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Last Updated: January 2018
Whether you are planning on having guests stay at your house or you are going on a camping trip and want to have the creature comforts of home with you while you are out in the wild, an air mattress is something that you may be thinking about buying.
Air mattresses offer a lot of freedom, adjustability, and flexibility. They come in a wide range of styles, sizes and price points, and they can be used pretty much anywhere – from a tent in the middle of the woods to your living room floor – making them the perfect solution for a comfortable sleeping surface when you need an extra bed.
While an air mattress is certainly a worthwhile investment, finding the best one to meet your needs can be a bit challenging. There are so many different air mattresses on the market, and while having a lot of options to choose from is a good thing, it can make it hard to determine which air mattress will best meet your needs. In order to help you on your quest for finding the best air mattress, we have put together this handy buyer’s guide. In this guide, we highlight everything you need to know about buying an air mattress, including:
- The different types of air mattresses
- The factors that you should consider when purchasing an air mattress
- The different features air mattresses can offer
- The best air mattress brands
After reading this buyer’s guide, you will have all of the information that you need to find and purchase the best air mattress to suit your specific needs.
*5 Star Rating: this is based on the percentage of consumers who rate the mattresses 10/10.
Best Air Mattresses
Now comes the part of our buyer’s guide where we provide you with the best air mattresses that are currently available on the market. After testing out dozens of different air mattresses, we have concluded that the following options are the best of the best, as they are high quality, durable, easy to use and deliver a truly comfortable sleeping surface.
Sound Asleep Dream Series Air Mattress with Comfort Coil Technology and Internal High Capacity Pump
There are several reasons why we think this raised air mattress is one of the best on the market. Firstly, it is designed with the cutting edge Comfort Coil Technology. This technology provides added comfort and support for the mattress, providing sleepers with a better and more restful night of sleep.
Made of a multilayer 15 gauge puncture resistant material, the Sound Asleep Air Mattress with Comfort Coil Technology is exceptionally durable. It cannot be punctured, which means that you don’t have to worry about any holes popping in the mattress and having your mattress deflate while you are sleeping.
The Sound Asleep Air Mattress with Comfort Coil Technology has a flocked top, with is extra thick, extra-durable and waterproof. This means that you don’t have to worry about the mattress getting wet, and it also means that the mattress is more comfortable. A Sure Grip bottom prevents the bed from slipping while you are sleeping, which provides you with more stability and offers a more comfortable night of sleep. This mattress also comes with its own patented EZ Pump that is built directly into it. With the simple click of a button, you will be able to inflate and deflate your mattress.
Integrated cord storage allows you to keep the cord neatly and safely tucked away. This air mattress also comes complete with an easy carry bag, which allows for easy storage and easy transportation. Plus, this Sound Asleep Air Mattress is backed by a 1-year guarantee; should anything happen to your mattress as a result of a manufacturer defect within one year from the date of purchase, the manufacturer will repair or replace it for you.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Sound Asleep Dream Series Air Mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Lazery Sleep Raised Electric Air Mattress with Built In Pump
This heavy duty air bed comes in two different sizes, twin, and queen, so you can find a mattress that will suit you, whether you are using the bed on your own or you are sharing it with someone else. Both sizes of this mattress are double height, which means that you will have a sleeping surface that more closely mimics a traditional mattress, which translates to a better, more restful night of sleep.
This air mattress inflates via a built-in electric pump This internal inflator comes with a LED remote; simply press the button on the remote and the mattress will fill up in less than 4 minutes. The auto shut off automatically when the mattress is full of air and will shut the pump off to avoid unnecessary filling and to decrease the overall cost of the mattress. Additionally, you can choose the ideal firmness for your body with the remote control, which will help you avoid developing pain the back, spine and other parts of the body. This remote allows you to create a customizable mattress that is made to suit your needs.
This mattress is made out of puncture proof material and has the capability of holding up to 500 pounds. It folds down to a small, compact package that can easily be stored away and transported, wherever you may go.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Lazery Sleep Raised Electric Air Mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Sleep Restoration Air Mattress with Built In Electric Pump
The Sleep Restoration Air Mattress is made of durable, multi-layer, waterproof and puncture proof material. This means that you don’t have to worry about the mattress getting wet, or about having a hole punctured into it. This mattress has a flocked top coil system, which even distributes weight across the mattress, improving the support that it provides and the quality of sleep that you will be able to get on it.
A built-in air pump allows this mattress to be self-inflatable; with the simple flip of a switch, your mattress will be inflated or deflated in no time! When you aren’t using the mattress, simply flip the switch so that the air empties out of it, fold it up and tuck it into the storage bag that it comes with.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Sleep Restoration Air Mattress based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Coleman Premium Double High Support Rest Airbed with Built In Pump
Coleman is one of the most trusted names in camping equipment, and the Premium Double-High Support Rest Airbed with Built-In Pump definitely lives up to their reputation. This air bed is constructed with a Comfort Strong Coil Construction, which provides more support and a more even sleeping surfaces, thus reducing the bulging that often occurs in the middle of the mattress and provides a more restful night of sleep. The unique Pillow Stop Design gives the surface of the mattress a raised edge, which is located at the head of the air bed and helps to prevent pillow from slipping, keeping them comfortable in place and under your head.
The built-in pump makes inflating this air mattress truly a breeze. Simply turn on the pump and the mattress will be inflated in no time; plus, you can use the switch to adjust the firmness level of the mattress, which allows you to customize the sleeping surface to meet your specific needs. The Air Tight System is factory tested and proven to be leak free. This mattress is backed by a 1-year limited warranty; should anything happen to the mattress as a result of a defect in manufacturing, you will be able to have it repaired or replaced.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Coleman Premium Double High Support Rest Airbed based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Simply Sleeper SS 558RF Raised Air Bed
The Simply Sleeper SS 558RF Raised Air Bed has one of the most unique designs of all of the air mattresses mentioned in this buyer’s guide. This unique construction consists of three layers, which makes the mattress highly supportive and extremely comfortable. The materials used in the mattress are resistant to being punctured, so you don’t have to worry about a hole popping in the mattress and air seeping out while you are sleeping. The soft touch design makes this mattress truly soft to the touch and enhances its comfort.
The patented integrated built-in electric pump makes inflating this mattress extremely quick and easy. Simply push the button and you will have a fully blown up mattress in a matter of minutes. When you are ready to pack it up, simply press the button the other way and the mattress will deflate in a matter of minutes so you can fold it up and back it away for storage.
This is a queen-sized mattress, which gives you plenty of room for 2 adults to sleep on comfortably.
Our Score
Below is our final score of the Simply Sleeper SS 558RF Raised Air Bed based on multiple criteria that we use when testing all of our mattresses.
Types of Air Mattresses
When shopping for an air mattress, the first thing you need to do is have an understanding of the different types of options that are available. There are two main types of air mattresses, which include:
- The standard air mattress
- The raised air mattress
Though both types work on the same basic principal – they are mattresses that are made of durable materials and fill with air to create a sleeping surface – there are some notable differences between the two. Here’s a more detailed look at the difference between these two types of air mattresses.
Standard Air Mattresses
The standard air mattress is pretty basic. It lies flatter to the ground when it is inflated, creating a few inches of space between the sleeper and the ground. These mattresses are light in weight and fold up easily into compact packages, making them a perfect solution for travel. For instance, a standard air mattress can be easily tucked into your bags when you are camping and inflated to fit into a tent. Standard air mattresses come in different sizes, including twin, double, queen, and king.
Raised Air Mattresses
Also known as air beds, raised air mattresses are heavier and made from more durable materials than standard air mattresses. They also inflate to roughly the same height as a standard mattress, creating a sleeping surface that mimics a traditional bed. Because you aren’t close to the floor, you will have a more natural, and more comfortable sleeping experience. Plus, raised air mattresses tend to be more supportive than standard air mattresses, which means that they are more supportive, more comfortable, and deliver a better quality of sleep.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Mattress
There are several factors that you are going to want to take into consideration when you are shopping for an air mattress. Some of the most important factors that you are going to want to keep in mind include where you plan on using the mattress, the size of the mattress, how it is inflated, and the price, among other things. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to choose the best air mattress to suit your specific needs.
Here’s a look at some of the most important factors that you should consider when you are shopping for an air mattress.
Where will you use it?
Where are you planning on using your air mattress? Will it be used as a sleeping surface while you are traveling, such as camping; or, will it be used in your home as a bed for overnight guests? Where you plan on using the mattress will indicate which type will best suit your needs. If you are going to be using it primarily for camping, a standard air mattress is your best bet; however, if it will mostly be used in your home as an extra bed for overnight guests, a raised air mattress will likely be the better choice.
Size of the Air Mattress
The size of the air mattress is also another important factor to take into consideration when you are shopping. Both standard and raised air mattresses are available in a variety of sizes, including twin, full, queen and king. You want to make sure that you choose a size that will best suit your specific needs. For instance, if you are going to be using it for camping, you may want to consider a twin sized air mattress, as it is the smallest option, which means that it can easily be packed up, stored away and transported. However, if you are going to be using your air mattress for more than one person to sleep on, a larger size, such as a queen, may be a better choice.
How It’s Inflated
Another important factor to consider is how the air mattress is inflated. All options are inflated with air; however, how they are inflated does vary. Some air mattresses come with their own pumps that are built right in and are inflated with the simple push of a button. More basic air mattresses are inflated with an external pump, which may come with the mattress, or you may have to purchase separately.
Type of Pump
If the air mattress comes with an external pump, you are going to want to consider the type of pump that it comes with. Is it manual, battery operated, or electrical? Manual pumps require your physical power to operate; you place it on the floor and pump air into it by pressing on the pump with your foot, and the air that is created is blown into the mattress. The downside of a manual pump is that you do have to exert your physical energy to make them work; however, on the upside, you don’t have to worry about having batteries or access to an electrical outlet. Battery operated pumps do not require physical power to operate, which definitely makes them easier to use, and makes it easier to operate. However, on the downside, you have to make sure that the batteries are charged, otherwise, the pump will not work. Electrical pumps do not require physical power to use, and they also work the fastest; however, you do need to make sure that you have access to a power outlet in order for the pump to work.
Support of the Mattress
You should also consider the support that the air mattress provides. Higher quality air mattresses are designed to be more supportive, which means a more comfortable sleeping surface and a more restful night of sleep.
Price
The price is also an important factor to take into consideration when you are shopping for an air mattress. These mattresses can vary widely in price, ranging from less than $100 to several hundred dollars. Generally, raised air mattresses are more expensive, as are large mattresses. Also, air mattresses that are self-inflating and have more features are more expensive. It is important to keep the price in mind when you are shopping so that you don’t spend more than you are comfortable with.
Features that Air Mattresses Can Offer
Air mattresses do offer different features. These features are intended to improve the quality of the mattress, as well at the comfort and support that it provides. However, as mentioned above, the more features that an air mattress offers, the more expensive it is going to be. For that reason, it is important to understand the different features that are available so you can determine if you want or need them and if the added price will be worth your while.
Here’s a look at some of the top features that air mattresses can offer:
Specialty Tops
The most basic air mattresses are made of one material, and that material extends around the entire mattress. While this does make the price less expensive, it may not be as comfortable as you would like. There are air mattresses that are outfitted with specialty tops that are made of suede or velour. This helps to make the mattress softer, and it also makes it less slippery and cooler than an air mattress that is designed completely of one material, such as PVC.
Pumps
As we stated above, there are different types of pumps that can be used to fill air mattresses, and many come with their own pumps. Air mattresses that come with their own pump allow you to avoid having to buy a pump, which can save you money in the long run. This also means that you don’t have to shop for a pump that will work with your air mattress.
Warranty
If you want to protect your investment, you may want to consider buying an air mattress that is backed by a warranty. Should anything happen to the mattress that is a result of a defect in the manufacturing process, a warranty will allow you to have it repaired or replaced.
Built-In Bed Skirts
Some raised air mattresses come with a built in bed skirt. This is not really a necessary feature; however, it does dress up the mattress, making it look more like a traditional bed.
Which are the best Air mattresses?
So, which air mattress listed in this buyer’s guide is the best? That really is a matter of personal preference. It depends on what you are looking for and what your exact needs are. No matter what your needs may be, you can rest assured that and of the five air mattresses that are listed in this buyer’s guide are of exceptional quality, are extremely durable and will suit your needs.
Conclusion
An air mattress provides you with a versatile sleeping surface that can be used virtually anywhere, providing you with a comfortable bed, no matter where you may be. When buying an air mattress, it is important to consider the factors that we mentioned in this buyer’s guide, as doing so will help you find the best air mattress to suit your specific needs. Even if you decide not to purchase one of the high-quality mattresses that we listed in this guide, by keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to find an air mattress that will truly meet your needs and deliver you the most comfortable sleeping surface, no matter where you may be.
With a high quality, durable air mattress, you can rest assured that you will always have comfortable surfaces to sleep on, no matter where you are.