An air mattress is one of the most favorite swimming accessories. They are taken with them to the beaches in order to comfortably ride the waves. In addition, mattresses are used by those who are not confident in their swimming skills and that they will be able to stay on the water for a long time. Another not-so-standard use for air mattresses is as an impromptu bed for guests. When there is not enough sleeping space in the house, an inflatable mattress can completely replace it. Like any other thing, such mattresses are not protected from damage. Therefore, the problem often arises of how to seal an air mattress.
- Is it possible to repair a mattress yourself?
- Step-by-step recovery instructions
- How to find the location of the damage
- Preparing an air mattress for sealing
- Selection of materials and tools for repairs
- Which adhesive to choose for a mattress?
- Selecting the material and cutting out the patch
- Seal the hole in the mattress
- Seal the seams
- How to seal an intex mattress with a repair kit?
- Repair of an air mattress from the velor side
- Repair recommendations
- How to prevent re-damage?
- Finally
In this article we will talk about the basic rules for restoring the working condition of a mattress on the rubber and velor sides. In addition, we will tell you about ways to repair intex mattresses, find out what materials you will need, and provide you with step-by-step instructions with sequence of actions.
How to find a hole in an air mattress
If the tear in the mattress wall is large, then you will only need to do the sizing, since the hole will be immediately detected. But there are times when the mattress slowly deflates and no damage is visible. In such a situation, use one of the methods below.
Aurally
Inflate the mattress well and slowly explore each area, applying it closer to your ear. This must be done in silence so that you can hear a quiet hiss. Listening for air loss is also important in the case of a hole larger than 5 mm. If there is a microcrack in the mattress, then this method will be ineffective.
Immersion in water
For convenience, you will need a large container of water to place the mattress in, but you can also use a regular basin. Pump it up to maximum and place it in liquid. Air bubbles will emerge from the damaged area. This check is relevant directly at the place of swimming: in the sea or lake.
If you use a bathtub or basin, the mattress needs to be inflated halfway so that you can bend it. Take a small area, immerse it in water and squeeze to see the release of air using pressure. This method is less effective because it can take a long time to find the hole. If damage cannot be detected, carefully examine the inflatable valve, as it is one of the main reasons for deflation.
Soapy solution
Take a container and pour water into it. Then add soap, preferably liquid, and stir. You should get a saturated mass that will foam well. Inflate the mattress as much as possible and place it in a well-lit place. Dip a sponge in the solution and treat the surface, wiping it in small areas. Bubbles will begin to inflate in the damaged area. Once the desired location is found, it is advisable to use a marker and mark it.
Shaving foam
Shaving foam is used in the same way as a soap solution - inflate the mattress and process. Bubbles will appear on the damaged area. Foam is also used to check the tightness of valves, since it is thick and is well applied to hard-to-reach places.
Starch
Using starch is not the most popular method, since it can clog the entire room. To find the hole, inflate the mattress as much as possible and sprinkle it with starch. A dust cloud forms in the damaged area. The main thing is not to miss the moment, otherwise you will have to pour the substance again. Alternatively, use flour, caster sugar or baby powder.
The advantage of this method is that after finding a hole, you can immediately start sealing it, unlike the water method, when you first have to dry the mattress.
Cling film
Inflate the mattress and moisten it with water. Then take cling film or technical film and apply it tightly to it. Air will appear from the hole and the film will begin to peel off.
Other methods
If for some reason the above methods are impossible or inconvenient to determine the location of the damage, use less popular actions:
- pump in the smoke of a cigarette or vape along with the air;
- install a sound decibel detection program on your phone and look for the damaged area in a quiet environment;
- inflate the mattress and use a vape to blow steam onto it;
- pump in the perfume or fragrance along with the air, go into another room and look for the hole by smell.
If you find damage, this does not mean that there is only one. Carefully examine the mattress using any of the suggested methods to find and eliminate any holes.
How to look for a hole
The first step is to find the hole in the air mattress. Sometimes the puncture is visible to the naked eye, but most often the mattress deflates in an inconspicuous place. One small hole with a diameter of a millimeter can deflate a mattress in a couple of hours. It is almost impossible to find a small hole with the naked eye. If after an external examination the defect is not found, you should resort to one of the methods for identifying the hole.
Aurally
- Inflate the mattress as much as possible.
- Eliminate all sources of noise.
- Listen to the sound.
- Move towards the hiss, trying to catch a stream of air with your lips, cheek or wet hand.
- Circle the discovered puncture with chalk or stick a piece of tape.
Using water
- Pour cold water into the bath.
- Inflate the mattress tightly.
- Immerse different parts of the product in water, look closely: air should come out at the cut site.
- Mark the damage with a pen.
At home, this method is used to check the integrity of the side walls of a small narrow mattress. To check the bottom and top, you will need an open reservoir in which you need to “drown” the product. It's easier to do this in the pool.
Powder
- Inflate the mattress.
- Sprinkle the surface thickly with flour, starch, talcum powder or other dry powder.
- Take a close look: the escaping air blows away the “powder.”
- Examine all sides of the mattress, circle the punctures with a pen.
- Shake and vacuum the product.
Soapy solution
- Pour water into a small container.
- Add liquid soap, shampoo, dishwashing detergent - your choice.
- Apply the foam solution to the surface of the mattress with a sponge or brush.
- Mark the place where the bubbles come out with a pen.
Particular attention should be paid to the valve. Often the source of the air leak is there. The valve may be clogged and does not seal tightly to the surface. The stitches around it may tear. In the end, the valve itself may be defective and not close tightly. All this is found out in the same ways - by ear, with a soap solution or without water (using powder, shaving foam).
How to prepare the mattress surface for patching
The surface may consist of velor or smooth material, so processing and gluing methods will differ.
Velor
You need to clean the damaged area immediately. To do this, take acetone and apply it to the surface with a grip radius of 2–3 cm. Then wait a few minutes and clean the mattress from lint using a knife or spoon. Cut the rubber patch 1 cm larger than the cut and apply a thin layer of glue.
Smooth
Using alcohol, treat the surface and let it dry. Then we cut out the patch and apply a thin layer of adhesive. For high-quality bonding, you need to hold the parts to be glued firmly for 3-4 minutes.
Sequence of repair actions
- Determine the puncture site. It is usually unnoticeable. And if by ear it is not possible to find a place for air passage, then the mattress is placed in a container filled with water or filled with soapy water. Statistically, less time is spent on the repair itself than on searching for a crack or puncture.
- The damaged area is treated with fine-grained sandpaper. Then wipe with acetone or other disinfecting solution.
- The flocked mattress covering (velor, pile) is removed using a solvent or alcohol. After drying, the lint is removed using a sharp knife or other similar object. The surface should be cleaned again.
- A patch from the repair kit or a cut out circle of rubber should be applied to the puncture site and outlined with a pencil.
- Apply a thin layer of glue along the contour drawn on the mattress. Which glue to choose was discussed in the article earlier.
- After applying the glue, it is advised to wait 10-15 minutes. Then apply a second layer of glue and also wait a little. When the glue sticks, apply a patch to it. If the room is cold enough, it is recommended to warm up the patch and the damaged area of the mattress with a hairdryer before starting repairs.
- The glued piece of paper should be pressed down with a weight or walked over it with a paint roller.
- The glue should dry within 24 hours. In this case, the mattress must not be bent or moved.
To make the mattress look like new, patches are often glued on the inside. To do this, the damaged area should be turned out through the valve hole. All further operations are similar to those described above.
Moscow, st. Stary Gai, 1, k1.
Departure to the customer.
Required tools and materials
You will need a patch, adhesive and acetone or alcohol solution. For additional materials, prepare fine-grained sandpaper, a marker and a weight. The patch can be cut from any rubber object. This could be a children's toy or a bicycle inner tube, the main thing is that the material is thin and flexible. Also, for gluing you will need an appropriate type of glue, since, for example, the “Superglue” brand will ruin the surface of the mattress and aggravate the situation.
Some models are sold together with a ready-made repair kit. It includes patches, glue and cleaning agent.
How to prepare for repairs
Repairing an air mattress requires preliminary preparation. We have prepared a checklist for you to guide you through:
- The product needs to be deflated.
- Dry the surface and interior thoroughly.
- Clean from dirt.
- Degrease plastic elements (for example, with acetone or alcohol).
- Rub the cut area with sandpaper.
If the conditions are met, repairs can begin.
How to seal an air mattress
Air mattresses consist mainly of rubber and PVC, so you should choose the type of glue, rubber or universal. It dries more slowly, but firmly glues the parts together.
"Universal Moment"
The glue is suitable for joining any parts, including rubber patches. It sets quickly, but complete drying occurs within a day. Using a brush, apply a thin layer of all-purpose adhesive to the mattress surface and patch, and press firmly for 3-4 minutes. Then apply a weight and leave to harden for 24 hours.
Polyurethane Shoe Adhesive
The product is widely used for gluing leather, rubber and PVC. In the process of joining the parts, a layer is created that will firmly hold the structure together for many years.
PVC glue
On the market you can see a product called “Liquid Patch”. It is designed for gluing specifically rubber parts, such as an air mattress, boat or awning. The glue sets slowly, so apply a weight. You will be able to use the mattress after 2-3 days, but complete drying will take at least a week.
"Super Moment 1"
Although glue is on the list of materials suitable for gluing a mattress, it is not recommended to use it because it becomes too hard. Without elasticity, its base will crack with each pumping, causing air to leak.
Rubber glue
The product is intended for gluing rubber, so there is no doubt about its strength. Apply a thin layer of glue to the patch and mattress, press firmly and after a couple of minutes, apply a weight. After 24 hours the connection will be firmly glued.
Repair kit
The ready-made repair kit is sold together with the mattress, but it can also be purchased separately. Branded products consist of clear patches, glue, brush, marker and cleanser. The transparency of the patch allows you to hide any traces of repair, while it is elastic and firmly connected for many years.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with tape?
The option with a velor coating is immediately eliminated, since the tape simply will not stick. The tape will stick to a classic mattress, but will not hold back the air. Also, when interacting with water, the tape will instantly come off.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with liquid nails?
Using liquid nails will help temporarily close the hole, but it may ruin the appearance of the mattress. Also, after hardening, the gluing area will not be airtight, which will lead to rapid tearing.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with Cosmofen?
If you connect rubber parts with this substance, the tightness will remain for no more than a week. This method should only be used as a last resort as a temporary solution to the problem. Once the hole opens again, it will be quite difficult to glue it back together.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with epoxy resin?
The substance is only suitable for joining plastic parts, since when gluing with rubber, oxidation will occur and the patch will come off. Epoxy resin hardens when it dries, so it will crack and crumble when bent.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with nail polish?
Varnish is suitable only as a temporary solution to the problem, and only in a situation with a microcrack. The substance will temporarily close the small hole, but after a few hours, air under pressure will break out.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with electrical tape?
The stickiness of electrical tape is lower than that of adhesive tape. Therefore, the idea that a damaged part of an air mattress can be glued together with electrical tape is considered absurd.
Is it possible to seal an air mattress with sealant?
Of all the extraordinary options, sealant is considered the most practical. It is commonly used for bonding wood and plastic joints, but will also adhere strongly to rubber. There are many types of sealants, but for an air mattress you need to purchase only moisture-resistant ones. It is not suitable for gluing large seams, as it will take on a hard shape when it dries.
Other repair options
In some cases, sealing the hole in the mattress does not solve the problem, so you have to resort to other repair options. They are selected depending on the cause and nature of the damage.
If the seam comes apart
If the seam has been damaged during the use of the mattress, using a patch on the outside will be ineffective, even if you take into account all the subtleties of gluing.
To successfully restore the product, you will have to use some tricks and seal it from the inside. First of all, you should pull the damaged area through the valve hole, and then fix the patch with glue. The structure can be turned back only a day after the composition has dried.
Method without glue
If there is no glue in the house, you will have to fix the defect in another way. To do this, you may need an iron, paper, and a flat wooden surface. First of all, you need to turn the mattress out through the valve hole, clean the surface from dirt, and then align the edges of the tear and fix it on the backing. Next, the soldering area is covered with paper and processed with a hot iron. After the paper has cooled, you can remove it and turn the mattress back inside out.
Method with “Liquid Patch”
To implement the procedure, you will need a special composition called “Liquid Patch”. You can buy it at an inflatable store. If the diameter of the damage does not exceed 3 cm, there is no need to use additional gluing methods. If there are larger damages, you will have to use regular thread.
If the valve leaks
The cause of an air leak may not be damage to the rubber sheet or seam, but a loss of valve tightness. But even such a defect can be easily solved at home. To do this, you need to unscrew the valve and clear its grooves of debris, remove the gasket and clean the end part of the valve with sandpaper. After thoroughly lubricating the valve, the structure must be placed back, and then the mattress must be inflated. A soap solution is also applied to the surface, which is necessary to check the tightness.
Preparing the patch
The size of the patch should be larger than the hole, so cut it with a margin. The ideal option would be material from the same air mattress, but you can also use a regular piece of rubber. In terms of flexibility and strength, a bicycle inner tube is best suited.
Round or rectangular: which is better?
You should not cut out a rectangular patch, as in the future its corners will cling and lead to tearing. Try not to leave any extra parts and cut out a round or oval shape.
What material to make the patch from?
The best option would be identical material or a special repair kit with transparent patches and glue, but it is equally effective to use a bicycle inner tube, a children's toy with flexible rubber, or a swimming cap. These materials are distinguished by good strength and fastening.
Where to buy a repair kit for sealing mattresses and beds Intex
The first place where I saw it on sale was the Sportmaster store. For just 199 rubles you can buy a repair kit consisting of a tube and a transparent patch. It's good that I never bought it. After all, in the Auchan store the exact same set costs only 54 rubles:
No matter how much I tried to discern the differences in these products, I could not find it. The kits are identical. Probably, Sportmaster buys kits in Auchan and sells them on four roads.
Returning home, I pulled out the long-suffering air bed from the mezzanine, laid it out on the floor and decided to immediately begin repairs. First I tore off all the previous patches. It’s embarrassing to even admit, but earlier, when trying to solve the problem with the holes, I covered them with tape. You understand, there was not much sense from this. Moreover, the tape left a sticky, viscous glue on the surface of the bed, which was very difficult to remove.
But what was to be done? It was winter, repair kits are not sold in winter. This is a seasonal product. Therefore, if you become the happy owner of an Intex air bed or mattress , buy one or two repair kits . Who knows when your product will wear out, in a year or tomorrow.
After finding the old holes in the old bed spots, I lightly cleaned them with rubbing alcohol. If there is no alcohol, vodka will do.
After unpacking the repair kit and reading the instructions, I became thoughtful. At some point, there was even a desire to abandon this whole idea, since it was fraught with the most “rosy” consequences if something went wrong. Read what is written about glue:
Can you imagine? You accidentally inhale glue vapors and that’s it! Death. Maybe, well, this bed. Then I'll try regular rubber glue?
However, curiosity and the desire to solve the problem took over right now. As they say, fly just fly!
Mattress sealing technology
The essence of the process is to apply glue to the mattress and patch, and connect the two materials. The technology will differ depending on the type of adhesive and material. Before use, it is recommended to read the instructions and study all the nuances, especially the time for complete drying.
Repairing large holes and cuts
You won’t be able to repair large damage on your own, so it’s better to take the mattress to a specialist. Using equipment, they will create seams and seal the hole.
How to seal a hole on the velor side?
In order for the glue to adhere well to the velor fabric, it must be thoroughly cleaned of lint. There are several options used in everyday life:
- Acetone. The product is applied to the area of future gluing and dries. Then use a knife or similar object to remove all the fluff. The cleaner the surface, the stronger and denser the glue will be.
- Sandpaper. Choose paper with a fine coating and sand carefully so as not to damage the material under the pile.
It is more important to use nail polish remover, since if you use sandpaper without calculating the force, you will most likely cause damage to the wall of the mattress.
How to seal a hole in the seam of an air mattress
If the tear occurs along the seam, the gluing process becomes much more complicated. You need to glue the seam from the outside using thin and flexible rubber so that it can take any shape. The best option would be to connect from the inside of the mattress, but this requires that the damage be close to the valve.
You can try to glue a small hole without patches. Apply a layer of adhesive to the seam and leave it under a load or press for several days. Then inflate the mattress and evaluate the result. If air is still leaking, then repeat the procedure.
How to seal an air mattress with liquid patch
We degrease the damaged area, shake the glue in the tube and apply it to the hole. If the hole is larger than 3 mm, then it must first be sewn up, and only then sealed. The liquid patch sets quickly, so after 24 hours the mattress can be used, but complete drying takes at least 7 days.
How to glue an air mattress with hot glue
Hot glue is a rod that is inserted into a special gun for heating. To seal a small damage, load the gun, point the rod at the sealing area and pull the trigger. As soon as the product begins to melt, apply it in thin layers to the surface of the mattress. To be more sure, repeat the procedure more than 5 times.
Hot glue is used primarily for art and crafts because it does not have the strongest bond. If you are using it to repair a mattress, then keep in mind that this is a temporary fix.
What to do if the valve is leaking
First try to clear it of any blockages. Blow and brush the membranes and check for leaks in water. If bubbles continue to appear, then you need to disassemble the structure. Pull it out by pressing on the ears on the sides and carefully inspect for external damage. In most cases, cracks form at the junction with the pump hose. The problem cannot be fixed with glue, so you will have to buy a new valve.
Also check the membranes for microcracks and tears. If the cause of the breakdown lies in them, then replace them with new ones. You can buy membranes or make them yourself by selecting the appropriate material. To ensure identical sizes, use the old gasket.
Glue selection
When wondering how to seal a hole in an air mattress, you need to choose the right glue. Due to the wide variety of such compositions, finding the right option can be problematic. Experts advise giving preference to rubber and universal types, as well as special glue for PVC. The key requirement for consistency is the formation of a durable, waterproof and elastic layer after processing.
Glue "Moment universal"
It is considered a popular product, which is characterized by highly reliable adhesion to almost any surface. It is used to join rubber, PVC, plastic and fabric. Before processing, the product and patches are degreased, after which the working surface is lubricated with glue and pressed for 15 minutes. The mattress can be used within a day.
Polyurethane shoe glue
This composition is widely used in the shoe industry, but can also be useful for restoring a punctured mattress. Due to its excellent properties and high quality, it firmly adheres to two surfaces, preventing further damage. Shoe glue is applied only to cleaned and dried material.
PVC glue
Many models of air mattresses are made of polyvinyl chloride, so to repair them you have to use a special PVC glue. They treat both the damage site and the patch itself. After the first layer has dried, another one is applied. After a quarter of an hour, you need to apply the patch and press it.
Glue "Super-moment"
Specialized adhesives are used for serious punctures, when it is necessary to restore the integrity of a seam or a large area of the mattress. But some series may contain aggressive substances that can cause damage to the surface. Also, Super Moment glue creates a hard seam that can crumble when bent.
Natural rubber rubber adhesive
It is characterized by a natural composition and the ability to create an elastic seam without visible stains. The solution is applied in two layers, allowing each layer to dry. When gluing surfaces, it is necessary to exert considerable effort, so any weight is placed on the patch and left there for 25 hours.
Air mattress repair kit (repair kit)
Many air mattresses come with ready-made adhesive compositions. They are designed for a specific material, so they are the best option. If after several repairs the adhesive has been exhausted, it is recommended to find similar products in the store.
Other adhesives
If your home workshop does not have the necessary glue to seal the hole, you can use simple tricks. Some craftsmen take pieces of PVC and thoroughly soak them in solvent. After this treatment, the plastic stretches well and acquires a number of qualities that make it no worse than store-bought glue. As an example of such a composition, acetone and a plastic bottle are considered.
How to seal an inflatable anti-decubitus mattress
The design of the mattress is not standard, but repairs are carried out using conventional methods. Since it consists of cells, it will be more difficult to seal the damage. The best solution would be “Universal Moment”, rubber or polyurethane glue.
If the hole is very small, then the patch may not be used. Apply several coats of product to the hole and let it set. Larger cracks will require a patch. It is best to use a special mattress sizing kit, but you can cut the patch yourself, as long as it is made of thin and elastic rubber.
Rules for working with a fisherman's suit
Sooner or later, every fisherman experiences damage to his fishing suit or wading boots. Completely changing your equipment is not the best option; you should try to restore the integrity of the equipment.
Rubber suit repair:
- You will need an old rubber boot - cut the patch to the desired size.
- Using sandpaper, sand the area requiring repair, as well as the patch itself.
- Degrease the patch and the damaged area of the rubber suit. Gasoline, acetone, and solvent are used. It is better to work with rubber gloves, which also need to be treated.
- Apply rubber glue to the patch and damaged area of the suit. It will take 20-30 minutes for the composition to dry; the patch is not attached to the area requiring repair.
- After the specified time, apply a second layer of glue. After which the patch is applied to the damaged area. Leave until completely set for several hours. The glue dries quickly, but the wading suit can be used within a day.
Membrane suit repair
Special compounds based on neoprene and polyurethane are used to repair overalls not only made of membrane, but also PVC. Effectively seals seams, abrasions, and holes of different diameters.
Membrane suit repair:
- Cut a patch identical to the damaged area from nylon or other synthetic fabric.
- Turn the product inside out. Place tape over the area with the hole.
- Then turn it right side out and fill the hole with glue.
- Place the prepared patch on top.
- Wait a few hours and once again treat the front side with glue for a more durable fixation.
Wader repair
Rubber fishing pants - waders - are vulnerable to damage from branches and reeds in bodies of water, and tears often occur along the seams. For repairs, a specialized glue is used, designed to quickly restore fishing equipment.
How to seal neoprene waders:
- Turn the suit inside out.
- Using scissors, cut out the area around the thinning area on the overalls with a 1 cm allowance.
- Apply the resulting part to the patch of new neoprene, circle it with an allowance of 3-5 mm. Cut the patch along the contour.
- Put on waders and try on the workpiece, if it fits the size of the hole, begin preparing the material.
- Treat the damaged surface with a hardener-cleaner or acetone.
- Glue is applied to the borders of the patch and the hole. Apply end-to-end, not overlapping; the fixation time is indicated in the product instructions.
- Additionally, the joint is stitched with nylon thread and treated along the outer and inner edges with glue.
- Wait a day; After the glue has dried, turn out the wading pants and check the quality of the repair. The neoprene should lie flat on the front side.
Popular brands of products for repairing waders are Aquasure, Stormsure, Technisib. Designed for express repairs, they restore the product's tightness and elasticity. Designed for repairing overalls made of neoprene, fiberglass, rubber and soft PVC.
Seam repair:
- Treat the material with solvent.
- Apply specialized glue along the seam with a thickness of 1 mm.
- Work the joints with a brush so that the fixing compound covers the seam by 3-5 mm.
- Treat the seams on the inside in the same way. By analogy, areas with abrasions are restored.
- Leave to dry for a day.
How to fix a hole in an air mattress outdoors
To prevent such questions from arising, it is recommended to purchase a special sealing kit in advance or make blanks from cut-out patches. If during rest the mattress begins to deflate, then lower it completely into the water and look for air leaks. Then everything will depend on the size of the gust. A microcrack can be temporarily closed with any durable glue, except PVA, or nail polish. However, this is a temporary solution, so when you return from vacation, use reliable methods.
If the hole is large, then it will be impossible to fix it with improvised means, since it needs to be sewn up and glued with a special means.
What to do if the valve is faulty
When the repair work is completed, the quality of the connection is checked, but air continues to escape, you need to check the place for inflating the item. Over time, this location becomes unsafe, which can cause a leak.
Valve mechanism repair:
- Unscrew the plastic housing.
- Wipe off dirt and dust.
- Remove the rubber membrane.
- Using sandpaper, sand the inside end of the housing.
- Lubricate the inside of the body under the rubber band with grease. Any, even vegetable oil will do.
If, after installing the element in place, air continues to escape, you need to take the item to a workshop. It's better to change it completely. This method does not always guarantee a reliable connection.
Sometimes the membrane is changed because the rubber becomes tanned over time and then warps.
In another case, ordinary polyethylene for weight products will help, which will completely block the air leak. Before doing this, you first need to remove the washer, then install it in place.
Features of repair depending on the brand
Each company is trying to beat its competitors by producing unique mattresses with a special coating, additional functions and components. Some brands became famous thanks to mattresses for sleeping, and some for the treatment of joints. Although the design is similar, each publisher's recovery process may differ.
How to properly seal a Bestway air mattress
The mattresses from this company have a complex valve design built into them that blocks the air from escaping even if the valve is opened. At first glance, it is difficult to restore sealing in this area, but in reality this is not the case. The design is collapsible, so you can pull it out and determine the problem.
The Bestway company makes air mattresses mainly from a velor covering, so cuts can be eliminated with special tools included in the kit or prepared independently.
How to properly seal an Intex air mattress
Inflatable mattresses for swimming are considered one of the most common. The upper part is made of velor, and the walls and bottom are made of PVC. Along with the bathing product there is always a repair kit consisting of transparent pads, a brush, a cleaner and an adhesive. You can always repair any damage and still leave it in a marketable appearance. Alternatively, you can use all-purpose or rubber cement.
How to properly seal an Outventure air mattress
Externally, the mattress is similar to Intex, but more durable, and accordingly the walls are thicker. A repair kit does not come with the product, but you can seal it yourself. It is recommended to use identical material as a patch. It will not only adhere well, but will also hide traces of repairs. If this is not possible, then buy the appropriate glue and cut out a patch from flexible rubber. Pre-clean the velor coating in the damaged area.
How to seal a Pavillo air mattress
The peculiarity of the mattresses is a double layer of PVC, which feels like fabric. The kit includes a patch, but you need to purchase glue yourself. A thick coating makes it less flexible, so you can use a patch made of coarser rubber, having first cleaned and degreased the surface.
Is it possible to repair a mattress yourself?
First, you need to determine whether you can repair the air mattress yourself. And this is quite possible, but only if you follow basic safety precautions and have the necessary materials at hand.
The repair process itself involves creating neat patches or sealing the damage. If you strictly adhere to the instructions we provide, you are guaranteed to be able to achieve a really good result, which will be no different from repairing a mattress in a special workshop.
Restoring the integrity of a rubber accessory itself is a very simple task. However, those who decide to undertake its implementation will have to face a rather serious problem. After all, finding a hole in a mattress is a big deal. Most often, the gust is incredibly small, and it is unlikely to be caught during a quick inspection. Determining breakdown by sound is also quite difficult.
Before you commit a hole, carefully inspect the valve. In most cases, the beach attribute begins to deflate precisely because it is not completely closed or is broken. So, if you are convinced that there are no problems with the valve, then it’s time to figure out how to properly seal the hole with your own hands.
Tips for using and storing an air mattress
In order for the air mattress to last for a long time, it is recommended to comply with the following conditions:
- when spreading out for inflation, make sure that there are no shells, stones or branches under the mattress;
- do not pump air beyond the norm, otherwise it may burst under your weight;
- do not allow animals to approach the product, as it will quickly be pierced by sharp claws;
- do not pump the air to the limit under the sun, as the rays cause the oxygen to expand;
- after bathing, be sure to dry it so that all the seams are dry, otherwise they will lose strength;
- When cleaning, do not use chemicals, as they corrode the material.
The mattress should only be stored in a deflated state. Open the valve and let the air come out on its own, do not speed up the process by pressing. Wide mattresses are usually folded in half and then rolled into rolls. Start on the far side of the flap so that any remaining air escapes as you fold.
Ideal storage conditions are room temperature. Avoid hypothermia or overheating. When cold, plastic cracks easily, and, for example, next to a battery it can stretch and change shape.
What causes punctures and how to avoid them
The more complex the configuration, the greater the likelihood of damage to the mattress. For example, the problem of punctures and cracks is familiar to owners of mattresses with cup holders. The pressure created by the air and the body has a bad effect on the internal partitions. However, ordinary rectangular mattresses are also subject to mechanical stress. Among the main reasons for a puncture are:
- actions of a pet - cats and dogs easily bite through fabric, tear the material with sharp claws;
- excess air is one of the main reasons why a mattress comes apart at the seams;
- uneven surface - the bottom is often damaged by branches, straw, pine cones, sharp stones;
- carelessness of use - the upper part is often damaged by metal objects on the body and clothes of the owners: sharp hairpins, rings, accessories;
- pranks of children - sudden jumps and movements on the mattress increase internal pressure, which can lead to rupture of the seams;
- improper storage - due to being folded for a long time, cracks appear on bends and creases (it is better to store it in the form of a roll);
- careless care - before deflating and rolling up the mattress, you should clear the surface of grass, branches, debris, and dry the surface well.
To prevent possible deformation of the mattress, you should treat it with care, especially when traveling. Before inflating and laying the product on the grass, pine needles and sticks in the forest, it is necessary to inspect and clear the surface of the ground. It is recommended to place blankets and blankets under the mattress. It is better not to leave the product in an inflated state in the sun. You should not inflate the mattress all the way, fall on it from a running start, or jump on the surface.
How to avoid new damage?
Despite the high strength declared by the manufacturer, air mattresses are quite thin. Before placing them on the ground, carefully inspect the ground for debris. Do not drag it along the ground, keep it away from animals, or pump it over. If you follow the storage conditions, then the mattress will serve you for a long time.
Air mattresses are used almost everywhere, the reason for this is their lightness and convenience. However, they do not have good durability, and for long service they will require careful care, otherwise the mattress will easily get damaged. However, in such situations there is a way out - sizing and repairing the damage yourself or with the help of specialists.
12 hours have passed (even a little more)
The sight of glued patches was depressing. They looked too primitive. Most likely, all this is a fool's errand. But when I tried to pick at the edge of one of them, it turned out that it was stuck tightly.
Having inflated the air bed, I first left it alone and went about other things. Imagine my surprise when, after about a couple of hours, I came to the room where the experiment was being carried out and discovered that the Intex product did not even think about “lowering”. It looked exactly the same as it did immediately after pumping.
Having decided to conduct a more daring experiment (it was just time for an afternoon rest), I lay down on the bed. Waking up about an hour later, I noticed that the bed had lost a little of its elasticity.
One of two things - either some patch has “come off” or there are one or two more “unaccounted for” holes.
How to properly repair frame models at home
There are several ways to restore the tightness of a product.
Method 1: Adhesive tape
First you need to identify the puncture site. The damaged area is marked with a marker. After this, the surface must be cleaned of dirt. To degrease the material, use an alcohol solution. Apply a patch to the puncture area. Adhesive tapes are used only for temporary restoration of tightness. After the end of the season it is necessary to carry out more thorough repairs.
Method 2: Repair Kit
To eliminate leaks in frame pools, you will have to use a repair kit. Moreover, the pool owner may not drain the water. To get rid of the defect, you should use an underwater patch. It is installed on both sides of the damaged area
When choosing an adhesive composition, you need to pay attention to the components. The product must not contain toxins that will have a negative impact on human health
A prerequisite is resistance to moisture. After the composition dries, an elastic seam should form.