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There are multiple reasons as to why an air mattress may deflate overnight without any visible leaks. No air mattress is airtight. Every air bed contains a bit of room to breathe, and you will lose a small amount of air just by laying down on it. Here, we list some probable reasons why your air mattress is deflating all of a sudden.
Why Your Air Mattress is Deflating
The reason why your air mattresses may deflate overnight could be related to:
- sudden changes in temperature
- weight
- material
- air pressure
- poorly made seams
Always check for leaks before first use
Don’t be surprised if you buy a brand new air mattress and it loses its air the next morning. The reason why your air mattress may deflate is that PVC-made air mattresses don’t come fully expanded and they need further inflation to reach their full size. A convenient remedy is to inflate your air mattress a few days ahead before actual use.
We found that this problem exists in air mattresses made out of PVC. The new technology used for making air beds is one that is PVC-free which gives the air mattress more flexibility and space for inflation. In PVC-free mattresses, the chances of air loss and air pressure is greatly reduced.
External temperature causes air deflation
Another major reason is external temperature. The pressure inside an air mattress can increase and decrease because of sudden changes in temperature. For instance, if you are inflating an air bed during the day when it is warm outside, once the temperature drops in the evening the mattress will deflate. During colder temperatures, air condenses which in turn can cause air beds to appear as though they have shrunken or lost air. But the truth is that it’s just the result of a temperature change in the air.
So, as impractical as it may sound, it’s better to inflate the mattress after a whole day of adventures if you are camping to avoid an air mattress leak.
Small punctures can result in overnight deflation
Sometimes it is very difficult to spot punctures in the air mattress. Small punctures are caused when you over-inflate the air mattress. A puncture doesn’t have to be big to cause air mattresses to deflate overnight. You will be surprised with how even the tiniest puncture can still cause a leak in an air mattress.
If you’re worried about punctures, we recommend raising your air mattress off the floor so it doesn’t get exposed to any sharp objects on the ground.
How can you spot a puncture in an air mattress?
Start by application of soapy water to the inflated air mattress. The first step is to check valves for leakage. Apply soapy water to the seams of the air mattress and apply pressure. If there is a slight tear or puncture, bubbles will appear on the area where a leak has occurred.
While inflating the air mattress keep any sharp objects, pets and stones away, particularly when inflating in an open space. Even a sharp zipper from your sleeping bag can possibly cause a tear. So create a safe zone for inflation.
The best way to prevent punctures is to buy a highly durable air mattress. These beds are made from more heavy duty and thicker materials. This will reduce the chances of getting a puncture.
Check the weight limits of your air mattress
Like any other conventional mattress, an air mattress can also be affected by the amount of weight you put on it. Heavier people can cause some air to escape from the mattress and it will feel less supportive to them. It can result in a flatter bed the following morning.
To improve your chances of not losing any air pressure inside the air mattress, buy an inflatable bed with a good weight rating. All inflatable air beds have a maximum weight capacity that should be considered before making a purchase, particularly for heavier-set people.
Loose seams cause deflation
When extra weight is put on an air mattress, it can take a toll on its seams. The air pressure caused by the added weight finds its way out through any possible holes and in most cases, may even widen the seams. Even bouncing on an air mattress can cause the seams to get loose, thereby causing leaks.
If you own an air mattress, you have to take care of it to prevent it from losing air unnecessarily. Seam leak is usually not visible, but once it starts there is no going back and you may have to change your mattress. Always check for leaks before and after using an air mattress. Remember – preventive maintenance is key.
Choose an automatic pump air mattress for indoor use
If you are using your air mattress strictly for indoors, we would recommend to purchase an air bed with a built-in pump. In that case you will never deal with a flat air mattress as it automatically re-inflates the mattress as soon as it starts to lose air pressure. However, it is difficult to have an external electricity supply outdoors and during camping. An automatic pump is also beneficial when your air mattress keeps deflating. It automatically maintains the air pressure in your air mattress.
Low-quality air mattresses deflate easily
Air mattresses that are very affordable come with a trade-off when it comes to quality. A poor-quality air mattress may already have very loose seams that are easily damaged with more inflation and weight.
There are various types of inflatable mattresses available on the market, all ranging from poor to premium quality. If you are a regular camper or have guests over often, make sure you buy a decent quality inflatable bed from the get-go. Good quality air beds usually come with warranties and have been made with higher quality materials. Unfortunately in case of air mattresses, cheaper is not always better.
For better performance of an air mattress, after sleeping during the night you should let a little bit of air out of the airbed in the morning. It sounds counterintuitive but the less air an air mattress has when not in actual use will also encourage a longer lifespan of your air mattress.
FAQs
An air bed may deflate because of heavy weight, external temperature, design flaw or seam leak.
Yes, it is very normal for either a used or a new inflatable air bed to deflate. Air loss can happen for many reasons not just because of punctures.
Occasionally, used air mattresses can function for years before it even develops a leak. However, with daily use, the inflatable air bed’s lifespan also decreases. On average most air mattresses last for six months before fully deflating.
To maximize the lifespan of an air mattress, you should deflate the air bed fully and store in a carry bag when not in use. Keeping the air bed in a cool and dry place that is free from sharp objects can also to ensure its longevity. Air mattresses can last from two to eight years depending upon use and care.
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