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The Right Way to Fold an Air Mattress: Expert Advice

An air mattress is the best option to take on picnics or camping trips. They are helpful for guests to sleep in during their visit to your house. They are a lifesaver and give you a peaceful night’s sleep (check the best selling air mattresses for everyday use). It is effortless to fold and easy to unpack for the next time. You should fold the air mattress properly before storing it.

Let’s find out how to fold it in the right way.

Step-By-Step Guide to Fold Your Air Mattress Like an Expert

Deflate The Air Mattress

The air mattress deflation is easy, and you can do it yourself. The first step is to lay your air mattress on a flat mattress surface. Remove any bedding from the mattress. Make sure there are no objects under or over the mattress.

The next step is to let all the air out of most air mattresses. This can be done in two ways.

  1. Open the air valve and let the air come out. Keep pressing and pushing the mattress to get the air out evenly. If you have suction or an electric pump, it can move the process smoothly. Even a normal vacuum cleaner can be of advantage. It can help you clear out even the tiniest bubbles of air from your air mattress.
  2. Some mattresses have two valves present. One to inflate and the other to deflate the mattress. They come with an electric pump. Open the deflate valve, connect it with the electric pump, and leave it. Your air mattress will deflate in no time.

Lay The Mattress Down and Spread It

When all the air has come out of the air mattress, you can now move on to the next step. For this, you need to find a flat surface. If you are outdoors, make sure there are no pebbles, stones, or debris under the mattress. Remove any piece of jewelry or pointed objects while deflating the mattress.

You can spread a sheet under the mattress to give it extra protection. Any damage to the outer surface of the inflatable mattress may cause leakage.

Fold The Air Mattress

tips to fold an air mattress

Try to remember how the air mattress was initially packed when you bought it. Was it rolled or folded? Try to fold it in the same way in less time, and it can easily adjust in the bag. How many folds you need also depends upon the size of your air mattress.

Here are a few steps to roll the air mattress:

  • Fold it in half lengthwise while pressing it firmly to flatter.
  • Keep cleaning the sides with a towel on every fold.
  • Take the bottom and bring it to the top side, so the ends meet each other.
  • Keep repeating the steps until the mattress is the size of the container to be kept in.

Roll The Air bed Up

After folding your air mattresses, there should be no air inside the air bed. Roll it up, cover it with a cloth or a towel, and tie it with a string. The cloth or towel prevents abrasion to the mattress from the rope.

Put It in A Storage Bag/Box

After you have folded or rolled your bag, put it in a bag or a box. You should not place the air mattress directly in the store or cupboard; it will damage easily if not properly packed away. You can easily buy a bag that serves as a carrying and a sturdy storage container. A thick cardboard box or a plastic container will do. Put the folded mattress inside and store it in a safe place.

Store It in A Desirable Place

Just a gentle reminder, always store your air mattress appropriately. They are mostly made of PVC or Vinyl. Although plastic is very durable, the inappropriate temperature can decrease the lifespan of your air mattress.

A garage is also not an ideal storage room to store your air mattress. Store it in a cool place where the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much. The correct storage will increase the longevity of your air mattress.

Maintaining the Lifespan of Your Air Mattress

Properly folding and storing your air mattress not only ensures its readiness for the next use but also significantly extends its lifespan. One of the main reasons air mattresses deteriorate over time is improper storage. Excessive creases or folds can stress the material, leading to leaks and reduced comfort. Moisture trapped during storage can also lead to mold or mildew, affecting the mattress’s hygiene and air retention.

Therefore, after deflating, ensure the mattress is completely dry. If you’ve used it outdoors, consider giving it a gentle clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, then air dry it thoroughly. Store the mattress in a cool, dry place, preferably in its original bag or a storage container that protects against dust and pests. Regularly check the mattress for any signs of wear and tear, and address minor issues immediately. This proactive approach will guarantee you many restful nights on your trusty air mattress.

Conclusion

The air mattresses are a lifesaver because they are easy to carry around and give you a peaceful sleep. These are best to be taken on picnics or camping trips because of their lightweight (check the top rated air mattresses for a truck bed).

Make sure you follow all steps properly when deflating an air mattress. Find the small valve and open it to deflate the mattress. Fold it properly and store it in a box or a bag. Also, keep them in a storage place with a controlled temperature. Take good care of your air mattress, as it gives you good peaceful sleep.

How To fold an air mattress FAQs

How Do You Deflate an Air Mattress?

Deflating an air mattress is a straightforward process. There is a valve present in the air mattress. If you open the valve, it will start pushing the air out of the mattress. If you want the process to be faster, press the mattress with your hand. You can use electric or vacuum pumps to suck the air.

How Do You Compress a Mattress?

The compression of a mattress depends upon its type. Lay the mattress on a flat surface, and remove all the sheets, debris, and dirt from the mattress. Make sure it is dry and clean.
A regular vacuum is the best way to compress the mattress. Just attach its hose to the valve present in the mattress. Turn the vacuum on and keep pressing it from time to time. It helps to flatten the mattress properly. You can then roll and tie the mattress up.

Can You Roll a Mattress Back Up?

It depends upon what kind of mattress you are rolling. If it is an air mattress, you need to deflate it properly. You can then fold and roll the mattress. Store it in a cool place to use again in the future.
Do not roll it for more than two months. The material in the foam starts to lose its durability and shape. It will also fail to provide your back with the support it needs.