When looking for an air mattress to host houseguests or sleep on while camping, finding one that’s both comfortable and easy to set up can be essential. Look for models equipped with plug-in or battery operated pumps that inflate quickly for best results.
Many of the highest-rated air mattresses on the market come equipped with an easy travel storage bag for convenience.
Comfort
One of the key characteristics to look out for in an air mattress is comfort. You want an easy setup process, compact storage requirements and no air leakage when sleeping over night. To find your ideal mattress, explore various materials and features.
Some air mattresses employ air coils to help stabilize and shape their beds, while others employ fiber beams that flex to adjust to body weight and prevent slouching in the center. Many also come equipped with built-in pillows and an easy storage bag for travel or camping trips. Another factor to keep in mind when selecting an air mattress is whether or not it has raised beds; raised beds may resemble regular mattresses when fully inflated while making accessing them much simpler.
Finally, some models require a separate pump to inflate them while others come equipped with an internal battery-powered or plug-in unit for faster inflation. Many consumers find the latter option preferable because it eliminates the need to purchase an additional item – either way the best air mattresses will inflate within minutes!
Our top choice is the SoundAsleep Inflatable Bed, which earned perfect scores for comfort and convenience. Its built-in pump offers seven firmness settings from soft plush to extra firm – controlled via its attached remote for optimal sleep experiences.
Twin, queen and king sizes are available with three height options (13″,18″and 22″) which may help people with mobility issues who find it harder to get out of a low profile air mattress.
Another popular choice is the Intex Comfort Dura-Beam, known for its durability and comfort. This mattress boasts an R-value of 6.6, meaning that it insulating well even in cold weather conditions and stays inflated throughout most nights – something even Reina Galhea was amazed to find when her 200-pound husband found it comfortable! Deputy shopping editor Reina Galhea tested it extensively to her great pleasure; even her 200-pound husband felt secure enough sleeping on it without ever deflating.
Durability
Air mattresses typically last about eight years before beginning to deflate, with some models offering features to prolong this duration further. Some feature waterproof tops that protect it from accidental punctures by tent poles; some come equipped with built-in pillows for additional comfort and support; while some models include adhesive patches to repair rips and tears more effectively; for traveling purposes it would be wiser to consider purchasing one with its own storage bag.
Size should also be an important consideration when shopping for an air mattress. Most come in twin, queen and king sizes; some brands even offer extra-large or super-large versions of each size. A mattress suitable for two people may make for ideal camping trips and sleepovers at home, while larger beds may prove harder to transport and store when not in use.
Next, think about what type of pump the mattress features. Most have either an integrated electric pump that plugs directly into a wall outlet, while others use battery-powered or manual hand pumps for inflation. When searching for air mattresses with pumps, look for ones that fully inflate in less than four minutes and offer different settings so that you can customize the firmness of the bed.
No matter if it’s for at home or a camping trip, when choosing an air mattress it should be durable and comfortable. Spending on the best model you can afford will ensure it lasts as long as possible while offering quality restful nights’ rest each time it is used.
Laurel Hunter, an outdoor adventurer and sleep expert residing in Central Oregon. Along with her husband and pup, they travel the American West by truck for mountain biking, fly fishing, hiking, car camping and more. In addition, she created CNN Underscored’s Guide to Sleep which offers all the advice you need for better restful slumber.
Safety
If you plan to use an air mattress regularly, you want to ensure it will stand the test of time. Cheaper models may experience puncture problems or air loss through small holes or leaks; more expensive mattresses may prevent such problems altogether. Furthermore, be sure the model you purchase offers some form of warranty protection or customer support in the event something goes amiss.
Air mattress inflation and deflation is often an unpleasant, time-consuming task, so when purchasing one with an integrated pump it should make inflation and deflation simpler and faster. Some also come equipped with storage bags which keep their bed clean when not in use.
Avoid overfilling an air mattress as this may lead to leakage issues. Most manufacturers recommend filling it to about 90% capacity on its first few uses for easy pressure monitoring and avoiding leaks in future uses.
Some air mattresses are great at maintaining air pressure for an extended period, especially in cold temperatures. This happens because the air condenses during the night, leading to it deflating overnight. To avoid this from happening, invest in a model with an airtight design that’s resistant to leaks and will hold air.
Consideration should also be given when purchasing an air mattress that can comfortably fit two people at the same time. Some models, like the Serta BeautyRest Luxury, include anti-sagging components which prevent couples from sinking towards each other or shifting away from its center during sleep.
Inflatable beds come in different sizes from twin to king. You can find models that come equipped with inflatable safety bumpers to prevent children from falling off of the mattress edge, making these beds an excellent solution for families that prefer sleeping on-the-go.
Convenience
If you want an air mattress that’s easy to set up and won’t deflate overnight, spending a bit more money will likely be worthwhile. Don’t be misled by cheap models as these are often more prone to puncturing or deflating over time. When budgeting and narrowing down options it helps.
Based on your needs, an ideal air mattress would feature either an internal pump or don’t need external help to inflate and deflate it quickly and effortlessly. Most high-quality mattresses feature internal pumps which quickly inflate and deflate their bed without external assistance, while you can control how firm you want it by altering how much air comes into it. Some rechargeable models exist while others must be plugged into an electrical socket for power.
Another key decision when purchasing an air mattress is whether you prefer one with one or two pumps. Dual-pump models tend to receive higher reviews due to their ability to quickly fill and keep their mattress inflated without external help; making it an excellent option for frequent or prolonged usage of their air mattress.
The Intex Pillow Dura-Beam Series Rest Raised Air Mattress is a top choice that provides comfort, convenience and value. Crafted with heavy-duty vinyl with reinforced seams for durability and featuring velvet upholstery for luxurious comfort, it comes in either queen or twin sizes and can be inflated quickly – typically taking only four minutes! Plus it features indented sides to prevent fitted sheets slipping off during the night as well as convenient storage capabilities as it comes complete with bonus sheets – making this mattress a great pick for frequent travelers.
Though not as luxurious, the Serta Insta-Bed NeverFLAT Elite Air Mattress comes close second. Featuring a two-pump system to prevent it from sagging over time – one pump inflates and deflates while another stays on throughout the night to maintain an even air pressure – our deputy shopping editor Reina Galhea, who weighs 200 pounds, found it comfortable as she slept like it felt just like regular bed.
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