If you are trying to figure out how to fold an air mattress, don’t feel ashamed. Everyone is in the same boat when buying their first air mattress. If you want to know how to fold one for proper storage, we’ll show you how it’s done.
Another thing we’ll go over with you is the ways to store an air mattress. Based on our discovery, there is more than one way to go about doing it.
Not deflating it and just letting it lay there is not one of them. If you do, then there’s a good chance that it will not be as useful in a year or so.
You should store an air mattress after use. In fact, we would go insofar as saying that it is not a good substitute for a regular bed. But we digress. Folding an air mattress may seem like a challenging task, but it really isn’t.
If you are able to get it done, you won’t have a problem storing it properly. Otherwise, it will be a mess just trying to get it into the storage bag (assuming the mattress came with one). With that said, let’s talk more about folding an air mattress and why you should get it done.
Why Should You Fold An Air Mattress After Use?
After you are done using an air mattress, you’ll want to deflate it and store it in a place that isn’t packed with moisture (like a basement). A linen closet or an open storage space will do just fine.
The reason why you need to fold an air mattress is that it will make it easy to store. You can’t simply just deflate it, place it somewhere and call it good. You obviously need the storage space for other things that you don’t use.
Also, you have a storage bag that comes with the mattress. If you don’t have one, you may want to find something large enough for a deflated air mattress to fit in. You could fold it into the package it came with, but we don’t advise it because of the risk of punctures from any sharp edges (or staples that may stick out from the box).
Folding an air mattress and storing it properly will allow you enough storage space. It’s not like it’s going to take up the entire closet.
How to Fold An Air Mattress The Right Way?
Now that you know the reason why you should fold an air mattress, we’ll show you how to do it properly. As mentioned, we are also going to show you a few other ways (which are also the right thing to do).
Before going any further, we want to make one thing clear – some air mattresses will need to be folded a certain way, especially the ones with a built-in pump that will keep the mattress inflated the entire night.
Let’s get right to it!
- Deflate The Air Mattress
Pretty self-explanatory. You’ll want to deflate the air mattress while it is lying flat on the surface. Before you deflate it, make sure nothing is underneath it.
Also, make sure there is no bedding on it. Once everything is cleared off, find the valve and open it. The mattress should deflate depending on how it’s set up. For example, if your mattress has a built-in pump, make sure it’s plugged in. Turn the switch or dial to deflate. Then power on the pump.
Some air mattresses will have an auto-shutoff switch that will activate when the bed is completely deflated. Otherwise, just stay with the mattress until you notice it being fully deflated.
Once deflated, you can switch off the pump and unplug it from the wall. Air mattresses will have a cord compartment, so store the cord properly and close it shut.
- Pre-folding Prep
One more time, check to see if there are no loose objects in the surrounding area. Also, if you are wearing any jewelry, we suggest removing them and setting them off to the side. You can still risk potential punctures if you don’t.
Another thing to be aware of is that just because the air mattress is deflated, it doesn’t mean there won’t be any air left. There may be nominal amounts left in there. At this point, flatten it by hand and make sure it’s completely flat.
If you are outdoors, check for any debris in the area. This includes branches, pinecones, or anything that may pose a potential puncture hazard. It helps to make sure you do it in an area where there is no dirt. You don’t want to store a dirty mattress away inadvertently.
- Fold It
There are a few ways to fold an air mattress properly. Let’s take a look at what we consider to be the right way, including a couple of other variations:
Fold and Roll
This is the tried and true way to fold an air mattress. Fold it lengthwise in half and make sure the edges are lined up almost perfectly.
At this point, keep flattening the mattress by hand. Once you know for sure that it’s flat, begin the rolling process. It doesn’t matter what end you start with.
Regular Folding
Start the same way you did with the fold and roll method. Make sure it’s folded lengthwise and the edges meet. Then fold it until it’s in a square-like shape. This may take about two foldings at best.
Regular Roll-Up
You can roll up the mattress itself without having to do any folding. Just start from one end and start rolling.
For Intex or Other Mattresses with Electric Pumps
If you have an Intex mattress or any mattress with an electric pump, you’ll want to make sure the pump and electric stuff are peaking out. They should not be tucked inside.
Start by folding it once lengthwise. If it’s a larger size, you may want to fold it again. Check to see if the pump is in the middle. Flip it over and fold it again or use the roll-up method.
This completes the folding method. But we’re not finished yet.
Proper Air Mattress Storage
The air mattress is completely deflated and folded. Now, it’s time to put it away.
If you have a storage bag, you can place it in there and secure it properly. If you don’t have a storage bag, our suggestion is to get a bag that has durable materials. Use a regular trash bag as a last resort.
Once it’s bagged, find a cardboard box to place it in. If you still have the original packaging for the air mattress, that should be fine. Finally, you’ll want to place it somewhere, preferably off the floor. A linen closet shelf or some kind of open storage space should be sufficient.
Your storage room should not have a lot of moisture. The reason for this: mold and mildew make the perfect environment for its growth. Also, the storage temperature should stay the same.
Do not store it in a place where the temperatures can get way cold or hot. Don’t store it in the basement or the garage. And don’t store it in the trunk of a vehicle either.
If you have to store it on the floor of a closet, we highly suggest there is nothing else near it. Always inspect the storage space.
FAQs
Should I clean the air mattress before storing it?
This depends on the situation. If you are outdoors and away from home, fold it anyway. When you get home, clean it as you would.
Speaking of cleaning, we encourage you to consult your owner’s manual on how to do that. The good news is that it’s easy! Just a reminder, air mattresses are not machine washable for obvious reasons (especially if it has electrical components for the pump).
How often should I fold my air mattress?
It should be folded every time it’s no longer in use. Storing it properly is much better than letting an air mattress lay there and likely sustain damage.
At the same time, if it’s in a high-traffic area, it can pose a safety hazard for those passing through. Also, make sure it’s folded after every cleaning (even if you have to do it once a season).
Conclusion
Now you know the right way to fold an air mattress (including a few other ways). We hope this guide has helped you out!
We know that it can be a frustrating task to fold an air mattress. But if you are able to do that, you will be able to store it properly without issue.
Whether you fold it and roll it or just simply fold it, it doesn’t make much of a difference. All we can say is as long as you store it properly without risking any damage, you can use it for as long as possible.
