Many punctures are so small that you cannot find them easily.

It will be much easier to find the leak when you’re ready to apply the patch.

This leaves a flatter work surface, and the patch will go on more smoothly.

Blue air mattress with hole covered with a patch

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Some mattress manufacturers encourage owners to return the mattress to them so they can do the repairs for you.

Some are temporary, while others should last as long as those done with a commercial repair kit.

Use a Shower Curtain

Make a patch from a shower curtain liner for plastic or PVC mattresses.

Materials and tools to patch an air mattress hole

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Be sure the mattress area is clean and dry to get the best seal.

It won’t hold forever but might get you through the night.

Blue air mattress opened and deflated

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Blue air mattress wiped with pink microfiber cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic

Path kit materials in front of blue air mattress with hole covered

The Spruce / Sanja Kostic