self inflating mattresses which I have just bought from Lidl

[TheCappster]

thing is, they do not self inflate. They are just like foam mats, but with about a pint of air in them. Just like you blew into them once, weakly.

what on earth is meant to happen? How on earth can they self inflate, without suction? Do I not understand?

So they are wrinkly foam things (these are for the children, you understand, and they don't seem to mind discomfort so much BECAUSE THEY JUST DON'T BLOODY SLEEP WHATEVER YOU PUT THEM ON)

Are they broken? Shit? Do I just not 'get it'? Can I blow them up? How much? etc. etc.

i haven't used mine yet - so be warned i'm no expert! but the instructions - and people on here have also said this - say you might need to blow into it the first couple of times you use it. thereafter i think it should do it automatically. you are also supposed to store them undone and flat - mine is on top of the wardrobe. if it still doesn't work you could take it back and get a refund - i did this with a camping light from there that was terrible to replace the gas

I have taken your advice. It is rallying a little, though it's not as perky as I thought it would be. However, I must keep in mind that it was £13! Thanks for making me give it another try.

We have SI mattresses, but another brand. I agree, the first few times you need to blow into them, to fully inflate all the tiny airways. It also helps to let them mostly inflate - perhaps for 15 mins whilst doing other stuff - then roll the air down towards the foot end, then open the valve up again. The air should then rush in to fill the now empty head end.

Well, finally after 24 hours open - and lots of blowing - the thing actually seems to have got the idea.

Thanks everyone. Saved me a trip to Lidl to take them back, and money spent on other ones!

Dont worry I have got these mats and they are fine. Best thing to do is leave them flat with valves open for a couple of days - you are supposed to store them flat if not used for a bit anyway. They are a bit like memory foam so when curled up for ages they take a while to "remember" about reinflating

of course the fun starts when they have been inflated for 2 weeks and you want them to return to being thin and wrinkly I find easiest way is to kneel on then with each roll,and after first squishing of air, to unroll with valve closed, get all remaining air up to top of valve with a second roll and let out -hth

I love my SI mats just chuck them in the tent once pitched and get on with everything else Just have to remember to close valve before going to bed -I have forgotton sometimes and wondered why my bed is harder than usual

Just an update

One has puffed up nicely

one is still flat as a pancake after six days