How do you fix an air mattress?

To fix an air mattress, find the hole and patch it up. Use a patch kit or glue designed for fixing holes in air mattresses or vinyl.

Fixing small holes in air mattresses, air beds and self-inflating sleeping pads is usually fairly easy. Air mattress owners can use the following steps to patch holes.

1. Mix some water with some dish soap

In a small bowl or squirt bottle, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of dish soap to some water. Swirl the mixture together so that it does not form suds.

2. Inflate the mattress

Fully inflate the mattress and plug it up.

3. Add the water mixture to the surface of the mattress

Spread or spray the soapy water over the surface of one side of the mattress.

4. Mark holes

Bubbles form in the soapy water in places where air escapes the mattress. Use a pen to circle these holes.

5. Repeat on other side

Repeat the process on the other side of the mattress.

6. Rinse and dry out the mattress

Rinse the soapy water off of the mattress. Let it dry out completely. Deflate it when it is completely dry.

7. Patch the holes

Use a patch kit or urethane glue to patch the holes in the mattress. Follow the instructions that come with the product.

8. Let the glue or patch dry.

Let the glue or patch dry for at least 24 hours.