tyre, but relax, it’s not the end of the world. Here’s how to fix
your self-inflating mattress using: a Therm-a-Rest Repair kit
(£4.00), a bath-full of water, a stove and pan, a plastic bag
and a jar of pickled gerkhins.
The materials in the repair kit are, say Cascade Designs, the manufacturers, the same as those used in their own workshops for the repair of stricken mats.
Symptoms
Slow punctures are generally apparent when the mat deflates slowly
overnight usually means a pin-hole puncture. Hard to find, easy to
fix. Some leak significantly only when part of the mattress is bent
etc
Ctastrophic deflation, which happens more quickly generally
indicates a larger tear. Easier to spot, more extensive repair.
| Location, Location, Location Use water to find the leak. Inflate the mattress then either submerse it and watch for bubbles or smear soapy water across the surface to find the leak.Often the leak will whistle softly under pressure. Once you’ve found it, mark is with a pen or you’re bound to forget exactly where it is. |
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| Boil The Adhesive To activate the adhesive you need to boil it for 3 minutes. The old tubes always congealed after first use, but the latest sachets mean you can make at least three repairs with each kit, though they’re not reusable. |
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| Stick It Make sure the surface of the mattress is dry, though they can be repaired in wet conditions and open the valve to prevent damage. With a pin-prick type repair, it’s simply a question of rubbing some adhesive into the area of the puncture using the wooden ‘lolly stick’ supplied. |
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| Patch It: For bigger tears, like this one which was previously covered with an acre of duct tape and a Compeed blister plaster, spread adhesive over the area – you have a couple of minutes before it sets. |
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| Then stick one of the pre-cut patches over the area. |
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| Before covering with a handy plastic bag then plonking the hot pan down over the patch to heat the adhesive and seal the bond. The placcy bag is to prevent the adhesive from stickign to the bottom of the pan. A logical move since sleeping on pans is woefully uncomfortable. Make sure the valve is open to prevent serious side effects as the air inside the mattress expands. |
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| Finally remove pan and bag, before seeking out a jar of pickled gherkins and rolling it over the patche and repaired area in a stylee. This ensures that the patch is firmly in place. |
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| Et voila. Simply leave the repair to stabilise for 10 minutes before use and be more careful next time. |
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| Alternatives
In the past I’ve used a Compeed blister Seamgrip, the American seam-seal come The best solution really is the genuine Prevention Carry the rest inside your pack rather |
Pushed for
time? If your Therm-a-Rest punctures, all is not lost. Make sure you have a four
quid Therm-a-Rest repair kit along for the ride and follow the
instructions carefully. You could also use duct tape in extremis
