How to Patch a Leak in an Air Mattress

Test the product. Place the mattress in a quiet room and fill it with air until it feels firm. Let it sit for a day. If you find the mattress has lost its firmness, you probably have a leak.

Find the source of the leak. Refill the mattress to capacity. Lay on top of it and close your eyes. Listen for that subtle, whistling noise air emits when it's passing through a hole. Press down on various sections of the mattress and listen for that telltale noise. When you hear it, press on the area from which it is coming and slowly run your hand an inch above that place. Press harder. When you feel the air against your hand, you've found the leak. Circle the leak with chalk. Deflate the mattress.

Cut a bicycle patch that is 1 inch longer and wider than the leak. Apply a thin coating of rubber cement over the patch. Firmly place the patch on the leak. Place a weight on the patch to keep it in place. Allow the patch to dry.