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

We haven't tested it, but Gorilla Glue is supposed to work on PVC sheets, the most common air mattress material. It's unlikely to work if your air mattress is made from rubber instead.

Unfortunately, due to shipping regulations, most air mattresses do not come with glue. You will need to purchase your own glue. The instructions that came with the patch may tell you what kind of glue works best for your mattress.

Plastic vinyl (PVC) mattresses are easily repaired using PVC pipe cleaner and cement. Yes, the very same stuff Home Depot, ACE Hardware, and Lowe's sell in the plumbing department. This makes a permanent repair after several hours, since the cement is a solvent fusing the patch to the mattress. The cement also works on PVC seats, toys, and most other similar items. Don't skip using the cleaner first, since it cleans and preps the plastic for best bonding using the cement. To keep the cement from drying out in the container, tighten the lid securely and store with the lid down.

Yes. Spray the hole with the Flex Seal, cut a square out of a thin shirt or cloth, and place on the puddle of Flex Seal. Then, let the cloth soak up Flex Seal, smooth it out with your finger, let dry, and spray again with the Flex Seal.

Unfortunately, turning an air mattress inside out would require creating a hole that would be large enough for you to stick your entire hand inside the mattress. Otherwise, it is not possible to turn an air mattress inside out.

It depends on which part of the valve is leaking, but try placing three or four pieces of plastic wrap over the valve opening and replace the cap. The pieces of plastic wrap should be large enough that they will extend outside the cap on all sides once the cap is replaced. This will work if your leak is caused by a poor seal or a missing gasket (washer). More sheets may be necessary in order to create an effective seal. As long as the cap can be screwed back on completely, this should stop any loss of air from this opening.

It might, but a dedicated plastic adhesive is more likely to work. Most air mattresses are made from PVC, if that helps you narrow down an option at the hardware store.

Maybe. Most air mattresses are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, there are other materials that companies use. If they are both made of the same material, then yes, it should work. If you bought the same style mattress from the same company again, then you should be able to use one to repair the other. f your mattresses are not made from the same material, then I doubt it will work. I've tried it on a dinghy using a PVC patch on a Hypalon dinghy and it did not work.

Depending upon the glue, it's possible that it could work but it's best to patch vinyl with vinyl using glue made especially for vinyl, such as vinyl cement.

No, that's only a short term solution. The gradual strain on that flex seal from long periods of time would cause it to fly off after 2 - 3 days of "vigorous use". I would suggest turning the air mattress inside out, and then plugging the leak. That way, the air pushing out will hold it together. Also, next time you buy an air mattress, turn it inside out and tape the insides completely. This helps it last through scrapes and rough surfaces.