Method 2. (Plastic Bottles) [More Efficient]

• Use a plastic bottle that fits into the end cap of your hairdryer.
• Cut the bottom of the bottle with scissors or a blade.
• Attach the top of the bottle to the hair dryer. The top half of the bottle must fit snugly onto the valve on your air mattress.
• Place your air mattress on the floor.
• Plug your hair dryer into a socket, and turn it on.
• Make sure your blow dryer has a cool setting.

This method won’t work if your hair dryer doesn’t have a cool setting.

Why?

The blow dryer’s hot air will damage and melt the plastic bottles and other materials inside the air mattress. You can use this method if your hair dryer does not have a cool mode.

#2 Using Vacuum Cleaner

Most vacuum cleaners come with a reverse function that allows them to blow rather than suck. They can be used to inflate your air mattress without a pump.

• Reverse your vacuum cleaner.
• A crevice attachment for your vacuum cleaner may improve the air valve connection in mattresses.
• Wait for the bed to fill. It may take 10 seconds to fill or a few minutes.

If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner with reverse flow mode, follow the steps below:

• Remove your vacuum’s hose and bag of dirt
• Connect the opposite end of the hose to the air mattress intake valve
• Duct tape can be used to seal the connection and ensure that no air escapes
• Fill your air mattress by turning on the valve.

There are several types of vacuums. Some of them do not require electricity (such as portable or handheld vacuums for cleaning cars). This is a great option for avid campers.

#3 Use a Garbage Bag

It may sound strange, but this works!

It is faster than the other methods, but it’s not as quick as the others.

• If you have a large* trash bag, it will make the job go faster.
• Cut a hole with scissors in the corner of a garbage bag.
• Attach the open end of this tube to the intake valve on your mattress. Rubber bands or duct tape can be used to secure the connection and prevent air leakage.
• Trap the air with your hands and the large open end of a trash bag. If it is easier, you can blow it into a small plastic bag.
• To save time, squeeze the air trapped into the mattress while laying it on the trash bag.
• Continue this process until you have a full mattress.

#4 Use of a Tire Inflator

A mattress inflator is smaller than an air compressor and may take longer to fill it up.

This is how you use a tyre pump to inflate a mattress:

• Attach the output valve of your inflator to the valve on your air mattress.
• Use duct tape if the ends don’t match.
• Turn on your tyre inflation device and wait until your air mattress fills up.

Tire inflators can be a good alternative to air compressors because they are portable. This is an excellent tool to have around, especially for those who enjoy camping.

#5 Using Leaf Blower

While a leaf blower can be noisy, it is also useful for blowing up an airbed.

Here’s how:

• Place your air mattress flat on the ground. This is best done outdoors, especially when using a leaf blower powered by gas.
• Attach the end to the leaf blower valve.
• Although the ends may not fit perfectly, you can cover the top with your hands or use a plastic bottle as a device to force air into the mattress.
• Attach a crevice nozzle to the end of the leaf blower and fit it onto the mattress intake valve.
• Wait for the mattress to fill. This process is similar to vacuuming.

#6 Use your Mouth

The method is not recommended as it will take a lot of time and leave you tired!

It is best to use your lungs with an airbed that has a one-way air valve. A two-way air valve will cause air to leak out and waste time.

• To begin, clean the air nozzle of your air mattress.
• Breathe deeply and blow on your air mattress.
• Seal your mouth with the airbed by using your lips.
• Continue until the mattress is full.

Valve System Check

Air mattresses are fitted with valves that prevent air leakage. You must make sure that your vacuum cleaner, hair dryer etc. You must have enough pressure in your hair dryer, vacuum cleaner etc. to open the valve. If it doesn’t, you will need to insert a small piece of wood into the valve. This will allow air to fill your mattress.

You can follow the steps below to do so:

• Grab a matchstick or any other small stick.
• Insert a stick into the valve of the air mattress and open the cap.
• The valve should remain open by sticking out the stick at the top.
• Attach the valve of your airbed to your vacuum cleaner or hair dryer.
• Turn on the device and fill your air mattress.

Closing Thoughts

If the methods above seem too complicated, you can invest in an air mattress that is self-inflating. You won’t need to buy a separate air pump. The upgrade may cost more than a standard airbed but is well worth it.