How To Fold Up An Air Mattress: Step‑by‑Step Guide for Easy Storage

If you’re wondering how to fold up an air mattress without trapping air, creating bulky lumps, or risking leaks, you’re in the right place. This FAQ-style guide walks through the process step by step and answers the most common questions about folding and storing an air mattress safely.

What’s the Best Way To Prepare an Air Mattress Before Folding?

Before you think about how to fold up an air mattress, it helps to prepare it properly.

  1. Clean the surface
    Wipe the top and bottom with a slightly damp cloth to remove dust, crumbs, or dirt. Let it dry completely so moisture doesn’t get trapped inside the folds.

  2. Disconnect bedding and accessories
    Remove sheets, mattress toppers, and pumps or hoses. This avoids extra bulk and tension on seams.

  3. Move it to a flat, open area
    A clean floor with enough room to lay the mattress fully flat makes folding smoother and more precise.

Why it matters: Preparing the mattress helps prevent mold, odors, and seam stress, which can shorten its usable life.

How Do I Deflate an Air Mattress Fully Before Folding?

A mattress that isn’t fully deflated is much harder to fold neatly.

Using a built-in or external pump

  • Open the deflate valve or switch the pump to deflate mode.
  • Allow the pump to run until the mattress looks and feels flat.
  • Gently press or smooth the surface from the far end toward the valve to push out remaining air.

Without a pump

  • Open the valve all the way.
  • Lie or press on the mattress, working from the end farthest from the valve toward the opening.
  • Keep smoothing until air stops escaping.

Tip 📝: The closer you get to complete deflation, the easier it is to fold evenly and roll tightly.

Step‑by‑Step: How To Fold Up an Air Mattress Neatly

Here’s a simple, repeatable method for how to fold up an air mattress that works for most sizes and designs.

  1. Flatten and smooth

    • With the valve still open, lay the mattress flat.
    • Use your hands to smooth out wrinkles and remaining air pockets.

  2. Fold lengthwise in thirds or halves

    • Stand at the side of the mattress.
    • Fold one long side toward the center, then fold the other side over it (like folding a letter), or simply fold in half lengthwise if that matches your storage bag.
    • Check that edges are aligned and the valve is at one end of the folded strip.

  3. Press out extra air again

    • Starting from the end furthest from the valve, press or walk your hands along the folded strip toward the valve.
    • Let any last air escape.

  4. Roll or fold from the foot toward the valve

    • Roll method: Begin rolling tightly from the end opposite the valve, pushing air forward as you go.
    • Fold method: Fold the mattress in sections (halves or thirds) toward the valve, keeping folds even and flat.

  5. Close the valve

    • Once rolled or folded to the valve, close it firmly to prevent air re-entering.

  6. Secure the bundle

    • Use straps, a belt, or the original storage bag to keep the mattress compact and contained.

Should I Roll or Fold My Air Mattress?

Both options can work; the better choice depends on the mattress and storage space.

Rolling is usually better if:

  • The mattress came originally rolled in a bag.
  • You want a more compact, cylindrical shape.
  • You prefer to squeeze out air gradually as you go.

Folding is usually better if:

  • The mattress has stiff internal structures that resist tight rolling.
  • Your storage space is flat, like a shelf or under a bed.
  • The manufacturer’s instructions show a folded, not rolled, shape.

When available, follow the brand’s specific instructions, as some designs have recommended folding patterns to protect internal supports.

How Can I Avoid Damaging My Air Mattress While Folding?

To keep your air mattress in good condition:

  • Avoid sharp creases
    Don’t force the material into very tight folds, especially in cold rooms where vinyl can be less flexible.

  • Keep it away from sharp objects
    Clear the floor of pins, nails, or rough edges that could puncture it while folding.

  • Do not drag it
    Lifting and repositioning it gently reduces friction damage and scuffs.

  • Don’t over-tighten straps
    Secure it snugly, but not so tight that seams are under obvious strain.

Key idea:Gentle, even folds are safer than crumpling or compressing the mattress as hard as possible.

How Should I Store an Air Mattress After Folding?

Once you’ve mastered how to fold up an air mattress, storage is the next step.

  • Use a bag or box to protect it from dust and accidental punctures.
  • Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heaters, or damp basements.
  • Keep it off the ground if possible, such as on a shelf or in a closet.

For long-term storage, some people occasionally reinflate the mattress briefly and then deflate it again to check for leaks and keep the material from sitting in the exact same folds indefinitely.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Fold Up An Air Mattress

  • Always fully deflate the mattress before folding to avoid bulky, uneven folds.
  • Fold lengthwise first, then roll or fold toward the valve to push out remaining air.
  • Choose rolling or folding based on the mattress design and your storage space—either can be correct.
  • Avoid sharp creases, dragging, and over-tightening to reduce the risk of damage.
  • Store your folded mattress in a clean, dry, protected space to help it last longer.

By following these simple steps for how to fold up an air mattress, you can keep it compact, easier to store, and ready for the next guest or camping trip.