How To Deflate An Air Mattress: Simple Steps and Common Questions Answered

If you’ve ever wondered how to deflate an air mattress quickly and completely—without damaging it or wrestling with trapped air—you’re in the right place. This FAQ-style guide walks through different types of valves, step‑by‑step deflation methods, and what to watch for so your mattress stores neatly and lasts longer.

What’s the Best Way to Deflate an Air Mattress?

The best way to deflate an air mattress depends on whether it has a built-in pump, a separate electric/manual pump, or a simple valve only.

General step-by-step process

  1. Clear the mattress
    Remove bedding, pillows, and any sharp objects nearby. This helps prevent accidental punctures while you move and fold it.

  2. Open the valve or deflate setting

    • Built-in pump: Switch to the “deflate” or reverse setting.
    • External pump: Attach the hose to the deflate port (if available).
    • Simple valve: Unscrew or unplug the cap completely to let air escape.

  3. Let gravity do the first part
    Leave the mattress flat with the valve fully open for a few minutes. Much of the air will escape on its own.

  4. Press out remaining air
    Starting at the end farthest from the valve, gently press or kneel on the mattress, moving toward the valve. Avoid twisting or sharp folds that might strain seams.

  5. Fold and roll tightly
    Fold the mattress in halves or thirds lengthwise, keeping the valve end open so air can keep escaping as you fold. Then roll tightly from the far end toward the valve.

  6. Close the valve before storing
    Once the mattress is fully rolled and compact, close the valve to keep it from re-inflating slightly in storage.

How To Deflate An Air Mattress With a Built-In Pump

Many air mattresses include an integrated pump designed to both inflate and deflate.

  1. Plug in the pump if it’s electric.
  2. Turn the dial or switch to “deflate”.
  3. Allow the pump to run until you see and feel that the mattress is mostly flat.
  4. Turn off the pump and press out remaining air by smoothing or rolling the mattress toward the pump area.
  5. Fold and roll as compactly as possible.

Tip 🧠: Even when the built-in pump stops, some small pockets of air can remain. A quick manual press or roll helps you get a tighter fold and easier storage.

How Do You Deflate an Air Mattress Without a Pump?

If you don’t have a pump or your pump stops working, you can still fully deflate the mattress.

  1. Open the valve completely.
  2. Lift one end of the mattress and gently walk or press along it toward the valve.
  3. Once mostly flat, fold in sections toward the valve, pressing air out as you go.
  4. For stubborn air pockets, unfold slightly and re-press from a different angle.

This method takes a bit more time and patience, but it is usually effective without tools or electricity.

Why Won’t My Air Mattress Fully Deflate?

Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, there’s still a bit of air trapped.

Common reasons include:

  • Narrow valves that release air slowly
  • Internal baffles or chambers that hold pockets of air
  • Folding too early, which blocks air pathways
  • Not opening the valve fully or missing a secondary stopper

To fix this, make sure the valve is totally open, then smooth the mattress in straight lines toward the valve rather than bunching it up randomly.

Can Deflating an Air Mattress the Wrong Way Damage It?

Improper deflation usually doesn’t cause immediate failure, but certain habits can shorten the lifespan of an air mattress:

  • Aggressive folding or twisting can strain seams.
  • Sharp creases in the same spot each time may weaken the material.
  • Dragging the mattress on rough floors while folding can cause tiny tears.

To protect your mattress, use gentle pressure, smooth folds, and avoid bending the mattress sharply around corners or furniture.

How Should I Fold and Store My Air Mattress After Deflating It?

Once you understand how to deflate an air mattress, good folding and storage habits help maintain its shape and performance.

  • Let the mattress dry fully if there is any moisture (from spills, cleaning, or humidity).
  • Fold along natural seams when possible to avoid new stress points.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heaters.
  • Keep it in a protective bag or box to shield from dust and accidental punctures.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Deflate An Air Mattress

  • Open the valve fully first and let gravity release most of the air before pressing or rolling.
  • Built-in pumps make deflation easier, but a final manual press or roll helps remove trapped air.
  • You can deflate an air mattress without a pump by walking or pressing air toward the valve, then folding and rolling.
  • Avoid sharp folds, twisting, and dragging to protect seams and material.
  • Fold along natural seams, keep the valve end open while rolling, and close the valve only after the mattress is fully compressed.
  • Proper deflation and storage can help an air mattress stay comfortable and usable for a longer time.

With a clear understanding of how to deflate an air mattress, the process becomes quick, predictable, and easier on both you and your mattress.