Understanding and Preventing Pad Delamination
Delamination occurs when the internal adhesive that holds a sleeping pad’s structure together begins to degrade and fail. In self-inflating pads, this means the fabric separates from the foam core. In our NeoAir® pads, it’s the internal baffling that comes undone.
In most cases, we replace the pad for the original owner. However, there are instances where we cannot offer a replacement—typically when the pad hasn’t been properly cared for. Over time, substances like dirt, body oils, bug spray, sunscreen, and sweat can seep into the pad’s fabric, weakening it and degrading the adhesive. The simplest way to prevent this is by regularly washing your pad.
How to Wash Your Pad
If you bathe, you already know how to wash your pad. Using a rag or sponge, gently scrub the pad with soap and water. It’s best to use a mild detergent to avoid damaging the fabric. While it’s safe to use isopropyl alcohol to clean a small area for puncture repair, using too much can harm the material. Avoid harsh cleaning agents—especially bleach—as they can be particularly damaging.
The Importance of Avoiding Skin-to-Pad Contact
We’ve found that the dirtiest pads we receive often come from thru-hikers—which makes sense. These pads endure daily use for months and are exposed to plenty of trail grime. Thru-hikers often prioritize weight savings, which might mean skipping a tent in warm weather or using a quilt instead of a sleeping bag—both of which can lead to direct skin-to-pad contact.
If you’re several days into a backcountry trip, your skin is likely coated in a mix of dirt, sweat, body oils, bug spray, and sunscreen. Sleeping directly on your pad transfers all of that into the fabric, which can weaken it over time and lead to failure.
To protect your pad, always use a barrier between your skin and the pad. This could be as simple as wearing base layers. If those are too warm, consider a lightweight sheet. Our Synergy™ Sheets are machine washable—much easier to clean than a pad—and help keep your pad’s fabric in good condition for longer.
A Special Note About DEET
The Repair Shop would like to emphasize that DEET can be extremely damaging to pad fabrics. We understand that sometimes DEET is the only effective defense against bugs, but if you use it, please take extra care to keep it off your pad!
If you are the original owner, your pad has been well maintained, have your proof of purchase handy and Submit a Request. Include photos, your address and proof of purchase for speedy resolution!