How to Deflate an Air Mattress – A Step-by-Step Guide

Air beds are an extremely convenient way to take the comfort of a bed on the move, such as overnight stays and camping. They’re also ideal if you have an unexpected guest stay overnight to save them from sleeping on the couch.

Deflating an air mattress can be pretty straightforward, especially if you have a pump that practically does the job for you.

Despite being an easy job, some problems occur when it comes to deflating an air mattress, which we’ll cover in this guide, as well as give you a step-by-step guide to the correct method of deflation using various techniques.

Let’s take a look.

Deflating an Air Mattress with a Pump

If you’re lucky enough to have an air mattress with a built-in pump, deflating it should be a total breeze. However, the steps below will ensure you’re doing it correctly.

• Before deflating your mattress, remove bedding, pillows, and other accessories, such as mattress toppers.
• Next, make sure there is nothing in the way that can be disturbed or knocked over by the deflation, and keep your air mattress on a flat surface.
• Now, plug your mattress into the nearest mains plug socket, and switch the dial to the “deflate” setting.
• Now, you can leave it to do its thing, and once it has fully deflated, you can fold it away and return it to the packaging for storage.

Deflating an Air Mattress with a Manual Pump

Another simple method for deflating an air mattress is using a manual foot pump. Though it can be physically demanding, especially if it’s a large air mattress, using a foot or a hand pump is an efficient way to deflate. Here are the steps:

• Firstly, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct valve for deflation and insert it into the mattress.
• Again, you should have removed any accessories from the bed beforehand.
• Once you’ve got the pump in place and removed the cap, you begin pumping using your feet or hands, or if you get tired, you can alternate.
• This will take some time, but once the mattress deflates, you can carefully roll it back into packaging for storage.

Deflating an Air Mattress Using a Vacuum

One option you might not have considered regarding air mattress deflation is using your vacuum cleaner. Follow the steps below if you don’t have a pump.

• Once again, you must remove all the bedding from your air mattress.
• Now that’s done, check the area to ensure there’s nothing surrounding the area that will be damaged.
• Locate the valve on your air mattress, and place the vacuum cleaner’s nozzle over it.
• If there is a lot of space around the nozzle and the valve, you can use your hands to block air from escaping or duct tape. If much air escapes, deflation will take longer.
• Once deflation is complete, remove the nozzle, and switch the vacuum off at the power.
• Now, you can fold the air mattress away until next time.

Deflating an Air Mattress with No Equipment

If you don’t have any of the above, don’t worry, you’re not going to be stuck with a fully-inflated air mattress in the middle of the room. There is a way you can deflate it without any equipment at all.

Put the mattress on a flat surface. Ensure the surface is free from anything sharp that can cause injury or puncture.

• Next, remove the cap from the valve of the air mattress.
• using your body weight, lie on the mattress and gently push air toward the open valve.
• This can take a little force and may take longer than the methods mentioned above, but it works just as well.
• Once your air bed is fully-deflated, you can roll it up and pack it away.

Handy Hints and Tips for Deflating an Air Mattress

Now you’ve got the various methods to get your mattress down and packed away, below are some handy tips that can make the process easier and hassle-free and ensure that your air bed is ready for use the next time you require it.

1. Preparation

One thing you should always consider before deflating your air mattress is that it’s clean, free from debris, and all accessories. Any sharp objects on the mattress could cause a puncture during inflation.

2. Be Patient

We understand it can be a slow process, and the temptation to try and speed it up is real. However, forcing the air out too fast could damage or even burst your air mattress.

3. Check the Valves

If the valves are open, then the deflation process will be slowed down.

4. Keep Everything Together

It can help to have a storage box and all air mattress accessories together so that the next time you can have everything to hand.

5. Inspect for Damage

Before deflating your air mattress, check for leaks, punctures, or scratches. This way, you can repair them promptly before their subsequent use.

6. Air it Out

Instead of putting your air mattress back into storage immediately, allow it to air out after deflating to prevent moisture and mildew build-up. If you’ve been using your air mattress outdoors, it should be fully dried before storage.

7. Storage

Air mattresses should be stored in room temperature, dry spaces. Extreme heat or cold can hinder the quality of your mattress over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s check out what other air mattress owners have been asking regarding how to deflate their portable beds.

Let’s Wrap it Up

While deflating an air mattress might seem straightforward, some things can hinder the procedure when not done correctly.

Now you’ve got this handy step-by-step guide to deflating an air mattress, you can rest assured that everything will go down nicely, and your air mattress will be ready and fit for use when you next require it.

If you’ve just got your air mattress, you might also find this guide on how to inflate them correctly informational too. It’s full of tips and tricks you can use even when you don’t have a pump to hand.