Military, Public Safety & Industrial
Find a Dealer
Every inflatable life jacket (PFD) comes equipped with an oral inflation tube—and it’s more than just a backup. Here’s how and when to use it:
Why the Oral Tube Matters
- Backup Inflation: If your PFD fails to inflate automatically (upon hitting water) or manually (when pulling the jerk tab), blow into the tube until the vest is firm.
- Extended Use: CO2 gas escapes through bladder fabric faster than regular air. If you are in the water for an extended period, use the tube to "top off" the pressure.
- Testing Buoyancy: You can fully inflate your vest by mouth to check for leaks or to practice floating in a pool without using a CO2 cartridge. Want to see how much inflation you need to stay afloat? The oral tube is a great way to test your PFD. Check your Owner’s Manual for safe testing instructions.
- Cold Weather Tip: In near-freezing temperatures, CO2 expands slowly and may not fully fill the vest. In freezing weather, wear the PFD partially inflated by mouth before you start your trip to ensure immediate buoyancy.
Deflating Your PFD
To pack your PFD away or test a new cartridge, you must remove all air:
- Remove the dust cap from the top of the oral tube.
- Flip the cap upside down and insert the small tab/post into the valve.
- Gently squeeze the vest until all air is expelled.
- Replace the dust cap in its original position.
Important Safety Notes
- Never activate the CO₂ inflator when your PFD is already orally inflated. This can cause dangerously high pressure inside the vest, leading to damage or discomfort. The combined pressure can rupture the bladder or damage the seams.
- Oral inflation may not reach full design pressure, which means the vest might not perform exactly as intended—especially in terms of buoyancy or self-righting.