Q&A for How to Locate a Leak in an Air Mattress

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  • Question
    What if I can't find the leak?
    Community Answer
    Use a thin, light plastic attached to a stick or hanger. Cut the plastic into thin strips away from the stick or hanger (the thinner the better, but not too long or short). Move it across an inflated mattress and the hole will be revealed when a strip blows away from the mattress.
  • Question
    How can I repair the leak around the edge of the air valve?
    Community Answer
    A thick, well-applied layer of duct tape should do the trick.
  • Question
    How do I find a leakage in an electric pump built-in on an air mattress?
    Community Answer
    Fully inflate the mattress. Bundle the cord in a tight, flat package with rubber bands and tape in place over the connection or stow it away in the recession provided. Use lightweight Saran Wrap and typical desk tape to install an airtight patch over the entire area. The plastic wrap bubble will be loose and it will be possible to press out excess air before putting on the last section of tape. Be sure to lightly burnish the tape with a fingernail to close any gaps. Any leak will at least fill out the looseness or slack in the plastic patch.
  • Question
    How do I find a leak in an air mattress without getting it wet?
    Community Answer
    You can find it by listening for the leak while putting pressure on the mattress.
  • Question
    How can I keep my air mattress from sliding?
    Community Answer
    Buy some of the non-slip material for rugs. Place one section of the material lengthwise across the head of the mattress, and another at the foot.
  • Question
    What can I use to repair the tear in my air mattress?
    Community Answer
    You can buy some patches from stores or temporarily seal it with some Scotch tape.
  • Question
    My air mattress inflates with an electrical cord. How do I check for leaks around the valve without damaging the cord?
    Community Answer
    Fully inflate your mattress. Bundle the cord in a tight flat package with rubber bands and tape it in place over the connection (or stow it away in the recession provided). Use lightweight Saran Wrap and typical desk tape to install an airtight patch over the entire area; the plastic wrap bubble will be loose, and it will be possible to press out any excess air before putting on the last section of tape. Be sure to lightly burnish the tape with a fingernail to close any gaps. Any leak will at least fill out the looseness or slack in the plastic patch.
  • Question
    Should I turn off the switch once the mattress is inflated?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you should be sure to turn the switch off. Otherwise, it will over-inflate the mattress and it could cause the mattress to burst.
  • Question
    What do I do if I can't find the hole in my air mattress?
    Community Answer
    Get someone to help you. Find a young person with excellent eyes and ears who might be able to detect the hole more easily. Have one person lie on the mattress, which exerts more pressure on the hole, while other person or persons look around the mattress very closely.
  • Question
    Any other suggestions for finding a leak in an air mattress?
    Mike O'Donnell
    Community Answer
    If you have a pool, you can inflate the mattress, put it in the pool and look for bubbles. If you have no pool, fill a spray bottle, add a few drops of dish soap and spray an area of the mattress about a foot square. Look for bubbles. If none appear, wipe off the soap solution and try another area. Seams and valves are the most common areas for leaks.
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