The Best Way to Patch an Air Mattress

Find the Leak

• 1

  Check the valve stem to make sure it is not defective. Push the plug into the stem securely watch to make sure it stays secure inside the stem. If the plug will not stay tightly inside the stem, you may not be able to fix the leaking mattress. If the valve stem seems to be working properly, look for the leak elsewhere on the mattress.

• 2

  Examine the air mattress to find the leak. Depending on the size of the leak, you may be able to locate it simply by running your hands lightly over the surface of the air mattress. Listen carefully while you examine the air mattress, because you may be able to hear the escaping air. Concentrate on the seam areas, as this is a common place for leaks to develop.

• 3

  Get the sponge wet and suds it up with liquid hand soap. Wipe down the outer surfaces of the mattress with the soapy water and examine the surface of the mattress. Bubbles will form where escaping air hits the soap.

• 4

  Mark the spot of the leak with a permanent marker. Rinse away the soap with a sponge and dry the mattress around the leak.

Patch the Leak

• 5

  Prepare the area around the leak for the adhesive. If your air mattress has flocking on the surface, use an emery board or the fine sandpaper and sand away the flocking to leave the smooth vinyl of the air mattress.

• 6

  Cut the fabric patch so it will surround the leak with about 1 inch of excess patch around the entire perimeter of the leak.

• 7

  Surround the leak with the adhesive from the patch kit and carefully place the fabric patch over the leak on the air mattress. Ensure that the patch is smooth over the leak without any wrinkles.

• 8

  Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

Seam Leaks

• 9

  Deflate the mattress completely.

• 10

  Align the edges of the seam to close the leak.

• 11

  Apply the patch kit adhesive over the seam area to create an interim patch over the leak. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.

• 12

  Cut a fabric patch so it is at least 1 inch longer and wider than the leak. Place adhesive around the seam leak and apply the patch over the seam across both sides of the seam. Allow the adhesive to dry completely.