If you want to know how to inflate an air mattress, you can do so in three easy steps! This is useful for new air bed owners and those who need to restore it if it deflates or just came out of the storage. This article will also teach you about pumps and mattress types to make the process smoother.
However, always consult with the mattress manual and follow the instructions for inflating it. This will ensure that you won’t damage the air mattress during the process or void the warranty. So without further ado, let’s get started!
How To Inflate An Air Mattress Yourself
Step #1. Open the valve
Depending on the specific air mattress you have, you should easily locate the valve and remove its cover to insert the pump. The most common type is the one-way air valve, but the more modern air beds have built-in pumps on the side. The former requires you to go to step two, but the latter requires less manual intervention to inflate the mattress.
Step #2. Insert the pump
If your bed has no built-in pump, you can proceed to insert one on the valve. The process should be the same for manual and electric pumps, but you must ensure that it will be sealed around the valve, so no air escapes. If needed, place some duct tape around the area to create a good seal.
Manual pumps
Some people still use manual pumps even though they require some effort to use. You can select from foot pumps and hand pumps to know which is more convenient for you to finish inflating the mattress. The advantage of manual pumps is that they are quieter, and you can use them as a backup if your automatic one is not working.
Automatic pumps
For automatic pumps, you’ll just plug it into a power source like an outlet or battery. Turn it on, and it will do the job for you. Be mindful of the noise in exchange for effortless usage.
Step #3. Seal
The final step is sealing your newly-inflated air mattress. You can place the latch back once the mattress finished inflating and feels firm. However, some mattresses won’t require you to put the cap back since they will trap the air inside automatically.
Can You Use A Hairdryer To Inflate An Air Mattress?
If you don’t have a pump and your mattress has nothing built-in, you can use your humble hairdryer to inflate it. The concept is to put it against the open valve to fill the mattress with the air it releases. The emphasis is on using electric hair dryers that use cool air since heat can damage some air mattresses.
What other household items can I use to inflate an air mattress?
It’s possible to inflate an air bed with household items. The only potential issue is that they won’t have the perfect fit against the valve, so it may take you longer to finish filling the mattress. Nonetheless, note that vacuum cleaners and garbage bags are useful if you don’t have a pump for your air bed.
To use a vacuum cleaner for inflating an air mattress, you have to ensure that it’s capable of blowing air and not sucking air. You can convert your vacuum by removing the bag and replacing it with a narrow nozzle to help the unit blow air. Use it the same way you’ve used the hairdryer up the valve.
How to use a garbage bag to inflate an air mattress? First, collect air inside a standard bag by swinging it up and down. Hold the end to trap the air and then place it against the valve to squeeze into and inflate the bed.
How Long Should You Inflate An Air Mattress?
You can keep your air mattress inflated as long as you need to use it. However, it’s best to deflate and store it if no one uses it to extend its lifespan and lower the risk of developing rips and tears. Inflating an air bed should take minutes, depending on the pump you use.
You also want to avoid overinflating your air mattress, or the seams might experience stress and rupture. Aim to inflate your bed up to 90% of its capacity only or according to the user manual. You can check its pressure gauge and then fill the mattress according to the maximum pressure recommendation.
How to deflate an air mattress?
An air mattress may take a long time to deflate completely. You can use some pumps to do it for you to hasten the process. Otherwise, you just need to let the air escape on an opened valve and gently apply pressure throughout the bed.
Conclusion
Do you have a new air bed? Then you must know how to inflate an air mattress yourself! You can do it in three quick steps, but you should always consult the product instructions for additional specifications.
A quick recap is to open the valve, insert your pump and start, and then seal the mattress to keep the air in. You can use a manual or automatic pump and fill the bed up to 90% of its capacity to avoid damaging it. And once you no longer use your air mattress, please deflate and store it properly to lengthen its lifespan.