How to Use Air Mattress Pumps

Written By
Matt McGew
Matt McGew
Published: Jan 18, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

An automatic pump uses either battery or electrical power to inflate the mattress. A manual pump uses either hands or feet to manually inflate the mattress

  1. Remove the air stopper from the valve on the air mattress.

  2. Attach the appropriate adapter to the end of the mattress pump. The appropriate adapter will fit snugly against the mattress's valve.

  3. Insert the adapter into the valve on the mattress.

  4. Insert or connect the batteries to an electronic air pump. Alternatively, some pumps use an power adapter to connect to an electrical outlet. If you are using a manual pump, skip this step.

  5. Start pumping. If you are using an electronic air pump, you will flip a power switch. If you are using a manual air pump, you will start pumping using either your hands or your feet.

  6. Continue pumping until the bed has the appropriate amount of air. There is no correct level of air for an air mattress. If you prefer a softer mattress, you will want to use less air. If you prefer a harder mattress, you will want to use more air.

The Drip Cap

  • An air mattress, otherwise known as an air bed, is a portable, inflatable bed.
  • A manual pump uses either hands or feet to manually inflate the mattress Remove the air stopper from the valve on the air mattress.
  • Attach the appropriate adapter to the end of the mattress pump.
  • If you prefer a softer mattress, you will want to use less air.
Matt McGew

Since 1992 Matt McGew has provided content for on and offline businesses and publications. Previous work has appeared in the "Los Angeles Times," Travelocity and "GQ Magazine." McGew specializes in search engine optimization and has a…

Sponsored
HomeSteady Logo

HomeSteady is the ultimate guide for all your household needs, from cleaning and HVAC to electrical, DIY and maintenance.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.