Updated: Jan. 02, 2020
There is a broad range of air mattresses on today’s market, and each one is a bit different. You may be looking for this type of product because you have frequent houseguests who must be kept comfortable during their visits. You may also be a lover of the great outdoors and want to take along a portable air bed to make your stay more comfortable when camping. You may even prefer an air mattress for health reasons, such as reducing pressure points on your body when sleeping.
Regardless of what your reasons are for shopping for an air bed, you will be pleased to discover that many models are available from which to choose. Below are some of the top rated air mattresses among today’s consumers and the features and benefits of each one:
The SoundAsleep Queen Size Dream Series air bed is one of the most popular choices on today’s market and is consistently rated as a very comfortable mattress. Although it does not have as many “bells and whistles” as some models, it is an all-around performer in every way, and is durable, comfortable and very easy to use.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Mattress is made with 40 internal air coils to guarantee support. Additionally, it is quickly inflated to its height of 19 inches with the touch of a button. This is due to a built in, internal pump that does all the inflating work each time the bed is used. It is considered a double height model and features an industry leading design that includes patented characteristics such as a SureGrip bottom to prevent sliding. It also boasts ComfortCoil Technology to ensure the satisfaction of the user.
Because of its one click internal pump, this mattress reaches full inflation in just under four minutes and will hold air for days. It also has a thick, flocked top that is puncture resistant and waterproof.
• Multi-layered flock top creates a highly comfortable sleeping surface
• Double-height construction provides the feeling of a traditional mattress
• SureGrip technology keeps the bed in place
• ComfortCoils ensure comfort and maintain the firmness and shape of the mattress
• Puncture resistant surface
• Has a slight rubbery smell the first few nights of use, but this typically goes away as the mattress stretches out with additional uses.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series queen size air bed is a solid choice if you are searching for a bed that is easy to use and offers optimum comfort and excellent longevity.
The Serta Raised Queen Air Mattress with its NeverFlat pump technology is a comfortable and soft air bed that offers a touch of luxury to its users. This model silently keeps itself inflated throughout the night, and boasts two patented pumps in one bed. The first is a specially designed pump which automatically inflates and deflates your air bed in less than four minutes. The second is a NeverFlat Pump that monitors and quietly maintains the air pressure to your preset level throughout the night.
The desired pressure is selected through the use of a simple dial. Thirty-five circular coils create a level sleeping surface with strong support. Additionally, this bed’s sturdy, flocked top has the perfect texture to keep your sheets in place. The surface of the bed is also waterproof and puncture resistant, which increases the longevity of this mattress. Its raised height of 18 inches makes it easy to get in and out of as well.
• You can easily select your desired comfort level
• Powerful, primary pump allows you to effortlessly inflate and deflate the mattress
• Secondary pump eliminates loss of air pressure during the night
• Flocked top keeps sheets in place
• Mattress features 35 comfort coils to ensure proper support
• Only manufacturer’s defects are covered during the two year limited warranty
Overall, the Serta Raised Queen Air Mattress with NeverFlat technology is an outstanding choice if you are searching for a comfortable bed that allows you to preset the firmness level and is guaranteed to stay inflated throughout the night.
The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is a double height, queen or twin size air mattress that features a built-in electric pump. It is perfect for camping, overnight guests, and even regular use. It has 40 air coils, a dual chamber design, and an extra thick, waterproof top and gripped bottom. In addition, the mattress is made from puncture-proof material. These features provide added support and durability, making this model a wonderful choice for anyone who is concerned about longevity.
The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is also equipped with an LED remote control and seven firmness settings. Its built-in electric pump fills the mattress in less than four minutes and shuts off automatically when the bed is fully inflated. It remains stable and full of air throughout the night, and can support an impressive 500 pounds. Included with the mattress is a strong carrying case and the bed easily fits in an RV or closet when folded up. It also comes with a one-year, 100% satisfaction warranty.
• Heavy-duty
• Double-height construction mimics the feel of a conventional mattress
• Features LED remote control and seven different firmness settings
• Stays inflated throughout the night
• Pump stops automatically when bed is inflated or deflated
• Toll free customer service number provided
• Offers excellent longevity
• Comes with a one-year, 100% satisfaction warranty
• May initially lose air and need to be “topped off” when first put into use, but after regular use this should no longer be a problem.
The strong and durable Lazery Sleep motorized air mattress is an excellent choice if you are looking for an air bed that provides comfort, support, convenience and longevity.
If you or your overnight guests have a difficult time getting down to floor level, then consider the Intex Comfort Plus Elevated Dura-Beam air mattress. This bed inflates to a height of 22 inches, making it one of the tallest models on today’s market. It also features patented Fiber-Tech beam construction, which is designed to enhance support, stability and comfort. Made from high strength polyester fibers, it resists stretching and punctures, and its top is waterproof.
The built in, high-powered pump can inflate and deflate the mattress in less than five minutes, and the surface is covered in extra soft flocking for additional comfort. This model also features indented sides which are designed to keep fitted sheets on the bed. It boasts horizontal air chambers as well, which help with support and stability. In addition, you have the option of setting your comfort level to the desired firmness. The weight capacity of this mattress is an exceptional 600 pounds and it includes a sturdy duffle bag style carrying case. This model comes with a 90 day limited warranty.
• Offers customizable comfort level
• Has a built in, high powered electric pump
• 16-gauge bottom and sides for added durability
• Waterproof flocked top
• Very reasonably priced
• Some users have complained about leaks
• The 90 day warranty is only good if the problem is due to a manufacturer’s defect
If you are shopping for an extremely comfortable bed that is highly affordable and tall enough to get in and out of with ease, you need look no further than the Intex Elevated Dura-Beam Air Bed.
The King Koil Luxury Elevated Raised Air Mattress is a fully flocked, inflatable air bed made from environmentally friendly PVC and other green materials. This queen size mattress utilizes the latest in air bed technology and features coil beam construction. It boasts a height of 20 inches and has a built in pump capable of inflating or deflating the mattress in three minutes or less.
It also has an additional external valve for use when you are camping or otherwise on the go. Its unique, waterproof quilt top is built for maximum comfort and spinal support. This model has a suede top that keeps all sheets and covers in place, as well as a built in pillow. If you accidentally tear or puncture your air bed, you can repair it with the complimentary patch kit that comes with all King Koil air mattresses. This is the only air bed in the US that is endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association to help encourage good spinal alignment and a better night’s sleep. It comes with a one-year guarantee.
• Endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association
• Features a built in pillow for maximum comfort
• Has a unique, quilt top and exceptionally soft flocking
• Reaches full inflation in less than three minutes
• Features coil beam construction and a built in pump
• Includes a free patch kit
• Comes with a one-year guarantee
• The size appeares to be an inch or two smaller than standard queen size
• Valve must be closed very tight to stop the bed from leaking after it is inflated
This is a comfortable, durable, back-friendly air bed that is easy to inflate or deflate. The bed performs well and its one year guarantee makes it a dependable choice. The King Koil Luxury Elevated Raised Air Mattress is a particularly good option if your chiropractor has recommended that you use an air bed.
Fox Airbeds are popular among consumers for many reasons, but one of the characteristics that makes this brand stand out is the product’s luxury memory foam topper. This topper creates the feeling of a traditional bed, and is an excellent choice if it will be used by the same person on a consistent basis.
Featuring a built in two-way pump, this full size air bed inflates to its 18 inch height in just several minutes. It is easy to use, and comes with two complimentary pillows plus a bed skirt. Made from vinyl that is approximately 40% thicker than similar models, the bed does not bounce or slide when you reposition yourself during the night. The sturdy vinyl used to make this mattress also dramatically reduces the chance of damage from things such as punctures or split seams. This model comes with a 1 year warranty.
• Features a built in two-way pump
• Can be inflated with external or internal pump
• Top surface features air-flow chambers for added comfort
• 43 percent thicker vinyl than similar models
• Includes two complimentary pillows and a bed skirt
• Has luxury memory foam topper and coil beam construction
• May not always stay fully inflated through the night
• Is slightly challenging to deflate if it becomes overinflated
If this bed will be used by one person, its memory foam top makes it a comfortable and luxurious choice. It is also ideal if you are looking for a durable air bed that is highly unlikely to experience split seams or punctures.
The most advanced air bed from Active Era, the Luxury Queen Air Mattress model features an internal support structure that is very similar to that of a traditional bed. For this reason, it provides levels of comfort and support with which few air mattresses can compete.
It also has a built in, ergonomically designed pillow that was created with proper neck and head support in mind. The pillow’s design follows the natural curve of your spine and neck, making it easy to awaken refreshed in the morning whenever you use the bed. This model has a built in electric pump, and the mattress quickly inflates to full capacity in less than three minutes. It is also equally as quick to deflate, and can be stored in very small spaces, as it is designed to fold up to dimensions that fit well in tight quarters.
Its durable structure features a hard wearing, extra thick, waterproof flocked top made from puncture resistant material. It is also 22 inches tall, making it one of the highest queen size air beds on today’s market.
• Hard wearing and durable
• 22 inches tall
• Inflates or deflates in less than three minutes
• Features an ergonomically designed pillow
• Manufactured to feel like a traditional bed
• Reasonably priced
• Rubbery smell that may last as long as five days after first unpacking the bed
• Purchaser must contact manufacturer directly for warranty information
If you are in need of an ergonomically correct bed that is hard wearing, durable, and mimics the feel of a traditional bed, this 22 inch high model is a terrific choice.
Intex is a brand that offers a broad range of air beds to today’s modern consumers, but the Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Air Mattress is one of the company’s most popular products. This queen size bed is just over 16 inches tall, and has a built in pillow featuring a height of 17.5 inches. This model also has a built in pump that makes it simple to inflate the bed in just over three minutes. It features a waterproof, flocked top, and the upper chamber of the mattress is designed in such a way that it keeps fitted sheets in place with ease.
This air bed also has an extra built in pump that kicks on throughout the night to keep the mattress fully inflated. However, you will damage the bed if you overinflate it, and therefore you should be careful when first using this model. This mattress also features an outstanding 600 pound capacity, so it can be used by more than one adult with no problems. When compared with many similar air mattresses currently being sold, this queen size air bed is one of the most affordable models available.
• Features 16-gauge material on the bottom and sides for added durability
• Has horizontal air chambers for extra support and stability
• Offers the option of customizing your comfort level
• Features an additional built in pump to maintain air pressure overnight
• Very reasonably priced
• The pump kicking on and off to maintain the air pressure during the night is somewhat loud, but should not disturb heavy sleepers
• A small handful of users stated that after constant use for more than a year, the mattress separated slightly from the pump control
• Only comes with a 90 day warranty
If you are looking for a cost-effective mattress with a tough, 600 pound capacity for occasional use, this model is your a stalwart choice.
This newest Etekcity air bed model was crafted and designed with the latest Wave-Beam air mattress technology and features a multilayer, flocked top that is 20% thicker than its predecessor. It boasts a SureGrip bottom to keep the mattress stable and a raised border to keep you or your guests from rolling off. These features make this model one of the most user-friendly air mattresses on today’s market. Also designed to properly support your back, it is a great choice if you are looking for an ergonomic mattress. The flocked surface is both waterproof and puncture resistant, and the bed can be inflated or deflated in approximately three to five minutes.
This model stands at a height of 18 inches when fully inflated, making it easy to climb off or get on, and it folds up small for convenient storage. This mattress also has a built in pump and an additional two-in-one external valve for fast inflating. You can also choose from three levels of firmness with this model.
• Features SureGrip bottom to prevent sliding
• Manufactured with Wave-Beam air bed technology
• Very user-friendly
• Offers great back support
• Surface is puncture resistant and waterproof
• Intended for indoor use only
• Some users report air leakage if bed is used on a continuous basis
If you do not need a bed for use outdoors and are looking for a sturdy, user-friendly model that offers great back support, the Etekcity Upgraded Queen Air Bed is a solid choice.
This twin size air mattress from WonderSleep offers quite a few great features for your money, such as DreamCoil air coils that are designed to help keep the mattress firm. It also has a super fast pump for inflating and deflating the bed and a flocked top for additional comfort. Its extremely powerful rotary pump allows you to inflate and deflate the mattress in less than four minutes. In addition, its DreamCoil technology includes rows of strong air coils for extra support and durability. This model will remain flat and firm on a consistent basis, offering you an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep whenever it is used.
At 20 inches tall, you or your overnight guests will quickly discover that this bed creates the illusion of a traditional mattress. It is made from puncture resistant material and its extra thick top creates a multilayered feeling that adds a luxurious touch. The flocked top is also waterproof, and the reinforced bottom is designed to prevent the mattress from sliding or bouncing around when you move. This model has a 400 pound capacity.
• Comes with a one-year warranty
• Reinforced bottom prevents sliding and bouncing
• 20 inch height makes it similar to a traditional bed
• Features DreamCoil technology for durability and support
• Reasonably priced model
• This bed may fail to hold air if it must be used on a continuous basis, but is an excellent choice if it does not have to be used every day
This bed is a solid choice for overnight guests or occasional use. It is designed to offer firm comfort and a touch of luxury for its users.
Q: What’s the best way to find a small hole in an air mattress?
A: Make sure the mattress fully inflated. Fill a spray bottle with water, add a bit of soap, and spray the mattress. Any area where you see bubbles forming likely has a tear or a hole. Alternatively, you can inflate it slightly and place it under water in a tub and move it around until you locate the bubbles.
Q: How can I fix holes in an air mattress?
A: One of the simplest and easiest ways to fix holes is with a bicycle tire patch kit.
Q: Why do air mattresses lose air as time goes on?
A: Ideally, an air mattress should not lose air. If the mattress looks a bit deflated in the morning, it is typically from the air becoming condensed under your weight through the night. It actually still has the same amount of air.
Q: Should I use an air mattress on a long-term basis?
A: There is no reason you can’t; however, a better option is to purchase an inexpensive mattress–from IKEA, for instance–with a 2-inch thick memory foam topper.
There are many air mattress models on today’s market, and therefore you must consider the type you prefer before making a purchase. For example, you may want one with a built-in pillow. On the other hand, a model that comes with a frame may be the best choice for your needs. Your primary goal may even be to simply acquire the most comfortable air bed available. To help you decide which type is most appropriate, the best thing you can do is consider the exact reason you are purchasing the air bed. For example, if you want it for daily use or if your chiropractor recommended that you use an air bed, you should choose one that has a high comfort level and that features a thicker body. If you plan to go camping, a portable air bed that comes with a frame may be your best option, as it keeps you above the cold ground. If you simply want an air mattress for occasional overnight guests, a standard air bed with basic features is probably ideal.
Because inflatable beds come in various sizes, it is important to consider certain aspects when shopping for a mattress, such as the number of people who will be sleeping in the bed and whether or not it must fit in a tent or other small space. If you plan to use the bed for overnight guests, make sure it will fit appropriately in the spare room, so that your visitors can comfortably move about the area when the bed is inflated. When in doubt, you should consider a queen-size or full-size air mattress, as these are the most commonly purchased sizes and are usually large enough to accommodate adults, but not so large that they overwhelm the area where they are placed.
If you have pets, it is wise to opt for air mattresses made with reinforcements and models that are manufactured from heavy-duty materials. These features prevent damage and help the product last as long as possible. You may also wish to purchase an extended warranty that covers punctures if you have pets. However, the best way to protect your purchase is to keep pets with claws away from the air bed, if possible.
Most consumers who have purchased air beds agree that inflating the mattress can be a difficult chore. However, models that feature a pump make this task much less difficult. Air beds that have automatic pumps are a great option as well, as they add air back into the mattress if it begins to deflate during the night. This can be an invaluable feature, depending on where and how you plan to use your air mattress.
A major concern for most consumers who purchase air beds is how well the mattress holds air. This is particularly important if you are sleeping in a tent and cannot move to a couch or easy chair to finish your night’s sleep should the bed deflate. Therefore, it is important to consider how often the bed will be used and in what environment when selecting a model. Air holding ability varies from one mattress to the next, but reading reviews can help you determine which models have the best air holding capacity.
Naturally, choosing an air mattress that comes with a warranty is typically a better idea than purchasing one that does not. Most companies offer at least some type of warranty, but they may span from 30 days to five years. Depending on how important this feature is to you, you should pay attention to which models offer the most comprehensive guarantees and whether or not you have the option of paying more for an extended warranty.
Obviously, cost is a major factor when purchasing an air mattress. However, the price range is quite broad, and therefore it should not be difficult for you to find a product that is affordable. Always refrain from making a selection based on price alone, as there are many other factors you should consider, such as those outlined above. Never assume that the most expensive air mattress is the best model, as this may not always be the case. Nevertheless, if the price of a particular air bed seems too good to be true, you should regard this as a red flag. Ultimately, choosing the highest quality air mattress you can find with the comfort level and features you enjoy for the most affordable price is the best way to ensure a satisfactory outcome.
