Can You Repair an AeroBed? A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding AeroBed Repair

AeroBeds are popular inflatable mattresses, but like any air mattress, they can develop leaks over time. The good news is that many AeroBed issues can be repaired at home, saving you the cost of purchasing a new one.

Identifying the Leak

Before attempting any repairs, it’s crucial to locate the source of the leak:

Fully inflate the AeroBed
Listen for hissing sounds
Run your hand over the surface to feel for escaping air
Check the valves and seams carefully
Use soapy water to spot bubbles forming at leak sites

Gathering Repair Materials

To fix your AeroBed, you’ll need:

A vinyl repair kit or equivalent components
Adhesive specifically designed for sealing seams
A piece of vinyl larger than the hole
Fine-grit sandpaper (for flocked surfaces)
Rubbing alcohol for cleaning

Many hardware stores carry these items, or you can find AeroBed-specific repair kits online.

Repairing Small Pinholes

For tiny leaks:

Clean the area around the hole
Apply a small amount of adhesive directly to the pinhole
Allow it to dry completely before reinflating

Patching Larger Holes

For more substantial damage:

Clean and dry the area around the hole
If the surface is flocked, gently sand it smooth
Cut a patch from your vinyl material, ensuring it’s larger than the hole
Apply adhesive to both the patch and the mattress
Press the patch firmly onto the mattress, smoothing out any wrinkles
Allow the adhesive to cure fully before use

Fixing Seam Leaks

Seam repairs require special attention:

Clean the seam thoroughly
Apply a liberal amount of urethane-based adhesive along the seam
Press the sides of the seam together
Use clothespins to hold the seam closed while drying

Testing Your Repair

After the repair:

Inflate the AeroBed fully
Apply pressure to the repaired area
Listen and feel for any air escaping
Leave the mattress inflated for several hours to ensure the repair holds

Preventive Maintenance

To extend the life of your AeroBed:

Store it properly when not in use
Avoid overinflation
Keep sharp objects away from the mattress
Clean it regularly with mild soap and water