Got the synmap pump 7 DLX from a shop in NZ in the end.

Where did you guys find this revised info. A contact within Exped?

Exped Info
 

I can usually get good info on Exped. My partner has worked closely with Outdoor Research, Exped's North American distributor, for over 20 years. But frankly, I think Mattcbf600 is about the best source of info on most of this stuff!

Exped Downmat 7DLX
 

After a poor first nights sleep on a thermarest at Ripley 2010 I decided to get the Exped Downmat from Les @ Traveldi... AWESOME is my conclusion!

xXx

I'm travelling with a short DownMat at the moment. Using my sheepskin from the saddle for the feet/legs overnight. Before that I had a SynMat, which failed twice & was replaced twice (second time for the short DownMat).

I have no clue as for why my first two mats failed – the only thing I can think of is that they might have been over-inflated. This CAN be a problem if you have a large temperature difference between night and morning (deserts).

I was extra-careful with them, always used them inside the tent. The first mat lasted 40 nights, the second lasted a mere 15-20(!) nights before one of the inside/middle seams broke.
I've been on the road for 2 years now & met quite a few other people who described similar problems.

So: Generally I think they're good and very comfortable. But they need a lot more TLC than Thermarests. And because of the large air volume, they inflate/deflate very quickly with temperature changes.
In Sucre/Bolivia, I did a test inside my hostel room before I headed out to the Salar. Inflated the DownMat around 6pm (sunset, about 20 degrees) –

I looked @ your site a while back then realised your US Based Lol

keep u p the gd wk

I've had two Exped DownMat 9 and both failed. The first had a slow leak and the down pooled leaving cold spots, the replacement they sent developed leaks at multiple points (this is a phenomena that others have experienced and there's a YT clip regarding this). It was hard to accept that the quality and/or development of these mats so bad, because they are absolutely the most comfortable mat I've slept on by far. Unfortunately I will have to look for an alternative because they too expensive to take a chance with.

I've had both Down Mat and Syn Mat, they are both very comfortable but the Down Mat seemed a bit too warm at times. Both mats sprung leaks, not due to external forces but due to individual components in the mat puncturing the material. I'm looking at a camp bed now as these mats are just too expensive to risk punctures.

My first Exped down matt (the old style version ) lasted well but failed after 6 years - Exped replaced it even though the warranty had expired - I have had the second one the newer version with a built in pump for about 4 years now - its not been used so much as i have been broken a bit so not away as much but its still works fine I never fully inflate the down matt i always leave it just a little bit soft from fully inflated as i find that more comfy. Maybe the failures are down to over inflation.Excellent mat - more so on frozen ground, bit warm in hot weather. I also use an Exped tent - seriously good kit and for back packing have recently bought a superb and well designed Exped backpack that also is excellent. I think i becoming a bit of an Exped groupie :eek3: !!!! Jake.

I have exactly the same issue with my 9LW Syn Matt, it have sprung multiple leaks over the years, I've found one which I fixed, the last one I cannot find which drives me insane.

I like the matts but I find that they are a bit too flimpsy.