How do you repair an air mattress without the patches?

Locate and repair an air mattress leak without the patches from the kit by using patch adhesive or tent seam-seal material and a patch cut from lightweight plastic or synthetic material. Make the repair early in the day to provide several hours of drying time.

1. Locate the leak

   Pour water over the mattress in the area where you hear the leak. Look for bubbles to indicate where it is occurring. Dry the mattress, and mark the leak using a permanent marker so it is easy to locate later. Remove the air from the mattress.

2. Find suitable material for a patch

   Use heavy-grade plastic, such as a piece from a plastic shower curtain or synthetic material such as a pocket from the inside of the tent to cut a patch. Cut to an appropriate size.

3. Prepare the surface

   Ensure the air mattress is clean and dry. If the leak is on the flocked side of the mattress, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove the flocking in the area of the leak.

4. Apply the adhesive

   Apply the adhesive to the patch, and press it onto the air mattress. Ensure there are no wrinkles in either the patch or mattress.

5. Allow to dry

   After six to eight hours of drying time, inflate the mattress, and check for leaks around the patch.