It is always nice to have an air mattress at home, whether you use it on a daily basis or only when it is needed like when you have a guest sleeping over. You can even bring it to outdoor activities like camping and glamping.
But what if you need your air mattress now but whilst you're pumping air into it, it is not inflating as fast as it should? If you think a hole is the only problem you might experience with your air mattress, then you might be surprised to encounter other issues. You don't have to worry, though, because there is a solution to every problem.
It is best that you are aware of all the issues you might have in the future when it comes to your air mattress. Before getting started with the list of these issues, here are the essential reminders for you before you buy an air mattress that you can enjoy for many years:
1. Air beds or mattresses are usually made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. There are other materials, but it is advisable to always have one with PVC.
2. These products mostly come with air compressors, so you don't need to spend extra on an air pump.
3. Patch kits or hole kits are also sold with the air bed in a package.
4. Air mattresses, just like regular beds, come in different sizes and colours. You've probably seen a single and double-sized air bed on television. But you can purchase a queen-sized air mattress as well.
5. Air mattresses are considered the most portable and comfortable option for both indoor and outdoor slumber. Here in Australia, thousands of homes have air beds, whilst campers or glampers also bring them to different locations. If you're not familiar with the term glamping', it is also camping but with modern conveniences. Glamorous plus camping and you have glamping.
6. Air mattresses are affordable. You can buy one for only $39. You also don't need to think about these products being sold cheap. Affordable and cheap are not the same. Air mattress price rates are based on size and materials. Bigger ones will require more cash, but they will surely be worth it if you have a big family.
7. Most people believe that with air bed products getting a lot cheaper, the quality is also degrading. That might be the case for some, but all you have to do is find the right provider or seller.
8. Buy an air mattress with a warranty policy. Always opt for a warranty in case you end up with a faulty one. Top providers and sellers offer warranties not because it is needed but to assure you that you are about to purchase a quality product.
9. Some air mattresses have built-in motors for fast and reliable air supply. All you have to do is turn it on and it fills up with air. If you think you're going to spend a fortune for this model, you're wrong. It will probably cost you only one hundred dollars.
Find more tips on purchasing an air mattress here. Always do your research when planning to buy a certain product. Go an extra mile if you're gunning for quality air mattress. Now, with that out of the way, here are ten signs your air mattress needs repair or replacement:
1. Air won't stay still
This is the most common problem with inflatable beds or air mattresses. You turned the motor on or you keep pumping, but it is not inflating. The pump or motor is either broken or there is a big fat hole or several holes in your air mattress. Worry not, because as mentioned above, most air mattresses come with an emergency patch kit. All you have to do is locate the hole and apply the patch to cover it. Keep in mind that there are other ways to fix this problem. You can use hot glue or a bike patch kit. Some people use adhesives whilst others stich up a DIY cloth patch. Another great tip when it comes to patching a hole: you can turn it into another valve.
2. The valve is letting the air out
If air is still not staying in and you can't locate any hole, then the problem may be on the valve itself. There might be damage within the valve, resulting in air slipping out. In some cases, the valve is covered with dirt particles, making it hard and slow for air to come in. You can patch it up, but it would be best to replace the old valve with a new one. You can even do it yourself.
3. The bed keeps moving
If your air mattress is uncomfortable, no matter what you do or what position you're in, then it might have something to do with the coil beam construction. The beam should remain sturdy at all times to give you the comfort you need. In this case, you might consider buying a new one, instead of having it repaired. Keep in mind, though, that this problem is avoidable. You just need to take good care of your mattress. Be careful when setting it up and folding it back down. It is also best not to allow a number of people to sleep on it. If the bed is for only two, then stick to two. An air mattress is also not an inflatable bouncer nor a trampoline. Keep in mind that this is just an inflatable mattress for sleeping. It is durable but there are certain boundaries to consider.
4. The bed is lumpy
This is a common complaint with air beds and normal beds. Is there something underneath the sheet? Over time, some bed fillings go rogue and start to scatter, making the bed uneven and uncomfortable. If you want something that will last for many years, you should go for polyester fabric with polyester hollow fibre filling. With this material, your air mattress will be comfortable for many years. Remember that there is a good kind of bump and a wrong one. Obviously, you want the former. If a small lump does not bother you, then stay with it. If it is too much of a trouble whilst you're sleeping on it, it is time to buy a new one.
5. You keep getting neck pains and stiffness after waking up
You might think it's the position you sleep in but that might not be the case. Just like with being lumpy, air beds, especially those with built-in pillows, tend to cause aches on the back or neck. According to various research, pillows might be the cause of neck and back pains. Some people go for cervical pillows with memory foam for maximum comfort. You can do the same with your air mattress, but you'll be happy to know that many air bed products these days come with memory foam, so you don't need to buy a separate one. The problem might also be with the sleeping surface. These issues cannot be repaired, so it is best to replace it.
6. The bed feels itchy
Air beds also require constant cleaning. There might be dust, mildew, and other unwanted particles which make you feel uneasy when lying down. You don't have to wash the mattress”there is a formula. The common one is to mix white vinegar and water. Use a sponge and then rub the mattress with the combined solution. To dry it up, just place it outside when the sun is up. If you're worried about the odour, all you need is baking soda. Just pour some on the surface and the unwanted odour will go right off. It is best to clean your air mattress at least once or twice every four months. If you want to minimise the chore of rubbing mildew away, store your mattress in a dry room. Keep liquid, especially sugary drinks, from touching the mattress; otherwise, you're not only making it sticky; you are also inviting ants, one of the scariest visitors for a sleeping person.
7. The motor isn't pumping any wind
If your air mattress has a built-in motor, then holes and damaged valves are not the only problems you need to worry about. Unlike the standard air mattress, motor-pumped mattresses are harder to maintain. This is where you need professional assistance. You can fix the motor but you're going to need the right tools and be aware of the proper techniques. Only a few providers sell replacement motor pumps, so you might want to buy a new one. If you want, you can go for a standard motor pump. Most air compressors or pumps don't require much human work. Some are automated and need minimal human effort.
8. Air mattress is not inflating at all
You might be dealing with a big rip, not a small hole. The materials used for an air mattress these days are durable and rip-resistant. But a rip can't always be avoided. It is also hard to stich a rip with durable materials. Whilst stitching it is not that expensive, it will take some time. To make sure your air mattress remains durable and rip-resistant, clean it regularly and once again, place it in a dry area where you have control of the temperature. Keeping it within a suitable environment prevents the mattress and its materials from being damaged.
9. Air mattress budges or bubbles
Are you feeling or seeing little bubbles emerging from underneath? If you are, then there is something wrong with your air mattress. Air mattress bubbles, ironically, are hard and will cause uneasiness during your slumber. What causes the bubbles? The answer is you might have over-inflated your air mattress. From that, you can figure out that to get rid of the bubble, you just need to let some air out. But what if you did and the bubbles are still there? What do you do then? Stubborn bubbles are caused by ruptured seams which are caused by frequent over-inflation. This is something you can't fix unless you don't mind the bubbles. You can avoid this problem by keeping in mind the right level of inflation and always checking the internal seam.
10. There are bed bugs on the surface
Yes, bed bugs can also thrive on air mattresses. But don't worry, because unlike a normal bed, there are no hiding spots for these bugs to build a colony on an air mattress. All they can do is crawl down the sheet and you can just easily get rid of these irritating insects. To keep bugs away, you might want to use bug sprays. Then, keep your mattress clean, warm, and dry to discourage bugs from living in it.
Taking care of your air mattress is not rocket science. You just need to know how to clean, maintain and when the time comes, repair it. If you ever stumbled on any of the issues listed above, it is best to ask a professional.
If you don't know anyone, you might want to try Outbax, a leading seller and provider of outdoor gear and equipment, including air beds. Outbax will help you fix the problems you're having with your air mattress at home.
If you want to buy a new one, we have a complete range of air beds that can meet your specific needs. You can buy one for as low as $39. You can spend a little more if you need a bigger size. If you don't have an air mattress yet, then it is time to consider getting one. Many people attest that an air mattress is a comfortable and portable item to have in the home. You can buy one for the entire family. You don't have to worry about quality and price range. We will make it worth your money. Shop now!
