How to Fix an Air Mattress

Fixing an air mattress is as easy as fixing an inner tube, the hardest part being finding the leak.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Find the Leak

1. Often, the hardest part of the repair process is finding the leak. If it is not obvious, inflate the mattress and put water in a turkey baster. Pour water out of the baster on the mattress. Start along the seams, the most typical place to find a leak. Most air mattresses have channels or depressions, which is typically where a leak will be found. The water will bubble where the hole is, indicating where you need to repair.

2. Once the hole is located, dry off the area. The turkey baster can also be used to remove water. Mark it with a pen so you can find it.

3. Cut a patch and place rubber cement on it and the mattress where the hole is. Most people like to do this step with a deflated mattress, but it doesn't really matter. Press the patch onto the hole and let it dry.

4. Many people claim success with rubber cement and duct tape instead of the vinyl or PVC patch. Apply rubber cement to the mattress surface and the duct tape, and press the duct tape on the hole.

Tips & Warnings

• If your air mattress continues to leak it may have had more than one hole. Examine the mattress again for further damage.
• The cement you use to patch the air mattress might emit fumes. Make sure you work on your project in a well-ventilated area.