This document compares sleeping pad options and proposes using Cabot Aerogel as a lightweight, compact, and highly insulating material for sleeping pads. Aerogel is only 0.5 oz per square foot and has an R-value of 11, making it an excellent insulator that is over 3 times more insulating than common sleeping pads but much lighter and thinner. It could replace down insulation in sleeping pads, providing equivalent or better insulation while packing smaller. A competitive analysis shows aerogel pads would be cheaper and lighter than common sleeping pads, provide better breathability and insulation, and have less environmental impact. Overall, aerogel could offer a warmer and more comfortable sleep experience for backpackers.

1. z
Cradle to Cradle
Design Challenge
Conor Cox
OPDD 3030
04/26/18
Cabot Aerogel
CABOT CORPORATION

2. z
Problem/Opportunity
• Foam pad weight
• 14 oz
• Average
insulation (R 2.6)
• Large when
packed
• Inflatable pad weight
• 12.2 oz
• Packs small
• Poor insulation (R < 1)
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
Sol Sleeping Pad
Klymit Inertia O
Zone Sleeping Pad
• Self Inflating Pad
• 14.6 oz
• Good Insulation (R 3.3)
• Packed size varies
Exped SynMat
Hyperlite Sleeping
Pad
Down compresses so backpackers use pads to
insulate from the cold ground.

3. z
zzCabot Aerogel Eco-Friendly Insulation
 Extremely lightweight
 .5 oz/sq ft
 Incredible insulator
 R value = 11
 Packs small
 3.5 mm thick
 Eliminates need for
unnecessary down fill.
 (see image)
Cradle-to-Cradle Certified

4. z
About Aerogel Mats
• Insulates just as well when
compressed
• Working temperature
between -200 to 200 C
• Thickness 3.5 mm
• Lightest Insulator on the
market
“The nanostructured aerogel mat is a
porous substance with exceptional
thermal insulation properties, which
result from the structure’s high
quantity of pores containing air. The
air is locked in the siliceous frame to
compose up to 99.8% of pore
volume.
The porous structure is small enough
to minimize the influence of thermal
radiation and convection. The
structure of the siliceous frame
makes the aerogel a solid body with
low thermal conduction. The
insulator can be used in any place
requiring thin material with
exceptional parameters.”
-Evertec

5. z z
Competitive Analysis
 Price differences
 Exped SynMat Hyperlite Sleeping Pad: $179 off shelf
 2 sq yds Aerogel 3.5 mm Thermal Blanket: $60.22 in
bulk
 Weight differences
 Exped mat: 14.6 oz
 Aerogel mat: 9.8 oz
 Performance differences
 Breathability
 Exped: Non-porous, non-breathable
 Aerogel: Breathable, Hydrophobic
 Thermal Resistance
 Exped: R 3-3.9
 Aerogel: R 11

6. z Overall User Benefits
 Cheaper
 Lighter Pack
 Smaller Pack
 Warmer Sleep
 Eco Friendly
VS.
Ecolite Aero Trekkr
Sleeping System

7. • References
• Aerogel Demonstration. (2014, April 30). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz95RnIG0NY Video
• Aerotherm. (2013). Cabot Thermal Wrap Data Sheet [Brochure].
• Aerotherm. (2013). Cabot Thermal Wrap 3.5 mm Data Sheet [Brochure].
• Pyrogel® XT-E Blanket Cut-to-Size (5-mm Thickness). (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.buyaerogel.com/product/pyrogel-xt-e-blanket-cut-to-size-5-mm-thickness/
• REI. (n.d.). Exped SynMat HL Sleeping Pad. Retrieved from
https://www.rei.com/product/113717/exped-synmat-hl-sleeping-pad