What Are The Best Quality Air Mattresses

Intex Classic Downy Airbed Set

• Has a waterproof flocked top for easy cleaning and stability
• Allows for quick inflations and deflations
• Has included and easily operable hand pump
• It provides a very comfortable velvety sleeping surface
• Very affordable

Undoubtedly a true classic, the Downy Airbed from Intex Recreation Corp. is one of the most affordable and most rated air mattresses in the market yet.

First, lets get the not-so-good out of the way the company does not provide any warranty for the air mattress, the airbed has an external pump, it doesnt come with a storage bag, and you may not need the included thin pillows.

That said, the Intex Classic airbed still has a lot of good going on for it.

Rugged Build

The airbed is made of heavy-gauge vinyl that is sturdy and thick enough for comfort, and the top is flocked with a soft waterproof material. This eliminates slippage during sleep and lessens the annoying sounds akeen to many air mattresses when turning.

The vinyl does a great job in protecting the air mattress from accidental punctures and the waterproof top makes for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Although the two included inflatable pillows are thin, the provided hand pump inflates the pillows and mattress in under ten minutes. The 2-in-1 valve has an extra-wide opening that allows for quick and easy inflations and deflations with minimal effort.

Very Comfortable

Our Take

Best For Everyday Use

Inflatable mattresses can now be purchased with accompanying frames, which are usually metal and portable. These frames allow for the mattress to be off the ground, an ideal feature for indoor use of the air bed so that the cold of the basement floor doesnt transfer to the mattress. Along with frames, they can also come equipped with rails. Rails are typically attached to the mattress and are made of foam.

Avoid air beds with a thin foam rail, but look for blow up mattresses with a sturdy thick foam rail. A rail allows for a better sleeping experience as it aids in preventing you from falling or slipping out of the bed during your sleep. If you want a good inflatable mattress with a frame to get in and out of bed easier, look no further than the Coleman QueenCot Airbed.

Air beds with internal pumps are the only way to go if you are planning on using it everyday. While manual pumps can work and are fairly quiet, if you want to save time its best to consider an external electric pump or purchasing a mattress with a pump included.

Recommendation: We recommend the Insta Raised Air Bed as it has a never flat pump feature that will prevent you from having to constantly turn the pump on in the middle of the night. This by far is the major reason why this is the best inflatable bed for every day use. Read our full review here.

An Air Mattress With A Cushy Air Pocket Pillow Top

Home Depot

• Dimensions: 60 by 93 by 34 inches
• Size options: Queen
• Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Thanks to its built-in inflatable headboard, the Intex Ultra Plus Deluxe is a great option for overnight guests, providing a little extra support behind their heads. The mattress features fiber-tech threads for a tighter, firmer and more durable mattress. It also has a built-in, easy-to-use pump that lets you inflate and deflate with the push of a button, plus a carrying case for convenient storage. A plush air pocket pillow top gives you supreme comfort while you sleep, while the headboard helps keep your pillow from falling off your sleep surface during the night. And in case youre wondering, yes, theres space between the headboard and mattress for tucking in sheets.

What the Reviews Say: Just roll it out, plug it in, turn it on and voila, your bed is ready to sleep on. Very comfy, a five-star reviewer wrote. Another fan said the bed is very easy to set up, noting that it fully inflated in about five minutes. Others raved about how well the mattress holds up. Bed stays firm and holds air. You won’t wake up on the floor like with other air mattresses. The headboard feature is a plus! Been using since moving and waiting on furniture, a happy customer said.

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How We Picked And Tested

Weve been testing air mattresses since 2014, and after reading user reviews and assessing our own experiences sleeping on them, we settled on the elements that make an air mattress good for home use:

A built-in electric pump: These pumps allow for the fastest and fullest inflation and deflation, and an attached pump means you dont have to store an extra item. Some air mattresses have battery-powered or manual pumps, so they can be used when youre campingbut dont bother with those if youre just using the mattress indoors, where youll never be far from an outlet. And, as we describe in our guide to the best sleeping pads, air mattresses arent a great choice for camping anyway.

A reasonable price: A cheap air mattress will usually lack an adequate warranty and reliable customer service, and will have lower user ratings, too. But spending past a certain point has diminishing returns, since very expensive air mattresses arent necessarily more durable or comfortablethey often just have extra features that are not essential, such as foam toppers, built-in metal legs, and remote controls.

We looked at the best-rated mattresses on Sleep Like The Dead and , then narrowed down that list by comparing price, user ratings, and length of warranty. We also contacted each companys customer service, either by phone or email, to judge how responsive it was and what its protocol was for replacing or repairing a defective mattress.

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 one 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 nights sleep in most cases.

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Benefits Of Air Mattresses

If youre now a bit uncertain whether you should use an airbed every day for a long period of time, let me tell you a few reasons why a good air mattress for everyday use is a worthy purchase:

• You will be able to regulate the firmness level. Almost all inflatable beds today come with a built-in pump, so you can easily inflate and deflate them in minutes, to find your desired comfort layer. Some pumps also allow for automatic reinflation during the night to keep your mattress uniform.
• You get a portable and compact bed. The blow-up bed takes little space when deflated and folded. This allows for easy storage and makes the mattress portable, which means you can take it to your friends house or on a camping trip.
• You can save some bucks. Air mattresses are extremely budget-friendly. Its hard to find a high-end inflatable mattress that costs more than 350 bucks, while standard beds in this price category might not be of the best quality.

The average lifespan of an inflatable bed assuming you plan to use it actively is about 3-5 years, which is long enough for the money. Air mattresses might be a good investment for people with a nomadic or minimalist lifestyle.

Best Budget: Intex Dura

Sometimes, not everyone can afford the fairly pricey mattresses. Additionally, if you travel a lot, making such an investment may seem like an idea out of your mind. Dont worry, because Intex also makes incredibly affordable models that work everywhere, from small bedrooms and guest rooms to wild forests and campsites.

Key Features:

• Its comfortable and high enough to keep you above the ground.
• Its waterproof, so that means you can also use it in the water.
• Its great for camping, traveling, and guests.
• Amazing value for the price.
• Swift and silent electric pump.
• It also comes with a built-in pillow rest which adds more support and balance for the head.

We cant begin to praise this sub-$30 air mattress enough. It boasts a smooth vinyl design and 16.5-inches height, which is just enough to keep you above the dust or insects if youre camping. Its incredibly comfy, balanced, and support. If you sleep with sheets, you can attach them to the air mattress thanks to the design of the indented side.

Its important to note that the weight capacity for this mattress is 300 pounds. That said, it can either accommodate two lighter people or one heavier person. Nevertheless, its easy to carry, maintain, and easily store it away in a convenient hand carry bag. Its inflation times are also good, at 2 and ¼ minutes. It certainly wont keep you waiting.

Drawbacks:

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Best Air Mattress With A Headboard: Intex Dura Beam Elevated Fiber Tech Soft Air Mattress Bed

• Good support

• Doesn’t work with a fitted sheet

The Intex Dura Beam Elevated Fiber Tech Soft Air Mattress Bed offers one of the closest experiences to sleeping on a regular bed thanks to its integrated headboard. It gives extra head support and keeps pillows in place if the air mattress isn’t pushed up against the wall. It comes in at a lofty 18 inches, making for easy mounting and dismounting.

What To Expect And Do With A New Mattress

No matter how expensive or well made, an air mattress is not meant to replace a real mattress. It wont withstand nightly use over a long period of time . Always check a new mattress for air leaks and significant deflation overnight . If there are any problems, catching them early will assure that you are still well within your warranty period and getting a replacement shouldnt be an issue. See our section on care and maintenance for more advice on how to keep your air mattress in good shape.

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How To Find The Best Air Mattress

There are several key features to consider as you shop:

• Pump: Options include manual, battery-operated, and outlet plug-in. Most air mattresses come with a pump , but sometimes you’ll need to purchase one separately.
• Inflation time: The mattress should be able to inflate and deflate in just a few minutes. This is typically listed as a specification from the manufacturer.
• Height: A taller air mattress that’s at least 18-inches high is typically more comfortable, but a lower profile one is easier to roll up and carry. It comes down to personal preference and whether you’re using it at home or on the go.
• Air chambers: The most supportive air mattresses have vertical air chambers or coils that help distribute weight. Air beams that run side to side can still feel comfortable, but you may notice some sagging when you lie down. You can spot the difference by looking at the surface: Ones with the less supportive air beams look like rows.
• Flocked fabric: The material feels like suede and can be found on the top side of air mattresses as well as the bottom .

Best Overall Air Mattress

How Long Does An Air Mattress Last

An air mattress won’t last you as long as your regular mattress, and you shouldn’t expect it to most air mattresses are designed for occasional use and should not be used to replace an actual mattress. That said, proper use and care of an air mattress can keep it in good condition for more than five years.

The best way to extend the life of your mattress is to take good care of it. This includes avoiding opportunities for punctures such as using it on clean floors, not allowing pets on the bed, not jumping on the bed, and avoiding overfilling with air.

If the mattress comes with a dust bag for storage, be sure to use it, especially when storing it in a garage or anywhere damage could occur.

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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 dont 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.

Does It Have All The Features You Need

Most importantly, the air mattresses you are purchasing should have all the features you are looking for. In case you dont even have one, dont buy! We are saying this because you will not be able to use it for that purpose. If you are a person without budget problems, I would suggest you to choose the best model which is Intex Dura Beam Standard Pillow Rest Classic Airbed with Internal Pump, Twin

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Best Splurge: Soundasleep Cloudnine Series

• Expensive

• Takes up a lot of space

If youre serious about sleep and the last thing you want to worry about is abruptly waking up to the air mattress deflating underneath you, SoundAsleeps CloudNine series will let you rest easy. Although this air mattress is priced higher than some other options on our list, it’s auto-off pump makes it simple to inflate and it has three comfort levels. The support on this mattress is great, too, with I-Beam internal air coils to keep your sleeping surface level and a non-stick bottom so youre not sliding around the tent floor if youre on a slope. And if you use it at home, the Dual Smart Pump technology integrated into the mattress runs continuously, so your guests can stay comfortable all night.

Dimensions: 74 x 39 x 18.5 in. , 78 x 19 x 58 in. | Weight: 16.7 lbs. , 25 lbs. | Capacity: One or two people| Inflation: Dual pump

Best Queen: Enerplex Luxury Camping Air Mattress

Courtesy of Walmart

• Unpleasant plastic smell when new

• Not good for backpacking

This queen-sized mattress lives up to its Never-Leak promise, with a tightly sealed external pump that inflates the bed in just 60 seconds and welded seams to keep the air in. Its a little lower than some on our list, with just 9 inches of height, but that helps cut down on weight if thats a concern for your camping trip. The mattresss coil-beam construction mimics the comfort of a conventional bed with supportive construction. We like that the external pump comes with multiple universal nozzles, so you can use it to inflate inner tubes and water toys youve brought on your trip and you can plug it into your car charger, too.

Dimensions: 76 x 39 x 9 In. , 80 x 60 x 9 in. | Weight: 10.25 lbs. , 15.87 lbs. | Capacity: One or two people | Inflation: Wireless pump

I recently tested out the EnerPlex Luxury Queen Air Mattress at home and car camping in Colorados Rocky Mountains and foothills in early summer to find out if the thick inflatable delivered comfort and warmth in the daily temperature swings in the mountains.

While the pump unit for the EnerPlex Luxury Queen Air Mattress is small, I was impressed at how quickly it brought the mattress to full inflation. Total time was pretty close to the manufacturers stated time of 60 seconds. I was also impressed by how firm I was able to get the mattress with the pump.

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Tips On Making The Most Of Your Airbed

Now, let me tell you one thing:

Even a quality airbed for everyday use needs proper maintenance so that it can serve you for longer.

And Ive got some tips you can use to prolong the lifespan of your blow-up bed.

• Use bedding. The top flocked layer might feel very plush, but it also wears out more quickly due to the constant contact with your body and friction. The best way to protect the top and maintain the fresh look of your inflatable bed is to use it with sheets. Plus, a nice bedding set will make it look more like a standard bed.
• Keep pets away. Even the most durable materials cannot withstand the claws and teeth of your beloved pup or kitten. So, its better not to allow pets on the airbed at all, and store it in a place where they wont be able to get close.
• Deflate and re-inflate your mattress every 3-4 days. Its mandatory if you plan to use your inflatable mattress actively. The thing is, the mattress walls might stretch because of the resistance to your body weight, causing the mattress to lose its shape very quickly. So, deflating it regularly will allow the materials to restore their elasticity.
• Dont over-inflate the mattress. For the same reason, do not inflate your mattress fully, especially on your first night. Instead, inflate it to about 90%. This will prevent ruptures .