Air mattress sprung a leak? Don't pitch it, fix it! It's easier than you think.
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Time 30 minutes
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$10-$20
Introduction
Air mattresses come in handy for camping, van living and impromptu sleepovers. But because they get inflated and deflated over and over, they tend to spring a leak when you least expect it.
If that happens to you (probably in the middle of the night!), don't throw the leaky air mattress away. We'll show you how to fix a hole in an air mattress in just a few steps.
Note: I tried multiple methods, including Super Glue, rubber cement and DIY patches, but a vinyl patch kit specifically for air mattresses worked the best, by far.
If you happen to be out camping and duct tape is all you have, that will work as a temporary fix. But patch kits like Tear-Aid are inexpensive and easy to stash in your van or camper, so make these your go-to.
Tools Required
- Marker
- Scissors
- Spray Bottle
Materials Required
- Dish soap
- Duct tape (optional)
- Patch repair kit like Tear-Aid
Watch How To Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress
Project step-by-step (5)
Step 1
Find the hole
- Inflate the mattress. If you don’t know where the hole is, flip it over and start with the side that rests on the ground.
- Push down and listen for a hissing sound.
- Run your hand along the mattress and feel for air.
- If/when you find the hole, circle it with a Sharpie or magic marker. Still don’t know where it is? Go on to the next step.
Step 2
Spray with soapy water
- If you can’t find the hole with your hands, ears or eyes, fill the spray bottle with dish soap and water.
- Spray the mattress with soapy water and push down repeatedly. Start in a corner and move methodically.
- Watch for soapy bubbles to emerge from the hole due to escaping air.
- Dry the mattress and circle the hole per instructions above.
Step 3
Apply duct tape (optional)
- Dry the area around the hole thoroughly.
- Deflate the mattress. Rest it flat on the ground and find the hole you marked.
- Put duct tape over the hole and press firmly. The tape should overhang the hole by at least one inch on all sides.
- Place a heavy object on the tape for a few hours to get a good seal.
- Fill the mattress with air. (Note: This is only a temporary fix.)
Step 4
Prepare to patch
- Deflate the mattress.
- Remove the temporary duct tape patch, if you used one.
- Open the patch kit and find a patch that will overhang your hole by one inch on all sides. Trim if necessary.
- Round edges of the patch with scissors so there are no sharp corners.
- Clean the air mattress surface around hole with the provided alcohol pad to remove dirt and tape residue. Follow instructions in patch kit.
Step 5
Patch the hole
- Inflate the mattress. Confirm the area is clean, and use another alcohol pad if necessary.
- Pull off only a leading edge of the patch backing, not the whole thing (you’ll see why in a sec).
- Carefully position the leading edge on one side of the hole, ensuring the hole will be centered under the patch.
- Firmly press the patch to the mattress as you apply the leading edge.
- Remove the backing little by little as you cover the hole, pressing down and rubbing vigorously to avoid air bubbles.
- You’re done! Enjoy a good night’s sleep on your repaired air mattress.
