How to Inflate an Air Mattress?

Answer 1

Inflating an Air Mattress

An air mattress is a convenience around any home. It makes a perfect bed for visiting guests, a comfortable place to sleep while going out camping or a great daybed for naps with young children. Understanding the methods of inflating the air mattress is necessary to make it as comfortable as possible.

Start the process of inflating the mattress by laying it out on the floor. The mattress should not be rolled up or folded while filling it with air. Instead, unfold or unroll it until it lays flat. The mattress top should face upward while the bottom faces down. Usually, the valve for air is on the bottom or one side of the mattress.

Pull the cap off the air valve. Most air mattresses will require twisting the cap off. Once the cap is off, attach the pump. Depending on the pump, the method will vary. Some slip inside the valve while others cover the valve on the outside. Flip the on switch to start pumping air into the mattress. If the pump is manual, it will require hand or foot pumping instead of having an electric switch to turn it on.

Allow the mattress to fill completely with air. Feel the firmness and let out some air until it is a comfortable softness or firmness for personal preferences. Twist the cap back onto the mattress valve to prevent air from escaping. The mattress is ready for blankets, pillows and sleeping on once the cap is back in place.

Answer 2

Inflating an Air Mattress

Air mattresses are a convenient way to sleep in comfort while you camp or RV. Before they are inflated, they are compact and easy to transport. Using air mattresses for outdoor sleep can make for a more restful night. For those wary of sleeping on the ground, an air mattress can convince them to give camping a try. Air mattresses are simple to inflate, and there are a lot of methods for inflation. An electronic inflator (air compressor), a manual pump, or a vacuum can all do the trick.

After laying out the air mattress, unscrew the valve. An air compressor or electronic inflator can be used by inserting the nozzle into the valve and turning the machine on. Creating a tight seal can make this process go quicker. If an air compressor is not available, a hand or foot inflator will do the trick. A hand inflator may take too long and be too physically intensive for most, but a foot pump should be acceptable. Finally, most vacuums can be used as makeshift inflators. Unconnect the vacuum tube and reconnect it to where air is escaping the vacuum (an owner's manual can help clue you in). Then connect the vacuum hose to the valve and turn on the vacuum. Be careful not to put anything sharp or heavy onto the mattress, as it may cause an air leak.

Once the air mattress is filled, turn off the inflator and reattach the valve. One of the trickier points of using an air mattress is determining the right firmness level. If the mattress feels too firm, open the valve and let some air out. If the mattress feels too soft or squishy, more air needs to be pumped in. It's better to err on the side of firmness. Make sure you can comfortable turn over while laying down and that your back and neck are well-supported.

Finally, the way you dress an air mattress can make all the difference in comfort. Using a favorite mattress cover, soft sheets, and the pillow you sleep on normally, you can almost recreate your bed on the floor of a tent!