Inflating an air mattress is essential for a comfortable camping trip or accommodating guests. But what if you’ve forgotten your pump, or it’s malfunctioning? Don’t worry, here are some clever and readily available alternatives:
Method 1: The Garbage Bag Hack
- Gather a large garbage bag. Make sure it has no holes.
- Fill it with air. Scoop in air or blow it up slightly. Twist and hold the opening closed.
- Attach to the air mattress valve. Open the mattress’s valve and fit the garbage bag’s opening over it.
- Squeeze and transfer. Push on the garbage bag steadily to force air into the mattress.
- Repeat! Refill the garbage bag as needed until your air mattress is firm.
Method 2: Harness Your Appliances
- Hairdryer:
- Set your hairdryer to the “cool” setting (hot air could deform the mattress).
- Hold the nozzle close to the open air valve and switch it on.
- Vacuum Cleaner (with blow function):
- Some vacuums have a reverse function. Attach the hose to the exhaust port and aim it at the open air valve.
- Leaf Blower:
- Great for larger mattresses due to their powerful airflow. Hold the end of the blower against the open valve.
Important Tips
- One-way valves: Many air mattresses feature one-way valves to keep air in. These are perfect for these methods.
- Avoid overinflating: An overly firm mattress is uncomfortable. Inflate in stages and check for your desired firmness.
- Patch holes: A leaky mattress won’t hold air. Check for holes and use a patch kit if needed before inflating.
