You brought an air mattress when you were staying at a friend's house or when you went camping, but forgot to bring the air pump… what to do? Well, this article provides a list of how to fill an air mattress with makeshift equipment. Read on to find out how to use a hairdryer or trash bag to pump up an air mattress for a good night's sleep!
Step
Method 1 of 7: Hairdryer
Step 1. Use the cool air setting on the hairdryer to make it an emergency air pump
Lay the mattress on a flat surface and insert the tip of the hairdryer into the air valve on the mattress. Make sure you use the cool air setting on the dryer, then turn it on. Some of the air will come out because the ends of the dryer and the mattress air valve are different sizes, but over time the mattress will begin to fill up completely.
- You may get a better sealing effect from the air valve and dryer if you have a vacuum cleaner equipped with a special accessory for cleaning gaps that can be attached to the end of the dryer.
- Do not use a hairdryer that is not equipped with a cold air setting. Hot air can melt or deform the vinyl and the plastic parts of the mattress.
Method 2 of 7: Vacuum cleaner
Step 1. Use a vacuum cleaner that can spray air instead of an air pump
Some home vacuum cleaners and most large vacuum cleaners have a reverse mode that allows them to spray air instead of sucking it in. If you have one, set the vacuum cleaner to reverse mode, insert the end of the hose into the air valve on the mattress, then turn on the appliance to fill the air. Attach a special accessory to clean the gap at the end of the hose if it makes it easier for the hose to fit into the air valve.
You can still use a vacuum cleaner that is not equipped with a reverse mode. Remove the hose and dust collection bag on the appliance. Insert one end of the hose into the opening that allows dust to enter the reservoir. Then, insert the other end into the air valve on the mattress and turn on the vacuum cleaner. Air will flow from the vacuum cleaner, through the hose, and into the air mattress
Method 3 of 7: Leaf Blowing Machine
Step 1. This method is quite noisy, but can be a solid option when you are outdoors
Leave the accessories on the blower attached. Lay the mattress on a flat surface, then insert the end of the hose into the air valve on the mattress. Put your hands on the end of the hose to seal the valve for better airflow, then turn on the blower and fill the air mattress to the brim.
- If you use a hairdryer or a vacuum cleaner, this job will be done much faster if there is an accessory that matches the size of the air valve on the mattress. Try inserting the crevice cleaning accessory on the vacuum cleaner into the accessory end of the leaf blower.
- You can use an electric leaf blower indoors, but it must be very noisy. Never use a gas powered leaf blower indoors.
Method 4 of 7: Bike pump
Step 1. Change the function of the bicycle pump using duct tape
Since the tip of the bicycle pump may be smaller than the mattress air valve, use masking tape to increase the sealing effect. Press the end of the pump against the air valve on the mattress and wrap black duct tape (or other strong duct tape) around it. Push the lever on the bicycle pump up and down to let air flow into the mattress, just as you would inflating a bicycle tire. Keep in mind that this takes a lot longer than when you inflate a bicycle tire!
- Lay the mattress flat on the ground for best results.
- Yes, it's technically a pump, … but not an air mattress pump!
Method 5 of 7: Air compressor
Step 1. Purchase a mattress air valve that fits the compressor hose for best results
There is no big difference between using an air compressor and an electric air pump to fill an air mattress; just insert the end of the compressor hose into the mattress air valve, turn on the tool, then hold the compressor until the air in the mattress is full. However, the air valves installed on air mattresses usually don't fit properly with the valves on the compressor so you will need to seal them with duct tape. Alternatively, you can purchase an air mattress valve that connects to a compressor valve online.
Method 6 of 7: Garbage bags
Step 1. Fill the bag and let the air out when using this unique option
Open the trash bag and swing it up and down until it is full of air. Squeeze the mouth of the bag with your hands to prevent air from escaping. Insert the mouth of the bag into the air valve of the mattress and pinch it tightly with your hand. Squeeze the bag to push air into the mattress or lie on top of the bag to speed up the process. Refill the trash bag with air, then repeat the process over and over – it takes a while, but it works!
For best results, use the thickest garbage bag you can find, such as a bag for storing grass and leaves or a contractor trash bag. The thinner the bag is used, the faster the bag breaks and needs to be replaced with a new one
Method 7 of 7: Using the mouth
Step 1. Inflate the mattress manually if there is no other option
Wash or sterilize the air valve on the mattress to keep it clean. Take a deep breath, press your mouth against the air valve to create an airtight effect, then blow on the mattress as hard as you can. If the air mattress has a one-way air valve (most air mattresses have one), you can take your mouth off the air valve, take another deep breath, then repeat. If the mattress has a two-way air valve, the air will come out again if you take your mouth out of it. If this happens, keep your mouth pressed against the air valve, then inhale through your nose and out of your mouth.
This method takes a very long time and will leave you breathless and feeling tired. But look on the bright side – you'll be fast asleep as soon as you plop down on the soft air mattress
Tips
- Use scissors to cut the bottom of the plastic bottle, then insert the exposed part into the air vent of a hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, or leaf blower. The open top of the bottle will fit easily into the air valve of the air mattresses of various brands resulting in a better sealing effect and speeding up the filling process.
- If you often forget to bring a mattress pump, consider buying an automatic air mattress that has a built-in pump.
- If you forget to bring a mattress pump when camping, visit a nearby tent to borrow a pump from someone else who is camping. They will be happy to help!
