Outwell valve care: air tents and air beds
Is your air tent or air mattress (air bed) slowly losing air? Check the valve before you look for a puncture. Sand, dust or even one hair can stop the valve from closing properly. This can feel exactly like a puncture. The good news is that it is usually easy to fix with a damp cloth.
How the valve works
When you inflate an air beam or an air mattress, the air flows through the valve and past a small, soft flap. This flap is a non-return valve.
When you stop pumping, the pressure inside pushes the flap against the valve seat, so the air cannot escape. If sand, small stones or dust get between the flap and the seat, the flap cannot close completely. The air then slowly leaks out.
Air tent valves
Air tents, air awnings and inflatable shelters need airtight valves to keep the right pressure in the air beams. Is your tent losing air, but you cannot see any damage to the fabric or the air beam? Then check the valve first.
Signs that the valve needs cleaning
- An air beam slowly becomes softer after inflation
- Your tent loses air, but you cannot find a puncture
- You can hear or feel air escaping near the valve
- The valve does not close properly when you remove the pump hose
- The problem started after camping on sandy, dusty or muddy ground
How to clean an air tent valve: step by step
Important: Always let all the air out of the air beam before you open the valve. Never unscrew a valve while the beam is under pressure.
- Let all the air out of the air beam.
- Unscrew the valve carefully. On many models, the valve is attached with a small plastic strap, so you cannot lose it.
- Find the flap on the underside of the valve.
- Fold the flap back carefully. Do not stretch or bend it.
- Wipe the flap and the valve seat with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt, sand and small stones.
- Do not use sharp tools, oil, lubricants or strong cleaning products. They can damage the flap and the seal.
- Screw the valve back in. Make sure it sits correctly and is fully tightened.
- Inflate the air beam to the pressure shown in your tent's instructions. Check that it holds the air.
Is the valve damaged? If the flap is torn or deformed, or the valve is cracked, cleaning will not help. Please contact our customer service.
Is it a leak, or just the temperature?
The pressure in an air beam changes with the temperature. On a cold night, the air contracts and the beams feel softer. In strong sun, the pressure rises. A small change is normal and does not mean the valve is leaking. Check the pressure in the morning and add more air if needed.
How to keep dirt out of the valves
- Always screw the protective cap back on after inflating. It keeps dirt out and gives extra protection if the flap does not close perfectly.
- Check that the end of the pump hose is clean before you connect it to the valve.
- Keep the valves away from sand, mud and loose soil when you set up the tent.
- Clean the valves before you pack the tent away, especially after a trip to the beach or on dusty ground.
Air mattress valves
Valves on air mattresses, inflatable sleeping mats and other inflatable sleeping products can also leak because of dirt. If your air mattress feels softer in the morning, it does not always mean it has a puncture.
Why is my air mattress losing air?
- Dirt, hair or small stones stop the flap from closing
- The valve cap is not fully closed
- Dust or sand has entered the valve from the pump nozzle
- The air has contracted because the temperature dropped during the night
- There is a puncture or a leaking seam
Check and clean the valve before you look for a puncture.
How to clean an air mattress valve: step by step
- Let all the air out of the air mattress.
- Open or unscrew the valve. Depending on the model, some valves can be removed completely, while others only open partly.
- Find the soft flap behind the valve opening.
- Fold the flap back carefully.
- Clean the flap and the valve seat with a soft, damp cloth.
- Remove dust, sand, small stones and hair. Do not use sharp objects.
- Let the valve dry if any moisture has entered it.
- Close the valve, inflate the air mattress and check that it holds the air.
Is the valve damaged? If the flap is torn or deformed, or the valve is cracked, please contact our customer service.
How to check if your air mattress is airtight
Inflate the air mattress, close the valve cap firmly and leave it for a few hours or overnight. If it is clearly flatter, even though the valve is clean and closed correctly, look for a puncture or a damaged seam. If it is only a little softer after a cold night, this is usually caused by the temperature.
Tips for caring for your air mattress valve
- Always close the valve cap after inflating.
- Keep the pump, hose and valve free from sand, dust and moisture.
- Do not stand on, pull or press on the valve.
- Store your air mattress clean and dry.
- Check the valve before every trip, especially if the air mattress has been stored for a long time.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my air tent slowly losing air?
The most common cause is dirt in the valve. Sand, dust or small stones can stop the flap from closing properly. Clean the valve, inflate the air beam again and check that it holds the pressure. Remember that the beams also feel softer after a cold night.
Is a leaking valve the same as a puncture?
No. A leaking valve can feel exactly like a puncture, but the problem is the seal in the valve, not a hole in the material. Always check the valve before you try to repair a puncture.
Can I use soap or lubricant to clean the valve?
It is best not to. Soap, oil, lubricants and strong chemicals can damage the flap and the seal. A clean, damp cloth is usually all you need.
What if it still loses air after I have cleaned the valve?
Check the air beam or air mattress for punctures, and check the seams and connections. If the valve itself is damaged, for example if the flap is torn or the valve is cracked, please contact our customer service. We will help you find a solution.