The Best Air Mattress Reviews
There are many types of air mattresses or inflatable beds. Some are suitable for everyday use, some are for temporary use or guest rooms and some are strictly used as an outdoor sleeping solution. If you are thinking of getting an air mattress, you should first determine the purpose of the bed and get the type that is best suited for that purpose.
Air mattresses, as the name implies, are mattresses that use air in the support layer. It is inflated by using a pump, either manual, battery operated or electrical. The pump can also be external or internal. As for the comfort layer, some models don’t come with any while some will usually have regular foam, memory foam, latex or other materials. A mattress topper is usually the best solution if you have an air mattress that lacks a comfort layer that you are satisfied with.
Pros
- Portable, the best solution for outdoor sleeping.
- Adjustable firmness levels, some expensive models even have dual air chambers for total firmness control on each side.
- Minor damages can easily be repaired at home, provided that you have the proper pieces.
- No off-gassing, unless there is a comfort layer of foam.
- Heat retention is minimal to none.
- Many options to choose from.
Cons
- Adjusting the level of firmness to your preference can take some time so patience is needed.
- There are many components to an air mattress and it is mechanical in nature so you should expect that during the lifespan of your mattress, something will go wrong.
- If you are sensitive to even the slightest of noise, you may have trouble sleeping with the buzzing sound of the motor, at least for models with built in pumps.
- Some low quality models may lose air as you sleep and this can result in body aches.
Best Air Mattresses
Here are the different types of air beds that we recommend. We sorted out the different types of air mattresses based on their function so that you will find it easier to choose which one is best for your intended purpose.
For Everyday Use
An air bed that is designed for everyday use has many features and the most notable one is the adjustable firmness levels. You can adjust the levels by simply adding and removing air. Some models have dual air chambers that allow for different firmness levels on each side and this feature is perfect for couples that have different preferences.
Unfortunately, we still haven’t found any good ones that we can recommend because almost all of them cost over $2000. For that amount, we think that you are better off getting a foam mattress, natural latex or pocketed spring mattress. We will update this article as soon as we find something that we can recommend.
Guest Beds
These are the air mattresses that are not really advisable to be used as an everyday bed but can still be very effective if used as a temporary bed or for the guest room. These mattresses are inexpensive but they do a decent job of proving comfort and support to those using them .
Click on the image to view the product page
| Air Bed | Price Range | Available Sizes | Pump Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insta-Bed Ez Bed | $$$ | Queen | NeverFlat Pump System (2 pumps) | 4.8/5 |
| SimplySleeper SS-89Q | $$ | Twin, Full, Queen | Built-in electric pump | 4.6/5 |
| SoundAsleep Dream Series | $$ | Twin, Queen | Built-in EZ Pump | 4.6/5 |
| Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress | $$ | Twin, Queen | NeverFlat Pump system (2 pumps) | 4.5/5 |
| AeroBed Premier | $$ | Twin, Queen | Internal Pump | 4.5/5 |
Insta-Bed Ez Bed
The Insta-Bed EZ Bed is our most recommended air mattress for guest rooms or for temporary use because it brings a lot to the table. First of all, it is very easy to unpack if you will be using it and likewise, it is also very easy to store away after. You just unzip the duffel bag and use the flaps to measure where the bed will inflate. It inflates and deflates in a few minutes and it is controlled using a dial. You can also choose the firmness level between plush, medium or firm.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: NeverFlat Pump System (2 pumps)
- Thickness: 11.5″ frame and 9.5″ mattress
- Available Sizes: Queen
- Product Page: Click here
It comes with its own stand and from our testing, it is very stable. It is not wobbly and you will be able to sleep soundly. It is sturdy as it can carry the weight of two full sized adults through the night. For the pump system, it has two. One is the primary pump that inflates and deflated the bed and the other one is the NeverFlat pump. The NeverFlat pump will continuously pump air through the night so that the bed will not lose its firmness. If you’re worried about the noise, it is minimal. It won’t be a problem unless you have ultra sensitive hearing.
SimplySleeper Premium
If you like raised air beds, the Simply Sleeper Premium is the best one out there. It comes in twin, full and queen size so there are options to choose from. It measures at 18 inches thick so it is easier to get in and out of this bed, as opposed to low profile air beds. The mattress features an oval coil construction that can support up to 600 lbs. Two full sized adults can sleep on this bed without problem.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: Built-in electric pump
- Thickness: 18″
- Available Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen
- Product Page: Click here
As for the pump, it is a built-in electric pump. It can inflate and deflate the mattress in 3 minutes. However, some customers say that the pump is quite loud, fortunately, it does the job fast so you don’t have to sit there and endure the loud noise. It also comes with a travel bag.
SoundAsleep Dream Series
The Dream Series from SoundAsleep is another mattress that is great for guests. If you prefer an air bed without its own frame, this is a very good choice. Its height is measured at 19 inches so this is a raised air bed, easier for climbing in and out for adults and likewise, for people with disabilities. The mattress is constructed with their patented ComfortCoil technology. The queen sized bed has 40 coils to provide durability and stability.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: Built-in EZ Pump
- Thickness: 19″
- Available Sizes: Twin, Queen
- Product Page: Click here
The SoundAsleep Dream Series also features a built-in EZ pump. The EZ pump is operated very easily, you just turn the dial to either inflate or deflate. The inflation or deflation takes around 4 minutes to complete so it is very fast. The only downside to this is that it doesn’t allow for firmness customization. The mattress comes with a storage bag for easy travel.
Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
Insta Bed is one of the best in providing cost efficient air mattresses and another one of their products that we recommend is the Insta Bed Raised Air Mattress. Its height is measured at 21.65 inches so this is a mattress that does not need a frame. It is easy to get on and off on this mattress due to its raised height. The pump system is their patented NeverFlat pump. It has 2 pumps, one for initial inflation and the other one is to keep the bed inflated as you sleep.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: NeverFlat Pump system (2 pumps)
- Thickness: 21.65″
- Available Sizes: Twin, Queen
- Product Page: Click here
When you start to inflate this bed, it automatically shuts off after it reaches your desired firmness. You can choose either plush, medium or firm. The secondary pump then maintains that firmness all throughout the night. The support system of the bed consists of circular coils. The twin model has 21 while the queen has 35. It comes with a storage bag.
AeroBed Premier
The Aerobed Premier is the fifth and final entry in our most recommended air mattresses for guest rooms. It is a time tested brand that provides quality. It is a raised air bed measured at 20 inches. As for the pump system, this bed has an internal pump that is operated by simply pushing a button. You can also choose the firmness level that you desire.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: Internal Pump
- Thickness: 20″
- Available Sizes: Twin, Queen
- Product Page: Click here
The Aerobed Premier pump system works fast and it is easy to use. You just have to push a button and it inflates the bed to your liking. It is available in twin and queen sizes. As for storage, it comes with a bag that you can easily take with you on your travels.
Portable Inflatable Beds
This type of mattress is best as an outdoor solution. These are great for camping, backpacking, sleepovers, picnics and other outdoor/overnight activities. If you use them as an everyday bed, you will be severely disappointed and worse, you may develop body aches and pain because these are low profile beds and they don’t have the best support that can be recommended for regular use.
Click on the image to view the product page
| Mattress | Price Range | Measurement | Pump Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightspeed Outdoors 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed | $ | 79 x 55 x 6.25 | Battery Operated Pump | 4.8/5 |
| Aero Sport All-Terrain Bed | $$ | 39 x 75 x 8 | Rechargeable NiCd Pump | 4.7/5 |
| TETON Sports Comfortlite Self Inflating Camp Pad | $$ | Junior: 56 x 23 x 2.5 Regular: 72 x 25 x 2 X-Large: 76 x 25 x 2.5 XX-Large: 78 x 30 x 3 | Self inflating | 4.5/5 |
Lightspeed Outdoors 2-Person PVC-Free Air Bed
The Lightspeed Outdoors is our most recommended sleeping pad. Out of all the sleeping pads that we recommend, this is the only one that is wide enough to accommodate two persons, measured at 55 inches wide. As with most sleeping pads, the pump is external and it is battery operated. It is easy to use as you don’t have to manually inflate the mattress. Also, the external pump can be adjusted so that you can get the desired firmness that you like.
- Material: Thermoplastic Polyurethane
- Pump System: Battery Operated Pump
- Thickness: 6.25″
- Size: 79 x 55 x 6.25 inches
- Product Page: Click here
The Thermoplastic Polyurethane material is more durable, lighter and is more reluctant to stretching and other problems that are common in air beds using PVC. The mattress has built in handles for easier handling and it comes with its own storage bag.
Aero Sport All-Terrain Bed
One of the best features of the Aero Sport All-Terain Bed is the pump that is battery rechargeable. The pump can also be plugged into your car lighter. Another feature that we like is the built in pillow. If you look at the image, you will see that one end of the mattress is slightly raised. You can use the bed without having to bring a pillow with you.
- Material: PVC
- Pump System: Rechargeable NiCd Pump
- Thickness: 8″
- Size: 39 x 75 x 8 inches
- Product Page: Click here
The bed inflates fast. It takes around 60 seconds to fully inflate the bed. Deflation is even faster. Air is quickly removed, around 15 seconds, with the help of their quick air release valve. If you are looking for a twin sized sleeping pad, this is a brilliant choice.
TETON Sports Comfortlite Self Inflating Camp Pad
The Comfortlite Self Inflating Camp Pad from TETON Sports is a good choice if you are looking for a sleeping pad that comes in many sizes. You can choose from 4 available sizes. It does not have an external pump. To inflate or deflate the pad, you just need to twist the valve. Inflation and deflation is completed in minutes. It is very easy to operate and you don’t have to worry about forgetting to bring a pump.
- Material: Microfiber
- Pump System: Self inflating
- Thickness: 2″, 2.5″ or 3″
- Size: Junior: 56 x 23 x 2.5; Regular: 72 x 25 x 2; X-Large: 76 x 25 x 2.5; XX-Large: 78 x 30 x 3
- Product Page: Click here
Because the camp pad is very thin, 3 inches is the thickest, you might think that it will move around as you sleep. This is not the case because it has a non-slip bottom, allowing it to stay in place as you sleep. It comes with its own storage bag.
Air Mattress Guide
- Main Mattress
Air beds are becoming very popular as a main or permanent mattress. These mattresses can be left out in your room and you don’t have to store them after use. One setback with this type of mattress is the price. These are more expensive than the standard, low profile air mattress because these are built with longevity in mind and the construction of the mattress is complicated with many mechanical parts that can sustain everyday use.
One reason why many people are opting to get an air mattress instead of the traditional spring or foam mattress is the ability to customize the firmness level of the bed. Changing the firmness level is also very easy. Another reason why air mattresses are so popular is the dual air chamber design in some high end models. This is perfect for couples that prefer different firmness levels. An air bed with a dual air chamber design has the ability to customize the firmness level on both sides. Of course, this type of mattress is very expensive but for many couples, the price is worth it.
- As a Guest Bed or for Temporary Usage
Air mattresses are also great as a guest bed or for temporary use. This type of mattress is perfect if you don’t have a dedicated “guest room” because it can be easily laid down for use and it is also easily packed away. These can also be used as a temporary bed if your main mattress conks out on you because these are fairly cheap and it gives you time to shop for a new mattress without the added pressure of getting one as soon as possible. You can then take your time in choosing a new mattress that you can be satisfied with.
- Outdoor or Portable Solution
If you are planning an outdoor activity, you should definitely bring a sleeping solution that is comfortable enough so that you can sleep soundly and prevent body aches and pain. A sleeping bag is a popular choice but why settle for it if you can have a more comfortable inflatable bed? These are low profile beds that are easily inflatable and likewise, easily packed away.
Air Pumps
Inflating an air mattress requires a pump system and these pump systems can either be internal or external. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages and choosing one that is most convenient for you is one of the more important factors in choosing an air bed. Air pumps are also classified on how they are operated. There are electric pumps, battery operated pumps and manual pumps that you operate either by hand or by foot.
An internal pump is more popular because it is easier to operate and it can never be lost, unless you also lose your bed. It is easier to operate because you just push a button or you turn the dial and it will inflate automatically. A disadvantage of an internal pump is that if the pump system breaks, your bed is useless. Another is that an air bed with an internal pump is more expensive than an air bed that uses an external pump.
External pumps are becoming less and less popular because many truly prefer an internal pump system. However, there are still some advantages to having an external air pump for your mattress. The most notable is the price. Air beds that come with an external pump are cheaper. Also, if your pump is ever damaged, an external pump is easier to replace. Of course, there are some disadvantages and the most common is misplacement or getting it lost.
Summary
An air mattress is now a very popular choice to be used as a main mattress and it is no longer limited to being an outdoor or temporary solution. There are a lot of high end air beds that can compete with other types of mattress. As you can see, there are many models to choose from, you just have to determine how you will use the mattress. Choosing an air mattress can be quite overwhelming at first but it really is not. You just have to know how you will be using the mattress and choosing the best one of that type. Hopefully, these air mattress reviews have been helpful.
