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How to Blow Up an Air Mattress Without a Pump: 6 Simple Tips
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
Inflating an air mattress without a pump can seem like an impossible task. But with the right tools and knowledge, it’s actually quite easy! All you need is some creative thinking and a few helpful items.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to blow up an air mattress without a pump in just a few simple steps. You can quickly blow up your air mattress with just a few easy steps without needing a pump. So let’s get started!
The 6 Tips for Blowing Up an Air Mattress Without a Pump
1. A Hair Dryer Works Well
Image By: Olha Solodenko, Shutterstock
Using a hair dryer to inflate an air mattress can be surprisingly effective. All you have to do is set the hair dryer on its lowest setting and aim it directly into the air valve of the mattress.
Please note that this is the cool setting—if your hair dryer doesn’t have this option, do not attempt this method. This may take some time, so don’t be surprised if you’re standing there for a while!
Be sure to keep the blow dryer moving back and forth so that all areas of the mattress get filled with air evenly. It may take some time, but the results should be satisfactory.
2. With a Vacuum Cleaner
Vacuum cleaners are an effective way to inflate an air mattress without a pump. All you need is an extension hose that fits your vacuum cleaner. Then attach it to the air valve of the mattress. Then turn on the vacuum cleaner, making sure it’s on the blow setting and not the suction setting.
Keep the vacuum cleaner running until you’ve achieved your desired level of inflation. This method may take a few minutes and is best used in well-ventilated areas, as blow drying with a vacuum can emit fumes.
It’s worth noting that you may need to use one of your vacuum’s attachments to get a good connection between your hose and the air valve.
3. Use a Bicycle Pump
Image By: Jumpstory
One of the most popular methods for inflating an air mattress without a pump is to use a bicycle pump. This method is particularly convenient because you can find bicycle pumps at most hardware stores, and they are relatively inexpensive. In fact, there’s a good chance that you have one in your garage already.
To inflate your air mattress with a bike pump, start by unscrewing the nozzle from the valve on your mattress. Then, attach the nozzle of your bicycle pump to the valve and use tape to seal up any gaps. Finally, pump the air mattress to your desired level of firmness.
Make sure you keep an eye on the pressure gauge to ensure that it’s not overfilled. Once it’s full, simply remove the bike pump and screw the cap back onto the mattress’s valve.
4. A Leaf Blower Is Effective
That’s right—you can use a leaf blower to inflate an air mattress! Leaf blowers may not seem like the most obvious choice, but they actually work amazingly well.
To get started, make sure your leaf blower is set to its highest setting, and then simply point it at the air mattress and turn it on. Keep blowing until your air mattress is as full as you want it.
Please note that this method is really loud. As such, you may want to do this outside or in your garage, if possible.
5. With an Air Compressor
Image By: terimakasih0, Pixabay
If you’ve got an air compressor, then inflating your mattress is a breeze! All you need to do is attach the hose of your compressor to the air valve on your mattress and turn it on.
You might need to buy an attachment to ensure the connection is secure, but once you’ve done that, the mattress should fill up in no time.
Be aware that the airflow will quickly fill up your mattress quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it so that you don’t over-inflate it.
6. Use Your Mouth
If all else fails and you’re left with no other recourse but your lungs, you can always use your mouth to blow up an air mattress. An adult should be able to inflate a single, twin-sized air mattress in around 5 to 10 minutes.
To do this, start by kneeling down at one end of the mattress and biting down on the valve opening. Then blow into the opening until you’ve filled the desired amount of air.
Be sure to take breaks in between to catch your breath, and make sure that the valve is tightly closed so no air escapes.
Conclusion
Inflating an air mattress can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have a pump on hand. But with the right knowledge, tools, and techniques, it can be done.
By utilizing the tips provided in this article, you can easily inflate an air mattress without a pump. From good old-fashioned mouth inflation to using an air compressor, these methods are sure to get your air mattress inflated quickly and safely.
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
