Six Ingenious Methods to Inflate a Bed without a Pump

1. Dryer air cooled down makes a good homemade air pump. Place the dryer's end over the intake valve of the mattress, then lay it flat to dry. Dry clothes using the cool air setting and turn on the dryer. Since the dryer and intake valve are different sizes, some air will be lost, but the mattress should still fill up over time. [1]

   • If you have a vacuum with a crevice attachment, you can fit it over the dryer's end and see if that helps create a better seal between the valve and the dryer.
   • Don't risk heat damage by using a hair dryer without a cool-air option. The vinyl and plastic parts of the mattress could be damaged by direct exposure to heat.

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1. A pump isn't required if you have a vacuum that can expel air. It is possible to "blow" rather than "suck" with the reverse modes of some home vacuum cleaners and many shop vacuums. To fill the mattress with air, flip the vacuum's switch to the "reverse flow" position, then place the hose's end over the mattress' intake valve and turn on the vacuum. If the hose's connection to the intake valve isn't strong enough, try fitting it with a crevice attachment. [2]

   • Even if your vacuum doesn't have a reverse flow setting, you might still be able to use it. Separate the hose from the container holding the trash or dirt. To direct dirt and debris into the container, place the hose's open end over or inside the corresponding opening. Connect the vacuum's other end to the mattress' intake valve and switch it on. The mattress should be in constant contact with the air that comes from the vacuum.

1. If you want something loud and reliable for use in your backyard, try this. Don't remove the blower's standard attachment. In order to use the blower, you will need to lay the mattress flat on the ground and place the end of the attachment over the intake valve. Fill the mattress with air by turning on the blower and maintaining a tight seal by cupping your hand around the end of the attachment. [3]

   • Attachments that fit the mattress's intake valve size can make the job go more quickly, just like they do with hair dryers and vacuum cleaners. Replace the leaf blower's standard attachment with a vacuum's crevice tool.
   • An electric leaf blower can be used indoors, but it will be very loud. A gas-powered leaf blower should never be used inside.

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1. Use some tape to give this alternative pump a new purpose. You can use tape to create a better air seal between your bike pump's nozzle and the mattress' intake valve. Wrap duct tape (or another strong tape) around the intake valve and pump nozzle and press the nozzle against the valve. To inflate the mattress with the bike pump, simply press the lever up and down like you would a bike tire. Don't forget that this will take a lot longer to inflate than a bike tire. [4]

   • For optimal results, spread the mattress out flat on the floor.
   • To answer your question, this is a pump. However, it is not a pump for an air mattress.

1. Invest in a replacement valve for your air mattress. Insert the compressor's output valve into the mattress's intake valve, turn on the compressor, and let it run until the mattress is inflated, just as you would with an electric air pump. However, the mattress valve may not be a perfect fit for the standard valve options that come with an air compressor, so you may need to duct tape the valves together to get a good seal. You could also buy a valve adapter for your air mattress online. [5]

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1. Squeeze the air out of the bag after filling it with this unexpected option. Swing the trash bag up and down and all around until it's full. Squeeze the top together to seal the air inside. Place the bag's opening over the intake valve on the mattress and pull the drawstring tight with one hand. The bag can be squeezed to force air into the mattress, or you can lay face down on top of it to hasten the process. Fill the bag back up and try again. and repeat and do it again; it will take some time, but it will pay off [6]

   • Use a heavy duty trash bag, such as a lawn and leaf bag or a contractor's bag, for the best results. Bags with a lower thickness are more likely to develop leaks and require replacement.

1. As a last resort, try blowing up the mattress with your lungs. The intake valve of the mattress should be washed or sanitized to prevent contamination. Inhale deeply, then seal your lips around the intake valve and exhale completely into the bed. If your mattress has a one-way valve (and most do), you can exhale deeply, then reinhale through the valve. When you take your mouth off a two-way valve, air will escape again when you put it back in. In this situation, it's best to keep your mouth on the valve while breathing in and out through your nose and mouth. [7]

   • You'll be out of breath and exhausted from the time and effort put into this method. On the plus side, your newly inflated air mattress will put you to sleep in no time.

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