Easiest Way to Fix a Leak in an Air Bed

Locate the Leak

• Perhaps the most difficult part is finding the leak. If you have a large puncture wound or rip in the air mattress, then you may be looking at buying a replacement; however, most likely you have a tiny leak that you can't locate with the naked eye.
  To locate the leak (or leaks), get a standard spray bottle and fill it with warm water and a few drops of liquid dishwashing or hand soap and shake it up. Inflate the air bed as much as you can and begin searching for the leak by spraying the surface with your soapy water.

  When the soapy water hits the site of your pin-sized hole, it will be obvious; bubbles will begin to form where the pressure from the inflated bed is forcing air out through the hole and into the soap. But don't stop there. While you are at it, spray the whole thing. It will be quite aggravating to go through this process only to realize you missed a second hole.

  After you have found the leak, wipe off the water with a towel and use a sharpie or pen to mark the site of the hole.

Deflate and Patch

• Since you have left a mark on the hole, it will be simple to find again, so let all of the air out before attempting the repair.

  To quickly and easily repair the leak, you will need a patch, such as the kind found in a bicycle tire repair kit or that often come packaged with air beds. You will also need an adhesive. Rubber cement will be extremely effective.

  Once the air is out of the mattress, spread the section of the bed with the leak flat on the floor and smooth it out with your hands. Try to make sure it is as smooth and flat as possible. Using a small sponge or brush, dab the rubber cement onto the hole you have marked. Swirl it around to ensure the hole is blocked completely and make sure to put enough of the adhesive around the leak to make the wet spot as big as the patches you have.

  Adhere the patch to the cement and smooth it with your fingers, pressing down around the edges to form a complete seal. Once it dries, you will have a strong seal on the problem area.

Re-Inflate and Test

• After allowing ample time for the patch to dry, inflate the bed and begin using it normally. If you choose, spray the surface again, including the repaired area, to see if bubbles appear. This will guarantee you didn't go too sparingly on the adhesive.