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How to Seal a Hole in an Air Bed

Many campers know the luxury of sleeping on an air bed. Air beds are a major upgrade from sleeping on the hard ground with a sleeping bad. Although proper care and storage of an air bed minimizes the risk of a puncture, sometimes accidents still happen. A sharp rock or branch under your tent will easily puncture a hole.

Things You'll Need

Liquid soap
Water
Spray bottle
Marker or duct tape
Patch kit
Rubbing alcohol
Clean cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the leak in the air bed. Mix together liquid soap and water into a spray bottle. Inflate the air mattress and spray the solution on the surface of the air bed. The solution will bubble up around any leaks.
- 2
  Mark the location of the leak with a marker or duct tape. Deflate the mattress after the location is marked.
- 3
  Clean the area around the leak. Use rubbing alcohol and a soft, clean cloth to remove any dirt or residue from the area. This ensures the patch kit will properly adhere.
- 4
  Remove the patches from the repair kit. Use the scissors to cut a patch approximately 3/4 to 1 inch larger than the hold in the mattress.
- 5
  Open the adhesive in the repair kit. Apply the adhesive to the mattress, around the punctured area. Allow the adhesive to sit and become slightly tacky before applying the patch.
- 6
  Apply the patch to the adhesive. Use your hands to smooth out any air bubbles from the patch. Ensure the entire outside edge of the patch is flat for a proper seal.
- 7
  Allow the adhesive to dry according to the manufacturer's specifications. Inflate your air mattress and test the patched area with your spray bottle solution.
- 8
  Cut a larger patch to cover this patch if it still leaks, and repeat the application process. Do not attempt to remove the first patch, as this will cause more damage to the puncture.

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