How to Blow Up an Air Mattress

stadium mattress image by sumos from Fotolia.com

Air mattresses are a useful camping accessory and a good alternative to foam pads if you have the room. Portable modern air beds are nearly as comfortable as a standard mattress, and can be quickly inflated in the campsite. They are particularly good if it rains, since they give you more height off the ground than foam pads do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Air mattress
Pump
Batteries

Step 1

Remove the air mattress from its box and unroll it completely. Make sure that there are no sharp objects under, beside or near the air bed.

Step 2

Locate the pump included with the mattress. If it is an electric pump, plug it in or add batteries. Some pumps may need assembly. If yours does, follow the included instructions.

Step 3

Look at the air mattress. It should have one valve which is the same size as the nozzle on the pump. It may also have a second, larger release valve to let out air as well as a valve about 1 inch wide to blow it up by hand. Place the nozzle into the valve it fits in and close the other valves if they are open.

Step 4

Pump up the air mattress until it feels firm. If it is an electric pump, flip the switch to on and let it run until the mattress is firm. If your air mattress has a foot pump, pump it continuously until your mattress is inflated.

Step 5

Remove the nozzle and screw the valve closed. In most air mattresses, you will lose some air during this step, so your mattress may not be quite as firm as you want it.

Step 6

Pull the cover off of the mouth nozzle and put your mouth on it. Squeeze the sides of the nozzle to open it and blow in. Keep blowing in to the mattress until it is at just the right firmness.

Step 7

Release the sides of the nozzle and remove your mouth from it. Place the cap on it and push the nozzle so that it is recessed into the mattress.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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