Do you need comfortable sleeping arrangements for guests in your home? If so, you may not be able to afford a traditional mattress for a guest room. You may not have enough space in your home to accommodate a full guest room.
An air mattress solves the problem. You can provide a comfortable sleeping place to your guests, then pack it into a closet when it’s no longer needed. You can also take an air mattress with you when you plan to be the guest at a friend or family member’s home.
Finding the best air mattress can be a challenge. Though convenient, air mattresses tend to be uncomfortable. They deflate in the middle of the night, lose their shape, or cause back and joint pain.
We’ve assembled reviews of the top ten best air mattresses on the market to help you find the right air mattress for your needs.
Below our air mattress reviews, refer to our Buyer’s Guide to better understand what specifications will be most relevant in your search for the best air mattress. Read the guide to make the most informed choice about which model will work best for you!
Table of Contents
Best Air Mattresses Comparison Guide
The Top 10 Best Air Mattress Reviews 2018
1. Queen Size Inflatable Raised Air Bed Mattress – Editor’s Choice for Comfort
The Queen Size Inflatable Raised Air Bed Mattress from Comfort Boulevard includes a 1-inch thick memory foam topper for maximum comfort. If you want an air mattress that feels almost like a traditional bed, this might be a comfortable choice. The memory foam keeps you from tossing and turning while it eases the pain in your joints.
The mattress must be plugged into an outlet to inflate using the built-in air pump. Once inflated, the air mattress has a capacity of 500-600 pounds and stands 20 inches off the ground.
The air pump inflates the mattress rapidly, making this a great selection for traveling.
However, sometimes the air mattress arrives with a broken pump and will not inflate. Some consumers have reported that this air mattress does not hold air well. It tends to deflate throughout the night while users are sleeping.
- Memory foam topper.
- Built-in air pump.
- Mattress inflates rapidly.
- May arrive with a broken pump.
- May deflate in the middle of the night.
The Queen Size Inflatable Raised Air Bed Mattress from Comfort Boulevard prioritizes comfort, shipping with a 1-inch thick memory foam topper that’s designed to ease joint pain while using this air mattress. Comfort Boulevard manufactured the air mattress with a built-in air pump that must be plugged into an outlet to inflate the mattress. Though the air pumps sometimes arrive broken, the memory foam topper might be a smart investment.
2. Air Mattress QUEEN Size Best Choice RAISED Inflatable Bed with Fitted Sheet and Bed Skirt – Editor’s Choice for Look and Feel
The Air Mattress QUEEN Size Best Choice RAISED Inflatable Bed’s most impressive features are the hypoallergenic bamboo bed skirt and fitted sheet. With the skirt wrapped around the edge of the mattress, this model almost looks like a traditional spring mattress.
If you’re looking for something fun and familiar, this offering from Air Mattress may be a great choice.
The mattress must be plugged into an outlet in order to inflate using the built-in air pump. Once inflated, the air mattress has a capacity of 600 pounds and stands between 18 and 20 inches off the ground.
Nylon laminate reinforces the vinyl material, making the bed lighter than other air mattresses made from vinyl alone.
However, some consumers report that the motor for the air pump regularly overheats. The air mattress may also develop tears at the vinyl seams, allowing air to leak out of the internal chamber.
- Hypoallergenic bed skirt and fitted sheet.
- 600-pound capacity.
- Air pump motor overheats.
- May develop tears.
The Air Mattress QUEEN Size Best Choice RAISED Inflatable Bed would be a safe choice for anyone hoping to disguise an air mattress as a traditional bed. This model ships with a hypoallergenic bamboo bed skirt and fitted sheet that hides the vinyl air mattress. When fully inflated by the built-in air pump, this mattress stands up to 20 inches off the ground and has a capacity of 600 pounds.
3. Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump – Editor’s Choice for Functionality
The Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump uses a built-in dual-pump system to keep the bed inflated throughout the night.
The primary pump automatically inflates the mattress to a height of 18 inches. The secondary, “Never Flat” pump monitors the air pressure in the mattress and maintains your desired level of firmness. At the end of the night, the primary pump can automatically deflate the mattress.
With this offering from Serta, you can choose between three firmness settings: plush, medium, or firm. Beneath the washable pillow-top cover, 35 coils circulate and trap the air inside the mattress.
The mattress must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the duration of the night in order to take advantage of the continual air flow. The PVC material of the mattress sports a flocked top to keep your sheets in place. The sure-grip bottom keeps the mattress itself from moving.
However, some consumers have reported that this Serta air mattress rips easily at the seams surrounding the circular coils. If the air mattress rips, it becomes unusable.
- Built-in dual-pump system.
- Three firmness settings.
- Pillow-top cover.
- May develop tears around the circular coils.
The Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump maintains its firmness throughout the night using a built-in dual-pump system. One pump inflates the air mattress while the other maintains the firmness level you’ve chosen in the settings. It ships with a pillow-top cover, and though it may develop tears in places where the vinyl is weakest, the flocked top and sure-grip bottom will help users and their bedsheets stay in place for a good night’s sleep.
4. AeroBed Opti-Comfort Queen Air Mattress – Editor’s Choice for Design
Unlike any of the other air mattresses reviewed here, the AeroBed Opti-Comfort Queen Air Mattress features a built-in headboard. The design is most reminiscent of a traditional bed, with a faux box spring and headboard to keep you and your guests comfortable.
The headboard prevents pillows from slipping off the head of the bed. It also allows users to sit up and read while leaning against the headboard.
The mattress must be plugged into an outlet in order to inflate using the built-in air pump. Once inflated, the air mattress has a capacity of 600 pounds and stands 18 inches off the ground. A control wand features a button that engages the air pump for inflating the mattress.
A quick-release valve deflates the bed with ease.
The bonded fabric material of the surface uses 30% less vinyl than other models.
However, the air pump must be disengaged manually.
- Design features a built-in headboard and faux box spring.
- The mattress has a capacity of 600 pounds.
- Air pump must be turned off manually.
When fully inflated, the AeroBed Opti-Comfort Queen Air Mattress stands 18 inches off the ground and boasts a capacity of 600 pounds. Its ability to sustain significant weight is due to the unique design of the air mattress, which includes a built-in headboard along with a built-in air pump. Though the pump must be shut off manually after inflating, the uncommon design of the air mattress will help you and your guests feel comfortable.
5. Lazery Sleep Air Mattress – Adjustable firmness
The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is a queen-sized mattress with 40 internal air coils and a dual chamber design. If you prefer a softer bed one night and a firmer bed the next, this offering from Lazery allows you to adjust the firmness settings.
Each of the seven settings is controlled by remote, which operates the built-in pump at the foot of the mattress. LED lights illuminate the buttons. If you have a bad back or aching joints, the Lazery Sleep Air Mattress offers an impressive level of control and comfort.
The Lazery is designed for use indoors.The mattress must be plugged into an outlet in order to inflate. The built-in pump completes the job of inflating the mattress within four minutes. When fully inflated, the mattress stands 19 inches off the ground.
The air bed’s leakproof material has a capacity of 500 pounds.
However, some consumers have reported that air does leak out past the built-in pump, deflating the air mattress. In some cases, the air pump fried electrical outlets after being plugged into them.
- Remote controlled.
- Seven firmness settings.
- Four-minute inflation time.
- Built-in pump.
- Air leaks out past the built-in pump.
- The air pump may fry electrical outlets.
The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress is designed for use indoors and must be plugged in to be inflated. The leakproof material supports weight up to 500 pounds. When fully inflated, the Lazery air mattress offers seven different firmness settings, all controlled by a remote and a built-in air pump. Though air may leak out the vinyl surrounding the air pump, this air mattress offers a surprising amount of control and comfort.
6. Insta-Bed Ez Queen Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat – Raised off the ground
The Insta-Bed Ez Queen Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat uses a built-in dual-pump system to keep the bed inflated throughout the night.
The primary pump automatically inflates the mattress to a height of 22 inches, including the metal frame. The secondary, “Never Flat” pump monitors the air pressure in the mattress and maintains your desired level of firmness. At the end of the night, the primary pump can automatically deflate the mattress.
With this offering from Insta-Bed, you can choose between three firmness settings: plush, medium, or firm. The mattress must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the duration of the night in order to take advantage of the continual air flow.
The PVC material of the mattress sports a flocked top to keep your sheets in place. The sure-grip bottom keeps the mattress itself from moving. When fully inflated, the mattress has a capacity of 500 pounds.
The Insta-Bed also utilizes the stability and support of a metal frame to raise the mattress off the ground. After you plug the bed into an outlet, the frame and mattress unfold. A rolling storage case and repair kit are included.
However, this bed is particularly prone to rips and tears. Though some tears can be sealed with the repair kit, others render the bed unusable.
- Built-in dual-pump system.
- Three firmness settings.
- A metal bed frame raises mattress off the ground.
- Particularly prone to rips and tears.
The Insta-Bed Ez Queen Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat is unique in that it rests on a metal frame that raises the air mattress out of the ground. It folds out of a wheeled box for easy storage and transportation. Though this bed is particularly prone to rips and tears, the built-in dual-pump Never Flat technology helps keep the air mattress inflated to your desired firmness throughout the night. The dual-pump system supports three levels of firmness.
7. Fox Air Beds Plush High Rise Air Mattress – Options for inflation
The Fox Air Beds Plush High Rise Air Mattress is a full-sized mattress with a built-in two-way pump that automatically inflates and deflates the internal chambers.
The vinyl material is 43% thicker than in most other air mattresses, and the deluxe release valve allows you to inflate the mattress with any external pump. This might come in especially handy when camping and unable to use electricity.
This offering from Fox Air Beds also utilizes an air-flow system that prevents sleepers from sinking into the center of the bed. When fully inflated, the mattress stands 22 inches off the ground and has a capacity of about 400 pounds.
However, some consumers report that the air bed can lose its shape and become overly round like an inflated ball. In some cases, the air pump also failed after a few uses.
- The mattress is a Full.
- Air-flow system prevents sinking into the center.
- The mattress may lose its shape and become an inflated ball.
- The air pump may fail after a few uses.
Unlike most of the other air mattresses reviewed here, the Fox Air Beds Plush High Rise Air Mattress offers two options for inflating the air mattress. If you mean to go camping or to inflate your mattress without using electricity, this offering from Fox Air Beds might be a safe investment. The mattress’s air flow system prevents sleepers from sinking into the center, and though the mattress may lose its shape, the vinyl is 43% thicker than in most other mattresses.
8. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump – Soft and firm
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump uses a built-in dual-pump system to keep the bed inflated throughout the night.
The primary pump automatically inflates the mattress to a height of 18 inches. The secondary, “Never Flat” pump monitors the air pressure in the mattress and maintains your desired level of firmness. At the end of the night, the primary pump can automatically deflate the mattress.
With this offering from Insta-Bed, you can choose between three firmness settings: plush, medium, or firm. The mattress must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the duration of the night in order to take advantage of the continual air flow.
The PVC material of the mattress sports a flocked top to keep your sheets in place. Insta-Bed also includes a pillow top for your comfort.
When fully inflated, the mattress has a capacity of about 500 pounds.
However, some consumers have reported that air does leak out past the built-in pump, deflating the air mattress. The air mattress may also develop tears at the vinyl seams, allowing air to leak out of the internal chamber.
- Built-in dual-pump system.
- Three firmness settings.
- Pillow top included for comfort.
- Air leaks out past the built-in pump.
- May develop tears.
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump remains firm using a built-in dual-pump system while offering a soft bedding with an included pillow top sheet. Though the bed must remain plugged into electricity throughout the night, the secondary air pump maintains one of three chosen firmness levels: plush, medium, or firm. The mattress may develop tears at the vinyl seams, but the mattress’s flocked top keeps sheets and bedding in place.
9. SimplySleeper SS-89Q Premium Ultra Tough Raised Inflatable Mattress – Blended material prevents stretching
When fully inflated, the SimplySleeper SS-89Q Premium Ultra Tough Raised Inflatable Mattress stands 18 inches off the ground and has a capacity of 600 pounds when fully inflated.
The mattress is made of a breathable polyester and vinyl blend and topped with a 100% microfiber surface to keep your body temperature consistent throughout the night. The blended material also reduces the potential for the mattress to stretch or for any air pressure loss.
The SimplySleeper uses a built-in dual-pump system to keep the bed inflated throughout the night.
The primary pump automatically inflates the mattress to its full height. The secondary, “Constant Comfort” pump monitors the air pressure in the mattress and maintains your desired level of firmness. At the end of the night, the primary pump can automatically deflate the mattress.
You can choose between three firmness settings: plush, medium, or firm. The mattress must be plugged into an electrical outlet for the duration of the night in order to take advantage of the continual air flow.
However, some consumers have reported that this air mattress does not hold air well. It tends to deflate throughout the night while users are sleeping.
- Made of a polyester and vinyl blend.
- Built-in dual-pump system.
- Three firmness settings.
- May deflate in the middle of the night.
The SimplySleeper SS-89Q Premium Ultra Tough Raised Inflatable Mattress is made out of a breathable polyester and vinyl blend. A microfiber surface keeps your body temperature consistent while the polyester blend helps prevents the material from stretching, reducing air loss. A built-in dual-pump system keeps the air pressure consistent, and the polyester blend prevents the mattress from increasing the internal chamber volume. Though it may still deflate in the middle of the night, the mattress can support up to 600 pounds when fully inflated.
10. SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress – Fast, silent inflation
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress stands 19 inches off the ground and has a capacity of 500 pounds when fully inflated. The mattress must be plugged into an outlet in order to inflate using the built-in air pump.
The pump inflates the mattress within four minutes. The motor is designed to operate in near silence.
The vinyl mattress sports a waterproof flocked top to keep your sheets in place. The sure-grip bottom keeps the mattress itself from moving. A dual-chamber construction keeps the mattress inflated and in shape.
This offering from SoundAsleep is designed for indoor use.
However, some consumers have reported that air does leak out past the built-in pump, deflating the air mattress. The air coils inside the mattress may also rip or tear, rendering the air bed unusable.
- Dual-chamber construction.
- Quiet air pump motor.
- Air leaks out past the built-in pump.
- May develop tears.
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress inflates within four minutes using an air pump that operates in near silence. It is designed for indoor use. When fully inflated, the dual-chamber construction supports up to 500 pounds and stands 19 inches off the ground. The dual-chamber also keeps the mattress in its proper shape. Though air may leak out past the built-in pump, a waterproof flocked top will keep your sheets in place.
Editor’s Choice
1. Editor’s Choice for Comfort – Queen Size Inflatable Raised Air Bed Mattress
The Queen Size Inflatable Raised Air Bed Mattress ships with a 1-inch thick memory foam topper that fits snugly around this comfort-focused air mattress. Memory foam conforms to the shape of anything pressed into it, reducing back and joint pain for sleepers.
Though the memory foam will retain more heat than the average pillow top, the soft surface is guaranteed to improve your sleeping experience while using this air mattress.
2. Editor’s Choice for Look and Feel – Air Mattress QUEEN Size Best Choice RAISED Inflatable Bed with Fitted Sheet and Bed Skirt
The Air Mattress QUEEN Size Best Choice RAISED Inflatable Bed ships with a hypoallergenic bamboo bed skirt and fitted sheet that hides the vinyl air mattress from view. The soft, elegant bed skirt disguises the air mattress as a traditional bed, making it perfect for children’s sleepovers or guests with particular tastes.
3. Editor’s Choice for Functionality – Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump
The Serta Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump uses a built-in dual-pump system to maintain the user’s desired level of mattress firmness throughout the night. After the primary pump inflates the mattress, the Never Flat technology keeps the mattress at one of three selected firmness levels: plush, medium, or firm.
This revolutionary functionality helps combat the tendency of air mattresses to deflate while sleepers toss and turn.
4. Editor’s Choice for Design – AeroBed Opti-Comfort Queen Air Mattress
The AeroBed Opti-Comfort Queen Air Mattress features a design of a more traditional bed, complete with a headboard and a faux box spring beneath the mattress itself. The headboard prevents pillows from slipping off the head of the mattress and helps sleepers to be comfortable, even while sitting up and reading.
How to Choose the Best Air Mattress – Buyer’s Guide
Air mattresses can be a useful tool for camping or for sleeping arrangements where traditional beds are unavailable. Air mattresses are so useful that some colleges even let students check air mattresses out from the library.
Before choosing an air mattress, however, it’s useful to know more about what they can offer and how to gauge quality.
1. Size
As with traditional mattresses, air mattresses come in several sizes:
- King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, ideal for two adults
- Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, fits two adults comfortably
- Full or Double: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, ideal for one adult
- Twin: 39 inches wide by 75 inches long, ideal for children
- Twin XL: 39 inches wide by 80 inches long, fits one adult comfortably
Determine who is most likely to be sleeping on your air mattress, and choose your size accordingly.
Air mattresses also come in a variety of heights, in addition to lengths and widths. The most comfortable air mattresses are raised higher off the ground. The higher from the ground, the less likely that the sleeper will wake up sleeping on the floor if the mattress happens to leak air.
Some air mattresses are even raised up off the floor by metal frames or faux box springs. Determine what is most comfortable for you or your guests.
2. Capacity
Nearly every air mattress comes with a weight capacity rating. Most air mattresses can support weights between 400 and 600 pounds.
If you anticipate that heavier adults will be using an air mattress, make sure to look for a model with a high capacity rating. If lighter children are sleeping on the air mattress, you should be safe with a lower capacity model.
If you exceed the weight capacity of an air mattress, it’s likely to rip, tear, or pop.
3. Air Pumps
Cheaper air mattresses feature a valve that can be opened to inflate the air mattress using a hand pump or an external electric air pump.
More expensive models feature a built-in pump or, in some cases, multiple built-in pumps. In a dual-pump system, the primary pump inflates the air mattress to its full capacity, while a secondary pump runs continuously to maintain firmness and prevent air pressure loss.
Though electric pumps require less physical exertion, they do require an available source of power. If you’re heading into the woods for a camping trip, you’ll need to purchase an air mattress that can be inflated without the use of electricity.
Some air mattresses must be plugged into electricity through the duration of the night in order to accommodate a secondary pump that operates continuously. These air mattresses can sometimes be a fire hazard. If the air pump shorts out or the local source of power has faulty wiring, the air mattress might catch fire.
4. Firmness Settings
Simpler air mattresses contain only one chamber of air. The more advanced air mattresses are designed with multiple, interwoven chambers that allow you to control the degree of inflation. These air mattresses can offer multiple firmness settings, sometimes up to seven!
A few models even place these firmness settings on a remote control. If it would be unsafe for you to fumble around in the dark searching for the built-in air pump on the side of the mattress, these remotes can make life easier.
Air mattresses that allow you to adjust the level of firmness are ideal for anyone with back problems or joint pain. If you prefer a specific level of firmness or plushness, determine whether the air mattress offers a smart air pump that can maintain your level of comfort.
No matter the firmness of the air mattress, never let a baby sleep on one. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that infants may suffocate or become trapped between the air mattress and the wall or the floor.
5. Material
The best air mattresses maintain their shape throughout the night, but most air mattresses are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)—commonly known as “vinyl.”
With frequent use, vinyl can stretch, expanding the size of the internal chamber. If a vinyl air mattress stretches, and if it does not include a secondary pump that provides continuous airflow, then the sleeper may potentially sink into the center of the bed.
Some air mattresses temper the vinyl with other materials such as polyester or cotton. These materials reduce the potential of the vinyl to stretch, making it more likely that the air mattress will retain its firmness.
Many air mattresses also feature “flocked” tops. The sleeping surface of the air mattress is interwoven with small fiber particles, creating a rougher surface than if it were smooth vinyl. A rougher surface keeps the sheets from slipping and moving beneath you while you rest.
Air mattresses can also feature “sure-grip” bottoms, which also typically texturize the vinyl in order to prevent the air mattress itself from moving along the ground. If you or your guests tend to toss and turn at night, a sure-grip bottom would be a smart investment.
6. Storage
The most significant benefit to air mattresses is that they can be deflated and stored away until the next time they are needed. Some air mattresses fold easily into carrying bags. Others are attached to unfolding boxes that can be reformed and stored safely.
Determine how you plan to store your air mattress. If stored improperly or folded improperly, the air mattress may rip or tear and then become unusable.
Conclusion
Air mattresses can sometimes be as frustrating as sleeping on the floor. However, if you know what to look for in an air mattress, you can find a great one to suit your needs. These air mattresses all have pros and cons, but only you know which one will work best for you.
When possible, search for air mattresses with built-in dual-pump systems—they keep your air mattress inflated throughout the night, so long as you don’t exceed the weight capacity.