Only a few things can beat the feeling of sleeping on an air mattress. However, you cannot enjoy that feeling if your mattress is not inflated, and that’s where an air mattress pump comes in.
With one, you get to save time because the process can be time consuming. It is also convenient in that you don’t have to stretch your lung capacity or exert a lot of pressure.
That sounds like a handful so it may have you asking how many watts does an air mattress pump use? Essentially, 10 to 20 watts sounds just about right – at least for most air mattresses. However, the amount of wattage used heavily depends on the particular model and its features.
With that said, let us look at the different types of air mattress pumps.
Air Mattress Pump Types
Internal
As you may have already imagined, this kind is integrated into the mattress. Usually, an internal pump is powered by electricity and externally controlled through a switch or panel.
This pump is preferable if you do not appreciate having a separate pump or you want the convenience of it being always ready to use.
Ultimately, it simplifies the inflation and deflation process because it eliminates the need for getting and attaching an external pump.
External
This is the opposite of the internal air mattress pump as it refers to a pump that is not built and, hence separate from your air mattress. Simply put, it is a standalone device exclusively made for deflating and inflating air mattresses.
Now, these kinds of air mattress pumps can either be manual or electric. They are typically user-friendly, portable, and lightweight. This is facilitated mainly by the attachments or nozzles that tightly connect to the mattress for easier air transfer.
Let us look at these two.
Electric
We begin with the electric variation of external air mattress pumps because it is the most common. Judging from the name, this unit is run by electricity, and as such, it features a plug that connects to a power outlet.
You may want this kind of pump because it deflates and inflates air mattresses fast. It also comes with modifiable settings that facilitate different firmness levels.
Manual
As you may have deduced from the name, this kind of pump requires you to exert physical effort to deflate or inflate your air mattress. It typically comprises a foot or hand-operated pump mechanism.
Just like electric pumps, manual pumps are also portable and lightweight. The main difference is that they do not need batteries or electricity to operate. That said, they may be tedious to use and consume a lot of time, which most users would rather avoid.
Reasons why your Air Mattress Pump may fail to Work
Devices are prone to fail and your air mattress pump is not an exception. However, when that happens, you may want to know why, and here are some common reasons.
Power source issues: This is bound to happen if you are using a battery or electric-powered pump. In that regard, you want to ensure that your power source is functioning properly or that your batteries are inserted properly and fully charged.
Pump malfunction or damage: If you have been using your pump for a while, chances are that it will wear down. As such, you want to examine your pump for any signs of damage such as loose connections or broken wires. If you notice any, you may need a replacement or repair.
Seal or valve problems: Perhaps you don’t know this, but the seal or valve located on your air mattress can cause your pump to fail. How so? If the mattress has air leaks, or if the valve is improperly sealed, the pump will have a hard time maintaining air pressure or inflating. You therefore want to ensure that it is tightly sealed before considering a replacement.
Incorrect or incompatible attachments: Different pumps for air mattresses feature different nozzle attachments that are designed to go with different valve types. As you can imagine, using a wrong attachment or improperly attaching it can cause insufficient air transfer due to poor sealing.
You can remedy this by using the right attachments and tightly connecting them to your air mattress.
Overuse or overheating: Continuous and prolonged use of the pump can lead to overheating, which may cause it to shut down or stop working temporarily. If the pump feels excessively hot, allow it to cool down before attempting to use it again.
Electrical or mechanical issues: Internal electrical or mechanical components of the pump may malfunction due to various factors, such as manufacturing defects or age. If you have ruled out other potential causes and the pump still does not work, it may require professional repair or replacement.
If you encounter problems with your air mattress pump, consulting the manufacturer’s instructions or contacting their customer support can provide specific troubleshooting steps or guidance for your particular model.
How to Use a Mattress Air Pump
- Preparation: Ensure that your air mattress is clean and free from any sharp objects or debris that could potentially damage the mattress or the pump. It’s also helpful to have the pump, power source (if applicable), and any necessary attachments readily available.
- Identify the valve: Locate the valve on the air mattress where you will attach the pump. The valve may be a twist valve, a push-and-lock valve, or another type, depending on the specific air mattress model.
- Attach the pump: If using an external pump, select the appropriate attachment nozzle that fits the valve on the air mattress. Connect the pump securely to the valve, ensuring a tight seal. If using a built-in pump, make sure the pump is properly connected to the mattress and ready for operation.
- Power on the pump: If using an electric pump, plug it into a power outlet. If using a battery-powered pump, ensure the batteries are properly inserted and functional. For manual pumps, there is no need for power.
- Inflate the mattress: Turn on the pump and begin inflating the air mattress. Follow the instructions provided with the pump for the specific model you are using. Electric pumps typically have settings to control the airflow and firmness of the mattress. Monitor the inflation process to achieve the desired firmness level.
- Secure the valve: Once the mattress is fully inflated, close and secure the valve to prevent any air leakage. Ensure a tight seal to maintain the air pressure.