How To Deflate An Air Bed – A Step by Step Guide

Air beds offer the most convenient option for campers and overnight guests. They are designed to be portable, which makes them easy to use, move around, deflate, and store. We discuss how to deflate an air bed in this article.

To deflate an air bed without a built-in pump, use an external pump such as a manual foot pump, deflate it by hand, or use a vacuum cleaner. While deflating the air bed, ensure that it is on a flat, clear surface. Once deflated, ensure that the air bed is completely emptied of air and then fold it and roll it up for storage.

Whether at home or on the move, properly deflating your air mattress can protect the overall integrity of the mattress. Read our article that discusses tips for the long-term use of an air bed, to find out more about how to prolong the lifespan of your air bed. And while you’re at it, you need to make sure everyone’s safety is a priority. That being said, be sure to check out the common air bed dangers and how to fix them too.

One of the easiest and most convenient ways to provide effortless inflation and deflation is to get an air mattress with a built-in pump. However, if you own an air bed that doesn’t come with the luxury of a built-in pump, you can still deflate your air mattress safely. We’ll discuss the three main ways to deflate an air bed anywhere, even outdoors.

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Tips to fix an air bed that is cold 

How to lift an air bed for camping

How To Deflate An Air Bed Without A Pump

If you don’t have an air pump, you can still deflate your air bed easily. All you have to do is use your body weight to push the air out. This way of deflating an air mattress is a little more time-consuming. 

To deflate an air bed without a pump, lay the mattress on a cleared floor surface, open the air valve, and apply constant pressure using your hands and knees to force the air out of the mattress. Fold the mattress carefully to make sure that it is completely deflated. 

Deflating your air bed without a pump will take more time and effort, but is very easy to do. Watch this short video to see just how easy it is.

Here is a step by step explanation of how to deflate an air mattress without a pump, in 4 easy steps:

Step 1. Lay the Mattress on a Clear Surface

First, remove all items from your air mattress, including the blankets and pillows. Then place the air bed on a clear hard surface like the floor. Because you will be using your body weight to press on the mattress, make sure there are no sharp objects around that might cause accidental punctures. If you discover a leak or puncture in your air bed, it will need to be repaired once the mattress is completely deflated. Read our article on how to fix a leak in an air mattress for helpful instructions on patching up a leak. 

Step 2. Open the Air Valve 

Now that you’ve prepared your air mattress for deflation, open the air valve by removing the protective cap. You should instantly see and hear the air bed begin to deflate as the pressure is released.

Step 3. Apply Pressure to the Air Bed

Since there is no pump, the whole process will depend on you using your body weight. Using your hands and knees apply pressure to the air bed and gently force all the air out. Keep applying pressure until the mattress flattens. This can take 10 minutes or more, depending on the size of the mattress and the amount of pressure applied. 

Step 4. Fold and Roll Up the Air Mattress

When deflating your air bed, you want to make sure that most of, if not all, the air is out. The final step is to roll up the mattress, starting at the opposite side to the valve, to get the last of the air out, and then replace the air valve cap. Once the deflation process is completed, carefully fold and roll the air mattress up and place it in the storage bag or box that it came in, for safekeeping. This air mattress with pillow is very easy to deflate manually and comes with a storage bag to preserve it. 

Once the air mattress is completely deflated, fold and roll the mattress up and place it into the storage bag or box that it came in. Image Source: The Spruce.

How To Deflate An Air Mattress With A Vacuum Cleaner

An alternative way of deflating your airbed without a pump, is by using a vacuum cleaner. This method is slower than using a pump, but it still works well. All you need to do is connect the vacuum cleaner nozzle to the air valve. 

To deflate an air mattress with a vacuum cleaner, open the air valve, secure the nozzle around the valve using duct tape to create an airtight seal, and turn the vacuum cleaner on to suck the air out of the mattress.  

A convenient option is to deflate your air mattress with a vacuum cleaner. Image Source: Amazon.

Here are the 4 easy steps to deflate your air bed with a vacuum cleaner:

Step 1. Open the Air Valve

First, remove all bedding from the mattress and make sure to check for any small or sharp objects on or around the mattress, to avoid damage. Then place the air bed on a flat hard surface, to help with the deflation process. Locate the air valve and remove the protective cap. 

Step 2. Attach the Vacuum Cleaner

Place the nozzle of the vacuum cleaner around the air valve of the mattress and attach it securely using duct tape, to speed up the deflation process. This handheld vacuum cleaner is a handy and convenient option for deflating an air mattress easily. 

Step 3. Turn the Vacuum Cleaner on

Turn the vacuum cleaner on and allow for the suction process to continue until the air mattress is deflated. This is a slow but effective method when you don’t have a pump. 

Step 4. Fold, Roll, and Store the Air Bed

Remove the vacuum cleaner nozzle from the valve. Make sure to get as much air out of your mattress as possible, as storing it with pockets of air inside can cause holes or tears. Once deflated, fold and roll the mattress up according to the product manual, and pack your air bed back into its original packaging, for storage. Following the proper guidelines will ensure the preservation of your air bed. 

If you use your air mattress in your home, you may be wondering if you can use an air bed on an adjustable bed. Be sure to read our related article to find out.

How To Deflate An Air Mattress With A Foot Pump

An air mattress can be deflated using an external pump, for example, a foot pump, aptly named because it is powered by repeatedly pressing on it with your foot. 

To deflate an air mattress with a foot pump, first, remove the valve cover on the mattress. Next, insert the pump nozzle into the valve opening, and activate the pump’s sucking action by repeatedly stepping on it, until the mattress is completely deflated. Then attach the protective cap back onto the valve opening and pack the mattress away. 

A foot pump is a manual pump mechanized by a foot pedal that has a hose and nozzle attached to it. When inspecting the foot pump, you should be able to spot at least two main openings where the nozzle attaches, one narrow for blowing air into the mattress and one wide to suck air out. 

When using a foot pump, insert the nozzle into the deflate outlet, then step on the pump repeatedly to deflate the mattress. Image Source: Amazon.

Read on to find out how to deflate an air mattress using a foot pump, in 5 easy steps:

Step 1. Locate and Open the Valve Cover on the Mattress

First, remove all bedding from the mattress and make sure to check for any small or sharp objects on or around the mattress, to avoid damage. Then place the air bed on a flat hard surface, to help with the deflation process. Locate the air valve and remove the protective cap. 

Locate the valve on the side of the air mattress to start the deflation process. Image Source: Mattress Clarity

Step 2. Insert the Pump’s Nozzle into the Valve

Insert the nozzle into the mattress air valve using the deflate outlet on the foot pump. Make sure the nozzle is tightly secured to the valve for easier and quicker deflation. Manual foot pumps can come with interchangeable nozzles for inflating and deflating, as well as various sized nozzles that are compatible with different types of air beds. 

Step 3. Start Pumping

Once the nozzle is connected to the valve opening, step on the pump’s pedal repeatedly with your foot. The pressure will gradually suck all the air out of your inflatable bed. The process might seem relatively slow, but you can have someone apply gentle pressure on areas of the mattress or lie on the mattress while the pump is in operation, to speed up the process.

Step 4. Replace The Protective Valve Cap 

Once the air bed is fully deflated, remove the pump nozzle and gently press on the air bed to make sure all the air is released. Then replace the air valve cap over the air valve opening. Now would also be a good time to inspect the air bed valve for any wear and tear. If the valve needs replacing then it is best to do this while the mattress is completely deflated. Read our air valve replacement guide for step-by-step instructions on how to replace a leaky or damaged air valve on your air mattress.  

Step 5. Fold and Roll Your Bed Up to Pack It Away

Once deflated, make sure you fold the air mattress with care, following the instructions in the manual, to prolong its lifespan. Then carefully roll the mattress up and pack it back into its original packaging for safekeeping. If your air bed doesn’t come with a storage bag, you can purchase one to protect your air mattress from dust and accidental punctures. Finally, store the mattress in a clean space that is free of any hazards and sharp objects. This instruction leaflet from Intex details how to deflate and fold an air bed to extend its functionality. 

Fold your air mattress and roll it up carefully as instructed in the owner’s manual, for storage. Image Source: Sleeping Ocean

If you use your air bed a lot, there may come a time when you need to replace the air bladder. Be sure to take a look at our article on how to replace an air bed bladder for a step-by-step guide. You may also be interested in our related article explaining how to properly choose an air bed that holds 400 pounds or more. Be sure to check that out too for more information. 

Summary of Manual Foot Pumps for Deflating an Air Bed

Product	Price
Seamax Double Chamber Foot Pump	~$50
Stansport Foot Pump	~$20
Texsport Deluxe Foot Air Pump	~$15
Full Throttle Foot Air Pump	~$10

How to Deflate an Air Bed With a Built-In Pump

To deflate an air bed with a built-in pump, simply plug it into the wall socket, set the switch to deflate, and turn on the pump. An air bed with a built-in pump like this one is the most convenient option for guest rooms and RVs since AC power is readily available. 

Here are the guidelines from an Intex user manual.

You might also be interested in our related article comparing an air bed to a camping cot for camping in addition to our article explaining how to choose between an air bed vs. memory foam mattress for camping. So make sure to check those out too.