AIR Camping Mattress

Congratulations on joining the car camping revolution–we’re honored you decided to give our revolutionary AIR Camping Mattress a shot. In this user manual, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to make your first Luno adventure (and all those that follow) successful.

Unboxing And Pre-Trip Prep

What’s In The Box?

Your AIR Camping Mattress might be the star of the show, but there are a few supporting characters you should know before you hit the road. Here’s what’s in the box:

AIR Camping Mattress
2 Head Support Space Filler Cubes*
12V Air Pump
Carrying Case
Repair Patch

*Can’t find the Head Support Space Filler Cubes? No worries! Certain 4Runner mattresses do not come with Head Support Space Filler Cubes, as they are unnecessary for that vehicle’s backseat design.

Before Your First Trip: Inflate The Mattress & Let It Rest For 48 Hours

Before your AIR Camping Mattress’s maiden voyage, fully inflate the mattress and Head Support Space Filler Cubes and keep them inflated for 48 hours. You don’t need to do this in your car–it can be anywhere you have space: the garage, living room, or even out on the deck or driveway. Don’t sleep on the mattress during this window, just let it chill.

Setting Up Your AIR Camping Mattress

AIR Camping Mattress setup is easy and takes a matter of minutes. Check out our install video here or follow the directions below to quickly and efficiently set up your mattress.

Slide and tilt the front seats of your vehicle as far forward as possible.
Fold the back seats flat.
Remove the two Head Support Space Filler Cubes from the carrying case and place them in the gap between the front and back seats with the inflation valves facing up.
Remove the 12V Air Pump from the box and plug it into your vehicle’s auxiliary power outlet (AKA cigarette lighter socket).
It’s important to note that the 12V Air Pump has two nozzle positions. The nozzle position on the side of the pump is for inflation, and the nozzle position on the top of the pump is for deflation. Ensure the nozzle is in the inflation position, then insert the nozzle into the Head Support Space Filler Cube inflation valves and inflate.
If the fully inflated Head Support Space Filler Cubes sit higher than your flat back seats, simply deflate them until they are level with the flat back seats.
Place the AIR Camping Mattress on top of the folded back seats and Head Support Space Filler Cubes with the pillow prints facing up. Then, inflate the mattress to your liking.

Setup Tips

You can adjust the height and firmness of both the AIR Camping Mattress and the Head Support Space Filler Cubes. Too tall or too firm? Deflate by pressing the flap inside the inflation valve. Too short or too soft? Inflate using the pump.
If your mattress isn’t sitting level in the back of your vehicle, here are a few tried-and-true tips to ensure a flat, comfortable sleeping platform.
- When camping, purposefully park on a slant to offset the angle of your mattress.
- Use blankets to create a level surface in the back area of your vehicle.
- If you’re looking for a more permanent solution–and want to go all out–you can always build a level sleeping platform. YouTube is an excellent resource if you’re going the DIY route. Or, if you have a 4Runner, you can check out our 4Runner Sleeping Platform here.

Deflating Your AIR Camping Mattress

You can deflate your AIR Camping Mattress and Head Support Space Filler Cubes without the 12V Air Pump, no problem–just open the deflation valves and squeeze the air out the old-fashioned way. However, using the pump saves time and ensures your gear packs down as small as possible. Here’s how to use the pump to deflate your setup in seconds:

The pump has two nozzle positions: one on the side for inflating and one on the top for deflating. Assuming the pump is in inflation mode, remove the nozzle from the side position, then secure it to the deflation intake on the top of the pump.
Insert the nozzle into the mattress deflation valve.
Turn on the pump and deflate until the AIR Camping Mattress is as flat as possible.
Repeat steps two and three for the Head Support Space Filler Cubes.

Folding and Storing Your AIR Camping Mattress

You can fold up your deflated mattress inside or outside of your vehicle. Either way, start by locating the foot of the mattress. This is the narrowest side of the mattress that sits closest to the trunk. You can also identify the foot of the mattress by the white Luno logo.
Fold the mattress in half, so that the foot of the mattress meets the wider head of the mattress. You may remember this as a “hamburger-style” fold from elementary school.
Fold the mattress in half once more along the opposite axis–“hot-dog style,” if you will–so the mattress wings press together.
Fold the wings of the mattress in, so that the folded mattress is a rectangle.
Holding the wings in place with one hand, use your other hand to start tightly rolling the mattress up. Once the wings are secure, roll up the mattress with both hands.
Place the mattress in the included carrying case.

Folding and Storing Your Head Support Space Filler Cubes

There are two main methods you can use to fold and store the Head Support Space Filler Cubes:

The Mega Roll: Some campers place the deflated Head Support Space Filler Cubes on top of the folded mattress, then roll up the mattress and Head Support Space Filler Cubes simultaneously in one mega roll.
The Tuck N’ Roll: Others roll up the Head Support Space Filler Cubes separately and tuck them inside the carrying case with the mattress.

Both methods work great–it’s just a matter of personal preference. Try both and see what system you like best for quick and easy stowage.

Storing Your AIR Camping Mattress

Storing Do’s:

Close your valves before storing your mattress to avoid damaging the valves.
Store your mattress in its carrying case when you're not out on an adventure.
Store your mattress in a dry, room-temperature environment.
When putting away your mattress for the season, inflate and then deflate your mattress and Head Support Space Filler Cubes for the last time in a dry setting so that no moisture remains in the mattress or Head Support Space Filler Cubes.

Storing Don’ts:

Don’t store your mattress under heavy items, as this can compromise the valves over time.
Don’t store your mattress while it's still wet.

Cleaning Your AIR Camping Mattress

AIR Camping Mattresses are extremely durable and built to handle life on the backroads, but regular cleaning will extend mattress life. This is especially true if you forgo a sheet or sleeping bag and sleep directly on the mattress surface.

Cleaning Do’s:

Wipe down your mattress with a damp cloth to remove dirt, mud, sand, etc. Let it air dry before you roll it back up. This is our go-to cleaning regimen for most instances. It’s simple, easy, and effective.
Let’s say your pup jumps on the bed with muddy paws, and you need a more thorough cleaning. Roll out your mattress on a clean surface–grass, concrete, gravel, etc. Close the valves, then spray the mattress with a hose.
If you don’t have room to clean the mattress outside, you can always rinse it in a bathtub, but again, be sure to close the valves.
If the hose isn’t cutting it and you need extra cleaning power, give the fabric a quick scrub with Formula 409®, BioClean™ All-Purpose Cleaner, or another general household cleaner. Avoid using household cleaners that contain bleach, as they can stain the mattress.

Cleaning Don’ts:

Don’t forget to close the valves while washing!
Don’t put your mattress in the washing machine.
Again, don’t use household cleaners containing bleach!

Repairing Your AIR Camping Mattress

Finding A Leak

Inflate your AIR Camping Mattress (or Head Support Space Filler Cube if that’s your issue).
Ensure the inflation and deflation valves are closed tightly. (Believe it or not, this may solve your problem. Often, a valve cap seems closed but isn’t fully seated in the valve opening. Make sure all valve caps are sitting flush!)
Check for a leak in the fabric.
1. In a quiet room, put your cheek a few inches away from the mattress and slowly use your ear to scan the mattress from front to back and back to front.
2. If you hear a faint hissing sound, or feel a trickle of air against your cheek, you’ve found your leak.
3. Jump to the “Repairing A Fabric Or Seam Leak” section below.
Check for a valve leak.
1. In a quiet room, put your cheek a few inches away from the valves.
2. If you hear a slight hissing sound or feel air escaping from a valve, you’ve found your problem.
3. Jump to the “Repairing A Valve Leak” section below.
If listening for a leak doesn’t work–or you want a more foolproof technique–use soapy water to find a leak.
1. Squirt dish soap in a bowl, then mix with water. We like four parts water to one part soap, but it doesn’t need to be an exact science.
2. Using a sponge, dish cloth, or wet paper towel, apply the soapy water liberally to the mattress (front, back, and along the seams).
3. Watch diligently for bubbling. When you see bubbles materialize in the soapy water, you’ve found your leak.
4. Jump to the “Repairing A Fabric Or Seam Leak” section below.

Repairing A Fabric Or Seam Leak

There are two common types of fabric leaks, one of which is easily repairable (leaks in the fabric itself), while the other is more difficult (leaks stemming from the seams). We’ll go over solutions to both below.

Fabric Leaks

After making sure the valves are closed, rinse off any soapy residue.
Deflate the mattress and allow the mattress to dry completely.
Once the mattress is dry, retrieve the (included) repair patch from the pocket of your carrying case.
Using sharp scissors, trim the patch to size.
Peel off the backing paper and firmly apply the patch.
Inflate your mattress, and leave it inflated overnight. Ideally, you’ll let the patch cure for 24 hours without sleeping on the mattress. However, a patch should get you through the night if you need to repair a leak and then sleep on the mattress shortly after. That said, you may need to apply another patch later.

Seam Leaks

Seam leaks are trickier to fix. If you’re handy, you can try using a product like Aquaseal to seal the leak. However, in many cases, the best course of action is to reach out to our customer service.

Still Need Help?

If you’re unable to fix that fabric or seam leak, please reach out to [email protected]–we’ll do what we can to get you ready for your next car camping trip as soon as possible.

Repairing A Valve Leak

Below, we’ll go over the two main types of valve leaks and how to fix them. The first type of valve leak occurs when the cap is open, and the second occurs when the cap is closed.

Valve Issue #1: Inflation Valve Leaks When Valve Cap Is Open

Unlike the deflation valve, which releases air whenever the cap is open, the inflation valve has a one-way seal. This one-way seal should stop air from escaping even when the cap is open. If you can hear air hissing out of the inflation valve when the cap is open, the valve has likely shifted during storage or transit, and the one-way seal is out of place. There are two solutions we recommend to reseat the one-way seal and fix this issue:

Solution #1: Inflate for 48 Hours

This is our go-to method for fixing this issue, and it usually solves the problem.

Inflate the mattress.
Make sure all valve caps are fully closed.
Leave the mattress inflated for 48 hours, without sleeping on it, giving the inflation valve’s one-way seal flap time to reseat itself.

Solution #2: Manual Valve Adjustment

Deflate the mattress.
Open the inflation valve.
Look closely at the round, black rubber valve opening that’s attached to the cap and embedded in the fabric. Does the valve opening appear more oval than circular? It should be a perfect circle. If the valve opening isn’t a perfect circle, that can explain why the one-way seal isn’t airtight.
Manually pinch and squeeze the inflation valve opening firmly between your thumb and forefinger until the oval shape returns to a circular shape. Don’t be afraid to use some elbow grease.

Valve Issue #2: Inflation Or Deflation Valve Leaks While The Cap Is Closed

Another possibility is that a valve leaks while the cap is closed. This issue can occur both on the inflation and deflation valves. More often than not, the solution is a simple one.

Solution: Ensure The Problem Valve Is Fully Closed

Inflate the mattress.
Shut both valves.
Look closely at the problem valve. Often, the valve can appear closed, but the valve cap isn’t fully seated in the valve opening. Is the valve cap sitting flush? It should be.
Use some elbow grease, if needed, to shut the valve and ensure it is 100% closed.

A Note On Inflation Valves:

Inflation valves have a one-way seal, which means that even if the valve cap is open, air shouldn’t escape. This design is helpful for mattress setup, because you don’t want air to escape after removing the pump and before closing the cap. However, some minor leakage can still occur, especially overnight, so it’s still important that your inflation valve cap is fully closed.

Still Need Help?

If these methods don’t solve the problem, contact customer support at [email protected] for individualized troubleshooting or to warranty your mattress. We’ll do what we can to get you back on the backroads as soon as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my AIR Camping Mattress in the cold?

The short answer? Yes! Absolutely. We camp in the cold all the time, especially when there’s powder in the forecast. Check out our guide to car camping in ski resort parking lots here.

The long answer? Still yes. Vehicles provide a dense, significant barrier between you and the elements, meaning Luno campers can utilize the insulation of the vehicle itself for warmth.

We’ve tested our mattresses in zero-degree weather and howling blizzards, sleeping soundly without extra insulation. However, if you’d like to make our warm sleep setup even warmer, you can lay a fuzzy, fleece blanket on top of your mattress. This provides extra insulation and extra warmth, ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep. If you’re camping in a ski resort parking lot, the extra layer certainly can’t hurt.

There are a ton of other tips and tricks car campers use while snoozing in sub-zero temperatures. If you want to learn more about camping in the cold, check out our detailed blog post on the subject here, or this informative video on our YouTube channel here.

Q: Can I drive with my AIR Camping Mattress inflated?

This depends on the vehicle. If your inflated mattress fits in the back of your vehicle while the driver’s seat is in your normal driving position, it’s safe to drive. If not, don’t risk it.

That said, it’s unsafe to have passengers lounging on the mattress while driving. If you need to fit passengers in the second or third row, deflate your mattress before you hit the road.

Questions?

We’re here to help. Get in touch at [email protected].

AIR Camping MattressUpdated 11 hours ago