You may get a better seal between the valve and dryer if you have a vacuum cleaner with a crevice attachment that fits over the end of the dryer. Don’t use a hair dryer that lacks a cool air setting. Hot air may melt or deform the vinyl and plastic components of the mattress.
You may still be able to use your vacuum even if it doesn’t have a reverse flow mode. Detach the hose and the bag or canister that holds dirt and debris. Press one end of the hose over or into the opening that directs dirt and debris into the bag or canister. Press the other end of the hose against the mattress’ intake valve and turn on the vacuum. Air should flow from the vacuum, through the tube, and into the mattress.
As with a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner, the job may go faster if you can put on an attachment that better matches the size of the mattress’ intake valve. Try popping a vacuum cleaner crevice attachment onto the end of the leaf blower’s typical attachment. You can use an electric leaf blower indoors, but keep in mind that it will be really loud. Never use a gas-powered leaf blower indoors.
Lay the mattress out flat on the ground for the best results. Yes, technically this is a pump. . . but it’s not an air mattress pump!
For the best results, use the thickest trash bag you can get, like a lawn and leaf bag or a contractor’s bag. Thinner bags will spring leaks more quickly and have to be replaced.
This method takes a really, really long time and will leave you out of breath and worn out. But look on the bright side—you’ll drift right off to sleep once you plop down on your freshly-filled air mattress!
