3 Clever Ways to Inflate An Air Mattress Without A Pump [2021 Update]

Air mattresses are awesome in so many ways, which is why most households have one, just in case. When guests come over, they can offer a comfortable sleeping surface without breaking the bank.

These mattresses can also be invaluable when camping or on a road trip. There are two main types of air mattresses, those that come with built-in pumps and others that require you to buy your own external air mattress pump.

If you own an inflatable mattress with an internal pump, flipping the “Inflate” button gets it pumped up. As such, you may think that these unconventional methods do not apply to you.

Also, plenty of air mattresses don’t require a pump. For example, thin air mattresses for camping typically just self-inflate or inflate with a built-in foot pump.

But, what if you find yourself in a setting with no electricity? Or do you end up in a different country where the electrical outlet is incompatible with what you have?

These are solid reasons you must pay attention to these methods of inflating your airbed without a pump.

For those who own external pump mattresses, you can blow it up if your pump is around and in working condition.

However, the disadvantage of these separate pumps is that they can malfunction on a whim. You can also end up misplacing them, which can be extremely frustrating, especially after combing every inch of your home in a bid to search for it.

However, what if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere without an external pump? Is there any way you can get your mattress inflated without a pump?

We have uncovered some unconventional yet effective methods that can successfully inflate your air mattress when you don’t have access to a pump. Get ready to buckle up as we take you on the ride of your life.

Use A Vacuum Cleaner To Inflate Your Air Mattress

When you have a malfunctioning pump, or you just can’t find it, it is time to start thinking quickly.

A vacuum cleaner is one of the most unconventional ways to inflate your air mattress when the going gets tough. If the cleaner comes with a hose attachment, you should have no problems getting your mattress blown up.

Before you even think about starting the inflation process, make sure the vacuum has no dust or debris. If you are unsure, just run the cleaner outside for a couple of minutes to verify that it is entirely free.

The first step is to spread out your inflatable mattress flat on the floor. Just open the valve and connect the nozzle to the vacuum hose. Ensure you continue adjusting the hose until you get a completely tight connection.

Many adaptors can be turned to if the connection between the nozzle and hose remains loose. Go online or walk into your nearest sports goods store to get one.

It would help if you pressed the exhaust or reverse mode to fill your mattress with air. Don’t forget to remove the hose from the connection immediately after your mattress is fully inflated.

Close the nozzle quickly to prevent air from seeping out of your mattress and becoming less firm.

Use A Hair Dryer To Inflate Your Air Mattress

Who thought your regular hair dryer could double as a pump for your inflatable mattress? If you have one of these dryers at home, don’t worry about blowing air into your mattress.

You are lucky because your dryer can get your airbed fully inflated just fine.

However, there are a few precautions you have to take before using your hairdryer as an airbed pump. The first step is to ensure you haven’t pressed the option to blow hot air.

This could cause serious repercussions to the seams of your mattress and lead to punctures, bubbles, and eventual damage.

If you have used duct tape in the past to patch any area of your mattress, then hot air could cause damage to it.

Once your hair dryer is set to blow cold air, connect it to the nozzle of the mattress. Then blow as much air as possible into it until it reaches full firmness.

Once you notice it is firm enough, disconnect the dryer immediately and close the nozzle to prevent significant air loss.

You wouldn’t want your hard work to be undone within a few seconds, would you?

Use A Garbage Bag To Inflate Your Air Mattress

Garbage bags are another crazy way to fill your inflatable mattress with air when your pump is missing. These bags aren’t the quickest way to inflate your airbeds, but they work anyway.

The first step is to get strong garbage bags that are quite large. These bags should catch a considerable amount of air when swung around.

Once you have caught some air, hold the open end of the bag as tight as possible to prevent the air from escaping.

Connect the end of the trash bag to your inflatable mattress’ valve. While holding it extremely tight, use your body weight to push the air into the valve.

Repeat the process about 15 times, and your mattress should be inflated to full firmness for you to sleep.

Just ensure your valve is closed immediately after every round so the air pushed inside doesn’t escape.

How NOT to Inflate an Air Mattress

If you are outdoors with a broken or left-at-home pump, do not rush to inflate your mattress with exhaust gases, even if it seems like a great idea. This is a good way to ensure your air mattress gets a bubble.

The fact is that carcinogens have a devastating effect on the structure of the material.

In addition, during inflating, a person in charge of the process will inevitably inhale some radioactive substances, which can lead to some serious health problems.

The Verdict

Nothing beats blowing up your airbed with a built-in or external pump.

These pumps are convenient and specially designed to get the job done. If you have a pump around or can access one, there will be no need to use any unconventional method.

However, sometimes you find yourself in a position with little choice. You may have guests coming over at a moment’s notice. Or you can’t find your pump, no matter how hard you look for it.

Whatever your reason may be, these methods certainly work and have been used by lots of people successfully.

There are also ways to deflate your air mattress without a pump that shouldn’t be overlooked.

We, however, recommend that you don’t make it a habit. Try to get a new pump as soon as possible.

Whichever method you decide to use, always make sure you apply common sense. Stay away from any methods that will cause short or long-term damage to your mattress.