You’ve had your fair share of frustrating moments waking up on a deflated airbed, huh? Believe me, I feel your pain. Or your worried that you are going to wake up laying on the ground with your deflated dreams laying on the ground around you..
I’m here to shed some light on this inflatable mystery and uncover the 10 reasons why those airbeds just love to deflate on us, and what you can do keep your airbed inflated throughout the night.
Scenario #1: A Puncture
Ah, the classic needle in the haystack scenario. Knowing there’s a puncture and actually finding the puncture are two different things.
When you’re setting up your tent and inevitably the location of your airbed, check thoroughly around for sharp objects like rocks, branches even thorny weeds that can poke through the ground sheet of your tent and on through the fabric of your airbed.
You may also accidentally puncture it, left some keys on the bed in a rush?
So, be mindful of the ground, and avoid leaving pointy or sharp items on or under your airbed.
Consider picking up a puncture repair kit if your airbed doesn’t have one, or it accidentally went out with the packaging!
Scenario #2: Material Wear and Tear
Over time, the material of your airbed can wear down due to repeated use, friction, or even exposure to the elements. As the integrity of the fabric weakens, it becomes more susceptible to leaks and air loss.
The best way to avoid this is to make sure you look after your good nights sleep out and about and at home. At home, keep your airbed in a safe dry place away from heat or anything that can rub up against the fabric repeatedly.
Also store your airbed after is has been fully deflated! if possible, use a pump that has a deflate option pull any remaining air out.
Speaking of pumps, try to always inflate your airbed with a pump rather than with your breath.
Not only does this prevent you passing out for trying to fill a double airbed from your puny human lungs, when you breath in to the air bed you are introducing moisture and that can cause mould to grow inside your airbed! gross!
Scenario #3: Temperature
Did you know that temperature plays a sneaky role in airbed deflation?
When it’s cold, the air inside the bed condenses, causing a decrease in pressure and leading to a noticeable loss of air. On the flip side, hot weather can make the air inside expand, causing it to escape through any available exit. Nature has a way of playing tricks on us, doesn’t it?
Fill your air bed for the weather you are in. As hot weather can cause the air to expand, especially in a hot tent, an overfilled airbed could breach or if a particularly questionable cheap airbed could go boom!
If it’s cold, just expect you will need to fill the airbed before getting in, unless you have a particularly fancy thermal airbed.
Scenario #4: A Leaky Valve
A faulty or loose valve can be the prime suspect behind a deflated airbed.
If the valve doesn’t create a proper seal, air will seep out faster than you can say “inflate.” Take a close look at that valve, my friend, and make sure it’s doing its job effectively.
If the valve plug is a bit loose, maybe consider using some tape to keep it shut.
Scenario #5: Your Sleeping On It Wrong
Your sleeping habits may also be deflating your airbed.
We all have our own unique sleeping styles, and some of us are more restless than others.
If you toss and turn or plop down with a little too much enthusiasm, you might unknowingly be putting too much pressure on the airbed, causing air to escape. Perhaps it’s time to practice some sleep Zen?
Scenario #6: Inadequate Inflation
This one seems pretty obvious, but hear me out.
If you don’t fully inflate your airbed or forget to close the valve properly, it’s like inviting deflation to crash your party.
Give that bed a proper fill-up and make sure the valve is tightly shut.
All you have to do is simply top it up!
Scenario #7: Improper Preparation
If you have purchased a shiny new air bed or already have one, but it has been packed away since lasts years festival season.
Make sure you take it out and test it before taking it! Inflate your old air bed and lay on it, sometimes just a few minutes can tell you if it’s still going to support a good nights sleep.
For a new air bed, inflating it in advance will give the bed fabric and seams time stretch out properly, otherwise when you sleep on the airbed after it’s first inflation, it may warp or be over burdened leading to more leaks.
Now it would be best to leave the airbed inflated for around a day or two, but be careful that pets and their pointy claws, or other household items do not damage it!
Scenario #8: Excess External Pressure and Over burdening
This one seems odd for a bed but using your airbed when your not sleeping can be a problem. For example, sitting on the edge of the bed or placing heavy objects like your packed bags can strain the material and push the air out faster. So keep off the airbed during the day!
Also avoid bouncing or falling on to your airbed, doing this will significantly shorten the life of your airbed.
But before we move on, you need to know that airbeds also have weight limits, so make sure you buy one that is suitable for your needs!
Scenario #9: Mysterious Forces
Sometimes, it seems like airbeds have a mind of their own. They can deflate for no apparent reason, leaving us scratching our heads in confusion.
Although a clue to why, is that lot of airbeds come with the rule that they are not to be used as floatation device, this is because they are not completely ‘without flaws’ and are expected to deflate a bit over time, especially with a person laying on it. So your airbed may deflate over time anyway, sometimes without any of the previous factors in play!
So, armed with this knowledge, you’re now equipped to tackle the deflating dilemma head-on. Remember to watch out for sharp objects, give your airbed some tender loving care, and keep an eye on that mischievous valve.
With a little vigilance and a lot of resilience, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable and fully inflated airbed at your next festival adventure!
