How to Repair PVC Fabric on an Inflatable Bed

Repairing a leaking air bed on your own is most appropriate for holes or punctures. Leaks caused by tears are prone to widening, and home repair may not be sufficient to stop the spread. For those holes and punctures, fixing the leak is as easy as applying a patch. If you have ever fixed a bicycle tire, this method will look familiar.

Things You'll Need

• PVC, plastic or rubber patch
• Chalk
• Vinyl or rubber glue
• Wash cloth
• Dish soap

Instructions

1. Remove all air from the air bed. Lay the mattress out and flatten the leaking area as best you can. The flatter you get it, the more likely your repair is to "take."

2. Wash off an area 6 inches out around the leak using soap and water. Pat dry, then allow to air dry completely. Dirty PVC doesn't hold the glue, which means that patch won't hold a seal.

3. Cut a patch so that it's at least 2 inches wider than the leak on all sides.

4. Set the patch in position. Roughly outline it with chalk. Remove the patch.

5. Coat the entire area inside the chalk outline with vinyl glue. Immediately place the patch over the glue.

6. Smooth out the patch with long, smooth strokes moving from the center outward. This will remove any air bubbles that can later interfere with the seal.

7. Let the glue dry for 30 minutes to one hour.

8. Apply a thin coat of dish soap around the seam of your patch. If bubbles form, the seal isn't perfect. You'll need to redo this patch or add additional patches wherever the bubbles formed.

Tips & Warnings

• You can buy repair kits at local mattress stores, or order them direct from the manufacturer.

References

• Inflatable-Airbed.com: Patching your airbed