Inflatable sleeping mattresses with pump. How to inflate a mattress without a pump. Tips How to inflate a mattress with a built-in foot pump
Inflatable furniture (in particular, mattresses) is perhaps the most popular attribute for most people today. It is used everywhere at home as a bed for sleeping, taken with you into nature and, of course, you cannot do without mattresses when traveling at sea.
The convenience of such mattresses is that they do not take up much space, they are easy to transport, and the inflating process takes just a few minutes. However, everything does not always end with the purchase of an inflatable device; most often it is also worth worrying about the presence of a special pump in order to inflate the product.
It’s great when the models are equipped with built-in pumps, allowing you to inflate “without leaving the cash register.” But what to do if the pump is simply missing, how to inflate a mattress without a pump?
The first thing that comes to mind is to try to complete the procedure on your own. Try to inflate the product with your mouth if you do not have a pump and you are an athletic representative of the stronger sex. However, if you are concerned about your health, especially your own lungs, then you should look for safer ways. How to inflate an Intex mattress is perhaps the most common question that users face.
Intex products have long earned well-deserved popularity among consumers. They are compact, easy to use and quite durable. This accessory can be taken on a trip to the sea during the summer holidays or used in a summer cottage for entertainment or relaxation. Intex is easy to care for, does not require special maintenance during storage, and is also easy to clean and has a high-quality coating.
After making a purchase, you should think about how to inflate an Intex mattress. For this purpose it is easier to use a conventional pump. How to inflate a mattress with a pump? If during the period of use it is possible to ensure uninterrupted access to the electrical network or car, an electric pump will be the best solution, or a foot pump will be required.
The mattress is inflated quite smoothly by connecting the pump tube to the valve. The movements should be made while continuously monitoring the elasticity of the product so that excessive “bloating” does not occur. What makes a foot pump convenient is that it can be taken on the road and does not require constant access to an electrical outlet.
How to inflate a mattress if there is no pump?
If you are at home, then this dilemma can be resolved using a simple vacuum cleaner, using it in the same way as a compressor. By connecting a special attachment to the mattress through the outlet of the vacuum cleaner, you can fill it with air, spending literally no more than 10 minutes. However, if you are away from home, this method will not work. In any case, you should not try to inflate the model with your mouth, since it is not a ball and more powerful efforts are required here.
Try filling the product with a vacuum cleaner, such as Rainbow. With great suction power, this family staple can do more than just handle household chores. Previously, craftsmen bleached the walls of premises using attachments from vacuum cleaners. And today it is quite possible to use a vacuum cleaner instead of a compressor. Vacuum cleaner attachments will help in inflate not only the mattress, but also all kinds of balls and rubber toys. The thin nozzle is connected to the outlet on the vacuum cleaner. You will receive a perfectly inflated product in just a few minutes.
Watch the video on how to inflate an air mattress.
Remember that you should inflate the product based on the weight and number of people who will use it.
If the weight is light, the mattress needs to be pumped up a little more. However, if you have a lot of weight, you should not pump the product to the limit. An inflation rate of 85% is recommended.
When carrying out the inflation process itself, it is necessary to control the level of rigidity and elasticity. As soon as the folds disappear and the mattress becomes tight, the process can be stopped.
A third of the total volume is an ideal filling option. If you overdo it, its seams may simply burst.
Method for the brave
If you are in nature or another open space, then there is a way to inflate the product using large plastic bags. What you need to do. You need to fill a large bag with air, put the bag on the hole in the mattress and literally lie on it, as if blowing a portion of air into the mattress. This manipulation must be done several times. Craftsmen claim that in this way you can do without pumps.
First of all, you should not use high-pressure pumps or car compressors for inflation. Otherwise, the product has the potential to simply burst. Do not use a hair dryer, as hot air will only cause harm.
Inflatable models in absolutely all cases require careful handling. Such products will need to be protected from objects with pointed ends. It is not recommended to stand on such products with your feet.
- powered by electricity;
- manual,
- footed.
If you follow all the tips noted, the mattress will be able to serve for a long time, and the inflation process will not cause inconvenience and take a lot of time.
Instead of a conclusion
As you know, it is better to prevent problems than to solve them later. Therefore, before purchasing air mattresses, you should take care in advance about the process of filling the device with air. Buy only high-quality models that already come with a built-in pump. This option will allow you not to resort to improvised means that can only damage the product.
You can see photos of models with pumps here.
People strive for comfort - even during active tourism, on a picnic or on a passive vacation. An air mattress is an item that allows you to make sleep on the floor and nature better. A well-chosen model will last a long time and be easy to use. An air mattress with a built-in pump seems like the perfect choice. What has the practice shown?
About air mattresses in general
Guest option. There are actually many more cases when an air mattress can be useful than it might seem. If your home is of modest size and you often have overnight guests, an air mattress is a great help.
For the first time. Some young families, not having the funds to purchase a classic mattress, purchase an inflatable double mattress for the first time. We can’t say that this is a good, budget, or even more optimal option, but some people do it.
Apartment renovation. But a short renovation in an apartment (if necessary, empty it of furniture and continue to live in it) is just a completely justified case to use an air mattress. A vinyl (or PVC) mattress does not absorb dust, is easy to wash and, if necessary, can be easily removed from the floor (by lifting it and placing it against the wall) and moved.
Outdoor activities, trips to a country house or to the country are other options for using inflatable furniture. On such “beds” you can have a good rest in a car, on the floor or in a tent.
Before you start using an inflatable product (in any of the above cases), you need to somehow inflate it. You can lift a swimming mattress with your own lungs. Another thing is a sleeping model of impressive size - high, one and a half or double, several products at once (for all family members). Coping with the task using a pump will be much faster, easier and more efficient.
About air mattresses with a built-in pump in particular
The built-in pump, soldered into the mattress shell, is, in principle, a rather convenient device. It, like the external one, can be mechanical or electrical. The main advantage is compactness. The built-in mechanism does not require additional space in the luggage for the item (as is the case with the external option). Such a pump cannot be lost or forgotten in a hurry.
The disadvantages of models with a built-in pump can be considered their higher price (compared to options with an external device) and the impossibility of replacing the mechanism with a more powerful or complex one.
About the types of built-in pumps
There are two main types of pumps: mechanical and electric. Both can be either external or embedded devices. Let's focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the built-in options.
Mechanical
To operate the pump, you need to use the power of muscles - arms or legs. The pump is not as convenient to use as an electric one (the pumping process is quite tedious). On the other hand, the “mechanism” is simpler and more reliable. Models with a built-in mechanical pump are more affordable, are less afraid of moisture and do not depend on electricity at all. Inflating such a mattress is not a problem at all in conditions of complete “separation from civilization.”
Reference! Almost any model of mattress with a built-in mechanical pump can also be inflated from a car cigarette lighter.
Electric
An electric pump is capable of inflating a large product in a matter of minutes (as a rule, the inflating time does not exceed 5 minutes). There may be several options for driving the pump. From a 220V network, from a car cigarette lighter, or from batteries.
Mattresses with this type of equipment are more expensive, quite sensitive to moisture (you won’t be able to swim on a mattress with an electric pump), and are difficult to repair. The biggest problem “far from civilization” is the availability of a power source. Battery-powered models are a risky option, as batteries tend to drain quickly. Mattresses with an electric pump are recommended mainly for home use.
When deciding on the type of mechanism, consider the purpose for which you are mainly buying a mattress. Then the question of how to inflate an air mattress with a built-in pump when there is no electricity nearby will not take you by surprise.
Reference! Swimming models are not equipped with electric pumps.
Choosing a mattress with a built-in pump for its intended purpose
The market offers a wide range of inflatable products - mattresses for swimming and hiking, for home sleep and universal ones.
Beach. This includes all models without a flocked cover (exclusively beach) and without any type of built-in pump (usually inflated using lungs). There are also options with a flock coating on the top side, having a height from 12 cm to 25 cm and a built-in mechanical pump. Such models can be considered universal.
Important! Models with a built-in electric pump cannot be used for swimming!
For sleep. This type of mattress is covered with special artificial fiber. As a result, the top side (and sometimes the bottom and sides) becomes velvety. Flock is very pleasant to the touch and holds bed linen well. The height of some models can reach 50 cm. In appearance, they resemble full-fledged beds. Can be equipped with both types of built-in pumps.
What you should know about operation
Like any product, an air mattress requires compliance with operating rules.
- Firstly, the product is not intended for use at low temperatures. An air mattress is not capable of retaining the heat given off by the sleeper’s body; in itself it is not an effective insulator (against a cold floor or ground); in the cold, the covering material becomes hard and brittle.
- Secondly, it is important not to overdo it with the degree of rigidity and choose the pressure depending on the body weight of the person who will rest on it. It is not necessary to inflate the product to 100% (but to more than 80% of the total volume of the internal chambers).
Reference! Keep in mind that the first few nights the mattress may deflate slightly in the morning. This is normal and is due to the fact that the product is slightly stretched. In view of this, it should be pumped up for the first few days.
- Third, check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding maximum loads for the product. Some double models can support weights up to 295 kg. Exceeding factory specifications may result in seam rupture. Repairing such damage is quite problematic.
Summing up
Air mattresses with a built-in pump have the following advantages.
- Relatively low cost. By and large, for relatively little money you get a full-fledged sleeping place for one or two.
- Light weight. As a rule, the weight of an inflatable product does not exceed 5.5 kg.
- Ease of use. The deflated and packed mattress can be stored in the pantry. If necessary, remove and inflate using a pump. While outdoors, the pump can be used by connecting to the car's cigarette lighter. The presence of a mechanical pump does not tie you “to civilization” at all.
Do not forget about the disadvantages of air mattresses in general and models with a built-in pump in particular.
- Low orthopedic properties. Any, even the most advanced air mattress with a built-in electric pump and many air chambers is not able to compete with orthopedic analogues (an alternative to an air mattress is a folding mattress).
- Low strength. Relative minus. At home, it is quite difficult to pierce the product, unless an animal bites through it. The risk of damaging a mattress outdoors is much higher. The advantage is that it is also quite easy to repair - using a repair kit.
Intex air mattresses are deservedly popular among customers. They are compact, easy to use and reliable. You can take this mattress with you to the sea during your summer vacation or use it at the dacha for relaxation and sleep. They do not require any special care during operation and storage, and are also easy to clean thanks to the high-quality coating.
Having made a profitable purchase, you need to think about how to inflate the Intex mattress. The easiest way to do this is to use a pump. If during operation there will be constant access to the power supply or the car, an electric pump is the best solution, otherwise a foot model will be needed. You need to inflate the mattress with smooth movements, connecting the pump tube to the valve, constantly monitoring its elasticity to prevent over-inflation.
To avoid unpleasant moments, you need to know how to check a mattress. The first thing you should check is the air valve. The easiest way is to apply a soap solution to the closed valve of the inflated mattress using a washcloth. If it does not fit tightly, after a few minutes soap bubbles will form in places where air passes through. To fully ensure the reliability of the mattress, it is recommended to leave it inflated for 10 - 12 hours; air loss during this time should not exceed 10%.
How to inflate a mattress without a pump? While at home, this problem can be solved with a vacuum cleaner, using it as a compressor. By attaching the mattress using a special attachment to the outlet of the vacuum cleaner, you can fill it with air in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, if you are in nature, you will not be able to use the mentioned method, and yet you should not try to inflate the Intex mattress with your mouth, because it is not a ball or a balloon.
Since it is better to clean the mattress when it is in an inflated state, it should be washed with soapy water, dried and only then released the air. In cases where the mattress is exposed to the open sun for a long time, the manufacturer recommends inflating it slightly less. The air, when heated, increases in volume, which can lead to the creation of too much internal pressure and, as a result, damage to the mattress.
Even if it happens to harm durable matter, there is no need to rush to throw it away. Knowing how to seal the seam of an air mattress makes it very easy to repair. For repairs, use a special polyurethane glue for rubber. The area around the cut is degreased with gasoline, alcohol or acetone, then a thin layer of glue is applied and the rubberized patch is pressed. If there is damage on the velor side, first clean the pile with sandpaper. For reliability, it is best to place a sealed mattress under a press for 24 hours and be sure to check it before use. During operation, the Intex mattress must be periodically inflated to the optimal volume, and in order to prolong its service life, follow the instructions and avoid inflating too much.
The first air mattresses appeared in 1940. They were made from special fabric impregnated with vulcanized rubber. Currently, inflatable furniture is very popular. After all, it is convenient to use on country trains and hiking trips. It is often used as a full-fledged sleeping place in the country. An air mattress does not take up much space, is easy to clean and does not require complex care.
Pumps
Expensive models have a built-in electric pump. But this equipment is not provided for all models. Therefore, mattress owners have to use a low-pressure foot or hand pump. A car compressor is not suitable for this process. High pressure can cause the mattress to burst. As soon as the product acquires the desired relief, the process can be stopped.
Security measures
The mattress must be brought into a heated room with a temperature above 15 degrees. It must be placed on a flat surface away from heat sources. There should be no sharp objects on the floor. It is better to protect the bottom of the product from possible damage with a tarpaulin or foil. The air mattress should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Do not stand on the product with your feet. When the temperature rises, it is better to let out some air. The air mattress must not be wrinkled or bent.
How to inflate an air mattress without a pump
If a pump is not at hand, you can use other methods to inflate the mattress. How to inflate a mattress without a pump? The most obvious way is to use your lungs. But this will take a lot of time and several strong guys. You can use a car exhaust pipe. But exhaust gases are not very useful and can damage the surface of the mattress.
Vacuum cleaner
How to inflate a mattress without a pump? You can use a vacuum cleaner to inflate and deflate your mattress. Everything is simple here. The thin nozzle from the device is attached to the hole in the mattress, the vacuum cleaner turns on and inflates the mattress. Do not inflate the product to more than 85 percent of its volume.
Hairdryer
The main thing is that the hair dryer fits the valve of the air mattress. You need to turn on the “cold air” mode and inflate the product. Hot air can damage the air mattress. This method is effective, but takes some time.
Garbage bag
This method is convenient to use outdoors or in the country. It requires a thick, large-volume bag. It is filled with air and connected to the inlet valve of the mattress. Next, you need to lie on the bag, distilling air from it into the inflatable product. The procedure will have to be repeated several times.
Inflating an air mattress with a built-in pump. We will need the mattress itself, an electric pump and the nearest outlet.
We bring the product into a heated room with an air temperature of at least 15 degrees. The mattress does not tolerate cold and close proximity to heat sources.
We place the mattress on a flat surface; there should be no sharp objects on it, so as not to pierce the product. The bottom of the mattress should be protected strong foil or tarpaulin.
The product should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If the ambient temperature is expected to rise, the air should be released slightly. Do not pump the product to avoid damage. We make sure that the mattress does not wrinkle or bend.
Pumping is carried out until the mattress becomes embossed. This way, its seams will not be damaged, and when falling asleep and lying on it, the owner of the mattress will experience maximum comfort.
From time to time, the air pressure is checked; if several people sleep or lie on it, then perhaps the mattress should be “lowered” a little. To deflate it, simply open the valve.
The mattress does not always come with a built-in pump. You can use alternative pumping methods, such as a foot or hand pump. Do not pump the mattress with a compressor from a car or other devices with high pressure. Do not inflate the product more than 85% volume.
If there is no pump, then you can inflate the mattress with a hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, or even a bag
Methods and available means
We use a vacuum cleaner
We take a vacuum cleaner, connect the thin nozzle of the device to the outlet and connect it to the hole in the mattress. We turn on the device and wait until the mattress is inflated to the desired hardness.
Inflating the mattress with a hairdryer
This is done quite simply. We plug the hair dryer into the outlet, turn on the “cold air” mode and start pumping. This method takes longer than inflating with a built-in or conventional pump, but is also effective. The main thing is not to inflate the product with hot air, which can damage the product.
Inflating a mattress with a large garbage bag
This method of inflation is very convenient in nature, at the dacha, or in cases where you accidentally forgot regular inflation at home.
We take a thick garbage bag with a large volume. It must not be damaged. We open the inlet valve on our mattress, fill the bag with air, and adjust both necks to the diameter. We lie down with our body on the bag, moving air from the bag into the mattress. We continue these manipulations until the mattress is completely inflated.
What should you not do?
What if you don't have anything at hand? You could use the power of your lungs by inflating the mattress with your mouth. Such manipulations are easier for a man to perform, but if there are a couple of strong guys nearby, then it will take two of them to inflate the mattress 15–20 minutes. It is better to abandon this method and save your lungs.
If there is a car nearby, you can use the exhaust pipe to inflate the product. This method makes it easy to inflate not only a mattress, but also a children's pool and an inflatable fishing boat. It is enough to build an adapter and start inflating. The disadvantages of this method are that exhaust gases and carcinogens destroy the product from the inside and seep to the surface, causing harm to health.