How to seal a hole in an air mattress: heat, iron, turn inside out and other home repair tricks

How to find a hole in an air mattress

If the tear in the mattress wall is large, then you will only need to do the sizing, since the hole will be immediately detected. But there are times when the mattress slowly deflates and no damage is visible. In such a situation, use one of the methods below.

Aurally

Inflate the mattress well and slowly explore each area, applying it closer to your ear. This must be done in silence so that you can hear a quiet hiss. Listening for air loss is also important in the case of a hole larger than 5 mm. If there is a microcrack in the mattress, then this method will be ineffective.

Immersion in water

For convenience, you will need a large container of water to place the mattress in, but you can also use a regular basin. Pump it up to maximum and place it in liquid. Air bubbles will emerge from the damaged area. This check is relevant directly at the place of swimming: in the sea or lake.

If you use a bathtub or basin, the mattress needs to be inflated halfway so that you can bend it. Take a small area, immerse it in water and squeeze to see the release of air using pressure. This method is less effective because it can take a long time to find the hole. If damage cannot be detected, carefully examine the inflatable valve, as it is one of the main reasons for deflation.

Soapy solution

Take a container and pour water into it. Then add soap, preferably liquid, and stir. You should get a saturated mass that will foam well. Inflate the mattress as much as possible and place it in a well-lit place. Dip a sponge in the solution and treat the surface, wiping it in small areas. Bubbles will begin to inflate in the damaged area. Once the desired location is found, it is advisable to use a marker and mark it.

Shaving foam

Shaving foam is used in the same way as a soap solution - inflate the mattress and process. Bubbles will appear on the damaged area. Foam is also used to check the tightness of valves, since it is thick and is well applied to hard-to-reach places.

Starch

Using starch is not the most popular method, since it can clog the entire room. To find the hole, inflate the mattress as much as possible and sprinkle it with starch. A dust cloud forms in the damaged area. The main thing is not to miss the moment, otherwise you will have to pour the substance again. Alternatively, use flour, caster sugar or baby powder.

The advantage of this method is that after finding a hole, you can immediately start sealing it, unlike the water method, when you first have to dry the mattress.

Cling film

Inflate the mattress and moisten it with water. Then take cling film or technical film and apply it tightly to it. Air will appear from the hole and the film will begin to peel off.

Other methods

If for some reason the above methods are impossible or inconvenient to determine the location of the damage, use less popular actions:

• pump in the smoke of a cigarette or vape along with the air;
• install a sound decibel detection program on your phone and look for the damaged area in a quiet environment;
• inflate the mattress and use a vape to blow steam onto it;
• pump in the perfume or fragrance along with the air, go into another room and look for the hole by smell.

If you find damage, this does not mean that there is only one. Carefully examine the mattress using any of the suggested methods to find and eliminate any holes.

Glue selection

You can securely seal a hole in an air mattress only with the right glue. The best options are rubber, universal adhesives and special ones for PVC. Their main quality is the creation of a waterproof and elastic seam that will not be damaged when the mattress is immersed in water and during multiple inflations/deflations.

Universal moment

You can glue any surfaces (rubber, plastic, fabric and PVC). Before gluing, the working surface of the mattress and the patch are degreased, lubricated with a universal compound and pressed for 15 minutes. The mattress can be used after 24 hours.

Polyurethane Shoe Adhesive

Contains polyurethane resins. It is used for gluing rubber, leather, PVC and TPE bases in the footwear industry. Also used to repair air mattresses. Shoe glue creates a strong seam between the parts that does not deteriorate over the years.

One of the well-known representatives of polyurethane compounds is Desmokol.

It is applied in two approaches. Lubricate the grease-free surface of the mattress and patch after 10 minutes. the second layer is applied. After half an hour, the surfaces are blown with a hair dryer, and only then the patch is pressed tightly to the surface. The adhesive joint will acquire its final strength after 48 hours.

PVC glue

The mattress can be sealed with a mixture that was originally developed for PVC boats, awnings, toys, swimming pools, and other surfaces made of polyvinyl chloride. The composition is resistant to water and frost. Contains active reagents and polyvinyl chloride, available in several colors. PVC glue will seal cuts up to 30 mm long without patching. The mattress can be used after 24 hours; the adhesive seam will reach its final strength in at least a week.

Kleyberg

Super Moment 1

It is not recommended to use it for mattresses, since after hardening it forms a hard, inelastic seam, which collapses when inflated.

Can be used for gluing rigid, stable substrates or large areas. Some types contain aggressive components that damage the surface.

Natural rubber rubber adhesive

To repair a rubber mattress, glue made from natural or artificial rubber is used. The glue is applied to both surfaces to be glued and dries for 15 minutes, then they are pressed tightly against each other and placed under the load. Within a day, a strong and reliable adhesive seam will be formed.

One of the representatives of adhesives is “Uran”, based on solvent and synthetic rubber.

Repair kit Intex 59632

The Intex company produces air mattresses and also offers repair kits with Intex glue.

The kit includes a transparent patch measuring 18x6.5 cm, a tube of Vinyl Cement glue weighing 5.7 g and instructions for use.

Since the patch is not painted, it can be used to seal a puncture without ruining the appearance. The repair kit is also used to repair inflatable beds, pillows, sofas, children's play centers, boats, etc.

Other manufacturers do not supplement the package with repair kits, but they can easily be purchased for a fee at any tourism or fishing store.

Liquid patch

Liquid patch should be used to seal punctures with a diameter of no more than 3 cm. More serious damage is first sewn up with regular thread, and glue is applied on top. After application you need to wait 10 minutes. and process again. Operation is possible after a day.

How to prepare the mattress surface for patching

The surface may consist of velor or smooth material, so processing and gluing methods will differ.

Velor

You need to clean the damaged area immediately. To do this, take acetone and apply it to the surface with a grip radius of 2–3 cm. Then wait a few minutes and clean the mattress from lint using a knife or spoon. Cut the rubber patch 1 cm larger than the cut and apply a thin layer of glue.

Smooth

Using alcohol, treat the surface and let it dry. Then we cut out the patch and apply a thin layer of adhesive. For high-quality bonding, you need to hold the parts to be glued firmly for 3-4 minutes.

Surface preparation

After finding the puncture site on the mattress, you must make a mark with a marker, pencil, or chalk. The product is cleaned of any contaminants and dried, especially the area to be glued. You cannot dry the mattress on a radiator or near other heat sources; it must dry naturally.

Also during the preparatory activities you need to do the following:

• clean the patch and puncture area with sandpaper with the finest grain (this will help the products stick together more securely);
• wipe both surfaces with acetone or another solvent to degrease them;
• Remove the fluffy covering from the velor side - thoroughly moisten it with acetone, alcohol, and after the solution has dried, remove the fluff with the blunt side of a knife or other object suitable for this purpose.

Required tools and materials

You will need a patch, adhesive and acetone or alcohol solution. For additional materials, prepare fine-grained sandpaper, a marker and a weight. The patch can be cut from any rubber object. This could be a children's toy or a bicycle inner tube, the main thing is that the material is thin and flexible. Also, for gluing you will need an appropriate type of glue, since, for example, the “Superglue” brand will ruin the surface of the mattress and aggravate the situation.

Some models are sold together with a ready-made repair kit. It includes patches, glue and cleaning agent.

Required Tools

If the Intex mattress is damaged, the kit includes a repair kit, including instruction manual, vinyl and special glue. With a set you can fill 2-3 holes, and the remaining glue is stored for about two years and can be used in the future.

If the repair kit has run out or the mattress is of a different brand, you will need:

• adhesive;
• brush for uniform application of glue;
• material for the patch (thin rubber, old tire, swimming cap, rubber toy, etc.);
• scissors for cutting patches;
• fine-grained sandpaper;
• weight for pressing the patch.

How to seal an air mattress

Air mattresses consist mainly of rubber and PVC, so you should choose the type of glue, rubber or universal. It dries more slowly, but firmly glues the parts together.

"Universal Moment"

The glue is suitable for joining any parts, including rubber patches. It sets quickly, but complete drying occurs within a day. Using a brush, apply a thin layer of all-purpose adhesive to the mattress surface and patch, and press firmly for 3-4 minutes. Then apply a weight and leave to harden for 24 hours.

Polyurethane Shoe Adhesive

The product is widely used for gluing leather, rubber and PVC. In the process of joining the parts, a layer is created that will firmly hold the structure together for many years.

PVC glue

On the market you can see a product called “Liquid Patch”. It is designed for gluing specifically rubber parts, such as an air mattress, boat or awning. The glue sets slowly, so apply a weight. You will be able to use the mattress after 2-3 days, but complete drying will take at least a week.

"Super Moment 1"

Although glue is on the list of materials suitable for gluing a mattress, it is not recommended to use it because it becomes too hard. Without elasticity, its base will crack with each pumping, causing air to leak.

Rubber glue

The product is intended for gluing rubber, so there is no doubt about its strength. Apply a thin layer of glue to the patch and mattress, press firmly and after a couple of minutes, apply a weight. After 24 hours the connection will be firmly glued.

Repair kit

The ready-made repair kit is sold together with the mattress, but it can also be purchased separately. Branded products consist of clear patches, glue, brush, marker and cleanser. The transparency of the patch allows you to hide any traces of repair, while it is elastic and firmly connected for many years.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with tape?

The option with a velor coating is immediately eliminated, since the tape simply will not stick. The tape will stick to a classic mattress, but will not hold back the air. Also, when interacting with water, the tape will instantly come off.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with liquid nails?

Using liquid nails will help temporarily close the hole, but it may ruin the appearance of the mattress. Also, after hardening, the gluing area will not be airtight, which will lead to rapid tearing.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with Cosmofen?

If you connect rubber parts with this substance, the tightness will remain for no more than a week. This method should only be used as a last resort as a temporary solution to the problem. Once the hole opens again, it will be quite difficult to glue it back together.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with epoxy resin?

The substance is only suitable for joining plastic parts, since when gluing with rubber, oxidation will occur and the patch will come off. Epoxy resin hardens when it dries, so it will crack and crumble when bent.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with nail polish?

Varnish is suitable only as a temporary solution to the problem, and only in a situation with a microcrack. The substance will temporarily close the small hole, but after a few hours, air under pressure will break out.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with electrical tape?

The stickiness of electrical tape is lower than that of adhesive tape. Therefore, the idea that a damaged part of an air mattress can be glued together with electrical tape is considered absurd.

Is it possible to seal an air mattress with sealant?

Of all the extraordinary options, sealant is considered the most practical. It is commonly used for bonding wood and plastic joints, but will also adhere strongly to rubber. There are many types of sealants, but for an air mattress you need to purchase only moisture-resistant ones. It is not suitable for gluing large seams, as it will take on a hard shape when it dries.

How to seal a velor surface at home

If damage occurs on the side of the velor surface, you will have to clean the area using a cotton pad soaked in acetone, as well as the blunt side of a knife.
But when performing such manipulations, you should be careful, otherwise you can create additional holes. Then the surfaces to be joined are cleaned with sandpaper and treated with a degreasing compound. In order not to spoil the appearance of the mattress, it is better to glue it from the inside, because it is, in most cases, smooth.

Preparing the patch

The size of the patch should be larger than the hole, so cut it with a margin. The ideal option would be material from the same air mattress, but you can also use a regular piece of rubber. In terms of flexibility and strength, a bicycle inner tube is best suited.

Round or rectangular: which is better?

You should not cut out a rectangular patch, as in the future its corners will cling and lead to tearing. Try not to leave any extra parts and cut out a round or oval shape.

What material to make the patch from?

The best option would be identical material or a special repair kit with transparent patches and glue, but it is equally effective to use a bicycle inner tube, a children's toy with flexible rubber, or a swimming cap. These materials are distinguished by good strength and fastening.

Gluing the patch

Before gluing an air mattress using a repair kit or using improvised means, it is important to carefully read the instructions for the glue and read all the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The standard sequence of work when gluing a patch is as follows:

• Apply glue to both surfaces, being very careful so that the product does not get inside the mattress;
• Wait for the period of time recommended by the glue manufacturer - from 2 to 15 minutes;
• Carefully align the parts and press them tightly together for 10-20 seconds for reliable adhesion.

Depending on what kind of glue the mattress was sealed with, the junction of the parts must be additionally placed under a press for a period of 3-4 hours to a day (the need for this is indicated in the instructions).

Mattress sealing technology

The essence of the process is to apply glue to the mattress and patch, and connect the two materials. The technology will differ depending on the type of adhesive and material. Before use, it is recommended to read the instructions and study all the nuances, especially the time for complete drying.

Repairing large holes and cuts

You won’t be able to repair large damage on your own, so it’s better to take the mattress to a specialist. Using equipment, they will create seams and seal the hole.

How to seal a hole on the velor side?

In order for the glue to adhere well to the velor fabric, it must be thoroughly cleaned of lint. There are several options used in everyday life:

1. Acetone. The product is applied to the area of ​​future gluing and dries. Then use a knife or similar object to remove all the fluff. The cleaner the surface, the stronger and denser the glue will be.
2. Sandpaper. Choose paper with a fine coating and sand carefully so as not to damage the material under the pile.

It is more important to use nail polish remover, since if you use sandpaper without calculating the force, you will most likely cause damage to the wall of the mattress.

How to seal a hole in the seam of an air mattress

If the tear occurs along the seam, the gluing process becomes much more complicated. You need to glue the seam from the outside using thin and flexible rubber so that it can take any shape. The best option would be to connect from the inside of the mattress, but this requires that the damage be close to the valve.

You can try to glue a small hole without patches. Apply a layer of adhesive to the seam and leave it under a load or press for several days. Then inflate the mattress and evaluate the result. If air is still leaking, then repeat the procedure.

How to seal an air mattress with liquid patch

We degrease the damaged area, shake the glue in the tube and apply it to the hole. If the hole is larger than 3 mm, then it must first be sewn up, and only then sealed. The liquid patch sets quickly, so after 24 hours the mattress can be used, but complete drying takes at least 7 days.

How to glue an air mattress with hot glue

Hot glue is a rod that is inserted into a special gun for heating. To seal a small damage, load the gun, point the rod at the sealing area and pull the trigger. As soon as the product begins to melt, apply it in thin layers to the surface of the mattress. To be more sure, repeat the procedure more than 5 times.

Hot glue is used primarily for art and crafts because it does not have the strongest bond. If you are using it to repair a mattress, then keep in mind that this is a temporary fix.

What to do if the valve is leaking

First try to clear it of any blockages. Blow and brush the membranes and check for leaks in water. If bubbles continue to appear, then you need to disassemble the structure. Pull it out by pressing on the ears on the sides and carefully inspect for external damage. In most cases, cracks form at the junction with the pump hose. The problem cannot be fixed with glue, so you will have to buy a new valve.

Also check the membranes for microcracks and tears. If the cause of the breakdown lies in them, then replace them with new ones. You can buy membranes or make them yourself by selecting the appropriate material. To ensure identical sizes, use the old gasket.

Methods without a patch

It is possible to repair an air mattress without a patch using heat or special adhesives that do not require material to cover the puncture. It is proposed to use three effective methods.

1. "Liquid patch." A special product helps cope with punctures and damage up to 3 cm in diameter. The product has a fairly wide range of colors, which allows you to choose the shade to match your mattress. Apply the patch in liquid form to a smooth, degreased and cleaned surface in an even layer. You should cover an area wider than the puncture site by a couple of centimeters on all sides. After drying (ten minutes), apply a second layer and leave for a day.
2. Warming up with high temperature. The method is well suited for fastening seams. Also pull out the break point through the valve hole, clean and degrease. Having aligned the torn edges, place it on a flat surface and cover with newspaper sheets. Gently run the iron preheated to medium temperature several times. Cool the structure, remove the newspaper and turn the mattress inside out.
3. Valve repair. Often the problem lies in the valve. It can be repaired without glue, using abrasive and silicone grease. First, unscrew and clean the valve. Disconnect the rubber gasket and go over the end of the valve with sandpaper. Lubricate with silicone grease, insert the gasket and screw the structure back. Be sure to inflate the product to check the operation of the valve. If air is still passing through, contact support.

Most often, punctures occur in nature, therefore, in order not to heat the edges of the cut over an open fire, risking the integrity of the product, it is recommended to stock up on a repair kit. A tube of glue and pieces of PVC will not take up much space in your backpack. It is also recommended to sew a special cover from durable fabric for the mattress in the inflated state.

Methods that describe in detail how to seal a hole in an air mattress will help restore the integrity of the PVC product. In order not to have to resort to them often, you should follow the recommendations for the care and storage of your sleeping place. It is better not to try to fix large punctures (3-5 cm in diameter) on your own, but to contact a specialist. They can help you at a service center or shoe workshop.

Video on the topic

How to seal an inflatable anti-decubitus mattress

The design of the mattress is not standard, but repairs are carried out using conventional methods. Since it consists of cells, it will be more difficult to seal the damage. The best solution would be “Universal Moment”, rubber or polyurethane glue.

If the hole is very small, then the patch may not be used. Apply several coats of product to the hole and let it set. Larger cracks will require a patch. It is best to use a special mattress sizing kit, but you can cut the patch yourself, as long as it is made of thin and elastic rubber.

Sealing the surface

The thickness of the glue layer depends on its type, so you need to follow the instructions from applying a thicker layer, and “Desmokol” as thinly as possible. After application, you should wait a while for the adhesive to dry a little.

Apply the patch to the damage and press firmly for 2 minutes. Try to press the entire part at once, preventing it from moving. The mattress can be used after the glue has hardened; the specific time is always indicated in the instructions.

How to fix a hole in an air mattress outdoors

To prevent such questions from arising, it is recommended to purchase a special sealing kit in advance or make blanks from cut-out patches. If during rest the mattress begins to deflate, then lower it completely into the water and look for air leaks. Then everything will depend on the size of the gust. A microcrack can be temporarily closed with any durable glue, except PVA, or nail polish. However, this is a temporary solution, so when you return from vacation, use reliable methods.

If the hole is large, then it will be impossible to fix it with improvised means, since it needs to be sewn up and glued with a special means.

How to seal seams that have come apart

A patch placed outside at the junction of seams is unreliable and the seal may be broken during use of the item. To avoid this, you need to seal the seam from the inside.

To do this, the valve mechanism is disassembled and the place where the seam has separated is pulled out. Next, the tissue sections are degreased and glued together. For seams, it is recommended to use Intex glue for PVC.

An additional advantage of internal gluing is that the patch is pressed down with air as it is inflated. This increases the strength of the connection.

Features of repair depending on the brand

Each company is trying to beat its competitors by producing unique mattresses with a special coating, additional functions and components. Some brands became famous thanks to mattresses for sleeping, and some for the treatment of joints. Although the design is similar, each publisher's recovery process may differ.

How to properly seal a Bestway air mattress

The mattresses from this company have a complex valve design built into them that blocks the air from escaping even if the valve is opened. At first glance, it is difficult to restore sealing in this area, but in reality this is not the case. The design is collapsible, so you can pull it out and determine the problem.

The Bestway company makes air mattresses mainly from a velor covering, so cuts can be eliminated with special tools included in the kit or prepared independently.

How to properly seal an Intex air mattress

Inflatable mattresses for swimming are considered one of the most common. The upper part is made of velor, and the walls and bottom are made of PVC. Along with the bathing product there is always a repair kit consisting of transparent pads, a brush, a cleaner and an adhesive. You can always repair any damage and still leave it in a marketable appearance. Alternatively, you can use all-purpose or rubber cement.

How to properly seal an Outventure air mattress

Externally, the mattress is similar to Intex, but more durable, and accordingly the walls are thicker. A repair kit does not come with the product, but you can seal it yourself. It is recommended to use identical material as a patch. It will not only adhere well, but will also hide traces of repairs. If this is not possible, then buy the appropriate glue and cut out a patch from flexible rubber. Pre-clean the velor coating in the damaged area.

How to seal a Pavillo air mattress

The peculiarity of the mattresses is a double layer of PVC, which feels like fabric. The kit includes a patch, but you need to purchase glue yourself. A thick coating makes it less flexible, so you can use a patch made of coarser rubber, having first cleaned and degreased the surface.

The internal partition in the air bed burst

There is another “ambush” that can await the owner of an air bed. This is a burst internal partition.

One day in the middle of the night I suddenly woke up from a strange and rather loud sound. First thought: the cat is tearing at the inflatable bed with its claws. Is very similar. However, when I turned on the light, I realized that the animal had nothing to do with it. It’s just that the outermost internal partition of the bed burst.

The result was a slight elevation on one side. It didn't cause much inconvenience. Quite the contrary - now there was no fear of falling out of bed while sleeping.

About a month later, another one burst - the next one from the same edge. The air bed turned from a double bed into some kind of fancy single sofa:

What to do in such cases? I’m afraid to upset you, but the answer will be the decadent word “nothing.” Of course, you can do as true optimists do: carefully cut the outer shell, carefully seal the inner bulkhead, and then just as carefully seal the outer cut. But at home, only a very determined person can dare to undertake such experiments.

Therefore, we can only watch with sadness as the partitions fail one after another. When the last of them orders to live a long time, the inflatable bed will turn into some strange object, reminiscent of a huge hamburger in shape. I think I have all the prerequisites to follow this process to the end and show you all the stages.

Tips for using and storing an air mattress

In order for the air mattress to last for a long time, it is recommended to comply with the following conditions:

• when spreading out for inflation, make sure that there are no shells, stones or branches under the mattress;
• do not pump air beyond the norm, otherwise it may burst under your weight;
• do not allow animals to approach the product, as it will quickly be pierced by sharp claws;
• do not pump the air to the limit under the sun, as the rays cause the oxygen to expand;
• after bathing, be sure to dry it so that all the seams are dry, otherwise they will lose strength;
• When cleaning, do not use chemicals, as they corrode the material.

The mattress should only be stored in a deflated state. Open the valve and let the air come out on its own, do not speed up the process by pressing. Wide mattresses are usually folded in half and then rolled into rolls. Start on the far side of the flap so that any remaining air escapes as you fold.

Ideal storage conditions are room temperature. Avoid hypothermia or overheating. When cold, plastic cracks easily, and, for example, next to a battery it can stretch and change shape.

Other mattress repair methods

Anyone can find themselves in conditions where a mattress is deflating and needs to be used urgently, but there is no repair kit, no suitable glue, no patch at hand. There is a way out of this difficult situation.

Professional gray mounting tape is suitable as a handy tool for urgent repairs of Intex air mattresses. It will do an excellent job of sealing small punctures and will be a lifesaver during a hike or outdoor recreation. You shouldn’t use tape as a permanent patch, but such a repair will definitely last for several days, or maybe weeks.

Another option is repair using an iron. It is produced very quickly, although it has its own peculiarities.

To do this you will need:

• Pull out the valve;
• Turn the product inside out;
• Find the puncture site, align its edges, placing it on a heat-resistant surface;
• Cover the area with thick paper and gently iron it with an iron.

Literally a couple of minutes after these manipulations, the paper is removed from the cooled canvas and the mattress is ready for use. When working with the iron, it is important not to touch adjacent surfaces so as not to damage them.

A so-called liquid patch can be used, which involves the use of only glue without a patch. The method is not the most reliable, but acceptable.

How to avoid new damage?

Despite the high strength declared by the manufacturer, air mattresses are quite thin. Before placing them on the ground, carefully inspect the ground for debris. Do not drag it along the ground, keep it away from animals, or pump it over. If you follow the storage conditions, then the mattress will serve you for a long time.

Air mattresses are used almost everywhere, the reason for this is their lightness and convenience. However, they do not have good durability, and for long service they will require careful care, otherwise the mattress will easily get damaged. However, in such situations there is a way out - sizing and repairing the damage yourself or with the help of specialists.

How to detect a hole or puncture

Repairing air mattresses begins with identifying the puncture. When the damage to the air bed is significant, it is not difficult to determine the location that requires repair. But there are also situations when the problem area is so small that it is difficult to find.

This is done in several ways, depending on the conditions and the specific situation. The product must be filled with air, and all its surfaces must be carefully inspected:

• Lower part - often damaged due to contact with dry grass, stones, sharp objects left on the floor or on the ground;
• The upper part suffers from sharp elements of accessories on clothing, animal claws, and children’s pranks;
• Seams are one of the problem areas where damage is often found;
• Valve - its tightness is broken due to small objects getting into the mechanism, deformation and various damages;
• Bends formed after long-term storage.

Small holes are visually identified with great difficulty, and sometimes are not noticeable to the eye at all. But there are a number of ways to determine a puncture, allowing you to accurately find the place that requires repair:

• By ear - inflate the product tightly and try to hear the place of the characteristic hissing, indicating the release of air;
• Using a soap solution, apply soap foam whipped with a sponge to the site of the alleged damage, the bubbles of which will increase at the site of the hole;
• Using starch - by sprinkling the area of ​​suspected damage with this fine powder, you can clearly see a cloud of its particles on the surface.

Another method is not the most convenient, but it works quite well. It is more suitable for swimming mattresses and requires a pond or pool. To determine the problem location, it is enough to lower the product under water. At the point where the air escapes, bubbles will be clearly visible on the surface of the water.

After finding one puncture site, you should not stop further searches. There is always the possibility that there are several holes, so it is important to carefully inspect the entire surface of the air bed. Each discovered area should be immediately marked with a pencil or felt-tip pen so that you do not have to repeat the work again.

Instructions for sealing a punctured mattress

We gain optimism and begin repairs by sequentially following the following steps:

1. A patch of the required size is prepared; the edge of the patch should be no closer than 15 mm from the hole.
2. The repair area is dried and cleaned with sandpaper. You can try to clean the fleecy surface with a cotton swab soaked in acetone.
3. We apply the patch to the glued area and trace its contours on the mattress, this will allow you to carefully apply the glue.
4. We deflate the air from the mattress. To speed things up, you can rearrange the hose on the pump or use a vacuum cleaner.
5. Apply glue to the marked area on the mattress and to the patch.

   
   Place for glue

6. After applying the Crystal glue, pause for 5-10 minutes.

   
   Apply glue

7. We strongly compress the patch and the surface of the mattress, place a weight and press forcefully on the gluing area for 5-15 seconds.

   
   Glue weight

8. If everything is glued well and there is no other damage, then we inflate the mattress after 24 hours and use it.

   
   Two patches

Of course, the surface of the mattress is not always smooth. The compression density during gluing can be ensured as follows: We try to lay the canvas at the gluing site on a flat surface. Quickly, without forming bubbles, we roll the patch onto the gluing site, place a piece of polyethylene on the patch, then a piece of foam film 3-5 mm thick, slightly larger than the size of the patch, and place a weight on top. It is better to work out this sequence of actions before gluing.

Spacers for uniform pressure on the patch Next, watch the video of repairing an air mattress

Sequence of repair actions

• Determine the puncture site. It is usually unnoticeable. And if by ear it is not possible to find a place for air passage, then the mattress is placed in a container filled with water or filled with soapy water. Statistically, less time is spent on the repair itself than on searching for a crack or puncture.
• The damaged area is treated with fine-grained sandpaper. Then wipe with acetone or other disinfecting solution.
• The flocked mattress covering (velor, pile) is removed using a solvent or alcohol. After drying, the lint is removed using a sharp knife or other similar object. The surface should be cleaned again.
• A patch from the repair kit or a cut out circle of rubber should be applied to the puncture site and outlined with a pencil.
• Apply a thin layer of glue along the contour drawn on the mattress. Which glue to choose was discussed in the article earlier.
• After applying the glue, it is advised to wait 10-15 minutes. Then apply a second layer of glue and also wait a little. When the glue sticks, apply a patch to it. If the room is cold enough, it is recommended to warm up the patch and the damaged area of ​​the mattress with a hairdryer before starting repairs.
• The glued piece of paper should be pressed down with a weight or walked over it with a paint roller.
• The glue should dry within 24 hours. In this case, the mattress must not be bent or moved.

To make the mattress look like new, patches are often glued on the inside. To do this, the damaged area should be turned out through the valve hole. All further operations are similar to those described above.

Moscow, st. Stary Gai, 1, k1.

Departure to the customer.

Guarantee for work performed.

We are working

from 8-00 to 21-00, seven days a week. 7 days a week

Repair of air beds. Price 1000 rubles

The entire process of troubleshooting and repairing an inflatable bed will take

no more than 30 minutes.

You can check the quality of the repair and start using the inflatable bed immediately

upon completion of work.

If an air bed deflates, this does not mean you need to buy a new valve. The valve is the most reliable thing in a bestway or intex air bed.

If you have already tried everything and the air mattress can still be repaired, contact a professional. There is special equipment for detecting air leaks, special glue and other materials for repairing inflatable products, and a lot of experience.

Helpful tips for repairs

If it was not possible to eliminate the leak in one go, you need to repeat the entire process of gluing the patch again, just do not need to eliminate the old one. It is necessary to cut a piece larger than the previous one and fix it on top of the old one, this will be more reliable, but at the same time you need to make sure that the edges are well lubricated with glue.

Some people worry that the edges of the patch will begin to lift over time and because of this it will fall off. To prevent this from happening, you need to sand them a little after the patch is glued, and then apply a small strip of glue on top.

Making a patch

You can make a mattress patch yourself. Simple materials that can be found in every person’s arsenal are suitable for this.

Rubber from a tire repair kit

Every motorist has such a kit. A patch of the required size is cut out of rubber and placed on damaged areas. You can also use the glue included in the kit.

Old tire

Tires that have become unusable are suitable for repairing air mattresses. Motorists are in no hurry to say goodbye to old tires. They help out in many situations, including this one.

Inflatable toy

Perfect for renovation. The toys are made from the same material as an air mattress. An old and broken product that has not been used for a long time will come in handy.

Rubber swimming cap

Elastic material can be an excellent basis for making a patch. Suitable for cutting products of any size.

Unusable air mattress

The most ideal option, as it is made of the same material. You can make many patches of different sizes from it. In addition, you can take any piece of fabric.

Sealing seams

The seams can usually be sealed by pouring glue. It is important to wait until it hardens completely. The layer turns out to be thick, so you will have to wait a while, preferably at least a day. There is a more complex but effective solution:

• the damaged part of the product must be turned out through the valve hole;
• degrease the damaged seam;
• wait for the product to dry;
• cut out a patch from rubberized material and treat with glue;
• Press the part firmly against the defective seam.

Using this method, you should not rush to use the product. Leave it for at least 12 hours. After the glue has polymerized, turn the product back inside out and inflate it to check.

...and other means

And you can do without a repair kit. Once you have identified the hole, found the appropriate glue and patch, and prepared the surfaces, you can begin the repair.

On the tube of any glue it is written how to use it correctly. If you do not have the opportunity to read the instructions, for example, the tube is very wrinkled or the paint has worn off in places, then the following table will help you figure it out.

Table - Instructions for using different types of glue

Be careful: any polyurethane adhesive contains aggressive substances. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves.

If the seam comes apart

Peculiarities. A patch placed at the junction of the top of the mattress and the bottom may turn out to be unreliable even if all gluing rules are followed. Here you will have to get smart and pull the puncture site out through the valve.

What you will need:

• PVC glue;
• patch.

Your actions

1. Unscrew the valve.
2. Draw the damaged area into the valve hole using, for example, a thick marker or a plastic ruler.
3. Degrease and clean both surfaces.
4. Then proceed according to the instructions for using the glue.

The advantage of this method is that the patch is additionally pressed from the inside with air, which greatly increases the reliability of gluing.

Method without glue

Peculiarities. If you don't have the right materials on hand, there is a way to repair a mattress without glue or patches at all.

What you will need:

• iron;
• paper;
• smooth wooden surface.

Your actions

1. Pull out the damaged area through the valve hole.
2. Clean from dirt and dust.
3. Align the edges of the tear and place on a wooden backing.
4. Cover the soldering area with paper.
5. Iron with a heated iron.
6. Wait until the paper and the gluing area have cooled down.
7. Carefully remove the paper.
8. Screw on the valve.

This method allows you to deal with a tear in literally five minutes, but here it is important to use the iron carefully, without touching entire areas. Otherwise, you can burn the mattress in new places.

Superglue method

Peculiarities. This method is the simplest and fastest of those proposed. But you need to understand that superglue results in a fragile connection, like thin glass. This composition is non-waterproof and inelastic. That is, it can burst at any moment. But as an emergency measure, for example, on a hike, it is quite suitable.

What you will need:

• Super glue;
• paper tape.

Your actions

1. Inflate the mattress.
2. Dry.
3. Clean and degrease the damaged surface.
4. Apply a small amount of superglue.
5. Apply a patch of electrical tape of the required size.
6. Quickly rub the edges and press the patch firmly.
7. Let the glue dry.
8. The product is ready for use.

If there is no electrical tape, then you can do without it. In this case, you need to deflate the mattress and drop one or two drops of superglue onto the puncture (but no more) and let the composition dry. This method is suitable for minor damage such as pet claw marks or dry grass.

Method with “Liquid Patch”

Peculiarities. There is another method to quickly and easily fix an air mattress without a patch. For it you will need a composition called “Liquid Patch”. The glue comes in many colors, there is even a shade called Intex. That is, designed specifically for inflatable products of this manufacturer. Holes up to 3 cm do not require additional fastening methods. And cuts above this size will need to be sewn with regular thread.

What you need:

• tube of Liquid Latka.

Your actions

1. Spread the damaged area on a flat surface.
2. Clean from dust and dirt.
3. Thoroughly degrease the surface with alcohol or solvent.
4. Shake the tube of glue vigorously.
5. Apply to the damage, extending 2-3 cm beyond the edges.
6. Leave for seven to ten minutes.
7. Apply a second layer of Liquid Patch.
8. The product can be inflated within a day.

Liquid Patch bonding is as strong as an undamaged surface. Once you spend on this product, you will provide your mattress with many years of life.

If the valve leaks

Peculiarities. The culprit of a “leak” is not always a rubber sheet or a torn seam. Pressure may drop due to a leaky valve. But this trouble can also be eliminated with your own hands.

What you will need:

• fine-grained sandpaper;
• lubricant

Your actions

1. Unscrew the valve.
2. Clean the grooves from dust and debris.
3. Remove the rubber gasket.
4. Clean the valve end and gasket with sandpaper.
5. Lubricate the valve.
6. Screw the structure into place.
7. Inflate the mattress.
8. Apply soap solution to the valve.
9. If no bubbles appear, the mattress is ready for use.

If after all the manipulations the valve continues to let air through, it means that the failure is more extensive and the part needs to be replaced completely. Contact a specialist store for a new valve.