Air mattresses are incredibly convenient and an excellent space-saving option for camping trips, the spare bedroom, or college dorms. However, like with anything, they can sometimes encounter problems, including the dreaded bubble.
Suppose you’ve recently found that your air mattress bulges on one side or feels lumpy when lying down. In that case, you are likely experiencing an air mattress bubble.
The good news is there’s a simple solution to get you sleeping soundly on your air mattress in no time.
In this informative piece, we will cover the possible causes of air mattress bubbles, how to fix them, and how to prevent them from reoccurring, so the next time you inflate your air bed, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a more relaxing night’s sleep.
Let’s explore.
Air Mattress Bubbles – What Causes Them?
You might think you’ve done anything right; you’ve unpacked your air mattress, unrolled it, laid it flat, and connected it to a pump. But once your bed is inflated, there it is, the dreaded bulge on one side. So what has caused this frustrating problem?
Let’s explore some of the possible causes, shall we?
1. Overloading
Air mattresses come in various shapes and sizes; some are better at handling heavyweights than others. For example, suppose you’ve skimped a little on the budget and opted for a cheaper option. Chances are it won’t be as well made, the seams won’t be durable, and the material might not be the best quality.
If this is the case, then weight overload can occur, weakening the mattress and causing it to bubble and bulge in places.
Prevention: To avoid overweight your mattress, check its weight capacity before purchasing, and if you’re on the heavier side, ensure to choose a high-quality, larger-size air mattress.
2. Over-Inflating
Air mattresses being over-inflated is one of the most common causes of air mattress bubbles. Over-inflation can cause bubbles because of the extra strain that’s being put on the seams, stretching them and causing them to come undone or weaken.
Over time, this damage will eventually lead to the mattress bubbling at the sides.
Prevention: The best way to avoid over-inflation is to thoroughly read the user manual and follow the instructions to the tee. As a general rule of thumb, most airbed manufacturers recommend only filling your mattress to around 90% of its capacity so that there’s still enough bounce, but it feels firm.
3. Quality
Sometimes the reason for bulging air mattresses is all down to how it’s been made. There are so many budget options on the market, so it can be tempting to opt for a cheaper option.
However, this could see you running into problems regarding use. Generally, the cheaper mattresses use lower-quality materials and have weaker sticking, resulting in quicker deterioration.
Prevention: If you’re looking for durability, it’s worth paying the high price for a new mattress that will last you longer. Also, check other people’s reviews online and see what they report about the product’s longevity.
4. Too Old
In many cases, there comes a time when you have to admit you’ve just had something too long, and it’s time to throw it out and get a new one. After a while, even the highest-quality air mattress will show signs of wear and tear. It’s especially the case if you use your air bed a lot or often take it to sleep in the great outdoors.
It could be that the bubbling you are experiencing from your air mattress is nothing more than a sign of aging.
Prevention: Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about the aging of an air mattress. Taking good care of it and following the manufacturer’s instructions can increase the lifespan. But there will come a point where investing in a new one will be the only option.
5. Storage and Transportation
The handiest thing about air mattresses is that they’re easier to transport, and when they’re not used, they’re a breeze to pack away from sight. However, improper storage and rough handling can cause damage to the outer material and seams.
For instance, rolling the mattress too tight or forcing it into a small space will likely cause bulging.
Prevention: Follow the proper care instructions for your air mattress, ensure it’s cleaned before storing, and roll the bed away neatly, not too tight, and in an adequately-sized box.
6. Airborn Causes
Suppose you use your air mattress for camping or often move your air mattress around. In that case, factors such as rough ground, water, heat, and even sunlight can damage the sticking and material of the bed, leading to tears, holes, and bubbles over time.
Prevention: Keep your air mattress out of extreme temperatures and keep it dry at all times. Also, always ensure your air mattress is clean and dry before rolling away.
Fixing an Air Mattress Bubble
If you’ve recently come across an annoying bubble in your air mattress, don’t fret. You can fix the problem. Follow the steps below.
- Remove all the bedding and accessories, such as mattress toppers, from your air bed.
- Next, begin deflation. If your mattress has a built-in pump, then this is simple, and you can let it do its own thing and deflate by itself. However, if not, this may take a little longer.
- While the mattress goes down, use your hands or body weight to release the bubbles. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure, which could cause the bulges to rupture. Instead, try to push the air out of the bubbles to the edges.
- Now, you can inflate your air mattress using your preferred method, and with any luck, you will be free of the troublesome bubble and can replace the cap and close the valve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s see what other people have been asking after experiencing a bubble in their air mattress.
Why do bubbles form in air mattresses?
Bubbles can form if there’s too much air pressure or the mattress is overinflated. It can also be caused by misuse or incorrect storage.
How do I know if there are bubbles in my air mattress?
You may feel uncomfortable lumps or bumps when lying on the mattress.
Is it Dangerous to Sleep on an Air Mattress with an Air Bubble?
Yes. Sleeping on an air mattress with an air bubble can be unsafe as the mattress could rupture while in use, especially if the bubble is caused by inflation.
In Summary
So, if you’ve recently experienced a pesky bubble in your air mattress, hopefully now you have managed to figure out what caused it and, most importantly, how to fix it and prevent it from happening again with some due care and attention regarding the use.
On the other hand, if you’ve been unable to fix the bulge and decided an air mattress isn’t for you and you want to return it, check out these air mattress alternatives.
