Whether you're camping, visiting friends, or looking for a comfortable bed, an air mattress can be your savior. This mattress can be a comfortable bed and can be deflated to a fraction of its original size, making it a very portable and convenient option. Whether you're using a pump for your mattress or using makeshift tools, inflating an air mattress is simply a matter of getting the air into the mattress (and preventing it from escaping)!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Blowing with a Pump
Step 1. Open the air valve cover on the mattress
Most mattresses have either a one-way air valve (which lets air in but doesn't let air out), or an air vent at the edge of the mattress. Find this hole and remove the lid -- you can't fill the mattress with air without opening the valve cover.
Most modern mattresses have a pump that is attached to the edge of the mattress. If your mattress has a pump, all you have to do is press " on ", and the mattress will fill up (if the pump is powered by electricity or a battery)
Step 2. Insert the pump hose into the hole or valve opening, whether you are using a manual or electric pump
The pump should be locked with a valve. If the pump is not locked, air can escape from the mattress, making it difficult for the mattress to fill.
If you can't lock the pump on the valve (for example if you're using a pump that isn't designed for mattresses), you can try using tape around the pump to keep the pump attached to the valve. However, the tape cannot hold the valve if the pump is too loose. You can also melt the plastic to thicken the valve, although this step is a bit difficult for beginners
Step 3. Start the pump if you are using an automatic pump
Most modern air mattresses come with an electric pump. If your mattress has this feature, make sure it has batteries or is plugged in, then turn on the pump. Your mattress will start to expand.
Electric pumps are usually quite loud, so be careful when using them around sleeping people
Step 4. If you are using a manual pump, start pumping
If you're using an old air mattress or have lost the air pump for your mattress (and had to buy a new one), you probably only have a manual pump. While these pumps are not as effective or easy as electric pumps, they are quite useful nonetheless. The two types of manual pumps used to fill the air in the mattress are:
- Hand pumps: These pumps are usually large and stand up. You can use this pump in an "up-down" motion. However, even smaller bicycle pumps are sometimes used.
- Foot pump. This pump is usually in the form of a foot pedal attached to the hose and nozzle. This foam pump is used by stepping on the pedal to infuse air into the mattress.
Step 5. Close the air valve again
Once the mattress is soft and full of air, remove the pump, and close the valve or hole to lock in the air. Now, you are ready to sleep! Get sheets, blankets and pillows.
Mattresses with one-way valves will automatically retain air, but it's a good idea to keep the valve closed to prevent the mattress from collapsing. On the other hand, mattresses with regular air inlets (without valves) will deflate as soon as you remove the pump, so be quick to close the holes when you're done
Method 2 of 3: Blowing Without a Pump
Step 1. Use a hairdryer if you don't have a pump
If you don't have a pump, you can use other household appliances to fill the mattress. For example, you could try using an electric hairdryer. Turn on the hairdryer and press the dryer against the opened valve to start filling. Since the hairdryer does not fully fit into the valve opening, filling with a hairdryer usually takes longer than filling with a pump.
Make sure you use cold air, not hot air, if possible. Most air mattresses are made of plastic or vinyl, so they can sometimes melt or deform when exposed to heat
Step 2. Use a vacuum cleaner
Any machine that can blow air can actually be used to blow air mattresses. For example, most vacuum cleaners have a "blowing" function in addition to "suction". Other equipment, such as snow or leaf blowers, are specially designed for blowing. With this blower, all you have to do is start the engine and direct the hose or blower to the air outlet or valve to blow.
You can even change some household vacuum cleaners to blow air instead of sucking in. To change this, remove the dust bag and connect a long, narrow hose to the hole where the dust bag connects -- air will be sucked into the hose and can be used to blow the mattress
Step 3. Use a car or bicycle tire pump
If you're new to biking or using the car to get to where you'll be using your mattress, you may have a pump without you even knowing it. Most car or bicycle tire pumps can be used to blow air mattresses, but sealing the pump in the mattress can be quite difficult. You may need to use an additional adapter or enlarge the air holes on the pump with certain materials so that the pump can be used to blow the mattress.
Step 4. Use trash plastic
Most people don't know that standard size plastic trash can be used to blow air mattresses. To blow the mattress with plastic, first open and swing the plastic so that the plastic fills with air, then close the plastic to trap the air. Aim the plastic at the air holes of your mattress and press the holes in the plastic. Press the plastic to release air and push it into the mattress (you'll find this easier by sitting slowly on the plastic). Repeat as necessary.
Use thick plastic if possible. The thinner plastic may break when you sit on it
Step 5. If there's nothing else you can do, blow the mattress yourself
Inhale, then blow on the mattress. Use soap or a cleaner to make sure the mattress air holes are clean, then point your mouth at the mattress holes and inhale. Repeat until your mattress is full. Manually blowing the mattress may take a while.
If your air mattress doesn't have a one-way valve, you should keep your mouth close to the valve, and close your throat to keep air from escaping. Breathe through your nose instead of your mouth to fill your lungs
Method 3 of 3: Deflate the Mattress
Step 1. Open the valve cover
Once you sleep on an air mattress and want to store it, open the valve cover. If your mattress has regular air holes, it will deflate immediately after opening. However, more sophisticated mattresses may require special handling. If your mattress doesn't immediately deflate, use these tips:
- Look for a deflation knob that you can press.
- Turn on the deflation mechanism on the valve to allow air to escape.
- Remove the valve from the housing.
Step 2. Fold or roll up the mattress to force air out
As the air escapes, your mattress will deflate. To get all the air out, start folding the mattress in the opposite direction of the air vent. This step ensures that the mattress will take up as little space as possible when completely deflated.
To force all the air out of the mattress, try making small folds or rolls, as if you were removing toothpaste from the container
Step 3. To save time, use a vacuum
If you want to speed up the deflation process, try using a vacuum to draw all the air out of the mattress. You can use a home vacuum cleaner, a pre-purchased vacuum cleaner, or another machine that can be used for vacuuming. Open the air vent, wait for the air to come out of the mattress, and hold the vacuum hose near the vent to let the air out more quickly.
Tips
A hairdryer or blower may work better if you hold the edges with your hands
Warning
- Don't pass out while blowing on the mattress! If your eyes are dizzy or you feel weak, take a breath and rest.
- Hot air from a hairdryer can cause some of the air mattresses to melt or shrink. Use cold air, if possible.
