If you love to camp, you’ll definitely know a little about air mattresses. This article will walk you through the ways to blow up an air mattress without a pump. If you’re interested, click the link and read through.
Do you love camping? If you do, when you go camping, what do you sleep on? Do you go around with an air mattress? If you have been using an air mattress, has your air mattress pump ever disappointed you when you needed it most?
Or have you ever reached your camping location only to realize that you left the pump of your mattress at home? If yes, how did you cope? Well, this article will educate you on how to blow up an air mattress without a pump.
One thing that made air mattresses popular is their portability. An air mattress becomes very small and light when deflated. It will take little or no space in your store or vehicle. The best part is that a deflated air mattress can be folded and dropped inside a backpack.
When you’re relocating, you can use an air mattress on the last night in your current apartment, when all your things have been arranged and packed together. Also, when you get to your new apartment, and you’re yet to unpack your things, you can easily unfold your air mattress, inflate it, and take a nap.
The mattress is also great for camping. You can easily walk any distance with your mattress neatly folded inside your backpack. And after setting up your tent, you can easily blow it up, and your bed is ready.
In spite of their numerous benefits, air mattresses have a little shortcoming. They require a pump to inflate them.
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How To Blow Up an Air Mattress Without a Pump
You can use your vacuum, hair dryer, leaf blower, or any appliance that blows air to blow up your air bed. We will teach you several methods.
1.How to blow up an air mattress with a vacuum cleaner
You’re probably wondering how vacuum cleaners that suck things in can blow air out. Well, many modern vacuum cleaners now have reverse modes. In the reverse mode, they blow out air instead of sucking things in. You’ll use the reverse mode to pump your air bed.
Step 1 – Set your vacuum to reverse flow.
Step 2 – Connect the mouth of the vacuum hose to the valve of the mattress. If the mouth of the hose does not fit the mattress valve, you need to get an adaptor quickly from a local shop. Also, you may need to add a crevice attachment on the end of the hose for a better connection. It’s optional, though.
Step 3 – Turn on the vacuum and begin to inflate the mattress.
Here’s another way to inflate your mattress with a vacuum cleaner without using the reverse mode. You can use the hose that sends dirt and debris to the canister/bag. Here’s how to go about it.
Step 1 – Detach the canister or bag that holds the dirt.
Step 2 – The mouth of the hose should be connected to the valve of your mattress.
Step 3 – Turn on the vacuum. The air that’s supposed to push the sucked debris into the canister will be used to blow up your air bed.
2. How to pump your air mattress with a leaf blower
Leaf blowers are quite noisy, but they can also do the job satisfactorily. So, if you don’t mind the noise, you can adopt this method. After all, it all depends on the appliance that is available and accessible to you.
Step 1 – Lay the mattress flat on the ground, just like the way you would sleep on it.
Step 2 – Connect the mouth of the blower to the intake valve of your mattress. You also need to hold down the mouth of the leaf blower to balance the connection.
Step 3 – Turn on the blower to fill the mattress. If you’re inflating the mattress indoors, you can use an electric leaf blower, but you’ll have to cope with the noise. And if what you have is a gas-powered leaf blower, you have to take the mattress outside because a gas-powered leaf blower should never be used indoors.
3.How to fill up your air mattress with a bike pump
We understand that this method may take you a longer period, and it also requires a lot of effort.
Step 1 – Connect the mouth of your bike pump to the intake valve of your air mattress. The chances are high that the nozzle of your bike pump will be smaller than the valve of your mattress. Hence, you have to hold both nozzle and intake valves together with duct tape.
Step 2 – Begin to press and release the lever of your bicycle pump like the way you pump your bicycle tire. The mattress needs more air than your bike tire, so this operation will consume more time and energy than inflating any of your bike tires.
4.You can blow your mattress with your breath
This method is good for just topping up the air in your mattress or for filling a sleeping pad. We won’t advise you to use it to fill up a 100% deflated mattress. It will wear you out.
Step 1 – Clean the inlet valve of your mattress.
Step 2 – Place your mouth on the valve.
Step 3 – Breathe in.
Step 4 – Blow air into the mattress for as long as you can.
Step 5 – Close the valve to prevent the air from escaping while you rest.
Step 6 – Breathe in and blow some air into the mattress again. Repeat the process until your sleeping pad or mattress is filled up.
5.How to inflate an air mattress with an air compressor
This method works the same way as an electric pump for air beds. If you have used an electric pump to fill up your air mattress before, you can skip reading this method.
Step 1 – Connect the machine’s outlet valve to your air bed’s inlet valve.
Step 2 – In case the two valves don’t fit each other firmly, you may need to duct-tape them together. In the alternative, you could get a fitting valve attachment.
Step 3 – Turn on the air compressor and wait until the mattress is full.
6.You can also use a trash bag to fill your mattress
This method might sound incredible but try it. You’ll be surprised how fast it works.
Step 1 – Open a new trash bag, and swing it up and around to get it filled with air.
Step 2 – Tighten the filled bag with your hands to hold the air in it.
Step 3 – Connect the opening of the bag to your air bed’s intake valve. Make sure to cinch the bag tightly while the air in it transfers into your mattress.
Step 4 – Squeeze the bag to push the air in it in your mattress.
Step 5 – When the trash bag is empty, close the valve of your mattress and swing the bag around to fill it with air again.
Step 6 – Repeat the following processes until your mattress is completely filled. It may take several cycles, but it will eventually get your mattress filled. It is advisable to use thicker bags as thinner ones are more prone to leaks.
How to blow up an air mattress with a hair dryer
This is another effective method.
Step 1 – Lay the mattress flat on its side.
Step 2 – Set the dryer to cool air.
Step 3 – Fix the mouth of your dryer to the inlet valve of your mattress.
Step 4 – Turn on your mattress. Of course, some air will escape since the mouth of a hair dryer is usually bigger than air mattress valves. Nevertheless, your mattress will slowly get filled up. If your hair dryer does not have a cool air setting, don’t use it. Hot air could damage your mattress.
Also, if you’re on a campground, other people may also bring their air mattresses. So, you may ask around to borrow a mattress pump. And if you don’t see any, you can resort to any of the fill-up methods discussed above.
Now that we have discussed some creative ways to inflate your air bed without its pump, let’s quickly answer some carefully selected frequently asked questions related to the topic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a blow dryer to blow up an air mattress?
Answer: Yes, of course. We have discussed the steps to follow above. However, there’s a precautionary measure involved. You must set the air to cool air. Unfortunately, not every dryer produces cool air. If your dryer doesn’t produce cool air, don’t use it. There’s no workaround. Hot air is likely to destroy your air mattress.
What can I use instead of a blow-up mattress?
Answer: There are several comfortable alternatives to air mattresses, and some of them are listed below.
Futon: This is a very comfortable option. In fact, people sleep on futons at home too. It is a soft sleeping pad. When you’re ready to sleep on it, you’ll unroll it. And when you’re through, you can roll it up. It requires no inflation or deflation.
In fact, you can give it to a sleep-over guest in your home if there’s no extra bed. Apart from being soft, it keeps you warm and supports your back. After rolling it up, you can tie it with a cord, and that’s all. Its compactness ensures it does not take much space.
Foam Sleep Pad: This is also similar to futons. It is lighter than air mattresses, and it is puncture-proof. This mat was being used before the emergence of air beds. You can easily roll it up when you’re through with it. It does not require blowing up and deflating like an air mattress. The pads are available in varying levels of thickness.
Hammock: This can be hung around trees or poles. Unfortunately, hammocks don’t suit everyone because you have to sleep in the open to use them. You may enjoy sleeping outside during the day, but this may be uncomfortable at night when it will be much colder.
Camping cot: This is a lightweight foldable table with a sturdy frame and flat board-like top. Its top is usually made of canvas. The major advantages of this camping cot are durability and foldability.
Sleeping bag: This is a well-padded bag that you can slip into. Being a bag means it will cover all your body. It is soft and comfortable.
Is it bad to sleep on an air mattress every night?
Answer: Actually, there’s nothing wrong with sleeping on an air mattress every night as long as you find it comfortable. But experts say since an air mattress does not support the back, over time, it could lead to back pain. That’s why it is not advisable.
Nevertheless, you can sleep on it once in a while. But be sure to top up its air before every use because air beds lose a considerable amount of air every day whether they’re used or not.
Can you fill an air mattress with water?
Answer: Although some air beds can retain water, but it is not advisable. Water is heavier than air. It will stretch your air mattress beyond its capacity and cause leaks. Besides, it is almost impossible to get rid of all the water after use. This could lead to mold infestation.
How long does an air mattress last?
Answer: First of all, it depends on usage. You can’t compare a mattress that is used every day to the ones used once in a fortnight. Nevertheless, most air mattresses last for about 8 to 12 years if used properly.
How do you blow up an air mattress without a pump?
Answer: Inflating an air mattress without a pump can be straightforward using the proper techniques. The most common method is using your breath, which can be tiring. Alternatively, household items like a large plastic bag or a hairdryer (set on excellent) can be used. Outdoors, you might utilize the wind or even the car exhaust, albeit carefully. Each method has unique steps and precautions to ensure effective and safe inflation.
Can you blow up an air mattress with a vacuum?
Answer: It’s possible to inflate an air mattress using a vacuum cleaner, particularly one with a reverse airflow feature. You must attach the vacuum’s hose to the mattress’s inflation valve. The key here is ensuring a tight seal between the hose and the valve to avoid air leakage. Once connected, the vacuum can quickly fill the mattress with air.
How do you inflate an air mattress with a bag?
Answer: Inflating an air mattress with a bag, such as a large garbage bag, is a clever trick. First, open the bag and wave it to capture as much air as possible. Then, close the opening to trap the air inside. Finally, attach the bag’s opening to the mattress valve and squeeze the bag, pushing the air into the mattress. This method might require patience and effort but is effective, especially when you need access to a pump or electricity.
What precautions should you take when manually inflating an air mattress?
Answer: When inflating an air mattress manually, especially using your breath, taking breaks is essential to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness. If you’re using a hairdryer or vacuum, ensure the air is calm to prevent damaging the mattress. Always check for and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for manual inflation.
Is inflating an air mattress with a car exhaust safe?
Answer: Inflating an air mattress using a car exhaust should be done cautiously. It’s not the most recommended method due to potential safety risks, including exposure to harmful emissions and the possibility of damaging the mattress with the heat and pressure of the exhaust. If you choose this method, ensure that the exhaust is not too hot and that there is a safe way to connect the exhaust to the mattress without causing damage.
How long does it typically take to manually inflate an air mattress?
Answer: The time it takes to inflate an air mattress manually depends on the method used and the mattress size. Using your breath might take 10-20 minutes for a single bed, while using a bag or a hairdryer could be faster, typically around 5-10 minutes. Efficiency varies based on the technique and individual effort.
Final Words
In the adventurous spirit of camping and outdoor living, learning how to inflate an air mattress without a conventional pump is not just a skill but a testament to our ability to adapt and overcome. Throughout this guide, we explored various innovative methods, from household items like trash bags and hairdryers to harnessing natural elements like the wind. Each technique serves the practical purpose of providing a comfortable night’s sleep and enriches our outdoor experience with a sense of achievement and resourcefulness.
As we reflect on the diverse methods covered in this guide, it’s evident that a bit of ingenuity can go a long way. Whether at a camping site far from civilization or a guest room without a pump, these techniques ensure that a comfortable, well-inflated air mattress is always within reach. Moreover, as discussed in our expert insights, the psychological benefits of being resourceful and self-reliant add an enriching layer to our outdoor adventures.
Remember, the great outdoors is not just a place to escape; it is a vast classroom where we learn, adapt, and grow. By mastering simple yet effective skills like inflating an air mattress without a pump, we prepare ourselves for challenges and adventures. So, pack your bag, embrace the unknown, and let the spirit of adventure guide you. Happy camping!