating: We recommend storing the mattress unrolled and fully inflated in a dry place with the valve open. This will ensure the foam self-inflates faster when camping. Storage for a prolonged time in a damp space may cause mildew damage which is not covered by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
  • NeoAir: We recommend leaving the valve open and storing your mattress rolled tight in a stuff sack to protect it from dirt and sharp objects.

Regular cleaning will extend the life of your mattress, especially if you sleep in direct contact with its surface.

Do not put your mattress in the washing machine. Cleaning with a hose or in a bathtub is best. Do not forget to close the valve while washing. For general cleaning, a quick scrubbing with Formula 409®, BioClean™ All-Purpose Cleaner, or other general household cleaner is best.

Watch the video: How to Care for Your Therm-a-Rest® Mattress

For tree sap, spot clean with a cotton rag soaked in rubbing alcohol. This will take some work and sap will likely leave a stain. However, a dusting with talc or baby powder when you are done should eliminate any residual stickiness.

If you think that your NeoAir or self-inflating sleeping pad are losing air, it’s possible that you have a puncture in your pad. If you want to repair your pad at home, check out this blog post. If you’d like to send your pad to our Seattle repair shop, head over to our warranty page.

ASTM F3340-18 is a new testing standard that providesR-value ratings for sleeping pads.While Therm-a-Rest has always used R-value to rate our sleeping pads, this new standardization will allow campers to make “like-for-like” comparisons with our competitors pad.Head to a blog for an in-depth explanation.

For comfort-conscious campers, we use stretch knit fabric for unrivaled support and superior next-to-skin feel. The fabric conforms to your body to provide supple support as you enjoy your nights under the stars.

  • Yes. Classic Valve Replacement Kits can be purchased here.
  • WingLock™ Valve Replacement Kits can be purchased here
  • If you’re having issues with your TwinLock™ Valve, our warranty & repair team is here to help. Please visit click here for more info.
  • If you’re not sure which valve you have please refer to this graphic

Watch this video for step by step instructions on how to use the WingLock™ Valve

To Inflate the WingLock™ Valve:

  • Unroll your sleeping pad and open the valve cap by twisting it counter-clockwise.
  • Use a pump sack or breath to inflate your pad. The one-way valve will prevent air from escaping.
  • Continue inflation until the mattress is fully inflated and close the valve by twisting the valve cap clockwise.

To Deflate WingLock™ Valve:

  • Open the wings to open the one-way valve.
  • Open the valve cap by twisting counter-clockwise, allowing air to escape
  • Roll the pad toward the valve end, pushing any remaining air from the pad.

No. WingLock™ or TwinLock™ Valves cannot be installed on products that originally included a Classic Therm-a-Rest Valve. If you’re not sure which valve you have please refer to this graphic

  • Faster Inflation: Larger valve opening and one-way inflation allows three times faster airflow than our classic valve (with a pressurized air supply the Classic Valve flow rate measures to 2.2 standard cubic feet per minute, where the WingLock Valve flow rate measures to 6.5 standard cubic feet per minute, or a 295% difference).
  • One-Way Inflation: Unique design keeps air from escaping during inflation.
  • Deflation “Wings”: When it’s time to break camp, open the valve and twist the wings to deflate your pad twice as fast as our classic valve.
  • Watch this video to learn more

For our larger pads, we developed the TwinLock™ Valve which utilizes two one-way valves: a one-way inflation valve and one-way deflation valve that allows for five times faster deflation than our classic valve. Watchthis videoto learn more.

Watch this video for step by step instructions on how to use the TwinLock™ Valve

To Inflate TwinLock™ Valve:

  • Unroll your sleeping pad and open the “IN” valve by twisting it counter-clockwise.
  • Use a pump sack or breath to inflate your pad. The one-way “IN” valve will prevent air from escaping.
  • When the mattress is fully inflated and close the valve by twisting the valve cap clockwise.

To Deflate TwinLock™ Valve

  • Open the “OUT” valve by twisting counter-clockwise.
  • The one-way “OUT” valve will keep air from flowing back into the pad.
  • Roll the pad toward the valve end, pushing any remaining air from the pad.

Sleeping Bags

All Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags and quilts are also covered by our Better Sleep Guarantee. When you wake up on a Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag or quilt, we're confident you'll wake up feeling better than ever. If you are not completely satisfied, return it within three months with the original receipt of purchase and we will give you a full refund- no questions asked.

Therm-a-Rest® sleeping bags are designed to accommodate a wide range of sleep positions. Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags are designed with extra room in the torso to allow your shoulders, elbows and hips to move freely. At the head and foot the fit is closer, keeping you warm and decreasing overall weight. In addition, the placement of our SynergyLink connectors is optimized to keep the mattress secure while you roll, yet allow the head and foot of the bag to rotate 90-degrees in either direction, following you for maximum comfort and warmth.

Therm-a-Rest® sleeping bags use a unique synthetic insulation that incorporates the best characteristics of both short and long staple insulation. Our EraLoft™ synthetic insulation uses three distinct fibers to create a structure that is lightweight, compressible, warm and durable. The hollow fibers are highly resistant to water and provide warmth even when wet. The insulation is built into Therm-a-Rest® sleeping bags using shingle construction, a configuration that minimizes heat loss and provides the most efficient performance.

The new ISO standard has made a few updates to the previous EN rating system. All Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags have been adhering to the most updated standards and tested in our on-site cold chamber. For more info on the EN/ISO testing, head over to our blog.

Therm-a-Rest actively supports industry-wide efforts to ensure all down-filled products are made with the least harm possible. We are opposed to inhumane practices and actively work with peers across all industries to improve the treatment of geese. Our product development team plays an active role in the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and its Textile Exchange Materials Traceability Working Group (TEMTWG). Our team also serves on the TEMTWG Down Task Force, working to address key issues in the down and feather industry and manufacturing supply chain.

To learn more about OIA Working Groups visit: www.outdoorindustry.org/resources.working

Sleeping bags should be stored dry and loose (not compressed) in order to extend the life of the bag. All Therm-a-Rest® sleeping bags come with a storage sack well suited for long term storage. For short-term storage or when shipping, use the compression sack to save space.

Follow the care instructions below to help maintain the high quality and extend the life of your down or synthetic Therm-a-Rest® sleeping bag.

 

Hydrophobic Down Care Instructions:

All hydrophobic down treatments wash out over time, and washing is hard on all down. Extend the life of your bag by spot cleaning with a damp sponge, and only machine washing when necessary.

Washing

Hand wash or machine wash in a large capacity, front loading washing machine, using 3 oz. of Nikwax® Down Wash™. Select cold water and a gentle/delicate cycle with two rinses. We recommend an additional spin cycle as well to extract as much water as possible before drying.

DO NOT dry clean. DO NOT bleach. DO NOT iron.

Drying

Hang dry your bag whenever possible. This can be a long process (24-48 hours or more), but this is by far the best way to get the longest life from your down. Use a well-ventilated, low-humidity environment. Hand-tease or shake out your bag gently to break-up down clumps, and flip it often to help speed the process.

If you need to dry your bag faster, tumble dry in a large dryer on low heat. As your bag gets drier, it will begin to loft and can actually fill the dryer chamber, preventing it from tumbling. This can cause hot spots and even melt the bag's shell, so check it often for overheating and visually inspect frequently to make sure it's tumbling. When you check it, feel for clumps of wet down and either shake the bag gently or hand-tease the clumps apart to redistribute down. Throwing in 3-5 tennis balls can help agitate the bag, breaking up those wet down clusters to speed dry times.

 

Nikwax® Hydrophobic Down Treatment and Re-Treatment

Use Nikwax® Down Proof™ to restore your down's hydrophobic properties. Specially formulated to renew the Nikwax Hydrophobic Down treatment, it can also be used to provide improved water-resistance to any down bag. Follow directions on the bottle.

Storage

The less time your sleeping bag is compressed, the longer it will serve you by maintaining the loft necessary to keep you warm. Store your sleeping bag loose, in a cool, dry place. If you must store it in a bag, use the extended storage sack it came in, or something even larger. Never use a waterproof bag for long-term storage.

 

Eraloft™ Insulation Care Instructions:

Washing

Hand wash or machine wash in large-capacity, front loading washing machine. Use a mild, non-detergent soap. Select cold water and a gentle cycle with two rinses.

DO NOT dry clean. DO NOT bleach. DO NOT iron.

Drying

Hang dry your bag whenever possible. This can be a long process (24-48 hours), but this is by far the best way to get the longest life from your bag. Use a well-ventilated, low-humidity environment. Unzip fully and flip it often to help speed the process.

If you need to dry your bag faster, tumble dry in a large dryer on low heat. As your bag gets drier, it will begin to loft and can actually fill the dryer chamber, preventing it from tumbling. This can cause hot spots and even melt the bag's shell, so check it often for overheating and visually inspect frequently to make sure it's tumbling.

Storage

The less time your sleeping bag is compressed, the longer it will serve you by maintaining the loft necessary to keep you warm. Store your sleeping bag loose, in a cool, dry place. If you must store it in a bag, use the extended storage sack it came in, or something even larger. Never use a waterproof bag for long-term storage.

Therm-a-Rest® offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty for most products including all sleeping bags. Your sleeping bag is guaranteed without time limit against defects in materials and workmanship. We also offer repair services for damages not covered under warranty. Learn more about Therm-a-Rest® Warranty & Repair.

WarmZip is a sleeping bag design innovation found on the Boost 650 that empowers you to customize the shape and warmth of your bag. It’s a zipper that runs on the top of the sleeping bag, up the center from footbox to chest.

When WarmZip is open (zipped down), the bag is a spacious, semi-rectangular shape. When it’s closed (zipped up), the bag converts to a mummy shape. Closing WarmZip adds up to 10°F/6°C of warmth to the sleeping bag.

No. The Boost 650 has one EN/ISO temperature rating, and it rates the Boost in its default, semi-rectangular shape. We exhaustively tested WarmZip and can confidently say that it adds warmth, but the data collected from those tests cannot be used to determine an EN/ISO temperature rating. For a more detailed explanation, check out this blog article.

WarmZip converts the sleeping bag into a more thermally efficient mummy shape, decreasing dead air inside the bag and holding the bag’s insulation closer to your body. A key WarmZip effect is pulling the insulation of a wider semi-rectangular bag into a narrower space, resulting in a thicker, and therefore warmer, layer of insulation on top of the body. For an in-depth look at the WarmZip effect, check out this blog article.

For environmental and manufacturing reasons, we decided to remove the ThermaCapture linings from our sleeping bags. After reviewing the cost-benefit of putting the material in our bags, we could no longer justify the environmental and logistics cost. The sleeping bag specifications will see minimal changes if any and the bags will remain under the Better Sleep Guarantee.

Using a quilt can save you weight, allow for multiple sleep positions and versatility to your sleep system. To learn more by checking out our blogs on Backpacking With A Quilt and Understanding The Underestimated Camp Quilt.

Prop 65

Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act passed by voters in the State of California in 1986. The act was created to inform people about possible exposure to chemicals known by the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and/or other reproductive harm.

Proposition 65 requires that the Governor of California maintain and publish a list of harmful chemicals. The list is updated annually and includes chemicals that can be found in solvents, drugs, dyes, food additives, by-products of certain processes, pesticides, and tobacco products.

A chemical is listed if it has been classified as a reproductive toxicant or carcinogen by an "authoritative" organization on the subject. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Toxicology Program, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer are considered authoritative for carcinogens. For reproductive toxicants, the authorities are the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and International Agency for Research on Cancer. Chemicals will also be listed if they are required to be labeled or identified as a carcinogen or as a reproductive toxicant by an agency of the state or federal government.

Any company with ten or more employees operating or selling products within the State of California must comply with the requirements of Proposition 65. To comply, businesses are: (1) prohibited from knowingly discharging listed chemicals into sources of drinking water; and (2) required to provide a "clear and reasonable" warning before knowingly and intentionally exposing anyone to a listed chemical.

A Proposition 65 warning means that the business has evaluated the exposure and has concluded that it exceeds the "no significant risk level,” or that the business is providing a warning based on the presence of a “listed” chemical without actually evaluating the exposure.

Therm-a-Rest is providing a warning based on our knowledge about the presence of one or more listed chemicals without attempting to evaluate the level of exposure. While using a Therm-a-Rest product, the exposure to a “listed” chemical may be well within the “no significant risk” range, but out of caution, we have placed the Proposition 65 warning labels on our products.

The California government states: “The fact that a product bears a Proposition 65 warning does not mean by itself that the product is unsafe.” The government also explained, “You could think of Proposition 65 more as a ‘right to know’ law than a pure product safety law.”

A Proposition 65 warning means that the product contains one or more listed chemicals. By law, a warning is required unless the business proves that the exposure to the chemical poses "no significant risk." The "no significant risk" level for carcinogens is defined as the level which is calculated to result in not more than one excess case of cancer in 100,000 individuals exposed over a 70-year lifetime. Therefore, if you are exposed to the chemical in question at this level every day for 70 years, theoretically, it will increase your chances of getting cancer by no more than 1 case in 100,000 individuals so exposed.

The "no significant risk" level for reproductive toxicants is defined as the level of exposure which, even if multiplied by 1,000, will not produce birth defects or other reproductive harm. Therefore, the level of exposure is below the "no observable effect level," divided by 1,000. (The "no observable effect level" is the highest dose level which has not been associated with observable reproductive harm in humans or test animals.)

For further information about California’s Proposition 65, please visit http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/background/p65plain.html

Understanding PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

The acronym PFAS stands for ‘per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances’, a chemical family of thousands of compounds. Used in a vast array of consumer goods since the late 1940s, they’re primarily found in durable coatings on products designed to resist heat, oil, stains and water. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and can contaminate soil, water and air.

These chemicals create extremely durable and repellant coatings, and previously the negative effects were not as well known. Like most of the outdoor industry, we selected materials and coatings based on product performance. Until recently, virtually all the available highest-performing water-resistant coatings contained PFAS.

Research on the effects of PFAS is still ongoing; though the chemicals have been linked to a variety of health concerns, scientists don’t fully understand the connection. Please reach out to a medical professional for specific advice if you are concerned about PFAS exposure.

Our entire product line is moving to a PFAS-free state through a combination of actions: Some products will be permanently discontinued from the product line. Many products will have reformulated PFAS-free DWR coatings and treatments. Other products that have PFAS in components like storage bags and stuff sacks will be updated with PFAS-free components. And of course, all new products will be PFAS-free.

All new products will be developed without PFAS, and existing products are being reformulated to be PFAS-free. The Tech Specs chart will generally indicate this, usually in the Materials and/or Fabric sections.

Please visit Cascade Designs’ site here
for more information on our process and chemical usage.

For more in-depth information, please visit the EPA website on PFAS.