Air mattresses are sold with pumps. But what happens if the pump breaks down or gets misplaced? Do you have any other appliance in the house that can help you blow up your airbed?
Vacuum cleaners and primarily Dyson vacuums are known for powerful suction. But can we reverse this function to have it blow out air to inflate? Hold that thought as we answer our question of the day;
Can You Use A Dyson To Blow Up An Air Mattress?
A vacuum cleaner is the most unusual way to blow up an air mattress without a pump, but it works if done correctly. All you need is a vacuum hose and a vacuum blowing out air instead of sucking it up.
Some vacuum cleaners have the reverse feature, but other models like Dyson need to be dismantled to make them blow out air. The good news is, the process of reversing the function of vacuum cleaners is simple. You can do it independently.
If you are to use a vacuum cleaner to inflate, the first step is to reverse its airflow. The steps below will guide you on how to make a vacuum cleaner to blow air 
successfully:
- Switch off and unplug the vacuum cleaner for safety
- Turn it upside down to access the part with the motor
- Remove the motor casing and disconnect the motor to avoid damage when airflow is reversed. Make use of the user manual for a guide on how to disconnect the motor. There is no one way for all because vacuums are different.
- Detach the hose from the inlet port and carefully insert it in the blow section. Make sure that it fits tightly to avoid air leakage.
- Put in place the motor housing before switching on the vacuum cleaner now a blower. Turn it to see if the airflow has reversed and allowed debris and dust build-ups to clear before using it to inflate your air mattress.
How To Inflate An Air Mattress Using A Vacuum Cleaner.
Now that your vacuum cleaner can pump air, follow the simple steps below to blow up your air mattress.
1. Ensure That The Vacuum Cleaner Is Clean
After confirming that your vacuum is now blowing air out, leave it to blow for about ten seconds to clear debris and dirt stuck on the airways.
The last thing you want is for dirt and debris to go inside your airbed. Once the airways are clear and clean, you can proceed.
2. Replace The Cleaning Nozzle
The air mattress inlet is narrow and hence the need for a narrow vacuum outlet. If you cannot get a narrow nozzle, take it out and use the hose without the nozzle.
Alternatively, connect a pipe that matches the size of the cleaning nozzle or attachment hose to the mattress inlet.
3. Lay The Air Mattress On A Flat Surface
This step might sound simple, but it is crucial and should be done correctly to facilitate balanced and quick inflation.
Getting this step right reduces issues as you blow up.
4. Attach The Hose
It is now time to inflate, and it starts by attaching the hose to the air mattresses inlet or inlet alternative.
Adjust the hose until it tightly fits into the valve.
5. Inflate The Air Mattress
After confirming that the hose aims directly into the inlet, turn on the vacuum cleaner and watch your air mattress blow up.
Please wait until it is filled up to remove the vacuum hose and close the inflation valve. Your mattress is all set for a relaxing time.
Alternative Ways To Inflate An Air Mattress Without A Pump
Other than your Dyson, you can blow up your air mattress using simple everyday appliances in your house. These include:
1. Wet/Dry Vacuum Cleaner With A Blower
Wet/dry vacuums with a blower function (View on Amazon) will help you inflate an air mattress faster because you do not have to disassemble it to turn it into a blower.
Remove the hose from the inlet port and insert it into the blower port of the vacuum. Attach and secure the vacuum hose to the mattress inlet valve and turn it on, and your mattress will be fill up in no time.
Alternatively, you can purchase a shop Vac inflation nozzle (View on Amazon) that fits into the mattress inlet valve perfectly.
2. Hairdryer
To blow up an air mattress using a dryer, start setting the blower in the cool air. Inflating with warm hair will burn the inlet valve causing more trouble.
Lay the mattress on a flat service and press the dryer’s outlet on the mattress’s inlet valve. Expect some air to escape because the outlet and inlet are not the exact sizes, but your mattress will fill up after some time.
3. Leaf Blower
Although very noisy leaf blowers make an excellent choice to inflate your air mattress, note that gas-powered blowers should not be used indoors to prevent air pollution.
Unless you are using an electric leaf blower, take your air mattress outdoors for inflation using a leaf blower.
As always, lay the mattress flat and place the blower’s attachment on the inlet valve of the mattress. Since they are not the same size, some air will escape, but eventually, the mattress will fill up.
To fasten the process, use your hand to secure the connection at the inlet before turning on the blower.
4. Bike Pump
The main challenge with the two options above is that the outlet is larger than the intake valve. With a bike pump, however, the pumps nozzle is smaller than the inlet valve of the mattress.
For this, you should improvise a large nozzle using tape. Place the mattress on a flat surface and press the pumps lever up and down to fill it. Be patient because it will take longer than filling a bike.
5. Trash Bag
A trash bag will gain new respect after using it to inflate an air mattress. So, fill the trash bag with air by swinging it up and down.
Hold the air in using your hands by clinching the opening. Push the opening over the inlet valve of your mattress and squeeze the air out steadily.
When the bag gets empty, refill it with air and repeat until the mattress fills up. It will take you more time to blow up your mattress with this procedure, but it will work.
6. By Mouth
If you are in the wild with no access to any of the above appliances and tools, you can breathe air into your air mattress.
To start with, wash and sanitize the mattress inlet valve. Take a deep breath, make a seal on the inlet using your lips and blow air in. Remove your mouth, take another deep breath, blow in the air, and repeat until the mattress fills up.
This method will take you and will leave you tired and exhausted. It should be used as the last resort when you cannot find any of the above appliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use A Vacuum Cleaner As An Air Pump?
For a vacuum cleaner to pump air, you must reverse its airflow. Disconnect the motor, detach the hose from the inlet port and insert it in the outlet section. Test to see if it is blowing air and use it to inflate.
Conclusion
So, can you use a Dyson to blow up an air mattress? Dyson vacuum cleaners possess powerful suction power but can effectively serve for the reverse function.
If you cannot locate your airbed pump, get hold of a vacuum cleaner, reverse its airflow and watch the magic happen.