You know that awkward time of being “between beds”–either you’ve ditched an old one or moved and haven’t bought a new one yet. Where should you sleep? Instead of a couch, try an air mattress. Learn about the best air mattress for everyday use.
True…
It can’t replace a regular mattress, but a sturdy air mattress offers a solution for “bed-less” folks. Air mattresses provide comfortable accommodations for guests, travelers, and people (e.g., students) needing a temporary yet possibly long-term place to crash.
Getting a good night’s sleep and waking up pain-free are vital. ? Quality air mattresses are designed and built with that in mind. Read on to discover more.
Before diving in…
…enjoy this peaceful scene of air mattress surfing.?
Research You Can Trust
Don’t worry–we rode the waves for you when it came time to investigate air mattresses. After researching over 30 of the most popular air mattresses, we narrowed the list down to these top picks. We consulted industry leaders and customers to choose the ten best air mattresses for everyday use.
We pored through feedback from hundreds of owners in order to learn about their experiences, positive and negative. People of all ages, sizes, and health–from hale and hearty to achy and injured–weighed in candidly about how the air mattresses felt and lasted.
We want to provide informative, objective reviews that are useful for finding the right air mattress that holds up to daily use and promotes restorative sleep.
Let’s get started!
The 30-Second Review
You need a place to crash for at least several nights in a row…or longer. Dozing in a sleeping bag or snoozing on a sofa doesn’t sound inviting. If there’s no empty bed available, climb onto an air mattress instead.
Ask yourself
How is the mattress’ construction? is it comfortable and durable? Does it hold air well and for how long? Does it provide support? How tall is it? Is it large enough for your needs?
What else?
Check out each model’s ease of use (inflating deflating, and storing) and style of pump (external or internal; single or dual).
Finally
You won’t know if a specific model is right for you until you’ve slept on it… and more than once ?. To give yourself ample time to test out a model, check its manufacturer’s warranty and return policies.
10 Comfortable Air Mattresses for Everyday Use
Topped with a memory foam cover, the Airtek Queen Foundation Series Premium Air Mattress is “very comfortable” and “superlative.” Users with back problems note waking up without any back pain. The memory foam top seems “thin” and benefits from an added mattress pad.
But ?
For one consumer, it started to lose air within the first three weeks after several uses.
Even so,
The Airtek Queen Foundation Series Premium Air Mattress is easy to set up and take down. Its powerful built-in pump inflates it in about three minutes; its valve deflates it about one minute. The empty mattress rolls up for storage in the included bag, which ripped for one person.
What’s more
Its top sheet is machine washable. The skirted sheet and 22” height make the Airtek Queen Foundation Series Premium Air Mattress look “like a real bed.”
The Airtek Queen Foundation Series Premium Air Mattress has a 30-day limited warranty. To learn about this mattress, watch this descriptive video.
Features
- Includes a queen-size sheet with attached bed skirt, repair kit, and bag
- Dimensions: 80” x 60” x 22”
- PVC thickness: 0.4mm (sides and bottom), 0.6mm (top)
- 0.75”-high, high-density soft memory foam
- Maximum weight support: 600 pounds
Very comfortable
Retains air well
Easy, quick to inflate and deflate
Attractive bed skirt
-
Memory foam layer thin for some
The un-lazy Lazery Sleep Air Mattress stands tall (making it easy to climb in and out of) with “beefy”, “sturdy” construction.
Thick and comfortable, the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is a good “midway point between soft and firm.” It’s popular with senior citizens as well as adults at any age. People sleep well and wake up without a sore. Over several months an owner had multiple guests slept on this mattress and deliver a verdict: they (including a 6'1”, 260-pound guest) unanimously praised it as the “best air mattress they've ever slept on.” A 200-pound male user who slept on it for a few consecutive nights finds it very comfortable.
One reviewer acknowledges that while the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress can’t compare to a quality regular mattress, it’s a “decent” temporary option.
A soft top provides a “mattress” sensation instead of a “lying-on-a-raft” feeling. The mattress’ seven levels of firmness are adjusted by remote control. The remote’s cord could be longer for better reach by sleepers in bed.
Catch wind of this?
Although the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress hold air and remains firm all night for most, several find the firmness not permanent. Unless they add air a few times during the night, many users wake up on the floor in the morning. One person notes that the mattress loses a bit of air each day and without refills, the loss becomes noticeable between days three and five.
Which brings us to
In terms of durability, we found conflicting reviews. A few people have slept on it for over a year–often or nightly–and encountered no leaking. It’s held up well under “extreme,” “heavy,” and “hard” usage, along with pouncing pets.
Unfortunately,
Many people had less positive experiences, reporting leaks and split seams within the first few uses, weeks, or months. One female sleeper used it 21 times within 10 months before it developed a leak.
One owner reports a mixed experience–the mattress worked well during the three times used in over one year. A 170-pound male adult who slept on it nightly but didn’t jump or “do anything crazy” on it discovered a leak after two months.
Well, we are warned…
The manufacturer states that The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress isn’t designed for long-term daily use, which weakens it.
It’s simple to operate–just plug in and turn on. The internal pump (quiet for some, noisy for others) inflates the twin size in under three minutes and the queen size in under four minutes. This mattress also deflates fast for easy storage, although fitting it back into its bag can be tricky.
A few people note the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress tends to move around on the floor loudly as they shift during the night. Many people complain that the queen and twin sizes are smaller than expected and could be longer to accommodate tall people.
Nonetheless,
Many praise the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress’ customer service in quickly replacing defective items.
Features
- Dimensions: 73” x 38” x 18” (twin); 78” x 58” x 19” (queen)
- Weight: 14.9 pounds (twin); 19.8 pounds (queen)
- Maximum weight support: 300 pounds (twin); 600 pounds (queen)
- Internal air coils: 21 (twin); 40 (queen)
- Built-in pump
- Includes carry bag
- One-year warranty
Thick and comfortable
Soft top
Sturdy
Mixed reviews in durability of air retention
Sizes smaller than expected
Like King Kong, the King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress is tall, strong, and heavy. ? It lives up to its name in luxurious comfort and support. It supports multiple people (couples, a parent with two kids) without sinking. A 6'3”, 260-pound user on the twin size can spread out and sleep well.
Picture this
Firm enough for people with back problems, this mattress promotes a restful night of sleep and an ache-less morning of waking. It’s endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association. At 20” tall, this high profile model makes getting into and out of easy.
Win some, lose some
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress has a raised pillow area and ridge border, which some people like while others don’t. The surrounding raised edges help prevent people from rolling off but also reduces the total flat sleeping surface area.
We read reports of very good air retention, with people sleeping on it
- every night and pumping in 10 to 15 seconds of air every three weeks.
- three nights straight and adding “a little more air” on the third night.
- seven nights straight and adding “a little bit” of air after the fourth day.
- over two weeks and never adding air.
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress does eventually leak, but slowly. ?
What does that mean?
One reviewer describes this experience: when fully inflated, the mattress stays firm for two to three hours before slowly beginning to deflate. As the mattress “goes down,” it stays comfortable enough to provide a good night of sleep without the occupant being woken up by hitting the floor.
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress receives mixed reviews about durability. It lasts a few months well, even with week-long nightly use. On the other hand, some users report leaking within a week or month and split seams within a few months.
Nonetheless
Owners highly praise the manufacturer for responsive, proactive customer service in quickly replacing defective mattresses under warranty.
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress inflates and deflates quickly with an internal pump, which is noisy to some. It reaches full inflation in under three (twin), four (queen) or five (California king) minutes. Side flocking helps keep a fitted sheet from sliding off. Users advise purchasing deep-pocketed fitted sheets. A grip bottom keeps the mattress from slipping on the floor.
Is this an illusion?
The one aspect many people dislike is the size. Although the queen size is advertised as 80” long when inflated, many owners state this isn’t true, but a few to several inches shorter.
Watch this detailed review by The Sleep Judge of the King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress.
Features
- Dimensions: 76” x 38” x 20” (twin); 80” x 60” x 20” (queen); 84” x 72” x 20” (California king)
- Maximum weight support: 300 pounds (twin); 600 (queen); 800 (California king)
- Includes carrying bag
- One-year guarantee
Strong and stable
Endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association
Very comfortable with decent air retention
Excellent customer service
Mixed reviews on the longevity of use
Queen size reportedly smaller than advertised
The SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Queen Air Mattress is great for temporary everyday use, which we heard from students and recent movers waiting for a new bed.
This model is “very comfortable” and good for people with bad pain as well as a user’s “elderly parents.” A self-described “200-pound old man with a bad back” endorses it. A 300-pound sleeper uses it without experiencing any bulging in the sides, dips in the middle, or drops in firmness during the night.
Listen to this!
How?
The mattress’ smart pump monitors and maintains air pressure. When needed, it automatically turns on to reach the desired inflation level and then shuts off. Simply inflate the mattress, select one of three firmness levels, and keep it plugged in while sleeping. Users overwhelmingly love this feature. The smart pump hums quietly but is still loud enough to wake light sleepers, which bothers some people.
The primary pump inflates and deflates the SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Queen Air Mattress in four minutes. Set up and take down is “super easy.” Just turn the dial to inflate or deflate–“set it and forget it.” The mattress is heavy and bulky for moving.
The good news
This model’s durability seems very favorable. One person slept on it every night for five weeks without problems. Another snoozed on it nightly for two years without issues. Two users woke up on the floor soon after purchasing it, while a few found leaks at the seam near the motor. Nonetheless, many people praise this model’s sturdiness.
The bad news
Consumers complain the SoundAsleep CloudNine Series Queen Air Mattress isn’t truly queen size. Advertised as 78” x 58” x 19” by the manufacturer, the blue top of the mattress only measures 74" x 54” and the side bulges out to 77" X 57." Since a standard queen size mattress is 80" x 60," this mattress falls short.
On the bright side, the manufacturer offers excellent customer service in replacing defective mattresses.
Watch this detailed review by The Sleep Judge.
Features
- Dimensions: 78” x 58” x 19”
- Dual-pump system
- Includes carrying bag
- Limited one-year warranty
- Return policy
Very comfortable
Smart pump that maintains firmness all night
Decent durability
-
Not truly queen size
The Etekcity Upgraded Air Mattress is very comfortable yet firm enough to provide stable back support like a real mattress. It’s “high enough off ground” for climbing on and off easily and stable enough not to collapse at the sides when sat on. A few people find it a little uncomfortable and too firm.
On one hand?
- four nights in a row without needing to add air;
- 35 days and adding a little air to it twice;
- three months and adding air every three days for a few seconds;
- two years (on weekends and sometimes for a week at a time) with it going strong
On the other hand?
For others, the Etekcity Upgraded Air Mattress started to leak after a few uses or within a couple of months. We also read reports of one mattress ripping within one month and two arriving with holes.
Nevertheless
Owners commend the manufacturer’s customer service in promptly replacing defective items under warranty.
An internal pump inflates the mattress in three to five minutes for a quick set-up. Deflating and folding is easy. Users recommend purchasing deep-pocketed fitted sheets.
Not again…
The Etekcity Upgraded Air Mattress size is smaller and shorter than expected for both the twin and queen models.
Features
- Dimensions (inflated): 75” x 39” x 18” (twin); 80” x 60” x 22” (queen)
- Dimension (deflated): 14.5” x 13.5” x 7.5” (twin); 17.4” x 13.5” x 8.3” (queen)
- Weight: 13.15 pounds (twin); 23.15 pounds (queen)
- Maximum weight support: 550 pounds (twin); 650 pounds (queen)
- 0.4mm-thick nontoxic PVC sides
- 0.2mm-thick flocking top
- One-year warranty
Comfortable and firm
Decent air retention
Quick, easy set-up and take-down
Leaked within a couple months for some
Smaller and shorter than expected
Described as “super comfy,” the Air Mattress by airmattress.com pleases even very picky sleepers. It’s tall enough for sitting on and has a padded top loved by many users. It comes with a bed skirt that provides a finished look.
Firm and not squishy, this mattress provides sturdy support for people with and without back issues. One owner used it for three nights in a row and woke up refreshed without aches and pains each morning. Another person with back arthritis claims this mattress “helped 100%” with his pain, enabling him to get restful sleep.
Still
For others, it wasn’t comfortable, but even a bit too firm. Overall it’s “serviceable but not great.”
Some users say the Air Mattress by airmattress.com holds air overnight while others say it doesn’t.
Positive experiences include people sleeping on it without leaking for:
- fi
ve days in a row (a 240-pound man and 150-pound woman at the same time). - one week, nightly.
- four months (many reports).
- one year, nightly (two reports).
- nearly two years as the primary bed.
Negative experiences include:
- leaking right away.
- leaking after a couple or few months.
- needing to be re-inflated every 4-7 days.
- deflating enough within a few hours that owners wake up during the night to refill it or end up on the floor.
- one side deflating faster than the other.
- becoming lopsided after three months.
Luckily,
The Air Mattress by airmattress.com’s customer service is very good and sends replacements for leaking mattresses right away.
Although easy to inflate, deflate, and store in the bag easily, the mattress’ internal air pump doesn’t automatically shut off when it’s filled. Users dislike having to “babysit”–listen for a change in the motor sound or “eyeball” the mattress’ fullness–in order to know when to shut off the pump.
This is a surprise
A few users do like that the king size is “big” and the twin XL is “long.” Other consumers think the king size is smaller than advertised.
Features
- Dimensions: 80” x 40” x 18” (twin XL); 80” x 60” x 19” (queen); 80” x 74” x 18” (king)
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds (twin); 600 pounds (queen)
- Includes topper/bed skirt, travel bag, and instruction manual
- 60-night trial period
- 180-day manufacturer warranty
Comfortable and firm
Tall
Attractive bed skirt for finished look
Mixed reviews on air retention
No automatic shut-off on pump
Perfect for use during outdoor camping or indoor snoozing, the Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is sturdy and tall. In our research, we found it “really comfortable” and conducive to restful sleep for most users and even pregnant campers. Supportive and firm, this model is a “back saver” that won't “cave in” or turn into a “taco bed.”
More mixed reviews
- one month with constant use.
- three months.
- 11 months and two weeks every night.
- one year, occasionally by two people totaling around 550 pounds.
- two years.
- ten years.
Several owners concede that the Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed loses a little air each night and needs be topped off after each use.
Negative experiences include users who discovered leaks (particularly along the seam) within
- one night.
- one week.
- one month.
- six months.
What it all boils down to is
Deflation seems quick because many people describe waking up on the floor in the morning. We’re not sure how this model’s customer service is because we found only two negatives and one positive report among hundreds of reviews, unlike the plentiful praise earned by other models reviewed.
The Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is quick and easy to inflate and deflate. This model doesn’t include a pump (internal or external), so you’ll need to purchase one, like the Coleman 12-Volt DC QuickPump.
Just remember
Do this before leaving on a camping trip or greeting guests.
Advertised as 18" in height, this mattress turned out to be 16.5 inches fully inflated for a few users. Nonetheless, we found only one complaint of this mattress’ queen size not being large or standard-sized enough.
To see a Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed owner’s set-up, demonstration, and review, watch this video.
Features
- Dimensions: 75” x 39” x 18” (twin); 78” x 60” x 18” (queen)
- Maximum weight support: 300 pounds (twin); 600 pounds (queen)
- One-year limited warranty
Really comfortable
Supportive and firm
Versatile for use indoors and outdoors
Mixed reviews on air retention
Doesn’t include a pump
The Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table is popular among campers and indoor users. “Extremely comfy,” this model earned rave reviews from large (e.g., 6'3", 200 pounds) people, senior citizens, and recovering back surgery patients. They report waking up refreshed with little to no back pain. One consumer who enjoyed sleeping on it for three consecutive nights highly recommends this model to anyone at any age.
This is something different
The frame is doesn’t look sturdy but it is! For example, a 250-pound father and his son slept on it every night for a week without any issues. The frame has a support bar that runs lengthwise down the middle; some people aren’t bothered by it while others are. The mattress is deep and firm enough to make the bar marginally noticeable to some. To others, the mattress is too shallow to provide enough cushioning.
But wait, there’s more
The frame of the Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table sits high enough off the ground for ample storage space underneath. The side table is sturdy, removable, and sizeable enough to a cell phone and wallet or book. The frame also has a drink holder pocket and plastic feet that supposedly won’t scratch your floor.
What’s that noise?
As people move in their sleep, the mattress rubs against the frame, emitting loud “friction sounds.” Many users complain about this issue, but innovative folks offer this effective suggestion: cover the places on the frame where mattress and metal touch with moleskin.
Also,
Although easy to set up, the frame’s legs don’t lock into place. Many complain that the mattress starts to fold up when moved around.
One “not small” person slept on the Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table every night for four months and was impressed by not only its comfort but also its durability. “It took everything I threw at it” and lasted. Other people used it on a four-day camping trip without any leaking. An indoor owner has a guest slept on it for three weeks and needed re-inflate it once or twice.
Yet?
We also read reports of the Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table losing a lot of air quickly overnight; two separate owners describe the mattress deflating all the way on their first nights…and finding themselves on the floor in the morning. The mattress’ stitching seems to be very stressed, especially at the corners, as it inflates.
Scratching our heads
We found little feedback on the manufacturer’s customer service–just three positive and one negative review–and replacements under warranty.
The included battery-operated pump inflates and deflates the mattress easily and quickly. Unfortunately, the nozzle doesn’t stay in the mattress’ opening during pumping; therefore, you have to hold and push in the nozzle the whole time.
How does this sound?
When folded and stored in its carrying bag, the mattress is about the same size or slightly larger than a folding camping chair. It has handles and wheels for transporting but is heavy.
The Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table’s queen size model isn’t the actual size of a normal queen mattress but it’s not far off either.
To see a detailed review of this model by The Sleep Judge, watch this video.
Features
- Includes pump and bag
- Dimensions: 74” x 40” x 23.5” (twin); 78” x 59” x 22” (queen)
- Maximum weight support: 300 pounds (twin); 600 pounds (queen)
- One-year limited warranty
Comfortable for sleepers at any age
Strong frame with convenient side table and drink holder
Frame keeps sleepers high off ground and provides under storage space
Noisy mattress-frame friction sounds
Frame legs don’t lock in place
Mixed reviews on air retention
A perfect compromise of softness and firmness, the Plush High Rise Air Mattress by Fox is “extremely comfortable.” Highly satisfied sleepers include:
- a pregnant woman who slumbered on it three nights in a row.
- an 86-year-old who snoozed on it every night for a week.
- a 6'2” man with back problems who slept on it nightly for two weeks.
- an owner who used it every night for almost two weeks.
- a person who substituted it for a regular, full-time bed for a year.
Some reviewers find it a bit too firm and requiring a padded topper. One joker quipped that its perfect for relatives so they don’t get “too comfortable” and stay longer.
Not a bad idea!
The upside
For the most part, this model’s air retention is good. It has no to “very scant” air loss that requires only a few seconds of pumping to “top it off” once every week or month. We found reports of users:
- keeping it inflated 12 days straight without adding air;
- adding air only three times in four months (and perhaps because it was getting colder);
- refilling it only two times in four months of nightly use;
The downside
Many owners complain about mounds in the middle and seam tears. In fact, one person’s elbow broke through a bubble! Rips along the seam appeared between one three months. For another consumer, an enormous bulge formed at the bottom within six months and a seam opened up a few weeks later. Although customer service is responsive, customers feel the 90-day warranty period is too short.
The Plush High Rise Air Mattress by Fox is very convenient and quick to inflate (about five minutes) and deflate. The internal pump doesn’t have an automatic shutoff that allows you to walk away during inflation.
Features
- Dimensions: 76 x 41 x 18” (twin); 75" x 54" x 22" (full); 80" x 60" x 25” (queen)
- Vinyl thickness: 0.60 mm
- 90-day warranty
Extremely comfortable
Good air retention
Quick, easy set-up and take-down
A bit too firm for some
Seam tears and bulging
The sturdy Serta EZ Bed - Queen certainly keeps diverse sleepers “super comfortable” including:
- those with a bad back.
- pregnant women (e.g., one at 19 weeks who “slept like a baby”).
- large men (e.g., a 6'5”, 200+ pounder who snoozed on it 10 nights straight).
- and very picky in-laws.
Easy to climb in and out of, this mattress features 48 separate air cells for comfortable support. In fact, when one person shifts, the bedmate surprisingly doesn’t feel the other person’s movement.
Uh-oh, what’s this?
How nice!
A bed frame provides even support throughout the entire mattress. The quiet dual-pump system then maintains the mattress’ air pressure all night. A primary pump inflates the mattress and a secondary pump monitors and adds air to keep pressure to one of three comfort levels while the user sleeps.
For a few, though, even at the softest setting the bed might be a bit too firm.
Let’s explore the underbelly…
The underside and seams of the Serta EZ Bed - Queen seem to be vulnerable. We discovered many descriptions of holes on the bottom near seams in the area where the bed connects to the bed frame, often around the legs. Reviewers report tears after a few uses, 10 days, two weeks, four weeks, or five months. The resulting leaks are not easy to repair.
Picture this
The Serta EZ Bed - Queen unfolds and inflates as well as deflates and folds up by itself. Users marvel watching the frame legs unfurl, extend, and flip to standing as the mattress fills with air under four minutes.
How?
Unzip the mattress case, plug in the primary pump motor, and turn the dial to “inflate.” Deflation is just the reverse. Simply push the empty mattress back into its case, zip it, and store. Although heavy for many users, one 110-pound “arthritic senior citizen” actually finds it easy to wheel around.
To witness the self-inflation/unfolding and self-deflation/folding process, watch this video.
Features
- Includes rolling storage case
- Dual-pump system
- Frame dimensions: 64" x 54" x 11.4"
- Inflated dimensions: 78" x 60" x 22"
- Top material: Flock 0.70mm
- Side and bottom material: K80 PVC 0.50mm
Comfortable and firm
Independent air coils for support
Very quiet secondary pump for constant air pressure
Easy, innovative set-up and take-down
May be too firm for some
Frequent, difficult-to-repair holes in bottom
Buyer’s Guide to Air Mattresses for Everyday Use
In theory, air mattresses aren’t designed for everyday–or nightly–use. In fact, many air mattress manufacturers warn consumers against everyday use. Some state that daily use will void their models’ warranties. But how in the world would they even know if you slept on their air mattress every night?
However
In practice, people often need to slumber on an air mattress nightly for various reasons. They might’ve gotten rid of an old bed or moved to a new home and not have had the time or money to buy a new bed. Or they’re waiting for a bed delivery.
Air mattresses are also useful to travelers, people living in temporary residence for an extended period of time, hosts of frequent guests, and Airbnb operators.
Did you know?
Air mattresses can help provide some relief for chronic back pain. To sleepers requiring constant firmness, air mattresses that don’t leak or have special pumps which monitor the internal air pressure level during the night–and add more air when needed–can offer great support.
What to Look for in an Air Mattress
- Comfort: This is a top priority for a night of rest and pain-free waking. Although purists believe an air mattress will never be as comfortable as a real mattress, the right model can come pretty close. Generally, a thicker mattress is more comfortable than a thinner one and provides more firm support and “air padding.” Some lose some air throughout the night; therefore, you’ll want to start out with a thick layer of air. Thinner air mattresses have less air to lose…so you might wake up lying on the ground. For more padding and support, you can always add a mattress topper or body pillow.
THE WINNERS
Expert Tip: Air Loss vs. Stretching
New air mattress expands and stretches during the initial few uses, which makes it seem like it’s already losing air! Luckily, this usually isn’t the case. A new mattress may shrink in height as its sides stretch out…and thus only need to be topped off with air. On the other hand, a new mattress shouldn’t deflate to the point of sinking.
- Durability:Air retention of most air mattresses declines through use. Nonetheless, within the first year or longer, an air mattress shouldn’t deflate noticeably overnight. At most, it should need topping off every few nights. Nonetheless, its longevity depends on when, how often, and how much it requires more extensive air refills. Also, an air mattress’ lifespan is affected by its use and care.
- Height:High profile (raised) air mattresses are 15 to 24 inches tall when inflated. They’re easier to climb in and out of. Being higher off the ground may keep the sleeper warmer and mimic a real bed. Low profilemodels are four to nine inches tall when inflated.
- Size:Air mattresses are sold in standard sizes (i.e., twin, queen, king, etc.). We found during research, however, many air mattresses actually are slightly smaller than standard sizes. In any case, the size you chose depends on how many people plan to share the air mattress. Check the model’s maximum weight limit to make sure it can support all occupants.
- Ease of Set-up/Take-down:Air mattresses are usually simple to inflate and set up. Likewise, they’re often easy to deflate completely, fold up, and put away. Many manufacturers advertise the number of minutes (five to ten on average, depending on the mattress size) needed to inflate and deflate a mattress fully.
- Type of pump:The feature directly affects ease of set-up and take-down. Strong pumps that fill the mattress as well as suck out air make inflation and deflation efficient. Many air mattresses come with pumps–either external or internal. More deluxe models have a dual-pump system, where an external pump fills the mattress while an automatic internal pump senses air loss and adds air to the mattress while you sleep. Some pumps work via remote control, so if you wake up during the night to a too-soft mattress, you can activate the pump to add air.
- Construction materials: Most airbeds are built with polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which emits an odor (that often dissipates within a day or so) when the mattress is new. Consumers seeking non-PVC, phthalate-free air mattresses can find models made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or even soy-based materials. The mattress’ top may be covered with padding or even memory foam, which comfortably conforms to your body.
- Return and Warranty Policies:In order to guard against buyer’s remorse and defective purchases, scrutinize the manufacturer’s warranty before purchasing the air mattress. You’ll need to have enough time to test out the mattress and return it if it isn’t right for you.
Let’s dive in!
Reviews of the Best Air Mattress for Everyday Use
Getting the Most Out of Your Air Mattress
Air mattress ownership and use are simple, for the most part. Just blow it up and hop on. Then when you’re done, suck out all the air, fold it up, and store it away.
But note:
You can prolong the air mattress’ longevity by:
- as a preventive measure, covering it with a cloth to create a barrier between the mattress and the sleeper, dust, and dirt.
- wiping down the top and sides with a clean cloth lightly moistened with water and mild soap, at least every couple of months (or more often). Then let the mattress air dry completely.
- wiping down any hardware, like an external pump.
- sprinkling the top with baking soda to reduce odors. Let the baking soda sit for at least a few minutes and then vacuum it up.
- putting the mattress outside in the sun, on a warm day, if possible.
- when deflating it, allowing air to empty at its own rate (or that of the pump extracting the air). Don’t jump on the mattress to force out air more quickly.
- when folding it up, keeping the air plug or valve open to let air escape.
- storing it in a box or bag. Ensure the storage location is dry with a consistent temperature. Humidity and fluctuating temperatures can promote mold and mildew growth and stress the materials.
How to Maintain Maximum Air Retention
Air mattresses at their best stay pumped up and filled with air. Over time and with use, even the best models lose their ability to retain air completely. Imagine lying on a deflating air mattress while listening to someone spewing a lot of hot air.
But this isn’t a lot of hot air
In order to keep your air mattress as airtight and leak-free for as long as possible,
- Don’t overinflate it: don’t turn the mattress into a balloon to make it firm! Over-inflation stresses the mattress’ seams and material, leading to tears and leaks.
- Keep it inflated during the period of frequent use: if you plan to use it every night for a duration, don’t deflate and re-inflate it each day. That puts constant wear and tear on the seams.
- Don’t overload it: follow the manufacturer’s maximum weight restrictions and avoid piling on multiple bodies.
- Minimize time spent sitting on the edges: of course, you need to sit up to climb out of bed. Just don’t linger too long or perch on the edges for a chat.
- Don’t use sharp objects near it: avoid using items like pens, pencils, knitting needles, regular sewing needles, knives, etc. on or around the mattress.
- Make sure nothing is under it: a small item of any shape can wear or tear a hole in the bottom side.
- Keep the filled mattress in a dry place with a consistent and non-extreme temperature: just as in storage, humidity and fluctuating temperatures aren’t kind to a mattress.
- Keep pets (e.g., dogs, cats, anything with teeth and claws) away: you may want to cuddle with your furry friend, but just one bite or scratch can lead to a hole.
- Don’t jump, bounce, cannonball, wrestle, etc. on it: as fun as playing on an air mattress is, that’s not what it’s built for.
- Frequently check for air leaks…
…which brings us to the next topic…
Dealing with Air Leaks
One day you notice that you’re not as high above the ground as you used to be. Nearly all air mattresses eventually leak. Finding the leak can be frustrating, but if you can’t spot it visually, here are a few tricks.
First, inflate the mattress to full (but NOT beyond) capacity. Make sure the air valve is closed. Then take the mattress into a quiet room large enough to flip it around to examine all sides.
- Hiss Test: Move your ear along its surfaces to listen for hissing noises of air escaping.
- Wet Hand Test: Moisten the back of your hand with water or rubbing alcohol. Run your hand over (a few inches away from) the inflated mattress. When passing over a leak, your hand will feel cold as the air quickly evaporates the moisture.
- Tissue Test: Take a piece of tissue paper and place it flat on one area of the mattress. Gently press other areas of the mattress to direct the air to the area where the tissue sits. Listen carefully for a hissing noise and look for any fluttering of the tissue. If the tissue is right over the leak, you’ll hear air hitting and moving it.
- Soapy Water Test: Warning–this effective method can lead to mold and mildew and isn’t recommended for plush-top air mattresses. Create a solution of a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap mixed with water, as if you were going to blow bubbles. However, you won’t be the one blowing bubbles–the leaky hole will. Dip a sponge or cloth into the soapy mixture. Then slowly and with gentle pressure wipe a thin layer across the mattress’ surfaces, around the valve, on seams, etc. Wherever you spot bubbles forming, air is blowing out of the hole. Important: when finished, wipe the mattress completely dry.
After locating the leak, mark it with tape or carefully circle it with a marker. Deflate the mattress and repair the hole.
How do I do this?
In a pinch, cover the leak with a piece of duct tape–but only temporarily. Hopefully, your air mattress model came with a repair kit or at least patches. If not, purchase a patch kit like this or this.
Babies and Air Mattress Don’t Mix
Parents: do NOT let your babies sleep on an air mattress. In 2017, National Public Radio reported that although inflatable beds are economical, they shouldn’t substitute for real cribs. Air mattresses have “uneven, soft, impermeable surfaces [that] are dangerous for babies, and can increase the risk of sudden infant death.”
Here’s some evidence:
Between 2002 and 2007, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) “received reports of 16 tragic deaths, mostly infants younger than 8 months of age who were placed to sleep on air mattresses: 11 suffocated in a face down position on an air mattress and 5 died due to suffocation after falling into gaps between the mattress and bed frame and mattress and adjacent furniture or wall.” Between 2004 and 2015 across 24 states, the National Child Death Review Case Reporting System found that 108 infants died on air mattresses.
Instead
Put your slumber baby on a quality crib mattress in a crib.
Airtek Queen Foundation Series Premium Air Mattress
No bed, no couch, and no sleeping bag? No problem! Try the best air mattress for everyday use. Easy and fun to nap on, air mattresses aren’t just hot air!
Show MeLazery Sleep Air Mattress
No bed, no couch, and no sleeping bag? No problem! Try the best air mattress for everyday use. Easy and fun to nap on, air mattresses aren’t just hot air!
Show MeKing Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress
No bed, no couch, and no sleeping bag? No problem! Try the best air mattress for everyday use. Easy and fun to nap on, air mattresses aren’t just hot air!
Show MeFrequently asked questions
How does cold air affect air mattresses?
Low temperatures cause air to contract. Therefore, after a cold night, in the morning there’ll seem to be less air inflating the mattress.
Should I choose an air mattress with or without a frame?
That comes down to personal preference. Air mattresses with frames don’t sit on the cold floor and might allow for storage underneath. Air mattresses without frames have fewer parts to break.