An air mattress bed is very useful when you have friends or relatives staying overnight, or when you are camping. While air beds are quite convenient and comfortable, there is a problem arising when it comes to how to inflate them. In this article, we will talk about how to inflate an air mattress bed. We will refer to different methods to blow up an airbed.

Inflating your air mattress is possible through car battery 12V air pumps, electric air pump with USB, rechargeable battery powered air pump or home power adapter air pump. If you do not have the electric pump, you can also use a manual pump, like hand pump, foot pump and bike pump. If you do not have any pump, there are other alternative ways to inflate an air mattress, like vacuum cleaner, leaf blower, hair dryer, garbage bag and your breath.   

How to inflate an air mattress with an electric pump?

Step 1: Choose A Suitable Electric Air Pump

First, inflating your air mattress with car battery 12V electric air pumps.

12V DC air pump that is designed to be used with your car cigarette lighter. Vachan sports has an air pump that can be used to plug into a wall outlet or your car cigarette lighter. If you are looking for a versatile pump that can work with many different conditions, you can check with our electric air pump collection. 

Second, inflating an air mattress with an AC electric air pump with a DC inverter.

If you already have an air pump connecting to AC power, then you may think about a power inverter. DC power inverters are made to connect to a car’s 12v socket and provide AC power.The AC power air pump can also be plugged to home wall outlet.    

Third, inflating an air mattress with a battery powered air pump

This is an easy way to inflate an air mattress. Bttery-operated pumps can be charged by plugging into the wall outlet, or can even be recharged by your running car. If you are going camping for longer time, then you cannot count on this without recharging.  

Fourth, inflating your airbed with an electric air pump with USB plug

In this case, you can charge your air pump with a power bank. These power banks allow you to inflate the mattress inside the tent without an extension cord.  

After you choose the right electric air pump, it is time to inflate your air mattress.  

Step 2: Open The Mattress Valve

The only way you can inflate your blow-up bed is by pumping the air through its valve, which every mattress has. So, firstly, you have to locate that valve and open it. The opening and closing instructions are usually mentioned on the valve itself. 

Most latest airbeds come with a one-way valve ( which allows air to easily enter the mattress without any hassle of leaking), or simple hole on the side of the mattress. 

Step 3: Insert the pump nozzle into the airbed valves

After you open the valve, then insert the pump’s nozzle into the air valve while creating a secure and tight seal to trap the air inside. 

Attention, before doing that, you have to check the size of your airbed valve and then insert the right size of nozzle in it. 

Step 4: Plug the power cord into an electric source

Different electric air pump has different electricity source as we have talked about in the first step. Please use them according to their own characteristics.

Step 5: Turn On The Power 

At last, you are all set to complete the inflation process. Now, just turn the power button on. Wait for about 3-5 minutes and let it completely inflate your airbed. 

Once you feel that the air mattress is firm enough to hold your weight, turn off your pump, take the nozzle out of your mattress, and close the valve.

Now, your bed is completely ready.

What if you do not have the electric air pump, then you can still use the manual pumps to inflate your air mattress, like foot pump, hand pump and floor bike pump. 

How to Inflate an Air Mattress with A Manual Pump 

First, Inflating an Air Mattress with a Foot Pump 

A foot pump is a manual pump that has a foot pedal attached to a hose and nozzle. This type of paddle is practical because it does not need electricity to work, but it is a little tiring, because you need to press down on the pump pedal over and over again to force the air into the mattress until it reaches your desired pressure.  

Foot pums are also very convenient for camping because you can inflate your air mattress inside your tent instead outside.

To inflate an air mattress with a foot pump. First, you need open the valve cover on the mattress. Then insert the pump nozzle into the opening valve. Third, begin to press down on the pedal to pump. Finally, close the valve and screw the protective cap when the air mattress is fully inflated. 

Second, Inflating an Air Mattress with a Hand Pump

The hand pump is very small and can produce a small air output, so it is better to use it for your pool float or twin-sized airbeds. You just need to connect the pump to the opening valve of your air mattress. To use a hand pump you simply hold it in place with one hand and then vigorously push and pull the pump with another hand depending on the hand pump design.

The larger your airbed is, the more strength it will consume you. Hand pumps are great and portable, but we would not suggest you pump a double high queen air mattress with them. But it can be a good alternative method if you do not have an electric air pump.

Third, Inflating an Air Mattress with a Bike Floor Pump

Bike floor pump is very common. If you have a bike at home, you may have one pump. Bike pump is a little large, but they can produce more air output, compared to hand or foot pump. So you can use it to inflate the large airbed. Just connect the pump to the opening valve of the air mattress, then simply hold it in place with two feet and then push and pull the pump with two hands.       

How to inflate your inflate mattress without pump

We have talked about how to inflate an air mattress with electric air pumps or manual pumps. What if you do not have any pump at hand? Do not worry! I have prepared for a few tips on how to blow up an air mattress without a pump. You can inflate it with the help of common household items, which can blow air. You can use a vacuum, a hair dryer, garbage bag, leaf blower, a garbage bag or your breath. 

First, use a Vacuum in Reverse   

A vacuum is one nontraditional method to inflate your airbed. If you vacuum model has a hose attachment and an exhaust feature, you are all prepared.

Make sure that your vacuum is clean. Remove the bag. Run the vacuum for 15 seconds to ensure that there is no debris left inside it.

Lay down your airbed flat on the floor. It will ensure fast and quick inflation.

Attach the vacuum hose to the opening valve. You might need a duct tape or something similar to secure the nozzle to the valve and create a tight seal.

Turn the exhaust mode on and inflate your mattress. The airbed should inflate very quickly with very little effort. Do not turn off the vacuum until your air mattress is fully inflated. It is a great method of pumping up a guest room air mattress without a pump.

Second, Use a Hair Dryer on Low Heat

A hairdryer is an alternative way to blow up your air mattress without a pump. You should seal the outlet nozzle of the hairdryer to the opening valve on the airbed. You can wrap duct tape around the hair dryer and the valve in order to create a tight seal. Then switch the dryer on at low heat. If you blow up with hot air, the plastic and vinyl in your air mattress will be damaged or deformed. Keep the hairdryer on until the mattress is fully inflated.       

Third, Use a Leaf/Snow blower  

If this item can blow the air, then it can be used for inflating your air mattress.

So,if you have a leaf blower or snow blower, you can use it as a replacement for the pump. But you need to tighten the seal between the blower and your mattress opening valve. This is similar with the vacuum and hair dryer. Do remember blow the air into the mattress, starting with the lowest setting.

Fourth, Use a Garbage Bag 

Here is a problem: the vacuum, hairdryer, and leaf blower all require a power source to work. What if you do not have access to any power source. You can inflate your air mattress with a heavy duty garbage bag. First, trap the air inside of the plastic bag, then close the top with your hand. Second, loosen your hand slowly and slightly to create a small opening in the bag. Third, slide the bag’s opening to connect to the air mattress valve. Fourth, lay down on the plastic bag to push all the air out and into the air mattress. Fifth, repeat until the air mattress is fully inflated. 

Fifth, Inflate it with Your Breath   

If you can't find any of the objects above to help you inflate your mattress, take a deep breath and breathe the air from your lungs into the airbed. Repeat until the mattress is full and firm — using your mouth, this is time-consuming and tiresome method. Be careful to take breaks to prevent hyperventilation. 

A conclusion on how to blow up an airbed or air mattress

Fundamentally, the way how to blow up an airbed or air mattress is to simply blow air into the inlet of the airbed. Each of the methods explained above works, some taking longer than others. 

Nothing is as good as an electric air pump. It would likely pay to spend a few dollars on it. But you can keep it in the trunk so you can always have it in hand just in case. That is the best way to inflate an air mattress without an internal pump.

Community Q&A

How do I know if I have too much air in my air mattress?

The best way to tell is just by feeling and looking at the mattress. If the mattress is rock solid, then you have too much air, as adding any more weight will cause it to pop. Also, look to see bulging or stress marks to see if the plastic is stretching. Remember, once you lie down on the mattress, it will feel a little firmer as you displace the air.

How do I know when the air mattress is full?

The mattress is full when it's as firm or soft as you want. To prevent overfilling, most pumps will make a higher-pitched, louder noise when the mattress is full.

Our air mattress keeps losing air, though we've only had it for a week. We keep refilling it, and we do lock the valve. What's wrong?

All air mattresses lose air naturally, but if it's going flat in less than a day you probably have a leak and need to patch it.

How do I make my air mattress not make noise?

You can put a tight fabric cover around it. The cover actually helps with a lot of other important issues but does minimize the plastic "creaking" noise.

Can I use an air compressor to inflate the air mattress?

No. An air mattress is not designed to handle such immense pressure that an air compressor generates. This can damage the seams of the mattress.

Does my car have to be on when I use an air pump to fill my air mattress?

You might not think that you would need to leave your car running while using an electric pump to fill your air mattresses. However, it is highly recommended to leave your vehicle running for the duration you use the electric pump. This puts less stress on your car battery than using the electric pump with the car turned off.

How can I deflate my air mattress?

If you are not using a pump, you are probably wondering what the best way to deflate your air mattress is. If you have access to a power source, you can use a vacuum cleaner to deflate your air mattress. You need to open the plug to let the air out, then put the vacuum up to the plug and begin suctioning the air out.