How To Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress

By Ally Childress

Updated: Jun. 23, 2023

Air mattress sprung a leak? Don't pitch it, fix it! It's easier than you think.

Time

30 minutes

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

$10-$20

Introduction

Air mattresses come in handy for camping, van living and impromptu sleepovers. But because they get inflated and deflated over and over, they tend to spring a leak when you least expect it.

If that happens to you (probably in the middle of the night!), don't throw the leaky air mattress away. We'll show you how to fix a hole in an air mattress in just a few steps.

Note: I tried multiple methods, including Super Glue, rubber cement and DIY patches, but a vinyl patch kit specifically for air mattresses worked the best, by far.

If you happen to be out camping and duct tape is all you have, that will work as a temporary fix. But patch kits like Tear-Aid are inexpensive and easy to stash in your van or camper, so make these your go-to.

Tools Required

Marker
Scissors
Spray Bottle

Materials Required

Dish soap
Duct tape (optional)
Patch repair kit like Tear-Aid

Air Mattress Materials Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Project step-by-step (5)

Step 1

Find the hole

Inflate the mattress. If you don’t know where the hole is, flip it over and start with the side that rests on the ground.

inflating the air mattress Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Push down and listen for a hissing sound.
Run your hand along the mattress and feel for air.
If/when you find the hole, circle it with a Sharpie or magic marker. Still don’t know where it is? Go on to the next step.

Mark Hole with sharpie Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Step 2

Spray with soapy water

If you can’t find the hole with your hands, ears or eyes, fill the spray bottle with dish soap and water.
Spray the mattress with soapy water and push down repeatedly. Start in a corner and move methodically.
Watch for soapy bubbles to emerge from the hole due to escaping air.

spray mattress with soapy water Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Dry the mattress and circle the hole per instructions above.

Step 3

Apply duct tape (optional)

Dry the area around the hole thoroughly.
Deflate the mattress. Rest it flat on the ground and find the hole you marked.
Put duct tape over the hole and press firmly. The tape should overhang the hole by at least one inch on all sides.

putting duct tape on air mattress Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Place a heavy object on the tape for a few hours to get a good seal.

Air Mattress Weight Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Fill the mattress with air. (Note: This is only a temporary fix.)

Step 4

Prepare to patch

Deflate the mattress.
Remove the temporary duct tape patch, if you used one.
Open the patch kit and find a patch that will overhang your hole by one inch on all sides. Trim if necessary.
Round edges of the patch with scissors so there are no sharp corners.

Air Mattress Trim Patch. Ally Childress For Fhm Jvedit Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Clean the air mattress surface around hole with the provided alcohol pad to remove dirt and tape residue. Follow instructions in patch kit.

Step 5

Patch the hole

Inflate the mattress. Confirm the area is clean, and use another alcohol pad if necessary.
Pull off only a leading edge of the patch backing, not the whole thing (you’ll see why in a sec).

Peel Patch Ally Childress for Family Handyman

Carefully position the leading edge on one side of the hole, ensuring the hole will be centered under the patch.
Firmly press the patch to the mattress as you apply the leading edge.
Remove the backing little by little as you cover the hole, pressing down and rubbing vigorously to avoid air bubbles.

Apply Patch Ally Childress for Family Handyman

You’re done! Enjoy a good night’s sleep on your repaired air mattress.

Air Mattress Finished Patch Ally Childress For Fhm Jvedit Ally Childress for Family Handyman