There is little that beats a night spent sleeping under the stars. Unless, of course, you spend that night awake because you're cold and uncomfortable. Enter: the sleeping pad.
A sleeping pad provides campers and backpackers cushioning and insulation from the ground when slumbering outside. Together with a sleeping bag, it completes your sleep system to help keep you warm and cozy all night. Like most outdoor gear, not all sleeping pads are created equal. Some are better for backpackers who count ounces and prioritize packability. Others are perfect for glampers who want something comfy, no matter the bulk or weight.
While there are three main types of sleeping pads, there are two options for foam pads: self-inflating and closed-cell. Choosing between them depends on how you prioritize factors like cushioning, insulation, packability, durability, and cost. (Learn more about all three kinds of sleeping pad at How to Choose Sleeping Pads.)
Here, we'll explain the main differences between these two types of sleeping pads and break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
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Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pads
Closed-cell sleeping pads are made from dense foam tightly packed with tiny sealed-off air pockets. These closed-air cells prevent air and moisture from passing through, creating an insulating barrier between the sleeper and the ground. They're constructed from a single material and are rolled or folded into an accordion shape for easy transport. These mats maintain their shape and thickness and are lightweight. (They generally weigh between 8 and 14 ounces, depending on the brand, size and materials used).
"Closed-cell sleeping pads are versatile, lightweight and very durable. They don't get damaged easily," says Elizabeth Nguyen, an REI sales lead in Atlanta. "It's a solid piece of foam, so you don't have to worry about it deflating or needing a major repair if it punctures."
Their affordability and practicality make these mats popular among backpackers and thru-hikers seeking a simple and reliable solution to sleeping in various outdoor environments. "You can strap them on the outside of your backpack and you're good to go," says Nguyen. "When you're tired, you don't have to inflate anything. And you can use them as a sit pad at camp."
The trade-off with closed-cell sleeping pads is that they're firmer and thinner (typically, less than an inch thick) than self-inflating pads, so they don't provide the same cushioning and insulation. They're often not as comfortable to sleep on, especially for side sleepers.
They also won't keep you as warm. Closed-cell pads usually have a lower R-value, or thermal resistance value, than self-inflating pads. R-value measures how well a sleeping pad resists heat loss. Closed-cell pads provide less insulation due to their lower air content. (Air acts as an additional buffer from the cold ground.)
"The higher the R-value, the better it will insulate you from cold surfaces," says Nguyen. Sleeping pad R-values range from less than 2.0 (minimally insulated) to 5.5 or more (very well insulated). "Most closed cell foam pads have an R-value of around 2.0, which is great for summer and springtime, but not for winter."
Closed-cell sleeping pads at a glance:
| Pros | Cons |
| Lighter weight than self-inflating sleeping pads | Less cushioning than self-inflating pads |
| Versatile | Less insulation from the cold ground |
| Easy to use | |
| More affordable than self-inflating pads | |
| Puncture and tear-resistant foam requires little to no maintenance |
Self-Inflating Sleeping Pads
Self-inflating sleeping pads are a combination of open-cell foam and air (they're sometimes referred to as "open-cell pads"). They feature a spongy internal foam core surrounded by an airtight shell. When you unroll the mat and open the valve(s), the foam expands and air is automatically drawn in. (Some come with a pump sack so you can top off the mat, others may require you to breathe air into them, the same way you'd blow up a balloon.) These sleeping pads offer more cushioning and insulation than closed-cell ones but are also pricier, heavier and less durable.
Self-inflating sleeping pads tend to be a more comfortable option because they are thicker and better at conforming to your body than closed-cell pads. Plus, the foam core provides a base level of cushioning and support, while the ability to adjust the air pressure allows you to fine-tune the firmness. (To learn more, watch How to Inflate a Sleeping Pad on the REI YouTube channel.) The extra air held in the sleeping pad also enhances its insulating capability. Typically, self-inflating pads have higher R-values (R-values can start at less than 2 and go up to 5.5 or more, with a higher value denoting more insulation) than closed-cell pads, making them more versatile across seasons and better suited to cold-weather camping.
"Self-inflating pads are great for car camping and one- or two-day backpacking trips," says Nguyen. There are self-inflating sleeping mats designed for longer backpacking trips, however, they're heavier than closed-cell sleeping mats and take up valuable pack space. (Remember: One of the benefits of a closed-call pad is that you can affix it to the exterior of your pack.)
One disadvantage of self-inflating sleeping pads is that they're more prone to damage because they have more components—like valves, a foam core and shell—that can break or tear. Some self-inflating pads come with an included repair kit, and depending on how large the tear is, you may be able to patch the pad in the field. (Related reading: How to Patch and Repair a Sleeping Pad) If the pad can't be patched, it's not all bad news, says Nguyen. "If it gets punctured and you can't inflate it while you're on your trip, at least you still have a cushion of foam to sleep on." As a perk, some closed-cell pads now feature separate inflation chambers or layers so even if one layer fails, the other will still provide some cushioning.
If you want a little extra comfort and warmth, layer a self-inflating pad over a closed-cell pad for an even higher level of insulation and cushioning.
Self-inflating sleeping pads at a glance:
| Pros | Cons |
| More cushioning than closed-cell pads | Can puncture or tear |
| Adjustable firmness | More expensive than closed-cell sleeing pads |
| Excellent insulation (higher R-values than closed-cell sleeping pads | Heavier than closed-cell sleeping pads |
| Versatile, suitable for a rage of seasons and conditions | Harder to use than closed-cell sleeping pads |
Finally, if you're looking for a sleeping pad that offers greater comfort than self-inflating and more space savings than closed-cell foam, you may want to consider an air pad. (Learn more in How to Choose Sleeping Pads.) Know that those benefits come with an added cost and less durability, though—of all three types of sleeping pads, air pads are the most likely to rip or puncture.
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