How to Locate a Leak in an Air Mattress

Air mattresses are durable, but are still known to leak. Luckily, these leaks can be repaired using vinyl repair kits purchased from most department stores. Be sure to use an air compressor to inflate the air mattress before you try to locate the leak. You can also inflate the air mattress using your mouth but an air compressor is much faster and more convenient.

• Place the air mattress underwater. Because air mattresses are rather large, it is best to submerge the mattress in a swimming pool. You may need to ask a friend or family member to help you submerge the mattress as it floats. Once the mattress is under the water, hold perfectly still and watch for any bubbles that are being released. Locate the area where the bubbles are coming from and find the leak. Bring the mattress back above the water and mark the leak with a marker. Use a repair kit to fix the leak.


• Listen to the inflated air mattress to see if you can hear where the air is leaking from. Be completely quiet and put your ear on the mattress to hear the leak. The leaking air makes a quiet rushing sound.


• Use your hands to gently squeeze small sections of the mattress. Look and listen for any air escaping. You can also leave the mattress on the floor for a long period of time. During this time period, keep checking the mattress to see which part deflates first. This helps you narrow down the area of the mattress from which the air is leaking.


• Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into 4 cups of water. Make sure the mixture is bubbly. Use a rag to spread the mixture over the air mattress. When the air escapes the mattress it blows the dish soap into bubbles. Follow the bubbles to the leak. Dry the mattress and use a repair kit to fix the leak.


• Check the intake valve and any creases or wrinkles along the edges of the air mattress. These places are where the top and bottom of the mattress are attached to each other and are the most likely places to find a leak.