How to Fold And Store An Air Mattress

Properly storing an air mattress helps keep it protected from any unwanted damage. If you have cats, leaving an air mattress out all day is an absolute no-go. Their claws will find a good spot to pop quicker than their mad dash for dinner.

But, rest assured, when you have a tried and true method for storing your air mattress, these problems lessen significantly. I’ll go over some tips and tricks for at-home and on-the-go storage.

This guide will cover basic folding and storage methods for indoor and outdoor use.

Deflating Your Air Mattress

This is arguably the easiest part of the process, despite it containing multiple steps.

• Deflate. Usually, air mattresses will have a clearly labeled valve. Allow your air mattress to sink all the way to the ground you’re working with. For extra flatness, rest a large object on top of it for a few minutes.

• Prepare your surface. You should double and triple check for any unwanted sharp objects surrounding your workspace. These could accidentally pop holes in your air mattress, and you definitely don’t want that occurring while you fold.

• Smooth. Chances are that your mattress may be wrinkly upon deflating. You can smooth these wrinkles with your hands in order to make it as compact as possible.

Folding Your Air Mattress

Now that your air mattress is properly deflated, it’s time to fold. The technique you use for folding will largely depend on your air mattress’s size.

Remember that air mattress’ sizing varies largely by brand. Be sure to double check the exact measurements for your air mattress at varying points of folding and storage.

A twin sized air mattress can usually be folded in half once or twice.

A full/double or queen sized air mattress should be folded in thirds. This can be done by:

• Folding ⅓ of the air mattress’ width to the center of it
• Folding the open side over the already-folded side
• Pressing these sides together

Rolling Your Air Mattress

If you’re running low on time, or if folding isn’t really your style, some air mattresses can be rolled for storage. Keep a steady pace, grab one end of the flattened air mattress, and roll it to the other side.

Depending on the size of your storage container, you’ll want to make sure that you can fit the air mattress in it while it’s rolled up. You may be able to fold it in smaller increments, like in half, and then roll it to fit the storage container.

When you roll your air mattress, be sure to do so on a flat surface. This creates the most even result and protects it from any potential damage.

Protecting Your Air Mattress For Storage

Even more important than proper folding and rolling is the protection method that you choose. This will look different if you’re storing the air mattress in your home or outdoors.

If you’re storing the air mattress indoors, it’s likely going to be tempting to throw it in your closet for a fast solution. However, that’s one of the quickest ways to add damage to your air mattress.

Thankfully, you don’t have to keep the air mattress in its original box. Many come with a carrying bag that’s similar to one that would accompany a sleeping bag. Safely place the air mattress in the bag and tighten it as much as possible.

Again, our focus here is protecting your air mattress from any damage. Environmental factors are a major contributor here. Any moisture or weather can severely impact the quality of your air mattress.

Storing Your Air Mattress

Ideally, you’ll be able to keep your air mattress in a space such as attic. However, linen closets work just fine so long as the air mattress is properly covered.

You can either keep the air mattress in its carrying bag, or you can place it in a storage bin.

For outdoor storage, if you must keep the air mattress in a tent, make sure that it is covered and dry. Checking the ground for any sharp objects is a good idea. This way, you can avoid any unwanted punctures.

If you’re staying somewhere that is windy, perhaps keep the folded and rolled air mattress under a heavy object so it is not affected by these conditions.

Always remember to keep in mind the dimensions of your air mattress when preparing it for storage. This is especially true if you’re planning on buying a container to store the air mattress in. Most storage containers will have their specific dimensions listed on their label or item info if you’re shopping online.

FAQ

Where can I get a box to store my air mattress?

Major retailers such as Target and Walmart sell plastic bins for around $10 that can safely house your air mattress.

Can I keep my air mattress in its original box?

Yes, but it is recommended that you fold and roll it properly before placing it in the box.

Does the temperature of the storage location affect the air mattress?

The temperature itself does not, but it’s important to keep your air mattress in a dry location. If you’re working with a location other than a closet or attic, places such as underneath a bed will work.

Summary

Keeping your air mattress at its top quality for the long-term is quite simple with a little bit of effort. Naturally, this is dependent on your intended use for the air mattress. Outdoor usage will require a little bit more effort, while ones that are kept indoors can generally be left and not thought about.

Protecting your air mattress from certain conditions is sometimes as simple as keeping it in a secure bag or bin. Additionally, so long as it’s flattened properly, it won’t take up too much space.

One of the best perks regarding air mattresses is their portability. The multitude of options at your disposal adds flexibility for every lifestyle.