Air mattresses are super convenient in many ways, especially if you’re expecting overnight guests, going camping, or even escaping a snoring partner to get a good night’s sleep.
Believe it or not, the inflating process for air mattresses can vary. It’s because many different types and brands are manufactured differently and made for various purposes.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to inflate your air mattress safely and correctly, and I’ll also touch on how to deflate it again once you’re done with it.
Methods to Inflate an Air Mattress
As we’ve already mentioned, there are a few ways to inflate an air mattress, and it really depends on which one you have. So, before following any of the inflation methods in this guide, ensure that you read the user manual in-depth.
Foot Pump
If you like to do things the old-fashioned way, then a foot pump might be your preferred choice for inflating your air mattress.
To inflate your air mattress using a foot pump, use the following steps:
- Uncover the Valve
You should find a valve on the foot with a cap on it. Remove the cap, and you will see a hole.
- Insert the Hose
The hose will fit into the hole on the foot pump. Ensure it’s fitted securely to avoid bursting off when you begin pumping.
- Pump
Once everything is connected and in place, use your foot to begin pumping air into the mattress.
Once you’ve inflated your air mattress, replace the valve cover so that no air can escape, and ensure it’s secure, remove the hose from the pump, and replace the cap.
Self-Inflating Air Beds
If you’re looking for the most straightforward options, albeit the most expensive, then it’s all about the self-inflating mattress. They’re made with a built-in pump and are operated by a battery or plugged into the mains. So there’s no extra equipment needed, and you certainly won’t need to gas out pumping with your feet for 20 minutes.
Follow these steps for safe inflation.
- Position
First, place the mattress down where you intend it to be in its final position. Ensure there’s nothing in the way that can be knocked over and nothing sharp that could cause the mattress to burst.
- Plug it In
You’ll have to locate the power cord, usually in a compartment around the edge of the air mattress. Once found, plug into the nearest socket.
- Inflate
Once the air mattress is in a safe position, turn the dial/switch to inflate mode, stand back, and watch it do its thing.
Once you’re done with your mattress, there’s a deflate option too, and then you can pack the power cord back and fold it away.
Electric Pump
If you don’t own a self-inflating air mattress and don’t fancy burning out your energy bouncing up and down on a foot pump, then an electrical pump could be the option. Of course, if you’re using your air mattress for camping, this will only be suitable if you’re camping near an electrical source. In this case, you’ll need a battery-powered one.
To use an external electronic pump, follow these steps:
- Insert Pump
To begin inflation, you’ll need to locate the nozzle for the pump and insert it into the air mattress valve securely so that no air can escape.
- Plug it in
Next, you’ll need to plug in the pump to the nearest electrical power socket, be sure to check the voltage and the user manual.
- Switch it on
Once the electric pump is safely connected to the air mattress and the electric source, turn it on, and inflate until it reaches the desired firmness.
Switch the electric pump off at the socket when you’ve finished inflating, and remove the cord. Unplug it from the air mattress, and pack it away. Be sure to replace the cap on the air mattress to stop it from deflating while you’re asleep.
Alternative Methods
Suppose you don’t have any of the above options available. In that case, you’re not at a total loss because you can use many other methods. For example:
1. Reverse Vacuum
If you have a vacuum cleaner with an exhaust setting, you can use the reverse mode to inflate your air mattress.
2. Leaf Blower
An obvious solution for alternative inflation methods are a leaf blower. It does the same job as a manual pump. Just ensure it’s clean first.
3. Manual
You can always huff, puff, and blow up your air mattress using your lungs if they’re powerful enough and you have the stamina. However, this could take some time.
4. Garbage Bag
This may sound peculiar, but desperate times call for desperate measures by trapping air inside a garbage bag and forcing it into the air mattress via the valve. Again, this is going to be timely.
Inflating an Air Mattress Correctly
You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when inflating your air mattress. Still, in general, you want it to be as firm as possible, especially if you’re a heavier person or there are two of you sleeping on it.
The recommended standard guideline with most air mattresses is to inflate them to 90% of their total capacity, so there should be a slight bounce to them as opposed to being solid.
If you over-inflate your air mattress, you could cause it to burst, or the seams could become damaged and strained, meaning that they tare when you lie down on the surface.
It can be handy to keep your pump nearby in case of deflation during the night.
FAQ’s
Let’s try and answer some of the most commonly asked questions for people struggling to inflate their air mattresses.
How do I inflate an air mattress using a pump?
Using a pump specifically designed for air mattresses, attach it securely to the mattress’s valve and operate it according to its instructions until fully inflated.
Can I use a hairdryer to inflate my air mattress?
While possible, it’s not recommended as hairdryers aren’t designed for this purpose, and it might take an extremely long time. If you use this method, ensure the hair dryer is in a cool setting.
Why is my air mattress losing air overnight?
Air mattresses can lose some air due to temperature changes or initial stretching. Ensure the valve is closed tightly, and consider re-inflating it slightly during the first few uses until it settles. If the issue persists, a leak might need to be patched.
Conclusion
There are more methods for inflating an air mattress than you ever thought!
With this information, however, as you can see, even if you don’t have a fancy self-inflating air bed, or electric pump, inflating an air mattress is still within your reach.
So, the next time you’re camping and wondering how to inflate your air mattress, you’ve got all the answers to hand and a step-by-step guide to help you along the way.
