How to Deflate an Air Mattress Without a Pump (Steps)

If you just bought an air mattress, you probably know how to inflate it using an air pump....but how do you deflate it when you're done? This guide shows you exactly how to deflate an air mattress without a pump. We'll also cover how to deflate an air mattress with a pump quickly.

Why Deflating Properly Matters for You

Before we dive into the steps, understand why doing this right helps you:

• Saves Space: A fully deflated mattress folds small, making storage easy for you.
• Prevents Damage: Trapped air or folding incorrectly can strain seams and cause leaks. You want your mattress to last.
• Saves Time: Doing it efficiently means you pack up faster and get on with your day or trip.

How to Deflate an Air Mattress Without a Pump 

You can absolutely get the air out, even without tools. It takes a little more effort, but it works. Follow these simple steps:

1. Find a Flat, Clean Surface: Lay your mattress out flat. A clean floor, deck, or ground works best. Avoid sharp objects that could puncture it. This gives you room to work and protects your mattress.
2. Open the Valve Completely: Locate the main air valve on your mattress. There are different types (twist, flip, push). Figure out how yours opens fully. You need the biggest opening possible for air to rush out. Unscrew any caps completely or flip the lever fully open. 
3. Press Down with Your Hands: Start near the valve. Use your hands, knees, or body weight to press down firmly on the mattress. Push the air towards the open valve. You will feel and hear air escaping. Work your way systematically from the far end of the mattress towards the valve. Imagine you are pushing a wave of air out through the hole. Kneel on sections, press down with your palms, sit on it – use your weight! Be firm but careful not to tear the material.
4. Roll It Up Tight (Starting from the Opposite End): Once most of the air seems out, close the valve temporarily. This prevents air rushing back in while you roll. Roll it as tightly as you possibly can. You need to squeeze out every last bit of trapped air. Kneel on the roll as you go. Your body weight forces out more air trapped inside the folds and material.
5. Open the Valve and Squeeze the Roll: When you get near the valve end (with the mattress tightly rolled), open the valve again. Now, squeeze the entire rolled-up mattress forcefully. Hug it tightly, press it down on the ground, kneel on it. You will hear a final hiss of air escaping from the valve. This step is crucial for getting it truly flat.
6. Fold and Pack: With the valve still open, fold the tightly rolled mattress into the shape needed for its storage bag. Slide it in, zip it up, and you are done!

Related post: How to Inflate Intex Air Mattress With Hand Pump

How to Deflate an Air Mattress With a Pump 

Using a pump is definitely the quickest and least tiring method. Here’s how to deflate air mattress with pump effortlessly:

1. Get Your Pump Ready: If you have a manual air pump for air mattress, make sure it has a deflate function or nozzle attachment suitable for sucking air out. Many hand pumps work on both up and down strokes for inflation, and reversing the nozzle or valve allows deflation. Check your pump's instructions. If you have an electric pump for air mattress, find the hose/nozzle specifically for deflating or look for the "Deflate" or "Out" setting/button. Most electric pumps designed as air mattress inflator pumps also deflate. These are often the best pump for air mattress convenience.
2. Connect the Pump to the Mattress Valve: Open the mattress valve fully. Attach the correct pump nozzle or hose end firmly onto the mattress valve. You need a good seal so air is sucked out efficiently, not leaking around the sides. If your pump came with multiple nozzles (like S, M, L), choose the one that fits your mattress valve snugly.
3. Start Deflating: For a manual pump, start pumping the handle. You should feel resistance as the pump creates suction, pulling air out of the mattress. Keep a steady rhythm. For an electric pump, turn the pump on and select the "Deflate" or "Out" function if it has one. If it’s automatic, just plug it in and turn it on – it will start sucking the air out immediately. You will see the mattress collapse quickly.
4. Let the Pump Do the Work: The pump will rapidly remove the bulk of the air. You might need to gently press down on areas that seem stubborn to help the air flow towards the valve, but often the pump alone suffices. Just watch it shrink!
5. Remove the Pump and Finish Up: Once the mattress looks completely flat and the pump sound changes (manual gets easier, electric might whine slightly), turn off the electric pump or stop pumping manually. Disconnect the pump nozzle from the mattress valve. You might hear a tiny last puff of air. Press down firmly on the mattress or roll it up tightly (as described in the "without pump" section) to expel any tiny trapped air pockets. This ensures it packs down as small as possible for you. Close the valve securely. Fold or roll the mattress and pack it into its storage bag.

How to Fold Intex Air Mattress With Built-in Pump

Once you are done deflating your air mattress, you’ll need to fold it safely. Here’s how to fold Intex air mattress with built in pump:

• Press Out Trapped Air: Close the valve. You need to firmly press down with your hands, starting at the far end and pushing towards the pump area. Kneel on it if needed. Squeeze out every bit of trapped air.
• Fold Away from Pump: Open the valve again. Start folding tightly from the end opposite the pump. Fold it towards the pump in thirds or as your manual shows. You keep pressing down as you fold.
• Wrap the Cord: Neatly wrap the power cord around your hand. Tuck it securely against the folded mattress so it doesn’t dangle.
• Pack It: Place the folded mattress into its storage bag. Make sure you zip it closed tightly. Store it flat in a cool, dry spot. Don't stack heavy things on top.
   

Which Method Should You Choose?

• Use a Pump If You Have One: It's always the fastest and easiest option. This is why owning a good air mattress pump – whether manual or electric – is highly recommended.
• Deflate Without a Pump When Necessary: It's your reliable backup plan when the pump is missing, broken, or there's no power. Knowing how to deflate an air mattress without a pump saves you from frustration in a pinch.

 

Need a Reliable Electric Air Mattress Pump or Manual Air Mattress Pump?

Order a manual air pump for air mattress or a powerful electric pump for air mattress in Nairobi today at Air Mattress Kenya! (Free Delivery Around Nairobi).