Is it normal to hear a small amount if air "leaking" from the valve. Specifically, I have a Vango Selene Quick Air with the flip valve. I have the valve the correct way around (lets air in as soon as I remove some pressue from the mat) but when I lie on it I can hear a very small amount of leakage (despite the plastic cover been screwed on) if my head is next to the valve outlet. I wondered about putting a small amount of silicone grease on the thread of the cover. I am concerned that over night it will loose a lot of air (not sure n the rate). I suppose if I notice this I just sit up / get off it and it reinflates - am I being pedantic? (this is a new mattress - actually my partner has same and they both do this.
My Therma-a-rest Luxury Map XL did not leak as in no sound could be detected when I knelt on it.
DK
------------- * Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *
Thanks for the comments. I will try them this coming week in the tent. Having left them inflated for last month and retested the issue doesnt seem as bad. Certainly all confirmed NO air should be coming out. Hopefully tightening the screw top valve will sort it. It definitely leaks out without the screw cap on - but then I guess that is part of the design. Thanks again.
Quote: Originally posted by DefinedRisk on 18/8/2021
It definitely leaks out without the screw cap on - but then I guess that is part of the design.
Yes, otherwise you won't be able to expel the air inside to allow the foam to be compressed and roll the mat up to get back into its bag for storage.
DK
------------- * Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *
In case it's of any help! We had a SIM that developed the tiniest of holes at the base of the valve where the valve meets the fabric. I believe this happened because we would tighten the valve one handed, which effectively means twisting the fabric at the point it meets the value to get the tension to close the valve properly... Causing damage over time.
We patched the hole and I now hold the bottom of the valve when I tighten it. No more leak!
So after first use on camping trip, first night it deflated a few times over course of night (I reflated when woke up each time). Same on second so I used soapy water and identified a small leak in the very place you described!!
You are correct, it is definitely worth stating that it is important to always hold aligned both parts of a screw cap or joint etc.
This was only the second nights use for this item. I thought that would solve it but it deflated again. After third night I identified and sealed a second leak in same place on opposite side (with hindsight I should obviously have checked for further leaks after finding the first). Forth night seemed better but I think it is still deflating slightly over the course of a night. Irrespective it should not have had the leaks (now repaired) on this seem.
Partner has identical one which had no issues (purchased and used for same time).
Vango have agreed to return item for inspection and replacement after explanation.
Quote: Originally posted by DefinedRisk on 03/12/2021
Outcome was they refunded without quibble.
Good outcome, and should have been the case as the product was clearly defective.
DK
------------- * Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest And Play! *
- 2025 - inc. FR & DE
- 2024 - 10/56 inc. FR & NL
- 2023 - 48 inc. FR
- 2022 - 49
- 2021 - 34
* Ex-tenter & solo female camper *
* Treat life events like a dog: If you can't eat it, play with it, or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away! *