How to Patch an AeroBed
The AeroBed is a deluxe, high quality air mattress that is very sturdy, and equally very portable. Because it has gained a reputation for its comfort, it is often used as the primary mattress in the home. Whether you have your AeroBed for travel only, or as your regular, every night mattress, there may come a time when you need to patch it. This usually happens around the seals, where prolonged use can weaken the AeroBed. If your AeroBed is not holding air as long as it used to, try this easy repair method before buying a new one. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Find the leak. Fill a clean, empty spray bottle with water. Add a few drops of dish washing liquid. Spray your AeroBed, starting at the seams and working toward the center, until you see bubbles start to form. Air flow causes the soap to form bubbles and is the easiest way to indicate the location of the leak. Stick a piece of tape to your leak to mark it and continue to look for others if you suspect more than one leak.
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2
Create a patch. If you have a patch that came with the AeroBed, use it. If you do not, you can purchase one from a pool supply store, or make one by cutting a small corner from a shower curtain liner. Cut whatever you are using as a patch into the shape best suited to your leak. If the leak is on an area that will have contact with your body, such as on the top of the mattress, rounded corners will prevent snagging.
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Seal the hole. It is likely that your AeroBed came with a patch kit that also contained a glue-like sealant. You can use this if you have it. If not, you will need to purchase a sealant. See the Resources section for an excellent sealant that is available in most department and craft stores.
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Dry the area around your leak completely. Liberally apply sealant to the center of your patch and press it to the leak. You want a fair amount of sealant to remain between the leak and the patch, so don't press the patch so hard that you force all the sealant out of the sides.
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Press the edges of the patch, adding more sealant as necessary until the entire patch has adhered to the bed. Gently hold the patch in place for a few moments to allow it to seal and to start to set.
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Let your sealant dry for as long as the manufacturer recommends. Once the sealant is completely dry, you can use small cuticle scissors to trim off any lose edges. Inflate your AeroBed to a comfortable level, and you are ready to go.
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Tips & Warnings
Some sealants do not require the use of a patch, however using one helps form a double bond, and also makes the area smoother for sleeping.
Sleeping on your Aerobed before the sealant is dry can cause air pressure to force your leak back open.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu/photo/753252
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Comments
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We purchased the queen sized high rise Aerobed. We use ours for camping once a year for 2 weeks and whenever we have house guests. Combined, my husband and I weigh 405lbs (most of it is his wieght :-) ), and we've never had a problem with ours until my 3 y.o. punctured the top with a pencil. He was really going at it, so he made a small tear at the top. I think it's a great buy. It's really comfy. However, I don't know how well it would stand up to everyday use. Or prolonged use around children, as they are inclined to jump on it.
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I have the high rise air bed by areo bed and on the 3rd use of it I have found 3 tears on it on top of the bed and so it keeps deflating. I have just purchased the repair kit to see if that helps and emailed areo bed as you think you are paying more money for better quality, but my standard airbed for my son has not had a puncture and we've had that for 3 years...would bever buy one again.
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I have had two brand new areo beds that leaked, one was replaced by the company I bought it from it had a leak around the motor, and this other one I don't know where leak is but I would never buy another areo bed again.
