The HI-FLOAT Company has developed a method for inflating latex balloons using ULTRA HI-FLOAT that uses 25% less helium. This technique also provides balloons that float for several days longer than balloons filled with helium alone. The savings on helium virtually pay for the ULTRA HI-FLOAT.

Instead of inflating balloons with 100% helium you can use a helium/air mixture.  By using a sizing device you will not need to buy a special gas mixture or regulator.  Just follow these simple instructions:

INSTRUCTIONS FOR 11-INCH BALLOONS (75% Helium, 25% Air)

To treat an 11-inch latex balloon with a 75% helium / 25% air mixture, you do not need a special gas mixture. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Inject ULTRA HI-FLOAT into the balloon (using the white restriction clip on the pump dispenser) and rub.
2. Blow the balloon up with air or nitrogen to 7-inches diameter.
3. Blow the balloon up the rest of the way with helium.

The key to success is adding enough helium for the balloons to float initially. Depending on you climate/altitude, you may need to change the gas mixture slightly to get the balloon to float well initially. If the balloon floats initially, it will float for at least 3 or 4 days.

If you need balloons to float for the longest time possible, add 100% helium. However, if you only need balloons to float for a few days, this method is ideal. By using ULTRA HI-FLOAT you can save 25% of your helium costs and still have longer floating 11-inch balloons.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR LARGER BALLOONS (67% Helium, 33% Air)

Larger sized balloons treated with ULTRA HI-FLOAT will float for several days with a 67% helium / 33% air mixture. To treat larger sized balloon with a helium / air mixture, follow these steps:

1. Inject ULTRA HI-FLOAT into the balloon (using the restriction clip shown in the table below and rub.

2. Blow the balloon up with nitrogen or air to the diameter shown in the table below.

3. Blow the balloon up the rest of the way with helium.

As with 11-inch balloons, the key to success is adding enough helium for the balloons to float initially. Depending on you climate/altitude, you may need to change the gas mixture slightly to get the balloon to float well initially. If the balloon floats initially, it will float for at least 3 or 4 days. Larger sized balloon will probably float longer than smaller sized balloons.

If you need balloons to float the longest time possible, add 100% helium. However, if you only need balloon to float a few days, this method is ideal. By using ULTRA HI-FLOAT, you save 33% of you helium costs and still have longer floating larger balloons.

HELIUM SHORTAGE LIKELY TO CONTINUE

Rising prices and tight helium supplies continue to affect everyone in the balloon and party industry. Conserving helium is becoming more imporant as supplies are not forecast to improve until well into 2008.

In addition to conserving a valuable resource, the money saved on helium with this technique virtually covers the cost of the ULTRA HI-FLOAT.