It is normal for an air mattress to lose some inflation over time. Even a heavy-duty air mattress can get a tear, and the tiniest tear can reduce its volume and result in weaker support, so fixing the root cause as quickly as possible is necessary. So how do you repair an air mattress or fix an air mattress hole? It’s easy to do; you only need a patch, glue, and an applicator kit.
How to patch an air mattress?
With the help of a few materials, patching can be done in a few steps. The materials required are as under:
- Gentle cleanser– Detergent or dish soap helps to clean the area that needs to be patched and spots the leak.
- Cleaning towel or sponge– The towel or sponge must be dampened to clean the air mattress. It also helps in spotting the hole.
- Tissue– Covering the mattress with a tissue helps catch the escaping air.
- Patch kit– Air mattresses usually come with a patch kit. These kits consist of applicators, patches, and adhesives.
- Adhesive– If you do not use a patch kit, keep glue meant for plastic.
- Thin plastic material– You will need to make a patch from a thin plastic material if you are not using the kit.
- A heavy and flat object– Once you apply the patch, you can place the flat object on the mattress that will secure the patch.
Steps to Fix An Air Mattress Hole
Confirm the leak
Before you decide to patch a leak, you will need to confirm if there is any leak. Air mattresses can lose air, which can be accelerated by changes in temperature and several other factors. Locate the leak source by inflating the mattress and laying over it to check for deflation.
Locate the hole
Then inspect it for any damage. If you find any tears or scuffs, place your hand over this area to prevent air from escaping. It will be easier to locate tears and rips. But to locate small holes, some strategies need to be implemented.
Check the seams and air intake, too for any holes. Run your hand over your mattress for any air escaping. Keep your ears pressed against the mattress for any sounds of an air leak. Place a tissue or towel on top and press down on it. Move the tissue around the mattress and direct the air to the corner. There is a hole if the tissue blows in an upward direction. You can also try the soapy water method, in which you must apply a mild cleanser to the cloth or sponge to form bubbles. Then pressure is to be applied to one area of your mattress. If bubbles arise, then you have found the hole.
Clean the surface
To make sure that the adhesive and patch stick to the surface, it is necessary to clean it properly. Now moisten the area with a wet cleaning cloth. Remove dirt from the surface with the help of a sponge or soapy cloth. Now rinse and wipe any remaining soap from the mattress. Allow the surface to dry completely before attempting the next step.
Clean and mark the leaky area
Clean the area properly and circle it with the help of a marker so that you will not lose track of it and easily locate it. Ensure that the surface is smooth so that the patch can stick properly. If the surface is rough, you can sand it with the help of fine sandpaper.
Patch the leak
You can patch the leak when the affected area is dry and clean. Here are some ways to patch the leak-
- Use the patch kit that you get with your air mattress. If you have the manufacturer’s patch kit, stick to the instructions for patching the hole.
- Use a different patch kit available online.
- Use a homemade patch created with plastic material. But if you want to do it with household objects, the first step is to deflate the mattress fully. After this, it should be laid flat by keeping the hole prominent. The plastic material should be used to cut out a patch. The patch should cover the hole along with an extra inch of plastic around the hole. Now add a strong adhesive on the edge of the patch and press it till it completely adheres to the mattress. Keep a heavy object on it to ensure the glue dries out in eight hours.
Test seal
Once the patch is applied and given enough time to adhere, it is important to test the seal. It will confirm that the leak has been repaired, and you can use the mattress without deflating it. Inflate the mattress and press towards the patch to listen or feel for escaping air. If the seal appears to be tight, then check whether it deflates upon laying on the mattress. If it does not lose air, then you can be sure that the hole has been fixed. If air is escaping, you can remove it and repeat the above steps to repair it.