How To Fold An Air Mattress

Properly folding an air mattress not only keeps it clean and organized but also protects the PVC, TPU, or flocked fabric from premature wear. Whether you use your inflatable bed for outdoor camping, home guests, car travel, or office rest, correct folding ensures the mattress stays in good condition for years. Below is a clear step-by-step guide on how to fold an air mattress safely and efficiently.

1. Fully Deflate the Air Mattress

Before folding, the mattress must be completely empty of air.

If the mattress has a built-in pump

Models similar to OUTAFUN’s automatic air-pump beds allow one-click deflation.

• Open the valve

• Switch to “deflate” mode

• Allow the pump to remove as much air as possible

For manual valve models

• Open the valve completely

• Press along the mattress surface

• Push from the far end toward the valve to force out remaining air

A mattress with partial air left inside will puff up during folding, making storage bulky and stressing the seams.

2. Clean and Dry the Surface

Before folding, ensure the mattress is clean to prevent mildew, odor, or material wear.

• Wipe the top and bottom surfaces with a dry or lightly damp cloth

• Remove dust, sand, grass, or debris from outdoor use

• Let the mattress fully dry if it was exposed to water or condensation

PVC and TPU materials can trap moisture, so drying is essential for long-term storage.

3. Lay the Mattress Flat and Smooth Out Wrinkles

Spread the mattress on a clean, flat floor.
Smooth out major wrinkles with your hands — this helps reduce air pockets and keeps folds neat.

For flocked fabric surfaces, avoid rubbing hard to prevent damaging the fibers.

4. Fold the Mattress Lengthwise

Most inflatable beds are designed to compress best when folded along their length.

How to do it

1. Fold the mattress into thirds or halves lengthwise

2. Align the edges neatly

3. Press along the fold to release trapped air

If your mattress has internal beams (I-Beam or O-Beam), folding along the structural lines reduces pressure and protects the internal support columns.

5. Roll or Fold the Mattress Tightly

Once the mattress is narrowed into a long strip, choose between rolling or folding.

Rolling (best for thick flocked or multi-layer beds)

• Start from the end farthest from the valve

• Press and roll toward the valve

• Push out any remaining air as you go

This method protects thick PVC and flocked surfaces from hard creases.

Folding (best for camping mats or thin TPU sleeping pads)

• Fold into even sections

• Avoid making very sharp folds

• Keep each fold flat and aligned

Lightweight camping pads like TPU V-shaped or sponge mats fold flatter than large beds.

6. Secure the Mattress

Once folded or rolled, use:

• Elastic straps

• Storage belts

• The original carrying bag (often included with OUTAFUN products)

Securing the mattress keeps it compact and prevents it from unfolding inside storage areas.

7. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

To extend the life of your air mattress, avoid storing it where temperature or humidity fluctuates.

Ideal storage conditions:

• Cool room temperature

• Low humidity

• Away from direct sunlight

• Away from sharp objects

Do not store heavy items on top of the mattress — this can damage the PVC/TPU and deform air chambers.