The Best Air Mattress Reviews – Expert Tested, Complete Buyer’s Guide

How to Choose An Air Bed

Types

One of the first things to consider related to this purchase is what type of mattress you are going to buy. Blow up mattresses have come a long way since they were all just a thin layer of air which kept your body (barely) off of the ground. Today, there are numerous models on the market, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Deciding which type to purchase comes down to the intended use of the product, and the budget you have available for the purchase.

Many people are going to be looking for a raised mattress, as these are easier to get in and out of than one which sits low to the ground. Raised ones look quite similar to traditional mattresses once they are inflated, and they tend to be rather comfortable as well. Another option is a convertible air mattress, which is one that can serve as a piece of furniture as well. This is great if you want somewhere comfortable to sit when you aren’t laying down to sleep. Self-inflatable ones have the pump built right into the product, which is a distinct advantage from a convenience standpoint. Finally, we have one with the frame and rails included that will act more like a permanent solution to your sleeping needs.

Comfort Level / Thickness

Generally speaking, the comfort level offered by a good air mattress is going to be directly related to the thickness. A thicker mattress will usually be more comfortable than a thinner option, as you are going to have more air underneath you throughout the night. It is common to lose some of their inflation overnight – especially if the night is cool – so starting out with a thick pad of air beneath your body is the best bet. With a thin mattress, it is possible to start the night somewhat comfortable, only to wake up with your body at least partially on the ground as it has deflated.

Another comfort point to be considered is the possibility of having a different material – such as memory foam. In this case, you are using the air in the mattress to support your body weight, but you get the added comfort of material like foam. These tend to be more expensive, but they do provide a comfortable night’s sleep in most cases.
Looking for more info? Read how you can make air mattress more comfortable.

Size

Just like regular ones, inflatable air mattresses are available in different sizes, generally ranging from Twin to King. Choosing the right size is an important consideration and one that largely depends on your needs. Twin and Full sized beds tend to be an excellent choice for outdoor users. Unless you have a family, there’s no reason you’re going to want a big bed when it’s going under in a tent.

The most common is the Queen size. It’s big enough to sleep two full adults but smaller than a King; it won’t take up your entire living room, or spare bedroom. Manufacturers make Queen sized more than any other, which gives the consumer many options to choose from. Don’t worry as our top picks are listed in this buyer’s guide.
Lastly, there is the King size. If you’ve got the extra room and don’t mind paying more than what the Queen size will cost, the King is a great option. If you’re using it for visitors, they will definitely be happy for the extra sleep space you gave them!
Learn More: What Are the Air Mattress Weight Limits?

Pet Considerations (Cats/Dogs)

You love your animals and your sleep and shouldn’t have to sacrifice either to get through a night. If you are in the market for an air mattress, there are qualities to look for to ensure that you or your visitors do not wake up in the middle of the night in a slowly-deflating puddle of materials. For example, air beds that are not easy to puncture can help protect your sleep space from the curious claws and playful nips.

Heavy-duty materials and reinforcements can not only help prevent damage, but it can help the product to last longer as well. A great warranty that covers punctures will also go a long way. Of course, for the health of the sleeper and the animal, choose non-toxic materials.
Many air mattresses have built-in air pumps to make them convenient, whether you are setting up a space in your home or going somewhere else. Just make sure that while you choose a product fitting for your animals, it also provides support and comfort for you.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Cat-Proof Air Mattresses

Pump / Ease of Use

Inflating can be a difficult chore – or it can be quick and easy. A pump is incredibly convenient to have for these situations. Surprisingly, some models still require the use of a hand or foot pump, which demands that you put in some sweat and effort before you can lay down for the night.
On the other hand, other mattresses come with inflating units that run electrically. Either through the use of batteries or by plugging the unit in, these make inflating your bed no problem at all.

The most significant advantage to an automatic pump is the ability to add air back into your mattress during the night. If you wake up in the middle of the night to find that it is losing air, you can pump it back up with just the flip of a switch.
This is a great convenience, and it may make the extra cost worth the investment in your mind. No one wants to manually re-inflate a bed in the middle of the night.
Learn More: Why Do Air Beds Deflate

Air Holding Ability

Naturally, this is a critical point. You don’t have to think about how well your spring mattress is going to hold up over the night, but you do need to concern yourself with this feature when it is only air between you and the ground.
As was mentioned earlier, this is a point that is of particular concern when sleeping in a cold environment – such as outside while sleeping in a tent.
Read More: Best Air Mattresses for Camping

If you are tenting somewhere that the nighttime temperatures are going to drop significantly, you need to make sure your mattress is going to hold as much air as possible. Cold temperatures are going to cause the air to condense, meaning there won’t be as much left to support you in the morning as there was at night.
While there isn’t much that you can do about cool temperatures, you can pick out one that is going to hold on to as much air as possible. If it has a leak or two, and you combine that problem with weather conditions, you will suddenly find yourself laying on the ground. Shop for quality air beds which have been well-built and designed to prevent leaks whenever possible.

Want to learn more? Read how you can fix an air mattress leak here.

Warranty / Customer Service

It is a nice bonus to buy one that comes with warranty protection of some kind. Or, at least, you should consider buying from a company which has a good reputation for reliable customer services. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be all on your own to get it fixed and back to working order.
This is especially important with a self-inflating mattress that has a motor to consider as part of the overall product.

Of course, your coverage on these points is going to be directly related to the amount of money you invest. Buying an expensive one should return you some form of warranty protection, while you will likely be on your own if you purchase a cheap model.
In the end, you need to think about what you want to get, and how long you would like it to last. Finding a product with a good warranty provides for peace of mind, but you can be sure that you will pay for this benefit in the purchase price.

Price

It should go without saying that you are going to want to consider price along with all of the other points carefully. You are going to have to pay around a couple hundred dollars to purchase one of the more quality beds. Or, you can opt for the inexpensive route, which will keep your cost way down but will also limit the comfort and features that you enjoy.
In the end, it’s all about what you want this mattress to do for you.

Just looking for something decent to set on the floor of your tent while out sleep in the wilderness for a few days? You can probably save money by buying an affordable model from a respected brand.
Need one that you can inflate in the guest room for a week while your family is in from out of town? You may wish to purchase a nicer model that can provide them with a better night of sleep. Think about your own needs and then set a budget for the purchase that matches up with those requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Mattresses

How can I make it feel softer?

A topper is a great way to change up the feel of your mattress without completely starting over with a new bed. These products typically add a few inches of pressure-relieving comfort to the top, but sinking into softness can reduce the amount of exposure your body has to circulating air and can often retain heat.

Thankfully, many companies are one step ahead and have designed toppers that consider the additional heat they’re delivering with their toppers and have included features like gels and more breathable textiles to offset these issues.
Check Our Full Guide: Best Mattress Toppers

How much air is too much?

The best way you can extend the life of your air mattress is to never overfill it. While it might be tempting to add some extra air to make up for it condensing in cold weather, this is a quick way to create leaks in your new bed.

Each product is different, and while some have a pressure gauge, you may need to manually check others. Many brands recommend filling the mattress to about 90 percent capacity the first few uses to ensure your weight plus the maximum air pressure recommendation don’t cause leaks. So while you might prefer an ultra-firm mattress, you may want to go for a little less air at first to minimize the risk of leaks.