How to Patch an Air Mattress, With or Without a Patch Kit

DIY Instructions to Make Your Air Mattress Work Like New

By
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018
Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 07/19/23
Blue air mattress with hole covered with a patch

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 15 - 30 mins
  • Total Time: 8 hrs - 2 days
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $0 to $10

Learning how to patch an air mattress is a great way to make your air mattress work like new again without having to replace it. Whether you have an inflatable air mattress for camping, a quick guest bed, or use one as your regular mattress, it's susceptible to punctures and leaks. The best thing to patch it with is an air mattress patch kit, but it's also possible to fix holes in your air mattress with household items. So, before you toss the whole thing, learn how to patch the leak to get the most out of your bed.

How to Find an Air Mattress Leak

The first step in patching an air mattress leak is to find it. Many punctures are so small that you cannot find them easily. If the mattress was in use and deflated overnight, remove any bed linens and covers before searching for the leak. Here are different methods you can use to find a leak in your air mattress:

  1. If you have a swimming pool, submerge the inflated air mattress. Gently squeeze the mattress and look for the bubbles rising to the surface. You've found the area that is leaking.
  2. Fully inflate the mattress. Spray the surfaces with a garden hose and look for bubbles to appear on the wet surface.
  3. Fully inflate the mattress. Dip a sponge in very soapy water and rub it over the surfaces. Gently squeeze the mattress and watch for soap bubbles to form over the leaky spot.
  4. Fully inflate the mattress and squeeze it gently. Listen carefully for hissing air and use your hand to feel the air escaping.
  5. Inspect the air valve to make sure it is fully sealed and closed and has no rips or tears. Note: Most valve problems cannot be repaired and the mattress will need to be replaced.

Tip

Once you discover the leak, dry the area with a cloth and mark the spot with a permanent marker. It will be much easier to find the leak when you're ready to apply the patch.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

With a Patch Kit

  • Permanent marker
  • Five-pound weights or heavy books
  • Microfiber cloths
  • Coin (optional)

DIY Methods Without a Patch Kit

  • Scissors
  • Heavy books to weigh down patch

Materials

With a Patch Kit

  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • All-purpose cleaner
  • Air mattress patch kit
  • Sandpaper

DIY Methods Without a Patch Kit

  • Shower liner
  • Bike tire inner tube
  • Duct tape
  • Strong adhesive, such as E6000

Instructions

How to Patch an Air Mattress With a Patch Kit

Materials and tools to patch an air mattress hole

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  1. Deflate the Mattress

    It is much easier to patch an air mattress if it is fully deflated. This leaves a flatter work surface, and the patch will go on more smoothly.

    Blue air mattress opened and deflated

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  2. Clean the Area Surrounding the Leak

    • To achieve a tight seal, the area around the leak must be pristinely clean—no dust, dirt, or grease.
    • If the mattress area of the leak is flocked, use a small piece of sandpaper to remove the fuzzy coating.
    • When the area is smooth, clean it well with a damp lint-free microfiber cloth and a few drops of all-purpose cleaner.
    • Finish cleaning the area with a fresh microfiber cloth dampened with isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
    • Allow the area to air-dry completely.
    Blue air mattress wiped with pink microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

  3. Use an Air Mattress Patch Kit

    Patch kits are readily available online or from sporting goods stores. These kits contain patches (which may not match the color of your mattress) that can be cut to the correct size and a strong adhesive. Be sure to read the label carefully to make sure that the kit can be used on vinyl, rubber, or both. Follow these steps or the package directions carefully:

    • Use a patch size that will generously cover the punctured or torn area. Cut the patch into a round or oval shape to help prevent the edges from catching on bedcovers.
    • Apply the adhesive evenly to the punctured area where you intend to place the patch.
    • Remove the protective backing from the patch (one side is sticky) and apply the patch, sticky side down, over the puncture.
    • Smooth the patch with your fingers or a coin to remove any air bubbles.
    • Place books or weights of five to 10 pounds over the area to hold the patch securely in place.
    • Let the patch and adhesives cure for 24 to 48 hours to ensure a strong repair. If the mattress must be used immediately, the patch should hold after drying for a few hours but may not be permanent.

    Warning

    While many air mattress manufacturers include or sell a patch kit, using another patch kit brand or a DIY repair may void the mattress warranty. Some mattress manufacturers encourage owners to return the mattress to them so they can do the repairs for you.

    Path kit materials in front of blue air mattress with hole covered

    The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

How to Patch an Air Mattress Without a Patch Kit

If you don't have a patch kit, you can make a DIY repair. Some are temporary, while others should last as long as those done with a commercial repair kit.

  1. Use a Shower Curtain

    Make a patch from a shower curtain liner for plastic or PVC mattresses.

    • Cut a rounded-edge patch at least an inch larger on all sides than the puncture.
    • After you have thoroughly cleaned the problem area, use a strong adhesive like E6000 to adhere the patch to the mattress. Apply the adhesive to the patch, especially around the outer edges for a good seal.
    • Smooth out air bubbles.
    • Weigh down with books for at least eight hours.

  2. Use an Inner Tube Patch

    For a rubber air mattress, use a bike inner tube to create the patch. Follow the same steps for the application of the patch.

  3. Use Duct Tape

    Duct tape is great in an emergency to provide a temporary fix. Be sure the mattress area is clean and dry to get the best seal.

  4. Use Super Glue

    Small rips and punctures can be temporarily sealed with a few drops of super glue. It won't hold forever but might get you through the night.

FAQ
  • Why did my air mattress get a hole?

    There are several reasons including exceeding the maximum weight limit that put too much pressure on the seams, a sharp object on the ground or from a pet's claws puncturing the mattress, or there were extreme temperature changes that stressed the integrity of the material.

  • Can you patch the felt side of an air mattress?

    You can patch the felt side successfully if you remove the felting from the area that needs to be fixed using sandpaper.

  • How long does an air mattress last?

    Depending on the quality of the mattress, the frequency of use, and how well it's maintained, an air mattress can last two to eight years.