Valve types in inflatable advertising products

Today’s topic is highly technical, yet incredibly important to us. We want to streamline the knowledge regarding a key component of advertising inflatables: inflation valves. Which valve types are used in inflatables? What sets them apart? We will try to provide straightforward answers to these and other questions.

Boston Valve

This is a valve you might recognize from everyday life. It is commonly used in kayaks, dinghies, or certain types of air mattresses, but it also plays a vital role in large-scale advertising forms. Generally speaking, this valve features two caps – an upper and a lower one. Opening the upper cap allows for inflation; the valve is designed as a one-way system, so the air does not flow back out. When you unscrew the lower cap (the base of the valve), the air is rapidly released.

In simpler versions of this valve, the upper cap is replaced by a plug, though this solution is primarily found in consumer air mattresses.

The use of a Boston valve in inflatables significantly speeds up and simplifies the process of replacing the cover. This allows the client to perform the operation independently. Depending on the installation method, the Boston valve can either “protrude” above the fabric or be mounted in an internal recessed socket.

Screw-in Valve with Cap

This valve consists of two parts screwed together. The point where the parts meet simultaneously secures and seals both the inner bladder (balloon) and the inflatable’s outer cover.

The valve is operated by pushing or pulling a central pin (stem) located inside. The terminology can be a bit confusing: contrary to what one might expect, inflation is done while the valve is in the “closed” position. This ensures that once the pump is disconnected, no air escapes, eliminating the need to rush and close it manually. Conversely, opening the valve allows the air to be released.

The position of the pin can be changed in two ways. It may work with a “click” mechanism (pressing the pin toggles the setting), or by lightly twisting and pressing the pin so it locks into either the open or closed position. This type of valve also includes a screw-on cap, which serves as extra protection against accidental setting changes or mechanical damage.

While these valves look elegant and professional, they are not entirely intuitive. They often require additional instructions for the user. Furthermore, because of their construction, replacing the inflatable’s cover is best left to professionals as part of a paid maintenance service.

Simple PVC Valves

These valves are most commonly found in toys such as swim rings and beach balls; we mention them here mainly for the sake of completeness. They are generally not used in large-scale advertising structures, though they are frequently utilized in promotional beach balls, inflatable rings, and similar gadgets.

PVC valves are welded directly into the inflatable and feature a “mouthpiece” sealed with a small plug. Generally, there are two types of these valves. The first, and simpler one, is the free-flow valve, where air moves freely in and out of the product. The second type is the non-return valve, equipped with a flap (check valve) that prevents air from escaping after inflation. To deflate a non-return valve, the flap must be opened manually—either by squeezing the base of the valve or by inserting a pump nozzle or another elongated object.

Once the product is inflated, these valves can be pressed flush into the material, ensuring they do not protrude and allowing the promotional inflatables to maintain a sleek, elegant appearance.