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Whether you’re in the midst of a move surrounded by boxes, embarking on a camping adventure, or simply enjoy hosting friends and family, having the best air mattress will significantly enhance your comfort and convenience.
Air mattresses serve as comfortable and practical alternatives to traditional beds. They are often lightweight, easy to use, and can be effortlessly packed away when not in use, making them a must-have item. They are perfect for accommodating overnight guests or for your own use while away from home.
If you’re new to purchasing air mattresses or seeking an upgrade to a superior model, we have you covered. In this article, we have thoroughly reviewed the top 10 air mattresses available on the market, and we have also included a helpful buying guide to assist you in making an informed decision.
- SoundAsleep Dream Series – (Feature-Packed)
- King Koil Queen Air Mattress – (Most Comfortable)
- Intex Comfort Plush Elevated DuraBeam – (Best Cheap Option)
- OlarHike Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump – (Best for Guests)
- Noble QUEEN Comfort DOUBLE HIGH – (Best Queen Sized)
- Coleman Camping Cot – (Best for Camping)
- Insta Bed Raised – (Best Raised)
- EnerPlex High Speed Wireless Queen – (Most Durable)
- The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed – (Best for Toddlers)
- Intex Classic Downy – (Budget Choice)
How We Compared the Mattresses
In our quest to compare the best air mattresses, we meticulously examined several crucial factors including comfort, durability, price, and specific features. Our primary objective was to offer a comprehensive and unbiased assessment that would empower prospective buyers to make well-informed decisions.
To gauge the comfort level, we delved into customer reviews and sought expert opinions to identify patterns and establish a consensus on the overall sleeping experience provided by each mattress. Durability became a focal point as we scrutinized the materials used, assessed the construction quality, and considered the long-term performance of the mattresses. By factoring in the price ranges, we aimed to ascertain whether the features and quality justified the cost, catering to a diverse range of budget preferences.
Furthermore, we diligently explored various features like built-in pumps, raised designs, wireless capabilities, and specialized considerations for toddlers or camping, striving to present a comprehensive range of options that cater to different needs. Through this meticulous evaluation process, we succeeded in selecting and comparing the finest air mattresses available on the market today.
How To Choose The Best Air Mattress
Choosing the best air mattress involves considering several key factors to ensure you make the right decision for your needs. Air mattresses are versatile and can serve as temporary bedding for guests or outdoor adventures. To find the right option, you’ll need to think about size, comfort, durability, and portability.
Start by considering the size of the air mattress based on where it will be used and how many people will sleep on it. Comfort is crucial, so assess the firmness and material of the mattress. Look for features like added foam layers or adjustable firmness to suit your preferences. Durability is another important aspect—opt for materials like heavy-duty vinyl or PVC for long-lasting use, and check product reviews for insight into the mattress’s longevity.
The ease of inflation and deflation also plays a big role in your decision. Models with internal pumps are convenient and easy to set up, while external pumps are often more affordable. If portability matters, especially for camping or travel, choose a lightweight model with a carrying bag or compact design. Storage is another consideration, especially if you plan on storing the mattress away when not in use.
Lastly, evaluate warranties, included accessories like pumps or repair kits, and the brand’s reputation. Researching these aspects ensures your mattress purchase will be comfortable, durable, and worth your investment. For those considering alternatives, options like memory foam mattresses, folding cots, or sofa beds might better suit your long-term sleeping needs.
The Best Air Mattresses In Detail
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress (Editor’s Choice)
This top-rated air mattress is a queen size coming in at 58″ x 78″ x 19″. Featuring a raised height design and two individual internal chambers, this adjustable air mattress provides for personalized comfort, making it a great temporary bed for guests.
The 40 durable internal air coils lend this premium mattress increased firmness and support for a more refreshing sleep. It also comes with a sure-grip bottom that prevents the airbed from being pushed around if you toss and turn overnight. The waterproof flocked topper is extra thick for comfort while underneath it is puncture-resistant PVC in multiple layers for resiliency and durability.
For added convenience, this luxury air mattress is also fitted with a 1-click electrical pump that lets you fully inflate and deflate the mattress in no time. A click on the toggle is all you need to do to bring the air mattress to its full size in under 4 minutes. This is perfect if you have guests staying unexpectedly, but bear in mind it is rather noisy. You should also expect some chemical odor upon the first use, but this does dissipate fairly rapidly.
Overall, thanks to its ease of use, comfort and 1-year warranty, this is our most recommended electric inflatable mattress. However, even though this could potentially be the best air mattress for everyday use, you will still need to top up the air every other day or so if you’re using it long-term.
- Queen-size is ideal for accommodating multiple guests
- Raised height feels like a ‘real’ bed
- Separate air chambers allow you to adjust the fill to your liking
- Sure-grip bottom prevents sliding
- Inflates in less than 4 minutes
- Pump is noisy
- Chemical odor for the first few uses
- Will require frequent air top-ups if using long-term
King Koil Queen Air Mattress (Most Comfortable)
If you’re looking for a luxury airbed to accommodate friends and family, we think this model by King Koil is the most comfortable air mattress on the market.
Featuring an ultra-soft and thick sueded quilt top, this queen-sized airbed is warm and comfortable, so you and your guests can enjoy a restful night’s sleep. The fully-waterproof and puncture-resistant material guards against spills or accidents, while the textured suede topper keeps your sheets firmly in place.
With a coil-beam construction for support, this air mattress helps maintain proper spinal alignment as you sleep. In fact, King Koil products are endorsed by the International Chiropractors Association, making them a great option if you suffer from back pain.
Effortless to inflate and deflate, the King Koil air mattress features a convenient built-in pump for rapid setup. Should the mattress develop slow air leaks with frequent use, simply click on the internal air pump to give it a boost. It also comes with a 1-year guarantee for your peace of mind.
- Soft, quilted suede top is warm and comfortable
- Coil-beam construction helps to maintain proper spinal alignment
- Fully-waterproof and puncture-resistant
- Built-in pump for quick inflation
- 1-year guarantee
- Suede top may feel ‘too soft’ for those who like a firm mattress
- The included storage bag tears easily
- Prone to slow leaks with regular use
Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura Beam (Best Cheap Option)
If you need a cheap air mattress for occasional use, this air bed from Intex is our top low-cost choice.
Raised to a generous 22″, it is higher than most raised air beds available on the market. It resembles a traditional bed in height and comfort, with the added benefits of mobility and lower cost. Due to its height, this inflatable bed easily fits into a queen-sized fitted sheet without bunching or shifting.
With its built-in, high-powered electric pump, you can quickly inflate or deflate the Comfort Plush Elevated Dura Beam air bed to full size within three to five minutes. The firmness can also be adjusted with the touch of a button. But while the firmness level is good, it can be a little uneven at the edges, so couples may find that one partner is more comfortable than the other. It is also worth noting that many users complained that this mattress tends to lose air during the night and takes a long time to deflate and pack away.
The high-quality materials and plush top used to build this mattress mean that it’s a great option for occasional camping trips or hosting. At such a low cost, the Plush Elevated Dura Beam definitely offers great value, but it is unlikely to be suitable for daily use.
- Low price
- 22” height feels like a traditional bed
- Built-in pump for easy inflation
- Adjustable firmness levels
- Plush pillow top for extra comfort
- Slow deflation
- Uneven firmness
- Prone to air leaks overnight
OlarHike Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump (Best for Guests)
If you regularly host friends and family, we think the OlarHike Queen Air Mattress is the best air mattress for guests.
At 18 “ high and featuring a soft, flocked top, this air bed is very comfortable and mimics the feel of a ‘real’ bed. The thick fabric, inner air coils, and strong seams offer great posture support all night long, while the built-in pump makes inflating easy. Furthermore, this motorized pump is much quieter than others on the market – perfect if you’re trying to set up a guest bed without disturbing your neighbors or waking your kids.
Once inflated, this mattress holds air exceptionally well. Even when sleeping two adults, the OlarHike can maintain inflation for 48 hours without any leaks. So you won’t have to worry about topping it up several times throughout the day. Deflation is simple, too – just turn the pump counterclockwise to fully remove all the air in a couple of minutes.
This easy-to-clean air mattress also comes with a nifty carry bag and puncture repair kit, making it a great buy if you have guests often. However, there are a few negative points to bear in mind. Some customers found that the edges of this mattress provide little support and there is an unpleasant chemical smell that lingers for a few days after opening.
Furthermore, some users have found that the mattress becomes stretched with heavy use, but this doesn’t impact its usability.
- Offers great posture support
- Built-in pump inflates/deflates quickly and quietly
- Maintains inflation for at least 48 hours
- Soft, flocked top for extra comfort
- Includes carry bag and puncture repair kit
- Stretches with regular use
- Lacks edge support
- Chemical smell when new
Noble QUEEN Comfort DOUBLE HIGH Raised Air Mattress (Best Queen Sized)
Out of all our air mattress reviews, we think this large air bed from Noble is the best queen air mattress on the market.
Featuring specialized coil beam technology, this air mattress offers superb structure and firm support for a healthy and comfortable sleeping posture. The pillow top, flocked upper layer is soft to the touch, keeping you or your guests warm and cozy throughout the night while ensuring the sheets stay securely in place. The quilted top is waterproof, too – so there’s no need to fret over any accidental spills.
The built-in pump means you can inflate and deflate this mattress in minutes – perfect for when your guests decide to stay over unexpectedly. Alternatively, if you already own a pump or would prefer to use a higher-powered one, the convenient secondary valve enables you to attach a pump of your choosing.
While this is a great mattress, there may be some durability issues with heavy use. The material around the built-in pump is prone to cracks and the body of the mattress may suffer bulges if used at high-inflation for long periods. The mattress may have a strong, plastic-like odor for the first few uses. The chemical smell will eventually fade, but may not disappear entirely for a few weeks.
- Flocked, pillow top for warmth and comfort
- Coil beam technology maintains healthy sleeping posture
- Built-in pump both inflates and deflates in minutes
- Secondary valve allows you the option to use your own pump
- Waterproof topper
- May bulge with continuous use at full inflation
- Material around the pump prone to cracking
- Unpleasant odor takes some time to fade
Coleman Camping Cot (Best for Camping)
In love with the great outdoors? This camping cot from Coleman is one of the top air beds for camping.
Coming complete with a battery-operated pump, this camping air bed is a great choice for weekend adventures. The inner air coil construction supports your body for a comfortable night’s sleep, while the leak-proof design and stitched-in cover ensure that it stays secure and fully-inflated until morning.
With a steel frame strong enough to support heavier sleepers of up to 600lbs, you can sleep easy knowing this camp bed won’t buckle overnight. The built-in cup holders are perfect for storing a bottle of beer or your morning coffee, while the fold-up design makes for simple storage.
All in all, the Coleman Camping Cot is a fantastic choice when sleeping under the stars, but it does have a few drawbacks. It is a little heavy when carried over long distances and the battery-operated pump can painfully slow in inflating the mattress. The camping cot is also rather squeaky, especially when you’re a restless sleeper.
- Inner air coil construction for great support
- Leak-proof stitching
- Built-in cup holders
- Battery-operated pump
- Fold-up design for easy storage
- Noisy
- Quite heavy to transport
- Pump is slow to inflate
Insta-Bed Raised (Best Raised Option)
Another favorite, available in both queen and twin sizes, is the Raised Air Mattress with Never Flat Pump by Insta-Bed – our pick for the best raised air mattress.
It is raised to 18 inches, which makes getting in and out of bed easy. This raised mattress features circular coils and horizontal reinforcements that create an extra comfortable sleeping experience in addition to the flocked top that’s designed to keep the bedding in place.
Harnessed with a very powerful, yet whisper-quiet internal AC pump, it inflates and deflates in just 4-minutes, while also allowing you to adjust the firmness level to your liking – be it Plus, Medium, or Firm. The Never Flat technology keeps the bed at your desired level of firmness all night by adjusting air pressure quickly and quietly needed. Once the sheets are on, you’ll never be able to tell the difference between this air mattress and a quality innerspring bed.
Unfortunately, the secondary pump which maintains the selected pressure is prone to breaking with frequent use. Therefore, we recommend you only use this bed for occasional guests, not as a replacement for a primary mattress. The edge support is also lacking, so if you usually sleep towards the edge of the mattress, you may feel like you’re rolling off.
- 18” height replicates a real bed
- Circular coils and horizontal reinforcements provide great support
- Flocked top is cozy and keeps bedding secure
- Never Flat technology maintains pressure throughout the night
- Built-in pump offers adjustable firmness levels
- Auto pressure pump prone to failure
- Edge support is weak
- May bulge when over-inflated
EnerPlex High Speed Wireless Queen Air Mattress for Camping (Most Durable)
If you’re looking for the most durable air mattress, the Enerplex High Speed should be on top of your list.
Made from resilient, puncture-resistant PVC, this airbed is designed to stand up to regular use without failing. At 9” in height, it’s easy to get in and out of, while the textured, anti-slip base prevents any shifting or sliding, even on hard floors.
Perfect for camping, this air mattress comes with a wireless, rechargeable pump – so you can inflate your bed no matter where you’re sleeping. Compatible with both 12v car chargers and 120v power outlets, the pump can be fully charged in as little as 1.5 hours, so you won’t need to wait around before hitting the road.
This air mattress is comfortable, too. A soft, flocked top keeps you warm and cozy, while the coil beam construction ensures correct spinal alignment for a healthy night’s sleep. It holds air very well, but you should expect to have to give it a top-up every other day or so.
On the downside, like many air mattresses, this model lacks edge support and is vulnerable to bulges if over-inflated for long periods. However, so long as you take care not to over pressurize it, this mattress will last you for years to come.
- Highly-durable, puncture-resistant outer
- Anti-slip base prevents sliding
- Comes with a wireless, rechargeable pump
- Soft, flocked top for added comfort
- Coil beam construction for spinal support
- Edge support is limited
- May require air top-ups every couple of days
- Can bulge if over-inflated
The Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed (Best for Toddlers)
If you often have children over to stay, we think the Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed is the best single air mattress for kids.
Designed with little ones in mind, this dual-layer air mattress for kids keeps them safe and secure whether you’re out camping, or just staying over at a family members’ house. With a soft, flocked top and clever ‘sheet-tuck’ feature, your child will feel right at home.
Incredibly quick to inflate, the Shrunks Travel Bed features a powerful pump which blows up the bed in just 30-seconds – so you can get them ready for bed in no time. The built-in bumpers help to prevent restless kids from falling out of bed in the night, while the 9” height reduces the risk of injury should they manage it.
Free-from BPAs, phthalate and lead, this air mattress is constructed from child-safe materials for ultimate peace of mind. However, it should be noted that there is a plastic odor once first opened, although this will dissipate after a few days and is not harmful.
All in all, this air mattress is a great choice for toddlers, but there are a couple of caveats. The built-in bumpers are useful, but many users found them to be ‘squeaky’, which may wake up a light-sleeper. Also, while the included pump is effective, it isn’t very durable, especially with frequent use.
- Soft, flocked top for extra comfort
- Dual-layer mattress allows you to tuck sheets in
- Powerful pump inflates bed in just 30-seconds
- Built-in bumpers to prevent falls
- Free-from BPAs, lead, and phthalate
- Plastic off-gassing smell during first uses
- Bumper is squeaky
- Included pump is unreliable
Intex Classic Downy (Budget Choice)
Weighing only 11lbs, yet capable of supporting up to 600lbs of weight, the Intex Classic Downy is our choice of the best budget air mattress. This multi-purpose, low profile queen-sized airbed allows for a snug fit for your fitted sheets and can be used both indoors and out.
Perfect for use in tents or at home, this air bed can be folded compactly for easy storage. The combination of a waterproof flocked top and wave beam construction is very comfortable. As an added bonus, as there is no built-in pillow, it also comes with two inflatable ones – great if you’re the forgetful type.
However, it is important to note that this air double bed comes with an external manual hand pump. While manual pumps require some exertion, they are more lightweight than other external pumps, so they are ideal for backcountry outings or traveling.
On the downside, this budget mattress is prone to slow leaks, gradually deflating over time. For this reason, it is not likely to be durable enough for frequent use and would be better kept for occasional outings or hosting.
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Capable of supporting up to 600lbs
- Waterproof flocked top
- Wave beam construction for comfort and support
- Includes two inflatable pillows
- Manual pump
- Prone to slow leaks
- Not durable enough for frequent use
Conclusion
While all of the air mattresses we have reviewed are excellent choices, we think the best air mattress is the SoundAsleep Dream Series.
This queen-sized air mattress is large enough to accommodate multiple guests, while the raised height makes you feel like you are sleeping on a real bed. The separate air chambers enable you to adjust the firmness and fill to your particular preferences for ultimate comfort, and the built-in, 1-click pump acts rapidly to inflate or deflate this mattress in as little as 4 minutes, so you won’t need to wait around.
Perfect for accommodating friends, family or for use as an alternative to a traditional bed, we love how this air mattress features 40 internal air coils that maintain spinal alignment for fantastic support all night long. The non-slip base prevents any sliding on hard floors (even if you’re a restless sleeper), while the flocked top is thick, cozy, and fully waterproof.
All in all, if you’re looking for the best quality air mattress for long-term use and a great night’s sleep; we think you should look no further than the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress.
I bought a Coleman Premium SupportRest Air Bed a few months ago and it works wonders, I really love this product! 🙂
Hi, do you have a thick Queen size mattress? I’m wanting one as high as a lounge suit as it is easier for me to get out of bed due to my arthritis. Thank you so much.