• Last updatedLast updated: Nov 22, 2022

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress – Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

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How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)Imagine this; you go to bed on a very comfortable air mattress that feels amazing only to wake in the thick of the night to a “sinking” feeling. Worse still you wake up to find your body flat on the terra firma and surrounded by your squishy air mattress with some small pockets of air.

Annoying, isn’t it? If you own an air mattress and like to sleep on it occasionally, these are situations that you are likely to face.

Are you ready to learn how to deal with sudden deflation of an air mattress?

Or would you instead just stick to sleeping on your memory foam mattress? True, a memory foam mattress would never deflate but what do you do when you have some guests for a sleepover? What about when you are out camping and need something portable and comfortable to sleep on?

See now, and there are many other situations where you will need one, and so the best thing is to learn how to fix a hole in an air mattress.

So let’s get started.

Finding the Leak

You cannot repair a leak if you cannot locate. If you have an air mattress, you should know just how hard this can be. But, it should not be so if you know how to do it.

Start by inflating the mattress and then do one or all of the following things:

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)
  • Listen to Sound of Leaking Air

Keep your ear about 3 inches away from the air mattress and move it gradually across the top and bottom while listening keenly for the sound of escaping air.

When you get the leak, it should sound like a “thin” hissing sound. Do this for all the sides of the mattress or until you find the hole.

  • Use Soapy Water

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

Soapy water is one of the best ways to find a leak because the escaping air will blow through the bubbly layer that it creates and make it easy to locate the hole.

But make sure you do not use a lot of soapy water on the mattress and that you wipe it dry after discovering the leak because it can cause the formation of mildew and mold. We all have hard to deal with mold or mildew at some point, and I can tell you it is not a pleasant experience.

Regardless of the method, you use to locate the hole make sure you circle it with a sharpie or pen to mark it.
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Different Methods for Fixing the Holes

Now that you have located the hole, what next?

Well, it depends on the size and location of the leak. However, there are few methods that you can use to deal with most of the leaks or holes in your mattress. And you know what? All of them are simple and will cost almost nothing.

Method #1: Fixing a Hole with a Patch Kit

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)
  • Step 1: Deflate the Mattress

You can get a patch kit in all outdoor stores, and it will consist of sandpaper, some glue and the patches that you can use to seal bikes, tents and also your air mattress.

But, before you can use it the first step should be to deflate the air mattress to ensure that air does not get under the patch.

 

  • Step 2: Sand Away the FeltHow to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

You do not want to keep repairing the same hole after every few days. And so to prevent this, you should start by sanding away any soft felt around the hole to ensure that the patch will stick correctly. Sandpaper or a wire brush will be very useful at this step.

 

  • Step 3: Clean and Dry the HoleHow to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

Dust or debris will also prevent the part from adhering to mattress correctly. And so you should clean the area around the hole with soapy water and then make sure that you dry it thoroughly.

 

  • Step 4: Cut and Glue the Patch

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

Here comes the most crucial part. And it is cutting and sticking the patch. When doing this, you should make sure that it is it offers at least 2 centimeters of space around the hole to ensure that it covers it well.

Next, apply some glue around the hole and then stick the patch. Follow the manufacturer’s directions because they will come with different instructions for application. Lastly, you should press it down with pressure and then leave it to dry for at least two hours before checking for leaks.

Yes, it is that easy and quick.

How To Find A Leak And Patch An Air Bed Mattress Correctly

Method #2: Using other DIY Methods

So what do you do if you do not have a patch kit? Before you decide to throw the mattress into the closet, you should try one of the following DIY methods.

  • Using Malleable Plastic

A piece of tarp or shower curtain will be handy when trying to seal a leak without a patch kit. The process is just the same as you would do with a patch kit. But you will need some strong glue and make sure that the improvised patch has at least one-centimeter extra space on each side of the hole.

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

  • Use some Duct Tape

Duct tape can also offer a temporary solution when you do not have a patch kit. Once you locate the leak, all you need to do is to clean and dry the area around it before cutting a small piece of duct tape and placing it over the hole.

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

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General Rules for Preventing Holes

  • Always clean the floor or campsite (if using it outdoors) before you inflate and set up your air mattress.

  • Make sure that you empty your pockets of all sharp things before jumping into your air mattress.

How to Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress - Easy & Quick Guide (2022)

  • Keep your air mattress far away from hot things such as candles, heaters and even light bulbs.

  • If you have a tarp or something else hard you should lay it on the ground before setting up your mattress so that it can protect it from sharp objects.

  • If you also have a foam exercise pad, you should place it under your mattress as it will also add some extra insulation and make it more comfortable.

  • Never fold or roll your mattress too tight when storing it because this can cause small tears.

  • Always be gentle when deflating it because any excess pressure can also cause damages.

Conclusion

There you have it, fixing a hole in your air mattress is that easy. Isn’t it?

All you need is to know how to locate the leak and identify the right materials to use when sealing it. And in case you do not have a patch kit, it’s your call to choose what to use from the many other DIY options. Finally also keep the general rules for preventing holes above in mind to ensure your air mattress does not develop them in the first place.

Secret to Patching an Air Mattress Hole

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