How To Use Duct Tape To Fix An Air Mattress

A leaking air mattress may be one of those unavoidable things in life, like death and taxes. Leaks seem to occur at inconvenient moments, such as when you pitch camp and want to lie down or it's late at night and your guests need a place to sleep. You can often fix minor tears and pin holes in an air mattress with a roll of duct tape.

Step 1

Spread epoxy glue or rubber cement over the hole or rip in the air mattress and allow it to dry completely. The time required to cure depends on the type of adhesive.

Step 2

Cut a strip of duct tape long enough to cover the puncture completely and press it firmly onto the air mattress.

Step 3

Work out any air bubbles with your fingertips so the tape is flat against the mattress.

Step 4

Apply additional layers of tape at 45-degree angles across the first piece to secure the duct-tape patch.

Step 5

Inflate the mattress to check for air leaks around the repair.