An air mattress is a universal item for family use. It can be placed on the floor and used as a bed for relaxation, taken with you on a hiking trip, outing, or used as a swimming device. Expensive models are equipped with a pump built into the inflatable unit; for economical models, the pump is included as a separate device. What if the pump breaks down, is lost, or is damaged? How to inflate a mattress without a pump using improvised means? What can replace the pump? We offer 5 common available variations to solve the problem.
Instructions for air beds with a built-in electric pump.
Thank you for purchasing the Intex air bed. Please take the time to read this manual for using the bed. This information will help you extend the life of the inflatable bed and will allow you to secure any activities related to the bed.
Safety regulations.
Before use, read the instructions and carefully follow all instructions. Children near the bed should always be within the sight of an adult; do not leave children unattended while using the air bed. The bag intended for storing the air bed must be kept out of the reach of children; this bag is not a toy. Do not stand on the air bed or use it as a trampoline. Do not use the bed in or near water, this is not a swim mattress. Do not place the bed near stairs, doors, water, fragile dishes or sharp objects. Make sure that the surface for placing the airbed is flat and smooth, without any sharp objects that could cause a puncture. To avoid damage from pets, keep them away from the air bed. For greater stability, you need to lie not on the edge of the bed, but in its center. Do not use the pump for more than 5 minutes, you need to take a break for 10 - 15 minutes, after use, disconnect the power cord from the network. While the pump is operating, the ventilation duct must remain open and no objects should be allowed into it. If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced either by the service or by a person competent in this field. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not use in the rain. Store indoors.
Accessories.
Components for an air bed with a built-in electric pump.
AC Electrical cord. Switch. Pumping sign. Blowing sign. Air channel. Control wheel. Cord cover. Inflatable bed.
* The pump does not require special maintenance. The bed must be installed close to an outlet.
Pumping up. Remove the power cord from the storage container. See fig. 1. Connect the AC electrical cord to the power source. See fig. 2.
Turn the control wheel to o. See fig. 3. Press "I" to turn on the pump. See fig. 4. After inflating, press “O” to turn off the pump. See fig. 5.
Lie down on the bed and check the firmness. If the surface is too hard, turn the control wheel counterclockwise. The air will begin to bleed through the air channel in the center of the wheel. When the required stiffness is achieved, turn the wheel clockwise. See fig. 7. If the bed needs to be made harder, repeat steps 3 - 7.
After inflating the bed, disconnect the cord from the power source, place it in a storage container and close the lid.
Important note.
Correct inflation of the bed.
The ambient temperature has an internal pressure effect on the air bed. When the temperature is low, the air will compress inside the bed and the bed will become softer, add air as needed. At high temperatures, the air inside the bed will increase significantly in volume, the bed will become hard and may burst. Vent the air to prevent damage to the air bed or to reduce the sensation. Do not expose the bed to extreme temperatures (high or low).
About air mattresses in general
Guest option . There are actually many more cases when an air mattress can be useful than it might seem. If your home is of modest size and you often have overnight guests, an inflatable mattress is a great help.
For the first time . Some young families, not having the funds to purchase a classic mattress, purchase an inflatable double mattress for the first time. We can’t say that this is a good, budget-friendly, or even more so, optimal option, but some people do it.
Apartment renovation . But a short renovation in the apartment (if necessary, empty it of furniture and continue to live in it) is just a completely justified case to use an air mattress. A vinyl (or PVC) mattress does not absorb dust, is easy to wash and, if necessary, can be easily removed from the floor (by lifting it and placing it against the wall) and moved.
Outdoor activities , trips to a country house or to the country are other options for using inflatable furniture. On such “beds” you can have a good rest in a car, on the floor or in a tent.
Before you start using an inflatable product (in any of the above cases), you need to somehow inflate it. You can lift a swimming mattress with your own lungs. Another thing is a sleeping model of impressive size - high, one and a half or double, several products at once (for all family members). Coping with the task using a pump will be much faster, easier and more efficient.
Features when choosing a product
The modern market offers a wide range of air beds. They differ in color, shape, overall dimensions, material of manufacture, availability of additional accessories and price.
In order not to make a mistake in choosing a product, they not only focus on the price, but study its properties and characteristics, pay attention to the quality, and, if possible, read customer reviews.
What you need to know about an air mattress?
The color range of products is presented in transparent, light and dark tones. When using for swimming in water, it is better to select transparent objects; they allow you to examine the aquatic world. Light shades are suitable for a beach holiday. Direct sunlight is repelled from a light surface and does not lead to overheating. If you buy something for sleeping in an apartment or as an additional bedding for guests, it is recommended to choose dark colors.
According to the number of sleeping places (width), air beds are divided into the following types:
Mattresses with 1 section have low stability and can tip over when the body turns. The height of the product varies between 13-25 cm, the length can be different, so for a comfortable stay, the item must be chosen according to the person’s height.
Inflatable items are made of PVC. There are simpler models, for example, made of smooth material. They are cheap, but the smoothness of the surface helps the bedding roll up consistently. High-quality products are made from expensive PVC or its derivatives, covered with a layer of flock. The top of the mattress becomes velvety, the bed does not slip. The product is easily washed from dirt and adheres hermetically in case of punctures.
An air bed can have headrests and armrests. Some modern models are made in the form of a sofa with high walls for the convenience and comfort of the vacationer. If there are no headrests, the mattresses are equipped with special pillows.
About air mattresses with a built-in pump in particular
The built-in pump, soldered into the mattress shell, is, in principle, a rather convenient device. It, like the external one, can be mechanical or electrical. The main advantage is compactness. The built-in mechanism does not require additional space in the luggage for the item (as is the case with the external option). Such a pump cannot be lost or forgotten in a hurry.
The disadvantages of models with a built-in pump can be considered their higher price (compared to options with an external device) and the impossibility of replacing the mechanism with a more powerful or complex one.
Use a hair dryer
If you are not sure that you can inflate the mattress using your lungs, and you don’t have a vacuum cleaner with a reverse air supply function, try using a hair dryer. The power of the electrical appliance is quite enough to inflate a mattress of any size. As with a vacuum cleaner, choose the most narrowly targeted nozzle that fits the valve diameter as closely as possible. For better “docking”, use adhesive tape or tape. With its help, you can fix the hair dryer and minimize the loss of supplied air.
About the types of built-in pumps
There are two main types of pumps: mechanical and electric. Both can be either external or embedded devices. Let's focus on the advantages and disadvantages of the built-in options.
Mechanical
To operate the pump, you need to use the power of muscles - arms or legs. The pump is not as easy to use as an electric one (the pumping process is quite tedious). On the other hand, the “mechanism” is simpler and more reliable. Models with a built-in mechanical pump are more affordable, are less afraid of moisture and do not depend on electricity at all. Inflating such a mattress is not a problem at all in conditions of complete “separation from civilization.”
Reference! Almost any model of mattress with a built-in mechanical pump can also be inflated from a car cigarette lighter.
Electric
An electric pump is capable of inflating a large product in a matter of minutes (as a rule, the inflating time does not exceed 5 minutes). There may be several options for driving the pump. From a 220V network, from a car cigarette lighter, or from batteries.
Mattresses with this type of equipment are more expensive, are quite sensitive to moisture (you cannot swim on a mattress with an electric pump), and are difficult to repair. The biggest problem “far from civilization” is the availability of a power source. Battery-powered models are a risky option, as batteries tend to drain quickly. Mattresses with an electric pump are recommended mainly for home use.
When deciding on the type of mechanism, consider the purpose for which you are mainly buying a mattress. Then the question of how to inflate an air mattress with a built-in pump when there is no electricity nearby will not take you by surprise.
Reference! Swimming models are not equipped with electric pumps.
Big package
Quite an original, but working option for inflating a mattress. It is best to use a durable (and necessarily undamaged) plastic bag. This procedure can only be carried out with the participation of two people. To do this you need to do the following:
- Open the valve on the mattress.
- Fill the bag with air and quickly close it.
- We adjust the bag to the valve and firmly fix it on the “neck”.
- Air pumped from the bag into the mattress.
The action should be continued until the desired result is achieved.
Choosing a mattress with a built-in pump for its intended purpose
The market offers a wide range of inflatable products - mattresses for swimming and hiking, for home sleep and universal ones.
Beach . This includes all models without a flocked cover (exclusively beach) and without any type of built-in pump (usually inflated using lungs). There are also options with a flock coating on the top side, having a height of 12 cm to 25 cm and a built-in mechanical pump. Such models can be considered universal.
Important! Models with a built-in electric pump cannot be used for swimming!
For sleep . This type of mattress is covered with special artificial fiber. As a result, the top side (and sometimes the bottom and sides) becomes velvety. Flock is very pleasant to the touch and holds bed linen well. The height of some models can reach 50 cm. They look like full-fledged beds. Can be equipped with both types of built-in pumps.
Size range
The Bestway line includes products of various sizes. The size range of mattresses depends on the models.
Flocked Air Bed has the following sizes:
- Single – 185x76x22 cm;
- Comfort – 1.5 – 188x79x22 cm;
- King size – 203x183x22 cm;
- Twin – 191x137x22 cm.
In the Easy inflate line:
- Single – 185x76x28 cm;
- Air mattress Bestway 203x152x22 cm;
- Twin –188x99x28 cm.
The Comfy Single model is represented by mattresses in the following sizes:
- Twin – 191x97x46 cm;
- King size – 200×180 cm;
- Queen (double) – 203x158x46 cm.
Pavillo line:
- Single – 188x99x22 cm;
- Twin – 191x97x22 cm.
There are other sizes of mattresses:
- Single Bestway 67619 - 188x99x22cm;
- Comfort-Quest - 191x137x22cm;
- Bestway 67004 – 203x183x22cm;
- Bestway – 203x152x36 cm;
- Bestway – 203x152x46 cm;
- Bestway orthopedic flocked mattress – 152x203x22cm.
A wide range of sizes makes it possible to choose the necessary product to suit your needs.
What you should know about operation
Like any product, an air mattress requires compliance with operating rules.
- Firstly, the product is not intended for use at low temperatures. An air mattress is not capable of retaining the heat given off by the sleeper’s body; in itself it is not an effective insulator (against a cold floor or ground); in the cold, the covering material becomes hard and brittle.
- Secondly, it is important not to overdo it with the degree of rigidity and choose the pressure depending on the body weight of the person who will rest on it. It is not necessary to inflate the product to 100% (but to more than 80% of the total volume of the internal chambers).
Reference! Keep in mind that the first few nights the mattress may deflate slightly in the morning. This is normal and is due to the fact that the product is slightly stretched. In view of this, it should be pumped up for the first few days.
- Third, check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding maximum loads for the product. Some double models can support weights up to 295 kg. Exceeding factory specifications may result in seam rupture. Repairing such damage is quite problematic.
Summing up
Air mattresses with a built-in pump have the following advantages.
- Relatively low cost. By and large, for relatively little money you get a full-fledged sleeping place for one or two.
- Light weight. As a rule, the weight of an inflatable product does not exceed 5.5 kg.
- Ease of use. The deflated and packed mattress can be stored in the pantry. If necessary, remove and inflate using a pump. While outdoors, the pump can be used by connecting to the car's cigarette lighter. The presence of a mechanical pump does not tie you “to civilization” at all.
Do not forget about the disadvantages of air mattresses in general and models with a built-in pump in particular.
- Low orthopedic properties. Any, even the most advanced air mattress with a built-in electric pump and many air chambers is not able to compete with orthopedic analogues (an alternative to an air mattress is a folding mattress).
- Low strength. Relative minus. At home, it is quite difficult to pierce the product, unless an animal bites through it. The risk of damaging a mattress outdoors is much higher. The advantage is that it is also quite easy to repair - using a repair kit.
