How To Find A Leak In An Air Mattress

Finding and repairing an air mattress leak is a simple task. There are several methods using everyday items such as water, soap, and paper to detect a leak. With the leak identified, you can apply the proper solution to the problem accordingly—saving your air mattress.

Easy ways to Find the Leak

Soapy Water Method

The first easy method to find an air mattress leak is with a bit of soapy water. You'll need a couple of supplies to get the job done.

These include:

• A Spray Bottle

• Liquid Soap

• Warm Water

• A Vibrant Marker

After rounding up these items, go ahead and inflate your air mattress. Then fill the spray bottle with a mix of soap and warm water. Also, make sure you have the marker handy.

Spray the soapy water mixture on the air mattress, starting from the valve. As you are spraying, any air leaks should create bubbles. Then mark the area with the marker to repair after checking the whole mattress.

Spray with water

The next method is very similar to the first, except no soap is involved. The drawback is you won't see the defined bubbling action that occurs when soap is mixed with the water. The problem area will bubble slightly, and you can mark any leaks for repair later.

Submerge typical problem areas

This next technique isn't as elegant as the other two but can serve its purpose. Fill a tub or pool full of water, then try to submerge the air mattress. Leaks can be identified easily by the resulting bubbles.

If you don't have access to a large pool, try checking common problem areas—such as seams and the valve. After finding a leak, make sure you mark it for repair later.

Clean ways to Find the Leak

• Listen Closely - One of the quickest ways to identify the source of the leak without the mess is to listen for it. Using your ears can generally get you pretty close to the problem spot. Then you can utilize a secondary method to pinpoint the leak.

• Use a Sheet of Paper - Once you have a general location, or if the leak isn't audible, you can enlist the help of a piece of paper. Holding the paper slightly above the surface, any escaping air should cause movement.

• Feel With Your Hand - The last clean method to find a leak is using your hand. Placing your hand close to the air mattress should allow you to feel any escaping air.

Repair that hole!

After targeting the leak location, here are a few ways to patch it up and get some sleep.

• Patch Kit - An air mattress patch kit can repair small leaks in a hurry. Since there are a variety of kits, you'll need to read the instructions for your particular model.

• Hot Glue - If your leak occurs along the seam of a mattress, hot glue can help close it. Just be careful not to overheat the mattress and cause a larger hole.

• Duct Tape - If you don't have a patch kit, duct tape can usually hold you over until you can get one. Just make sure the mattress is clean and dry before applying.

What if my mattress can't be repaired?

If your mattress is beyond repair, you'll either have to buy a new one or upgrade to a more permanent solution. Many commercially available air mattresses deliver a great experience, but for a true upgrade, Sleep Number offers an elegant solution. Their Responsive Air® technology delivers exceptional comfort and personalized sleep.

If you're ready to experience the best sleep possible, without fear of leaks, then it's time to upgrade to the real deal. Here are our picks of the best mattresses.

Where can I find a great, affordable mattress (in 2024)?‍

If you're searching for an affordable mattress that offers a wide range of comfort and pressure relief, we've compiled a list of mattresses for you to consider:

1. Saatva Mattress - fantastic for all sleep positions, and is rated our Best Mattress of 2024.
2. Puffy - feels like you're sleeping on a cool cloud (at a good price).
3. Cocoon - amazing pressure relief at an affordable price.
4. Ghostbed - beautiful, plush cover w/ aerated latex and healthy spinal alignment.
5. Winkbeds - 3-stage back relief with free shipping and returns.

Read our short, well-researched 10 Best Mattresses of 2024, here. Our ultimate goal is to help you pick your perfect mattress online, today!