AirFort Fan Requirements: What You Need to Know

Quick answer

An AirFort needs a standard box fan to inflate and stay inflated. Any standard box fan will work. If you do not have one, you can buy a box fan separately or choose a combo that includes a fan, like the Starry Night AirFort + Glow In The Dark Box Fan Combo. Without a fan, the AirFort will not hold its shape.

You unbox your AirFort, spread it out, and then realize you need a fan. Which one? Does size matter? Can you skip the fan entirely? These are the questions that come up most often once families start setting up their first AirFort.

The short version: AirFort is designed to work with a standard box fan, and the setup is simple once you know the basics. This guide answers the most common fan questions so you can get your fort inflated and keep it running without guesswork.

What fan does an AirFort need?

AirFort works with any standard box fan. That is the only fan type required. You do not need a special blower, an adapter, or a proprietary motor. The fabric tunnel at the back of the AirFort fits over the fan, and the fan pushes air into the fort to inflate it and keep it puffed up.

Because the design relies on a standard box fan, you can use one you already own or pick one up from a local store. The key is that it is a box fan, not a circular floor fan or a tower fan. Box fans have a square frame that matches the AirFort opening, which is why they work.

• Use a standard box fan, not a tower or pedestal fan
• No special blower or adapter is required
• If you need a fan, the Starry Night combo includes one

What size box fan fits an AirFort?

A standard box fan is the right size. AirFort does not require a specific brand or a measured fan size beyond that. The opening is designed to fit a standard box fan, so if you have a common box fan at home, it should work.

If you are buying a fan specifically for your AirFort, look for a standard box fan rather than a mini fan or a large industrial blower. A standard box fan provides enough airflow to inflate the fort and keep it inflated during play. Using a much smaller fan may not keep the fort fully puffed, and a much larger fan is unnecessary.

• Standard box fan is the intended fit
• Avoid mini fans and industrial blowers
• Check that the fan frame is square, not round

How do you set up the fan with an AirFort?

Setup is quick. Place the box fan on the floor, slide the AirFort opening over the fan, and turn the fan on. The fort inflates in seconds. The fan stays outside the fort, pushing air in through the tunnel opening. Once the fan is running, the AirFort holds its shape and kids can climb in.

Make sure the fan is on a flat surface and the AirFort fabric is not twisted or folded over the opening. If the fort is not inflating fully, check that the fan is set to a higher speed and that nothing is blocking the airflow. When you are done, turn the fan off and the fort deflates on its own.

• Place fan on floor, attach AirFort opening, turn on
• Use a higher fan speed if the fort looks underinflated
• Turn fan off to deflate; no disassembly needed

Can you use an AirFort without a fan?

No. An AirFort without a fan will not inflate or hold its shape. The fan is what keeps the structure puffed up, so it is not optional. If you do not have a box fan, you will need to get one before the AirFort can be used.

Some AirFort products include a fan, which solves this problem out of the box. The Starry Night AirFort + Glow In The Dark Box Fan Combo comes with a glow-in-the-dark box fan. Other AirFort styles, like the Space Shuttle and Constellation, are sold without a fan, so you will need a standard box fan separately.

• A fan is required for inflation and play
• Combo options include a fan; most themes do not
• Buy a standard box fan if you do not already own one

Does the fan need to run the whole time?

Yes. The fan needs to stay on while the AirFort is in use. It is not just for initial inflation. The constant airflow is what keeps the walls up and the interior spacious. If you turn the fan off, the fort will slowly deflate.

That said, the fan does not need to be on a high setting the entire time. Once the fort is inflated, a medium or low speed may be enough to maintain it, depending on the fan. Many families leave it on a comfortable speed for the duration of play and turn it off when they are done.

• Keep the fan running during play
• Lower speeds can maintain inflation once it is up
• Turn off when finished to let the fort deflate

AirFort fan FAQ

What kind of fan does an AirFort use?

A standard box fan. Any standard box fan will work, and no special blower or adapter is needed. If you have a box fan at home, you are ready to go.

What size box fan fits an AirFort?

A standard box fan is the intended size. Avoid mini fans and oversized industrial blowers. Stick with a common box fan for the best fit.

Can I use an AirFort without a fan?

No. The fan inflates the fort and keeps it up during play. Without it, the AirFort will not hold its shape. Buy a box fan separately or choose a combo that includes one.

Does the fan need to stay on?

Yes, the fan must run while the AirFort is in use. It can be on a lower speed once the fort is inflated. Turn the fan off only when you are finished and want the fort to deflate.

How fast does an AirFort inflate?

It builds in seconds once the fan is turned on and the opening is attached properly. Setup is quick, so it is easy to use for short play sessions.

AirFort products and fan details

• Starry Night AirFort + Glow In The Dark Box Fan Combo: Comes with a glow-in-the-dark box fan and builds in seconds. If you do not already own a box fan, this combo gives you everything needed to inflate and use the AirFort right away.
• The Original AirFort - Space Shuttle: Works with any standard box fan (box fan not included). You can use a box fan you already have, but you will need to supply one separately to inflate this AirFort.
• The Original AirFort - Constellation (Glow): Box fan not included; child safety tested. You will need a standard box fan to use this glow-in-the-dark AirFort, and the safety testing gives parents added confidence.

AirFort fan requirements are simple: a standard box fan is all you need. If you already own one, you can set up most AirFort themes right away. If not, a combo like the Starry Night AirFort + Glow In The Dark Box Fan Combo includes the fan so you can start playing without a separate purchase.