You will not sleep well if your air mattress has a leak. However, you don't need to throw out a leaky air mattress. Finding and patching leaks in air mattresses is easy. You can patch an air mattress at home using household items and inexpensive patching kits.
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Method 1 of 3: Finding Leaks
Step 1. Know that all air mattresses will eventually lose air
Before deciding to open the sheets and look for leaks, know that there is no air mattress that never deflates. You will need to re-fill the mattress with air, even if there are no leaks.
- For example, cold air can cause a mattress to shrink. As the temperature in your home gets cooler at night, your air mattress will soften slightly from the cold. This problem can be solved by placing a space heater near the mattress.
- Air mattresses need to “stretch” after they are new. Don't worry if the mattress feels soft shortly after you first fill it with air. This is simply because the mattress adapts quickly.
Step 2. Fill the mattress with air to the brim to test for leaks
If, after a few minutes, your mattress is badly deflated, there's a good chance that there's a leak. Sit on the mattress after it is filled with air. The mattress should not drop more than 2.5-5 cm due to your weight.
- If you're not sure if your mattress is leaking, fill your mattress with air completely and put weights on it, such as some books. If the mattress deflates badly enough in the morning, it means the mattress has a leak.
- Try to keep the mattress still filled with air while looking for leaks. If you feel the air mattress softening, refill it with air and start looking again. The higher the air pressure inside the mattress, the more air blowing from the leaking hole will be and it will be easier to spot.
Step 3. Check the air retainer valve
Bring your hand close to the valve and feel for the air leaking. The leak is usually near the air pump which looks like a plug that can be opened to quickly deflate the mattress. Unfortunately, valves are the most difficult part of a mattress to repair yourself.
If your valve is damaged or leaking, contact the mattress manufacturer to order a replacement mattress
Step 4. Stand the mattress in a large, quiet room to look for leaks
Most puncture holes and leaks occur in the underside of the air mattress, usually as a result of sharp objects strewn across the floor. Once the mattress is completely filled with air, stand up and inspect the underside. You need room to turn, rotate, and move the mattress easily and freely to look for leaks.
Step 5. Bring your ear 5-7.5 cm away from the mattress and listen for the hissing sound
Gently move your ear across the surface of the mattress to look for the hissing of air. When you find a leak, the sound will sound thin as if someone said “ssssss.”
Start at the bottom of the mattress, then try to find the sides and front of the mattress if you still can't find it
Step 6. Wet the back of your hand and repeat this process if you find nothing
The air blowing from the leak hole will quickly evaporate the water so your hands feel cool. Wet your palms and move them over the entire surface of the mattress 5-7.5 cm to look for small leaks.
You can also lick your lips and use them to look for air leaks because your lips are one of the most sensitive parts of your body
Step 7. Use soapy water to look for bubbles if you haven't found the leak yet
While some manufacturers warn that this method will cause mold and mildew, soap bubbles are very effective at finding leaks. Apply a thin layer of soap bubbles on the surface of the air mattress and the air from the leaking hole will "blow" the soap so that the location of the leak can be found. To do this:
- Fill a small bucket with water and add 1 teaspoon of dish soap.
- Use a sponge to rub soapy water all over the mattress.
- Start near the valve, then check the seams, underside, and top of the mattress.
- If you see bubbles in your mattress, that's where your leak is.
- Rinse off the soap with a clean sponge when you're done.
Step 8. Circle the leaking hole with a pen or marker
Leaks in the air mattress are almost impossible to find again if the mattress is already deflated. Record the location of the leak so you don't forget it and can fix it easily.
If you are using the soapy water method, use a towel to dry and mark the area around the leak
Step 9. Deflate and dry the mattress thoroughly
If you've found a leak, blow all the air out of the mattress. If you use the soapy water method, pat a towel on the mattress dry, and let it dry for 1-2 hours.
Method 2 of 3: Using a Patch Tool
Step 1. Purchase a patching device
Almost all home supply stores sell this product. These kits are small, inexpensive, and consist of glue, sandpaper, and patches for tents, bicycle tires, and air mattresses. You can use bicycle tire patches if you have to, the size of the air mattress leak hole is quite small.
- Some companies provide self-repair kits that can be purchased online, such as Thermarest Repair Kit, Tear-Aid, and the Sevylor Repair Patch.
- Make sure the patch kit works on plastic or vinyl.
Step 2. Deflate the mattress until the air runs out
Do not let any air escape from the mattress and damage the glue and patch. Therefore, remove all the air from your mattress.
Step 3. Sand all the soft bristles near the mattress holes
If the leak hole is on the top side of the mattress, you will need to remove the soft cover so the patch can stick. Take a wire brush or sandpaper and scrape off the layer of bristles little by little until only the plastic layer surrounds the leak hole.
Some mattress manufacturers refer to this soft layer as "flocking."
Step 4. Clean and dry the area around the leak hole
Use soapy water with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol, and wipe the leak area clean of dust and dirt. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding.
Step 5. Cut the patch until it is 1.5 times larger than the hole
You will need to provide space for gluing the patch so that it can cover the hole. Therefore, cut your patch until it covers a few inches around the hole. If you are using an instant patch, choose one that is 1-2 centimeters larger than the hole.
Step 6. Glue the patch according to the directions of the user manual
All patches work in one or two ways: they stick like stickers, or they need to be specially glued and glued to the mattress. No matter what type of patch you have, read the user manual and install the patch properly. Do not remove the patch to “fine-tune” the installation. Patches work fine as long as they cover the entire hole. If the glued patch is removed again, the stickiness will be reduced.
Step 7. Press the patch firmly into the hole
Once attached, press down on the patch for 30 seconds or so to make sure it is firmly attached. Use the base of your palm to press down on the patch, or a rolling pin to flatten the patch firmly onto the mattress.
Step 8. Allow the glue to dry for 2-3 hours
You can place a heavy, flat object on top of the patch to press down on the patch. Do not fill the mattress with air until the glue is dry.
Step 9. Fill the mattress with air and check for leaks
Hold the ear close to the patch and listen for the hissing of air. If the mattress has not been used to sleep, leave it overnight and check again in the morning for hissing air leaks.
Method 3 of 3: Patching Leaks without Patching Tool
Step 1. Be aware that repairing your mattress with homemade items will void your warranty
Many mattress manufacturers recommend using only the patch kit, or returning the mattress for repair. While effective, these home remedies can void the mattress warranty. So, think carefully first.
- You can use a large piece of tape to make a temporary fix. While this method is effective in the short term, the glue on bulky tape is not made to stick to plastic permanently and will usually dry out and come off.
- Never use hot glue to patch mattresses. Hot glue will melt the air mattress and enlarge the hole.
Step 2. Sand the fluff around the leak hole if it's on the top side of the mattress
While comfortable, these bristles will prevent any glue or patches from firmly adhering to the mattress so they come off soon after. Take a wire brush and gently scrub the bristles until only the plastic layer is around the leak hole.
Step 3. Make a square piece of thin, soft plastic, such as a shower curtain
If you're out of mattress fillings or can't afford them, you can still improvise using items at home. Tarpaulins and shower curtains can be used to patch up leaks and can be cut to size.
Make sure your square piece is large enough to cover the leak. At least 1 cm more for each side of the hole
Step 4. Attach the housing patch with strong glue
Cover the leak hole with plenty of glue at least the size of your patch. Do not use glue for children's crafts. You'll need a strong, reliable glue, such as Fox or Uhu, to glue the patch.
Step 5. Glue the patch on the glue on the mattress, then press and hold
Press the patch firmly and evenly so that it adheres to the glue. Smooth out the patch with your finger and gently rub the excess glue around the edges of the patch.
Step 6. Place a heavy object on the patch and leave it for 6-8 hours
You can use some books, weights, or other heavy objects to press the patch until it dries. After 6-8 hours, the patch should be firmly attached to the mattress.
Tips
- Look for areas of the mattress that are leaking first, such as the seams, the mattress protruding, or the cracked vinyl near the pump.
- The above methods can be used to patch a leak near the seam, but the patch will be difficult to glue neatly. Use more glue and cut your patch until it fits the leak hole.
