Are you standing before a flat air mattress with a hand pump, wondering how you will get this aired without getting exhausted?
Don’t fret; we will give you a few tips on inflating an air mattress with a hand pump!
Are There Different Types Of Air Pumps?
Today, many air mattresses come with an air pump built right in. All you have to do is plug it in, and away you go. However, most air mattresses for short-term use don’t include an air pump.
The different types of air pumps in use with air mattresses include electric (built-in or standalone), dual (works on electric or battery), battery, and manual (hand or foot.)
When camping, hand pumps offer a way to air up an air mattress without relying on electricity. Battery-operated air pumps cannot handle airing up more than a single twin-size air mattress, so they may not be ideal.
Hand/Foot
There are different sizes and types of hand pumps.
- Double Action
- This pump looks like a traditional bicycle pump with a “T” handle and cylinder with feet.
- These come in small, medium, and large sizes. The larger they are, the more air they will pump.
- Single Action
- These are cylindrical with a blunt handle requiring you to cup your hand around and grip it. They require more exertion while delivering less air than a double-action hand pump.
Tips On Inflating An Air Mattress Using A Hand Pump
Unless you are a top athlete with muscles abounding, airing up a mattress with nothing more than a hand pump will wear you out! So, what options do you have?
Option #1
You can acquire the help of several people, and by taking turns airing up with a hand pump, you conserve energy, and it’s much more manageable.
Option #2
Invest in a double-action hand pump that quickly delivers more air with less exertion. We HIGHLY recommend this option.
Prepare Your Mattress And Pump
To protect your air mattress, it’s always best to spread it out flat on a surface free from anything that will puncture it. Allow ample room for it to expand as it fills with air.
- Locate the air mattress air valve and unplug/unscrew it.
- Most air mattresses have an air release valve. If yours has one, make sure it is securely on.
Begin To Fill With Air
There’s never a better time than NOW to start pumping away.
- It’s easier to pump standing up rather than sitting down. This enables you to apply the maximum downward pressure to pump air in.
- Position your feet on each side of the hand pump to prevent it from slipping.
- Pull up on the pump handle.
- Pace your breathing with the motion of the downward/upward direction of the pump. Breathe out when pumping down, and breathe in when pulling up.
- NEVER allow anyone to get on the mattress as it fills with air because it can cause damage to the mattress’s air valve and your air pump.
- Fill the mattress with air to about 90% capacity. By allowing that 10% of unfilled space, you provide a little cushioning for comfort. For those who like firm mattresses, bypass this step and fill.
- Don’t overfill your mattress. Once a nickel can bounce off of it, it’s time to stop.
- Quickly remove the air pump connector to the mattress air valve and securely close the valve cap.
Time For Bed Linens And A Few Snoozes!
Now you can put your sheets and comforter on, add a few pillows, and snooze the night away.
Protect, Prolong, and Enjoy Your Air Mattress
Once you are done using your air mattress, could you quickly clean it by vacuuming it? Promptly remove the air, fold it up, and place it back into its storage bag.
By taking good care of the mattress during every phase of use and storage, you will enjoy using it for many years!