Best Air Mattresses 2024 – Like Sleeping On Air?

21 Oct.,2024

 

Best Air Mattresses – Like Sleeping On Air?

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The best air mattresses are incredibly versatile and extremely useful. They&#;re great for long camping trips, sleepovers for the kiddos, or even a place for the in-laws to rest when they visit. We carefully selected our top four picks for the best air mattress of . We have options for camping, as well as some more deluxe options for indoor use. There truly is something here for everyone!

Our Verdict: What&#;s the Best Air Mattress?

Our expert reviewers chose the AeroBed as the best luxury air mattress due to its internal air pump, multiple firmness options, and its high quality construction ideal for a guest room. 

Our Top Picks: The Best Air Mattresses

  • AeroBed &#; Best Luxury Air Mattress
  • Intex &#; Best Value Air Mattress
  • SoundAsleep &#; Best Camping Air Mattress
  • Coleman &#; Most Versatile Air Mattress

Video Review: Best Air Mattress of

How We Chose the Best Air Mattresses

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. The air mattresses in this article were subjected to similarly rigorous testing.

While selecting the best air mattresses for this roundup, we focused especially on durability, support, and budget. When it comes to an air mattress, it&#;s crucial that our readers are knowledgeable of the models that make for budget-friendly, long-term investments.

Best Luxury Air Mattress &#; AeroBed

Aerobed Luxury Full Air Mattress

The Aerobed air mattress features a built-in electric pump and durable design.

Mattress Clarity Score

4.40 / 5

Check Price

Pros

Multiple firmness options

Auto-stop inflation and deflation

Cons

Not ideal for camping

Not budget-friendly

Our Expert&#;s Take

AeroBed is one of the most well-known air mattress brands on the market, and for good reason; they make luxury air mattresses that come in a variety of styles and designs. The AeroBed is a long-lasting, high-quality air mattress that is best suited for indoor use. It features a built-in 120V air pump with three firmness settings, which allows sleepers to find the right firmness for them. The top of the AeroBed has a brushed polyester layer and an anti-microbial treatment which is great for sleepers with allergies. 

What our testers say: &#;The AeroBed is one of the most deluxe air mattresses I&#;ve personally tested. After a quick nap on the AeroBed, I was impressed that it stayed as firm as when I went to sleep.&#; &#; Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the AeroBed

  • It comes with a convenient carrying case and a fleece fitted cover to make it feel more like a traditional mattress. 
  • AeroBed&#;s proprietary Whoosh valve is designed to quickly deflate the air mattress in less than three minutes. 
  • Using its handheld wand, you can adjust the AeroBed&#;s firmness levels to find the best balance of comfort and support. 

What to Keep in Mind About the AeroBed

  • The AeroBed is not designed to be used for camping, it&#;s best suited for indoor use in a guest room. 
  • A full size AeroBed costs $199 before any discounts or sales, which is more expensive than other simpler air mattresses. 

Other User Reviews

The Aerobed Luxury Full air mattress has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating based on 87 global reviews left on its product page on Amazon. Top reviews mention that the AeroBed provides them with comfortable sleep and has held up over months of use. A few reviewers complained that the AeroBed started to leak air after its 30-day return window had passed.

Full review coming soon!

Best Value Air Mattress &#; Intex

Intex Air Mattress

The Intex Dura Beam is a thicker more substantial air mattress that should be a good fit for house guests.

Mattress Clarity Score

4.40 / 5

Read Full Review Check Price

Pros

Very durable

Great value

Cons

No firmness options

Too tall for young children

Our Expert&#;s Take

Like the AeroBed, the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump is a substantial air mattress with a number of interesting features. It&#;s 22&#; tall and has a built-in pump with one firmness setting. Those who want a durable air mattress for indoor use, but don&#;t want to break the bank should consider the Intex.

What our testers say: &#;I found resting on the Intex comfortable in all three sleep positions with some experimenting with its firmness level. Its internal pump and carrying case made it simple to inflate and deflate quickly.&#; &#; Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Intex

  • This Intex air mattress model is best suited for guest rooms and sleepovers as an affordable alternative to a guest bed. 
  • Its Fiber-Tech construction provides the air mattress with extra durability and should prevent leakage and popping for a good amount of time.
  • It is built with extra support along its top edge to prevent you from rolling off the mattress. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Intex

  • Its tall height makes this Intex air mattress not the best fit for young children. However, the brand does sell 13&#; and 18&#; height options of the same model. 
  • This Intex air mattress is not a good fit for camping because of its large size. 

Other User Reviews

On Amazon, the Intex Dura-Beam air mattress has a customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from nearly 69,000 customer reviews. Many users enjoy using their Intex air mattress for daily temporary use and find it comfortable and supportive. A few reviews mention the mattress not staying firm or leaking air throughout the night. 

Read the full Intex air mattress review for more information.

Best Camping Air Mattress &#; SoundAsleep

SoundAsleep Camping Series Air Mattress

The SoundAsleep camping air mattress is an impressively durable option for campers.

Mattress Clarity Score

4.00 / 5

Read Full Review Check Price

Pros

Inflates quickly

Made from multi-layered PVC

Cons

Not ideal for a guest room

No internal air pump

Our Expert&#;s Take

One of the main reasons people invest in an air mattress is to have something to sleep on while camping out under the stars. We found the SoundAsleep Camping Series air mattress to be an outstanding option. It&#;s 9&#; tall and is constructed with a multi-layered PVC designed to prevent puncturing and air leakage. This can happen easily when camping because of the rocks and sharp sticks found at campsites, but it shouldn&#;t be a particular issue with the SoundAsleep.

What our testers say: &#;The SoundAsleep has unique I-Beam Air Coils that made me feel supported while back and stomach sleeping. This air mattress can work for virtually all campers no matter what position they sleep in.&#; &#; Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the SoundAsleep

  • Its included, rechargeable air pump can inflate the SoundAsleep air mattress in less than a minute!
  • The SoundAsleep features I-Beam Air Coils that evenly distribute support so there are no weak spots. 
  • It has soft flocking found on top that makes it easy to move around without causing excessive noise.

What to Keep in Mind About the SoundAsleep

  • The SoundAsleep was designed with camping in mind and is not a substantial mattress for guests. 
  • It is a value air mattress and does not have deluxe features like multiple firmness options or an internal air pump. 

Other User Reviews

The SoundAsleep has a 4 out of 5 star rating from 1,390 global reviews on Amazon. Users found it to be comfortable, supportive, and convenient for camping. Its negative reviews tend to mention air leaking at night through the air valve, some even only after a few uses.

Read the full SoundAsleep mattress review for more information.

Most Versatile Air Mattress &#; Coleman

Coleman Air Mattress

The Coleman air mattress is a versatile option for those who need something for indoor and outdoor use.

Mattress Clarity Score

4.50 / 5

Read Full Review Check Price

Pros

Double Lock Valve

Affordable

Cons

May take long to inflate

Not designed for children

Our Expert&#;s Take

What about those who want one air mattress that can work both in a guest room and in a tent? Well, that&#;s what the Coleman Double High Support Rest air mattress is all about: versatility. In addition, the Coleman features a Support Lock system that provides even support across the entire air mattress. Whether one uses it inside or outside, the air mattress should feel comfortable and supportive.

What our testers say: &#;As a larger person, I felt well-supported by this Coleman air mattress, especially with its raised edge. Its durability, height, and construction make it an ideal air mattress for both indoor and outdoor use.&#; &#; Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the Coleman

  • This Coleman air mattress is very durable. It&#;s constructed from thick PVC and shouldn&#;t leak or pop, even when being used outside.
  • Its Double Lock Valve should prevent significant amounts of air from leaking out of the Coleman.
  • If you notice some air leaking or other air valve issues, the Coleman comes with a one-year limited warranty. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Coleman

  • Some Coleman air mattresses come with an air pump, but the Double High Support Rest air mattress does not. Coleman recommends using a 120V or a rechargeable air pump to inflate this air mattress. 
  • When we used a rechargeable air pump, it took about 20 minutes for the Coleman to fully inflate. 

Other User Reviews

On Amazon, the Coleman Double High Support Rest air mattress has a 4.5/5 star rating based on 7,592 user reviews. Its positive reviews mention being easy to inflate and sturdy enough for camping trips. Some customers found the Coleman not very durable, finding punctures or leaks after a few uses. 

Read the full Coleman air mattress review for more information.

What To Consider When Buying An Air Mattress

Buying an air mattress isn&#;t the same as buying a standard mattress for a bedroom. There are a number of specific factors to consider in order to ensure a wise investment.

Purpose

When purchasing an air mattresses, it&#;s crucial to determine why you&#;re buying one in the first place, as these circumstances will dictate what type of air mattress you should be shopping for. For instance, an air mattress made for guests staying a long weekend will have different qualities than an air mattress made for camping in a tent or the back of a truck.

Inflation Method

Whether or not you need an air pump for a mattress depends on a variety of factors. Some mattresses come with built-in air pumps, and some don&#;t. Built-in pumps are going to be great for camping, especially because you won&#;t have to worry about finding an outlet or hooking things up to your car. Those who don&#;t mind a little extra work should make sure the air mattress works well with an air pump.

Another aspect of air mattress inflation is the time it takes to inflate and deflate. Some of the mattresses on this list can inflate in about a minute, but we think a few minutes of deflation time is normal for most air mattresses. 

Durability

Unlike standard mattresses, air mattresses run the risk of popping or leaking air. When this happens, people can find themselves lying on a deflated air mattress. We recommend you look for a bed that features thicker PVC or other construction features that will help to evade this annoying issue. While this may be a bit more expensive up front, it should make for a good long-term investment. After all, an air mattress that&#;s properly taken care of can last about 10 years.

Height

Again, the height at which you should purchase your air mattress it depends on the design and intended use. For instance, a single-layer camping air mattress will usually be no thicker than 11&#; or 12&#;. A more advanced, multi-layered air mattress could be as high as 22&#;. A taller height such as this is going to be more comfortable and feel more like a real mattress. In this sense, it&#;s better for guest rooms. However, an air mattress with a shorter height is likely going to be more portable, since taller air mattresses include more material and are heavier. In the end, it all depends on your preference. As an example, you might choose a heavier, taller air mattress for camping to sacrifice portability for comfort.

Budget

All in all, there is no reason to break the bank when shopping for an air mattress. Depending on size and whether or not it comes with a built-in pump (an air mattress with a built-in pump will likely be more expensive), we&#;ve seen the middle range of air mattress prices between $30 and $150. We recommend keeping the above points in mind when deciding how much to pay for an air mattress. Regardless of price, ensure your air mattress is durable and is able to function for your intended uses.

How to Care for an Air Mattress

Just as you would for a normal mattress, it&#;s essential to take proper care of an air mattress. This can help prevent deflation and odor, and can extend the lifespan of your air mattress. 

Preventing Leaks and Deflation

You shouldn&#;t have to stress over whether or not your air mattress is going to support your through the night. The last thing you&#;d want wake up to is a deflated air mattress underneath you.

Of course, all air mattresses deflate a small, unnoticeable amount because of temperature changes, pressurization, and other factors. But often, these are things we can&#;t control. To avoid leaks and pops, the biggest priority is to take care of the physical condition of the mattress. Here are some tips:

  • Inflate your mattress the right way. Make sure you don&#;t over-inflate your mattress. Otherwise, the material can stretch and become susceptible to leaks and pops. Additionally, ensure you&#;re inflating your mattress according to the directions provided on your air mattress&#; instruction page.
  • Don&#;t leave the mattress inflated after you&#;ve finished sleeping on it. Of course, it&#;s recommended to leave the air mattress inflated when in use so you aren&#;t inflating and deflating it each and every day. However, after you&#;ve finished using your air mattress, it&#;s necessary for storage purposes to always deflate it entirely, fold it properly, and store in a dry environment. If you leave it inflated or fold it in a manner against the manufacturer&#;s suggestions, it can eventually lead to damage.
  • Only use your mattress for sleeping purposes. Sitting on the edge of the mattress causes a weight distribution the mattress is not built for, and so it can lead to overstretching the material.

     

  • Allow the mattress to stretch before using. Especially if instructions indicate, it should be best to pump up your mattress and allow it to stretch out its material for two days or so before using.

     

  • Purchase a mattress with the right weight capacity. If you&#;re looking at a mattress for a heavier adult, make sure you&#;re not purchasing an air mattress meant for lightweight sleepers. Manufacturers list a weight capacity for air mattresses, and it&#;s important to follow these guidelines so the air mattress doesn&#;t stretch or lose air.

If your air mattress is already leaking, we recommend you purchase a new mattress if you have the means to. It&#;s difficult to fix, and locating the place where the air mattress popped is a challenge within itself, since the hole can be miniscule. However, if you&#;re stuck on avoiding a new purchase or need quick fix, here are a few (temporary) solutions:

  • Purchase a repair kit. Your mattress should come with a repair kit, but if it doesn&#;t, it makes for a wise purchase. If necessary, even a bike tire repair kit will do.

     

  • Duct tape. While it definitely won&#;t hold up overtime, duct tape can be great in a pinch, especially when camping. You will likely have to continue to replace the tape.
  • Make your own patch. Select a thinner plastic material and glue to the source of the leak with a strong adhesive like super glue.
  • Super glue only. Apply one layer of super glue to the leak, and then another larger layer of super glue over it once dried.

Cleaning Your Air Mattress

For cleaning, we recommend you refer to the instructions that came with your air mattress. However, if you don&#;t have access to your individual air mattress&#; cleaning instructions, we&#;ve got some some tips for you:

  • First, remove any loose dirt. After taking off the sheets and unplugging any pumps or devices, take care of the larger dirt particles on the mattress. You can use a small brush to swipe it all off. Alternatively, use a vacuum hose to gently clean both sides of the air mattress.

     

  • Remove any mold or mildew. A 1:1 ratio of water and rubbing alcohol should do the trick!
  • Remove any stains or odor. Sift baking soda over the stain and let it sit for five minutes or so. Then, take a 1:1 ratio of water and vinegar to rub with a rag on the area covered with baking soda.
  • Clean the mattress surface. Without soaking the surface, dish soap and warm water can be rubbed onto the air mattress with a rag. Using rubbing alcohol and a rag to clean should work as well, especially for any sticky spots.
  • Dry it out. This helps avoid moisture being trapped in the air mattress, and thus assists in preventing odor.

Where to Buy an Air Mattress

Whether in person or on the Internet, you can find a variety of quality models for a large range of prices. There&#;s no right or wrong decision here, as long as you&#;re purchasing an air mattress that fits your budget and your needs.

In-Store

Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe&#;s, sporting goods stores like REI and Bass Pro Shops, and some retail stores like Target and Walmart have plenty of air mattress options. Purchasing a mattress in-store can be beneficial because you might be able to get advice from a knowledgable salesperson.

Online

You can also purchase air mattresses from any of the sites mentioned above but from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to look at a variety of additional options from different retailers. 

Air Mattress Accessories

Just because you&#;re sleeping under the stars or in a guest room doesn&#;t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Did you know that air mattress accessories are offered, just as they are with normal mattresses?

Air Pumps

While we wish it were true, there is not a one-size-fits-all pump when it comes to air mattresses. Each brand has its own compatible pump. With that said, there are pumps that come with various nozzle attachments. This can be especially useful if you have multiple air mattresses from different brands or have lost the air pump that originally came with your mattress.

The pumps&#; functionality can differ, too. Some, as we&#;ve mentioned, are built-in pumps. But there are also electric pumps that aren&#;t built into your air mattress, as well as manual pumps. Manual pumps and built-in pumps can be great for camping, especially because you may not have a power source available for an electric pump. If you&#;re looking for an option that isn&#;t noisy, it&#;s best to go with either a manual pump or search for an electric or battery-powered pump that stays on the quiet side. And for those looking to do the least amount of work possible, an electric or battery-powered pump is always best.

Toppers

Toppers can alter the feel and temperature of your mattress, depending on the model and its materials. Generally, toppers are used to change up the feel of the air mattress, especially if you find the surface of your bed is too firm. If you buy a topper to help alter the overall temperature of your sleeping surface, the materials used can either help cool you down or heat you up. 

FAQs

What is the best air mattress for everyday use?

First off, we do not recommend using an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain in certain areas. That being said, in our experience, the best air mattress for everyday use is the AeroBed Air Mattress. It&#;s a substantial, supportive air mattress which could mimic the experience one would get with a standard mattress.

What is the most durable air mattress?

One of the most durable air mattresses that we have come across is the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump. It features a Fiber-Tech construction, and the PVC contains thousands of polyester strands that should help prevent puncturing.

Is it bad to sleep on an air mattress every night?

It&#;s really not the best idea to sleep on an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain and strain in the joints and back. To get the best sleep and support possible, people should be lying on a standard mattress with a proper bed frame.

Why does an air mattress deflate?

Changes in temperature, punctures in the surface, and even time itself are all common causes for air mattress deflation. All air mattresses deflate because pressurized air is contained within them and eventually escapes, but if you purchase a new bed, you shouldn&#;t feel the air escape. To prevent you from dealing with holes, leaks, and the other factors more in our control, we recommend purchasing a mattress with quality materials to increase overall durability. Additionally, following your air mattress&#; instructions on proper care is crucial.

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Marten Carlson

Marten is the Lead Reviewer at Mattress Clarity. He is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and covers the mattress industry as well as sleep science news. He is specifically interested in the connection between sleep and overall health. Marten has written for media publications like Consequence of Sound and received a master&#;s degree in Film Studies from Emory University. He comes from Franklin, Indiana, and spends all the time he can writing, directing, and acting in films.

The 4 Best Air Mattresses We've Tested

All online brands offer a free trial, free shipping and a warranty, but some brands are more generous with their policies than others.

Motion isolation, edge support and temperature are important features for couples or people who sleep hot to consider. Hot sleepers should consider a mattress that boasts special cooling features. Couples want minimal motion transfer and a strong, supportive bed perimeter.

Hybrid mattresses tend to be best for people who want extra support and durability. Sleepers over 230 pounds in particular should consider a hybrid over an all-foam mattress because it&#;s more supportive, durable and long-lasting.

There are essentially two mattress types, hybrid and all-foam. Hybrid mattresses are constructed with steel coils and foam, but all-foam mattresses are just as their name implies.

Coils and latex foam give a bed more bounce, while memory foam and poly foam make a bed feel more cushy and pressure relieving. The feel of your mattress will depend on the types of materials it has on the inside.

Side sleepers should consider a medium to soft mattress that cradles the hips and shoulders. Back and stomach sleepers should consider a medium to firm mattress that keeps the spine in a straight alignment. Switch between positions? A medium firmness level can accommodate all sleeping positions.

A firm mattress will offer more support while a soft mattress will be more pressure relieving. Medium mattresses fall in the sweet spot right in between. The right firmness level for you depends on your sleeping position.

Our Picks

How it works

To ensure we give you the best search experience, our selection of mattresses can be sorted in 4 different ways:

  • &#; Recommended

  • &#; Highest price: $$$ - $

  • &#; Lowest price: $ - $$$

  • &#; Branded: Alphabetical

How we sort our mattresses

Filter by

Firmness

Select all

Soft (1-4)

Soft (1-4)

Only

Medium (5-8)

Medium (5-8)

Only

Firm (9-10)

Firm (9-10)

Only

Clear

Sleep style

Select all

Back

Back

Only

Combination

Combination

Only

Side

Side

Only

Stomach

Stomach

Only

Clear

Mattress type

Select all

For more information, please visit inflatable air mattress.

Hybrid

Hybrid

Only

Memory foam

Memory foam

Only

Air mattress

Air mattress

Only

Clear

$150 at Amazon

Best overall air mattress

SoundAsleep Dream Series

$150 at Amazon

$78 at Amazon

Best sturdy air mattress

Intex Deluxe Comfort Dura-Beam

$78 at Amazon

$49 at Amazon

Best budget air mattress

Intex Dura-Beam Plus

$49 at Amazon

$150 at Amazon

Best dual-pump air mattress

Serta Raised Air Mattress

$150 at Amazon

Mattresses are great, but they can take up a lot of space. If it's one you're not using at least semi-regularly, you would want one you can tuck away. Most mattresses including innerspring and foam ones aren't easy to move or portable. So what's the best option if you want a mattress you can take on a camping trip, or to accommodate visiting friends and family? A comfortable air mattress can be an easy way to save money and storage space. While they may not be as supportive as a real bed, most air mattresses usually comes with an easy-to-use air pump -- or perhaps even a hands-free built-in pump -- for easy inflation.

Of course, given the sea of options and the typically frail nature of these beds, you don't want to pick up just any other air mattress. The quality of the bed will decide how well you or your visitors sleep, so you want the perfect air mattress. That's why we found and tested the best air mattresses you can buy, whether you're looking for a camping air mattress or a more luxe double-height model. Our team of sleep experts has put together all the mattresses you see here after testing for comfort and durability. Here are our picks of the best air mattresses you can buy right now.

What is the best overall air mattress?

We know that there are a lot of air beds to choose from right now. Our team of sleep experts slept on numerous air beds and determined that the best model is the SoundAsleep Dream Series. It is 19 inches tall, spacious and has a built-in pump. This air mattress is also the most durable of all we tested thanks to its 40 internal air coils. While it is the most expensive on this list, we think it will last you for a long time (and if for some reason it doesn't, there's a one-year warranty).

Best air mattresses for

SoundAsleep Dream Series

Best overall air mattress

Our take - This popular, highly-rated SoundAsleep mattress isn't cheap, but it does what mattresses are supposed to do. Priced at $180, the SoundAsleep air mattress is more expensive than most of the other models we tested in its height range, but it's durable. If you ask us, it's also the best air mattress overall on the market. This mattress has more than 11,000 five-star reviews testifying to its durability and comfort. (

This popular, highly-rated SoundAsleep mattress isn't cheap, but it does what mattresses are supposed to do. Priced at $180, the SoundAsleep air mattress is more expensive than most of the other models we tested in its height range, but it's durable. If you ask us, it's also the best air mattress overall on the market. This mattress has more than 11,000 five-star reviews testifying to its durability and comfort. ( Fakespot , which grades the trustworthiness of Amazon testimonials, gives this bed's reviews an "A.")

Photo Gallery

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$150 at Amazon

Product details

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Sturdy with an air coil design
  • 30-day, no-questions-asked return period
  • Easy to fold up and store -- comes with a nylon drawstring sack

Cons

  • Off-gassing when first opened
  • Not cheap

SoundAsleep calls this a double high-air bed, and it is on the taller side; a good 19 inches off the ground. An air coil design helps the mattress to maintain its shape but like many inflatable bed models that come with a built-in pump, it's plenty heavy, weighing about 19 pounds. This quality air mattress has 40 internal air coils for added durability and support. The built-in pump is loud but powerful. It took a reasonable 3.5 minutes to fully inflate the mattress and about the same to deflate it.

Additional details

  • Price: $$
  • Pump type: Electric
  • Height when inflated: 19 inches
  • Warranty: 1 year

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$150 at Amazon

$150 at Amazon

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Intex Deluxe Comfort Dura-Beam

Best sturdy air mattress

Our take - Intex has struck a compelling balance between price and value with the Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam. Although it's on the cheaper side, the Intex Comfort Dura-Beam air mattress is sturdy and impressively firm, with horizontal air chambers. While it may not be the overall best, it's comfortable enough to sleep on and a great pick for everyday use.

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$78 at Amazon

Product details

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Sturdy and firm with horizontal air chambers
  • Tallest air mattress on our list
  • Little to no off-gassing

Cons

  • Pump isn't as powerful as others on the market
  • Patches might not stick on the velvet material

The integrated, plug-in pump isn't as fast to inflate as others but it's plenty powerful and the bed ranks among the firmest blow-up mattresses that we tested. The top and sides of the mattress are coated in a velvety treatment that Intex says makes it more puncture-resistant. That may be true, but it also means that if a leak happens, you'd better hope it's on the bottom panel, which is the only place a patch will stick. The Intex Comfort Dura-Beam is also one of the tallest air mattresses we tested, measuring 22 inches high when fully inflated. The bed is quite stable, so the movements of a person on one side shouldn't bother a companion. The mattress comes with a duffel bag for storage. Compared with the others, I didn't find it particularly smelly.

Additional details

  • Price: $
  • Pump type: Electric
  • Height when inflated: 22 inches
  • Warranty: 180 days

Compare

$78 at Amazon

$78 at Amazon

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Intex Dura-Beam Plus

Best budget air mattress

Our take - As one of the leading air mattress brands, Intex offers many different models of great quality air beds. The Dura-Beam Plus model &#; which is technically a step down from the Deluxe model above &#; comes with a built-in pump, a raised pillow rest at the top and inflates to be a thick 16.5 inches high. It comes with a carrying bag with handles. I found it to be just as great as the Deluxe and at an even better price.

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$49 at Amazon

Product details

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Raised pillow rest
  • Velvety surface
  • Top is more plush than the Comfort series

Cons

  • Not as tall as the other air beds on this list
  • It's hard to put the cable back into the compartment next to the plug

I like that the top of the Dura-Beam Plus is a bit more plush than the Deluxe. Its vertical air chambers protrude a bit more on its velvety surface, making it a bit more bouncy. It is also sturdy and should fit two people comfortably. If you are looking for a flat surface, go with the Deluxe. The Plus also isn't as tall as the Deluxe, and I had a hard time shoving the cord back into its plastic compartment. All in all, it's not a bad air mattress for the price.

Additional details

  • Price: $
  • Pump type: Electric
  • Height when inflated: 16.5 inches
  • Warranty: 180 days

Compare

$49 at Amazon

$49 at Amazon

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Serta Raised Air Mattress

Best dual-pump air mattress

Our take - One of the most annoying things about air mattresses is that sometimes the mattress deflates during the night. The Serta Raised Air Mattress addresses this problem with its two-pump design. The large pump is used to fill the mattress, and a second pump works (quietly) during the night to keep the air pressure constant. In theory, this would keep your air bed fully inflated all night. Keep in mind that if you want the second pump to work, the mattress has to be plugged in all night, which is a drawback.

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$150 at Amazon

Product details

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Two pumps in one
  • Three firmness levels
  • Two-year warranty; will replace at no cost
  • Comes with a carrying bag with handles

Cons

  • Only available in queen and twin sizes
  • In order for the second pump to work, it has to be plugged in all night

A great feature of this air mattress is its firmness levels. On the initial pump, there is a dial you can set to your desired firmness level (plush, medium or firm). This way you won't have to guess how much air you need, and the bed will automatically fill it up for you. While the top of the air mattress is not as pillowy as the Dura-Beam Plus, it still feels supportive.

Additional details

  • Price: $$
  • Pump type: Electric
  • Height when inflated: 18 inches
  • Warranty: Two years

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$150 at Amazon

$150 at Amazon

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Other air mattresses we tested

Beautyrest Hi Loft Air Mattress: The Beautyrest Hi Loft twin air mattress comes equipped with a plug-in electric pump that screws onto the mattress. Once attached, it inflates the mattress in about 2 minutes, although not as fully as I would've liked. Once it's inflated, you need to quickly unscrew the pump and replace the valve cap. It's not the most elegant solution.

The Beautyrest air mattress has the same pack-of-hot-dogs design as the Bestway air bed and the precarious feel of a pool float. (Many companies that make air mattresses also make inflatable pools and pool accessories. Go figure.) It lacks the stability of other air mattresses and I nearly tipped it over by lying too far to one side.

Keep in mind it may not be the best air mattress for you if you're tall. Simmons lists its dimensions at 80 x 60 x 17 inches, but my measurements put it closer to 76 inches long, which means that anyone taller than 6 feet will likely hang off the end. The mattress is constructed from a softer type of vinyl than others, making it easier to roll up and fold into a compact shape for storage.

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Bestway Air Mattress: The epitome of a cheap air mattress, the Bestway air bed is compact, lightweight and relatively quick to inflate with its integrated pump.

On the downside, this air mattress is only available in one size, and it's not comfortable at all. It sits low to the ground at 12 inches high, and the pump isn't powerful enough to inflate it fully, so it makes for a rather squishy ride. The tubular design gives it the look of a pack of hot dogs, and the one raised, horizontal hot dog that's meant to approximate a pillow rest sets the mattress askew, which makes it more unstable.

The Bestway Air Bed has plenty of negative reviews on Walmart.com that cite slow air leaks, fast air leaks, burst seams, spontaneous bubbling and terrible customer service (as well as dozens of very positive reviews). Although Bestway's comically vague manufacturer's warranty doesn't instill confidence, warranty isn't a crucial consideration here given the price. Still, Walmart's policy states that most products can be returned with their original packaging for a full refund within 90 days.

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How we tested the best air mattresses

We tested the best mattresses the only way you can: by sleeping on them. We've taken the best air mattresses that are highly rated on Amazon and other major retail sites (including Target and Walmart) and put them through a battery of hands-on testing to see which might potentially offer comfortable sleep.

This included repeatedly inflating and deflating air beds, evaluating their durability and construction, and subjecting them to the rigors of camping and a series of acrobatically inclined children's sleepovers to test them for comfort, air pressure and how puncture-resistant the air chamber is (after all, air leaks are counterproductive to a great night's sleep). We also made sure to assess each air mattress on its price and reviews. We wanted to know if people experienced punctures or low leaks during use.

To narrow down the best mattress options, we confined testing for our buyer's guide to queen-size mattress models and included comfort and price comparisons. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read more on how we test mattresses.

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Factors to consider when purchasing an air mattress

There are a few general things to consider when shopping for the best air mattress.

Price

Price will be the primary criterion for most people searching for the best air mattress. You can get a queen-size bed for as little as $30, while the most expensive air mattresses can cost hundreds of dollars. A higher price doesn't always mean a tall air bed, a better air mattress, better air pressure, a self-inflating mattress, a better sleeping surface, more comfort or a decent night's sleep.

Inflation

The best air mattresses have a built-in electric pump that plugs into a wall socket. Some have a battery-powered external rechargeable pump, which usually runs on four D-cells. A few come with a manual hand pump. The plug-in pumps are usually powerful but heavy and loud. Battery-operated pumps are lighter and don't require a wall socket but are typically less effective and less capable of fully inflating a mattress. A manual pump or a flat pump, on the other hand, can deliver a degree of firmness the others can't match and need neither batteries nor outlet but will require a significant amount of physical labor to operate.

Size

Although most queen-size air mattress options measure approximately 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, height is both a variable and a selling point. It may be a primary consideration for older or disabled people who would have trouble getting on or off a bed that's too low to the ground. Likewise, an overly mushy mattress will be harder to dismount.

Leakage

If you've ever tried to get a good night's rest on a bad air mattress before, you know that the touchstone for quality is how reliably it holds air. Nearly every air mattress is beset by customer reviews complaining about air leaks. You can tell that this is an industry that's familiar with these complaints: Every bed we tested was imprinted with disclaimers about how all air mattresses stretch when you inflate them and that you shouldn't just assume that they're leaking if they temporarily lose that initial level of firmness.

Yet many air mattresses, whether they're stretched out or not, do leak during the night, even if you top them off. This mitigates the credibility of some manufacturers' claims. Some beds are simply more durable and better constructed than others. Airtightness is tricky to judge, even after you inflate an air mattress, and may reveal itself only over time. As such, most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty or guarantee. A few extend that to two years. Others will give you 90 days and throw in a few vinyl patches to cover up a puncture wound.

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How to find a hole and patch an air mattress

Nothing is worse than dragging out your air mattress for a guest and then the next morning they wake on the ground. Holes are the death of air mattresses. Unfortunately, they happen all too often. The good news is that you can find and patch holes in air mattresses. Let's go through how.

How to find a hole in an air mattress

  1. Fully inflate the air mattress, try not to over-inflate it. Over-inflating an air mattress with a hole in it can make it larger.
  2. Take a sponge or rag and apply soapy water across the surface of your air mattress. Make sure you get the seams.
  3. Watch for places where bubbles grow, which can indicate a leak.
  4. If there is no leak on the surface, move on to the sides and valve and finally the bottom of the air mattress.
  5. When you locate the leak, mark it with a permanent marker.

How to patch an air mattress

Just because there is a hole in your air mattress, doesn't mean that you have to buy a new one. There are air mattress patches you can use. If you're looking to go down the DIY avenue, there are plenty of options. Start by deflating your air mattress and degreasing the area around the hole.

  • Patch method: You can make an air mattress patch from any thin plastic, like a shower curtain or pool liner. Once you have your material, cut out a patch large enough to cover the puncture entirely, with an excess of about one inch on all sides. Then use a generous amount of glue to seal it to the air mattress. Press it tightly with your hand.
  • Super glue: If you have a small hole along the seams, a good amount of super glue may be all you need to patch the hole. It's best to do a couple of layers to make sure it completely covers the puncture.
  • Duct tape: While it's not a long-term solution, duct tape can help you repair an air mattress in a pinch. The adhesive on duct tape does generally lose its grip over time.
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Best air mattresses FAQs

How do I choose the best air mattress?

When shopping for the best mattress, always look at product and customer reviews. It's beneficial to get the perspective of real customers and product reviewers who have physically slept on the air mattress because they can give more honest insight on whether it's a good product.

Can you sleep on an air mattress every night?

No, you shouldn't sleep on even the best air mattress as your main bed. Air mattresses are a good short-term solution when you need a comfortable place to sleep that's not the ground or a couch, but they aren't meant for regular use. Air mattresses can lack proper support to keep your spinal alignment over the long term and promote back pain.

Where can I buy an air mattress?

You can find air mattresses both online and in stores, it just depends on how you prefer to do your shopping. Amazon has some great options, but you can also check your local Walmart or REI.

How can I make an air mattress more comfortable?

Air mattresses are a great option for guests and short-term use, but the reality is, they will never be as comfortable as a normal bed. Thankfully, there are a couple of tricks you can use to make your air mattress more comfortable.

  • Put your air mattress on a soft surface, like a carpet or rug.
  • You can also put it on a box spring so it isn't flat on the ground.
  • Add a mattress topper or mattress pad. It adds a layer of comfort to the air mattress while taking away the rubbery feel of air mattresses.

How long do air mattresses last?

How long your air mattress will last will depend on how much you use it. Regular and consistent use offers more opportunities for punctures or holes to develop in your mattress. Alternatively, if you use it only once a year, you can expect to hang on to it for a long time. You should expect to get at least two to five years out of a regularly used air mattress and up to 10 if you don't use it often.

How do I keep my air mattress from deflating?

There's nothing worse than an air mattress that deflates while you're sleeping on it. A few things to keep in mind is that you don't want to over-inflate your air mattress, which will put excess strain on the seams. You should also make sure to pay close attention to the weight limit of the air mattress. Finally, deflate the air mattress every morning after use.

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