Many people love airbeds because they’re so versatile.
It makes sense to have an air mattress if you’re regularly on the move. They’re also great if you sign a short-term lease for an unfurnished apartment. Furthermore, they’re suitable for overnight guests and even camping!
However, sometimes problems occur, affecting your airbed.
Air bubbles are one of the most common issues. They’re inconvenient because they make sleeping on the mattress uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to know how to remove them.
In this guide, we’ll look at the causes of air bubbles in airbeds. Then, we’ll go through the steps of removing them from your mattress. You’ll never have a bad night’s sleep again!
Let’s get started!
What Do Air Bubbles Look Like?
Usually, air bubbles are noticeable immediately.
When you inflate your airbed, it should have a flat sleeping surface. Some beds are flocked with coils for increased comfort, but these should be proportional.
Air bubbles typically take the form of large humps that arise on a section of the bed. Sometimes multiple air bubbles can pop up.
What Causes Air Bubbles in An Airbed?
There are several reasons why airbeds occur. These can be the result of the user’s actions. However, sometimes the manufacturer can be at fault.
Check out these common causes now.
Low-quality
One of the most common reasons air bubbles occur is the quality of the airbed.
It’s always wise to invest your money in the best air mattress you can afford. Sure, sometimes you can find a bargain. Sadly, most of the time, you’ll get what you pay for. If you intend to use your airbed regularly, you’ll want a decent one.
Realistically, cheaper products are usually lower in quality. Of course, this isn’t always the case. You may find a great option available in a sale. Or even better, a company could have an excellent product available at a low price.
However, these occasions are rare.
Air bubbles are more likely to occur in low-quality airbeds. Even if you follow the steps to remove them, they will probably pop up again.
Poor Factory Bonding
Sometimes you can be unlucky when you buy a new airbed.
Poor factory bonding is another reason why air bubbles arise in mattresses. This is frustrating because it’s very difficult to solve. It’s advisable to buy from a company with an extended warranty in case this happens.
If there is something wrong with the seams, you may not notice until you begin to use them. The problem may not even be immediately noticeable. If the seams are weak, they’ll stretch after the first number of uses. Bubbles may occur at this point.
Remember that this is more likely in cheaper products but can also occur in premium airbeds. However, the latter is more likely to help you in this situation. The world of air mattresses is highly competitive, and brands want to keep their customers happy.
This is a scenario where you will probably need to contact customer service because the problem will likely reoccur or become even worse. Never underestimate the value of a warranty!
Exceeding the Weight Capacity
The previous reasons are outside of the customer’s control.
However, several potential causes can be avoided if the user shows care. It’s crucial to respect the weight capacity of your airbed, or you’ll damage it. Remember that the weight capacity also relates to the mattress’s occupancy.
If you buy a twin-size bed, it’s only suitable for one person. Even if the maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds, it’s still not suitable for two 100 pound users.
This is because the uneven load will place disproportionate pressure across the surface of the airbed. Air bubbles may occur as a result of this. It can also damage the seams and cause leaking.
Average Airbed Weight Capacities
- Twin-size – 300 pounds
- Queen-size – 600 pounds
- King-size – 800 pounds.
Please note that some brands may have extra sizes. Weight restrictions may also vary depending on the product.
Over-inflation
Over-inflation is another avoidable cause of air bubbles in mattresses.
Always check your airbed’s user manual. If you are using an external inflator, follow the instructions and fill it to the specified limit. Don’t go beyond this because it increases the risk of stretched seams.
Firstly, bubbles may arise as the air fills up in one mattress section. Excessive inflation may also cause even worse damage. This can lead to leaking, which is an even worse problem.
One way to avoid over-inflation is to buy an air mattress with a built-in pump.
These pumps are typically very easy to use; just turn the filter in the direction that says ‘inflate.’ They also deflate easily, so you can adjust them to your personal preference.
Wear and Tear
Nothing lasts forever in this world.
The more you use your airbed, the shorter its lifespan will be. Even if you treat it carefully, it will likely suffer some level of deterioration as time passes by. This can also result in air bubbles.
It’s advisable to care for your air mattress by carefully securing it in its carry bag. Then place it somewhere safe when you’re not using it. Ideally, you should place it carefully in a separate box or cupboard to avoid damage.
Meanwhile, using it appropriately by not exceeding the weight limit or overinflating it will also help.
How to Remove Air Bubbles from Airbeds – A Step-By-Step Guide
Now let’s look at the easiest way to remove bubbles from air mattresses. Check out the following steps for the next time it happens!
- Prepare the Mattress
The first thing to do is remove any external objects from the mattress.
This includes all bedding like sheets, pillows, duvets, and sleeping bags. You may even notice smaller bubbles that weren’t obvious under the sheets. If the bed has a built-in pump, disconnect it from the external power outlet.
Sure, this may seem obvious, but it’s important not to take any shortcuts!
- Deflate the Mattress
Now you should release all of the air from the mattress. It’s very difficult to remove larger bubbles if the bed is still inflated.
If your airbed has a built-in pump, just turn the filter in the correct direction. The air should leave the airbed after a few minutes. Air mattresses that require external inflators are even easier.
Open the nozzle, and the air will emerge.
- Apply Pressure
Applying pressure to the airbed will speed up the deflation process.
When the air bubble appears to have disappeared, press down on the same spot. This will ensure that all of the air has dissipated from the mattress. Take care because you don’t want to damage the seams.
Remember to apply pressure across all of the airbed’s surface where required.
- Inflate the Bed
Finally, you can inflate the bed again.
Now that the air bubble has disappeared, it shouldn’t arise in the same place again. If it does, and you’re following all of the product guidelines, you should contact the brand’s customer service.
How to Avoid Air Bubbles
The best way to deal with air bubbles is to avoid them completely. Check out the following pointers to reduce your chances of dealing with them!
Correct Use
Take your time when you’re setting up your airbed.
Remember to follow the brand’s restrictions on weight, occupancy, and inflation. Brands may not be able to help you if damage occurs due to misuse. Check the warranty before you buy it.
Quality Product
Buying a premium air mattress should make a difference.
Typically, they use higher-quality materials and have better construction. We also recommend getting an appropriate airbed for your needs. There are specific designs for SUV trunks, wild camping, and long-term use in the home.
If you have a primary intended use for one of the above reasons, it’s worth getting an airbed designed for that environment.
Maintain Your Airbed
The final way to reduce the chances of air bubbles arising is to care for your airbed.
Even if you follow all of the instructions, you can still damage it by being careless or lazy. Don’t take shortcuts by tossing it into the attic or basement. Keep pets away. If it’s not waterproof, you shouldn’t use it outdoors.
Even if the brand vouches for its puncture and abrasion resistance, you shouldn’t take this as a challenge!
Final Thoughts
Luckily, air bubbles are usually not a significant problem.
However, if you don’t deal with them correctly, they can result in gradual damage over time. Other problems can arise, such as leaking. Moreover, they’re extremely uncomfortable and can cause back problems. That’s why it’s a good plan to learn how to deal with them.
The steps to remove air bubbles are easy to follow. Remember, if they reoccur frequently, it means that something else is wrong. Either you’re mishandling your air mattress, or there is a flaw with the bed.
Hopefully, now you’ll sleep well!
