How To Deflate Air Mattress?

Be it your camping trip thirst, the price of a bed set, or plain convenience, you decided to buy an air mattress. But then, when you wanted to pack it up, you didn’t deflate it properly, and now making it fit is a nightmare. 

Knowing how to deflate an air mattress can make the difference between a great night’s sleep and wishing you never bought the thing in the first place. To deflate an air mattress, you can use manual body pressure or a vacuum cleaner attachment to suck the air out.

This comprehensive guide will teach you all the methods to remove the air from your inflatable mattress. If you follow the methods below, you won’t go through the hassle and storage torture that air mattresses can pose.

Check for Any Damage or Punctures Before Deflating

Before deflating your air mattress, look carefully at your air mattress for any holes or punctures. This will not only let you know if you have to repair it promptly, but it will save you a big disappointment next time you decide to take it out. 

You’ll also want to remove any bedding and accessories.  

Take all pillows, blankets, or any other objects that might obstruct airflow to ensure that nothing punctures your air mattress during deflation. Yep, this can happen too. 

Doing this keeps your air mattress functional for much longer and creates a clear air escape path, preventing these items from getting caught in the valve.

Method 1: Manual Body Pressure

This first method is the easiest, given you don’t need anything more than your body. 

Here's how to do it:

Open the Valve of Your Air Mattress

Locate the deflation valve on your air mattress. It's usually a small circular or rectangular opening with a cap you can unscrew or pull off. Once you find it, remove the cap, and ensure no debris blocks the airflow. 

If necessary, clean around the area gently using a soft cloth before proceeding.

Roll off Completely Onto Another Surface

The roll-off technique is advantageous not only for its efficiency but also for being energy-saving and needing no extra equipment. Just remember to be gentle and patient throughout the process to maintain the longevity of your air mattress.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Lay flat on one side of your air mattress with both hands pressed against the surface for added pressure while you roll it.
2. Maintain steady, even distribution while you’re rolling by bending your knees slightly. This will prevent sudden shifts that could cause damage to delicate internal components.
3. Gradually move closer toward the opposite edge and apply increasing downward force. Don’t try to cut corners or finish earlier by applying extreme pressure. Eventually, you reach a point where nearly all remaining air inside has escaped via the opened valves.
4. Carefully lift yourself off, allowing the last bits of air to escape freely and unobstructed. Ensure that no air accidentally reenters either during the final stages of the completion process itself or later when attempting to store it safely until the next use.

You may need to repeat some steps several times until the air is entirely out. Once you deflate the air mattress, you can rest. This method can be more tiring than it sounds.

Method 2: Vacuum Cleaner Assistance Technique

For this method you will need a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Here’s how to deflate an air mattress using a vacuum cleaner.

Locate and Open the Bed’s Deflation Valve

Locate the inflation and deflation valves on your air mattress. You can usually find the valves near one of the corners or edges of the bed. Once you locate them, open up the designated valve for deflating (usually marked with a minus sign or labeled "deflate") while keeping the other valve closed.

Attach the Vacuum Cleaner Securely Over Designated Openings

Securely attach your vacuum cleaner's hose nozzle over the opened deflation valve. You must make sure there is no gap between the nozzle and valve so that you can achieve maximum suction power during the procedure.

1. Switch on your vacuum cleaner once everything is set up correctly. The suction will start pulling out any trapped air inside your mattress.
2. Apply gentle pressure around where it attaches to ensure minimal leakage occurs throughout the operation. This is necessary to maximize efficiency.
3. Keep an eye on how much progress has been made by observing any changes in mattress size or shape. When no more air seems to be coming out, the deflation process is complete.

After successfully deflating your air mattress using a vacuum cleaner, close the valve securely. 

This method ensures a quick and efficient way of deflating an air mattress while also being convenient for those who already own a vacuum cleaner with suitable attachments.

If after using this method you feel the air hasn’t left your air mattress completely, you can opt for the manual method to complement it. This way you make sure all the air has left the mattress and is ready for storage.

Method 3: Use a Foot Pump To Deflate Your Air Mattress

If you have a foot pump, you can use it to deflate your air mattress. Here's how:

1. Connect the hose of the foot pump to the appropriate valve on your air mattress.
2. Pump the air out of the mattress by pressing down on the foot pump with your foot.
3. Repeat this process until the mattress is completely deflated.

After deflating your air mattress, close the valve cap tightly and store it safely, free from potential hazards. 

Fold and Store in a Safe Location Free From Potential Hazards

While learning how to deflate an air mattress is the most important, knowing how to store it will ensure its availability next time you decide to use it.

1. Fold your deflated air mattress lengthwise into thirds or quarters, depending on its size. Ensure that the folds are smooth and wrinkle-free, which can cause premature wear. Doing this will also make it easier to pack in no matter the occasion.
2. Keep your folded air mattress away from sharp objects that could puncture or damage its surface. Store it in a protective case if available.
3. Choose a cool, dry place for storage, such as a closet or under-the-bed storage container. Avoid exposing the stored air mattress to extreme temperatures, which may affect its material integrity.
4. If possible, elevate the stored air mattress slightly off-ground level to protect against moisture buildup and potential pests like rodents.

Learn More With EGO Home

Deflating an air mattress is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Whether you have an air bed with a built-in pump or an inflatable bed that requires an external pump, the process is the same.

Before deflating your air mattress, remove any bedding materials and check for damage or punctures. This will ensure that the air inside the mattress is released evenly and that the mattress is completely deflated. After that, you can opt for the method that suits your air mattress and yourself best.

If you're looking for more tips and good mattresses, visit EGO Home. 

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