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Best Air Mattresses – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

Temporary air mattresses are primarily used for activities such as camping that require sleeping outdoors and/or in a vehicle. They are also suitable for overnight guest room accommodations. Temporary air mattresses come equipped with manual or electric air pumps, which allow owners to inflate or deflate the bed to their desired thickness.

Models sold today are divided into two categories: ‘standard elevation’ or ‘single high’ models that can be inflated up to 10″; and ‘raised elevation’ or ‘double high’ models that can be inflated to more than 10″. Please note that ‘temporary air mattresses’ are not synonymous with ‘airbeds’; the latter are designed for bedroom sleeping and long-term use.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a new temporary air mattress. Models with flocked, waterproof surfaces are considered more suitable for sleeping outdoors, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Portability is also important for backpacking trips; models that break down easily and can be compacted to smaller sizes are better for longer hikes. Other variables include durability, noise potential, and price-point.

Read on to learn more about temporary air mattresses, including our picks for the five best temporary air mattresses sold today. Our selections are based on verified customer and owner experiences, as well as intensive product research and analysis.

Best Air Mattresses

Best Air Mattresses – Reviewed

Best OverallSoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress

Best Overall – SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress

Highlights

  • Contains 40 individual air coils for even support
  • Internal Pump
  • Waterproof surface
  • Available in four sizes
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Best OverallSoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress

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Our Editor’s Pick goes to the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress — a durable and comfortable air mattress that stands out from the rest.

This air mattress is constructed with 40 individual air coils that inflate independently, ensuring an even and flat sleeping surface that provides support throughout the entire night. Further, it features a built-in pump that’s designed to be up to 20% quieter than the average airbed pump motor and inflates the bed fully within 4 minutes. Finally, the Dream Series is completely waterproof and utilizes a durable material on the bottom of their mattress that provides suction and friction to prevent the bed from slipping during use.

The Dream Series is available in Twin, Twin XL, Queen, and King Sizes, and is constructed extra thick to emulate the feeling of a traditional mattress. SoundAsleep is known for their customer service, and is dedicated to helping customers with whatever issues may arise.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
  • Sleepers who prefer higher-profile air mattresses
  • Accommodating guests

Most DurableColeman SupportRest Double High Airbed

Most Durable – Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed

Highlights

  • Up to 18" thick
  • 300 to 600 lb. weight capacity
  • Flocked, anti-microbial surface
  • 1-year warranty
  • Great support and low leak potential
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Most DurableColeman SupportRest Double High Airbed

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The SupportRest Double High Airbed from Coleman can be inflated up to 18″, making it particularly suitable for individuals who want a durable higher-profile air mattress.

The bed weighs less than 15 pounds when fully deflated; it is considered best for car camping, as well as guest room accommodations. The SupportRest Double High Airbed is compatible with most external pumps.

The bed has a flocked surface that provides good traction for sleeping, which prevents individuals from slipping off. It is also equipped with an ‘AirTight’ system that reduces air leaks and keeps the bed fully inflated. The Coleman SupportRest Double High Airbed is available in Twin and Queen sizes; the bed is backed by a one-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
  • Sleepers who prefer higher-profile air mattresses
  • Car camping and guest room accommodations

Best ValueIntex Classic Downy Airbed

Best Value – Intex Classic Downy Airbed

Highlights

  • Up to 8.75" thick
  • 300 to 600 lb. weight capacity
  • Flocked, waterproof surface
  • Fast inflation and deflation
  • Above-average support
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Best ValueIntex Classic Downy Airbed

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Inadequate support is a common complaint about standard elevation air mattresses. The Classic Downy Airbed from Intex is constructed to offer better support than most with 14-gauge vinyl beams over a 15-gauge base. The bed also features a flocked, waterproof surface that reduces slippage, making it ideal for tent camping, and a two-in-one valve system that inflates and deflates the bed very quickly.

The Classic Downy Bed is sold in three sizes – Twin, Full, and Queen – with weight capacities ranging from 300 to 600 pounds. The vinyl beams will maintain full air capacity through the night, and the bed will only need to be inflated once prior to use.

An external air pump is sold separately; the Intex Classic Downy Airbed is compatible with most external pump models. The price-point for this bed is significantly lower than the cost of an average temporary air mattress.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in all weight groups (light, average, heavy)
  • Sleepers who prefer lower-profile beds
  • Car and tent camping

Most ComfortableInsta-Bed Raised Air Bed

Most Comfortable – Insta-Bed Raised Air Bed

Highlights

  • Up to 19" thick
  • 350 to 500 lb. weight capacity
  • Suede-flocked surface
  • 1-year warranty
  • Supportive, coil-based construction
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Most ComfortableInsta-Bed Raised Air Bed

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The Raised Air Bed from Insta-Bed can be inflated up to 19″, making it thicker than the majority of air mattresses sold today. Two internal electric pumps – part of Insta-Bed’s patented ‘Never Flat’ system – allow the bed to be fully inflated/deflated in less than four minutes and will maintain full air capacity throughout the night.

In the event of air loss, the secondary air pump will automatically add air. The pumps are very quiet, as well. This bed is also highly supportive, due in part to circular coils that reinforce the slip-free suede-flocked surface.

Owners can also choose from three firmness settings – Plush, Medium, or Firm; the Never Flat system will auto-inflate the bed based on the selected firmness. The Insta-Bed Raised Air Bed is backed by a one-year warranty.

Good for:

  • Sleepers in the average and heavy weight groups
  • Sleepers who prefer higher-profile beds
  • Car camping and guest room accommodations

Buying Guide – How to Shop for an Air Mattress

Temporary air mattresses are inflatable sleep surfaces designed with manual or electric air pumps. Temporary air mattresses are different from ‘airbeds,’ a term that typically refers to standard-size mattresses constructed with air chambers in the support core and designed for long-term use.

Unlike airbeds, temporary air mattresses are considered most suitable for guest accommodations, camping trips, RV beds, and other short-term sleeping arrangements, although some sleepers choose to use them on a nightly basis. However, please note that some temporary air mattresses are sold as ‘airbeds.’

Read on to learn more about different types of temporary air mattresses, as well as some leading brands and models that are currently available for sale.

Air Mattress Construction

Temporary air mattresses fall into two general categories based on their height:

  • Standard elevation (or ‘single high’) air mattresses are 10 inches or shorter
  • Raised elevation (or ‘double high’) air mattresses are taller than 10 inches.

Temporary air mattresses often feature flocked (or textured) surfaces to provide additional warmth for sleepers; some covers are also waterproof. Other models also have legs for extra height. The majority of temporary air mattresses are available in Twin, Full, and/or Queen sizes.

Portability is a major selling point with temporary air mattresses, since most are designed for easy deflation, packing, and storage. They are also fairly inexpensive, with most models priced below $150. However, there are also disadvantages associated with temporary air mattresses, such as below-average durability, noise, and the potential for discomfort due to air loss.

Air Mattress Performance Ratings

The table below lists ratings for temporary air mattresses regarding durability, noise, maintenance, and other performance factors, as well as cost, warranty, and other buying considerations. All ratings have been generated from authentic customer reviews and feedback.

Uses for a Temporary Air Mattress

One notable benefit of temporary air mattresses is that they are suitable for multiple uses in addition to serving as a primary sleep surface. Let’s look at four primary uses for these mattresses.

Camping and Backpacking

Sleeping in a tent is one of the most common activities associated with temporary air mattresses. The mattresses are ideal for car camping, since they can easily be transported from a vehicle to a campsite due to their portable structure and below-average weight (typically 20 pounds or less when fully deflated).

Backpacking campouts may be a little trickier; while temporary air mattresses are somewhat lightweight, they tend to take up a lot of backpack space. For these occasions, a more suitable option may be a rollable air mattress that can be attached to the exterior of the backpack.

Tent space is another consideration. Most Twin and Full-size air mattresses easily fit into a standard, one- or two-person tent, but larger sizes may be too wide and/or long. Size is not as much of a factor for tents that accommodate more than two people — but measuring the interior of a tent prior to purchasing a camping air mattress is strongly recommended.

Finally, it’s important to remember that cold temperatures can increase the risk of deflation during the night. For this reason, a camping mattress should be sturdy enough to reduce the risk of escaping air.

Sleeping in a Vehicle

Temporary air mattresses may be suitable for sleeping in motorhomes and other recreational vehicles (RVs), as well as SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks and other large everyday vehicles. In addition to activities where people choose to sleep in their vehicle, such as road trips or car camping, an air mattress can work in a pinch when the driver is forced to spend the night in his or her vehicle due to unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, some people choose to keep an emergency air mattress in the back of their vehicle.

Some air mattresses are designed with stands that fit snugly in the backseats of most SUVs and other large vehicles, as well as truck beds. Additionally, some air mattresses are available in ‘RV’ sizes to accommodate the slightly smaller beds found in most recreational vehicles.

Guest Room Accommodations

Temporary air mattresses can be used to provide bedding for overnight guests in one’s home, or as a portable sleep surface that the owner can take to someone else’s house. Twin, Full, or Queen-size air mattresses are typically best for these occasions, since they provide adequate room for most individuals without taking up too much floor space.

Reserving air mattresses for guest accommodations can also help extend the product’s lifespan, provided they are stored in a space that will not leave them vulnerable to excessive heat, moisture, or physical damage.

Nightly Use

Temporary air mattresses are not necessarily designed for everyday use, but some individuals prefer to sleep on them. Longevity is a major consideration for these sleepers, since air mattress models may deteriorate more quickly than other mattress types. However, because air mattresses can be inflated or deflated to suit individual sleepers, these models can be quite beneficial to people who experience pain and/or pressure in their neck, shoulders, lower back, and other sensitive areas — provided the mattress does not lose too much air during the night.

Please note: many air mattresses are sold with the disclaimer that they are not designed for everyday use; as a result, damage that occurs due to everyday use (such as early deterioration) may not be covered under the product warranty.

Air Mattress Sizes and Thickness Options

When browsing and comparing different temporary air mattress models, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Two of the most important factors to take into account are size and profile, or height. The following table will explore the most common sizes and profiles of air mattresses.

 

Sizing

The most common sizes of air mattresses include:

Thickness

The majority of temporary air mattresses sold today are raised elevation (or ‘double high’) models that measure more than 10 inches thick, and many mattress models are 20 or more inches thick. These mattresses may take longer to inflate (especially with manual inflation), but getting on and off of these models is relatively easy.

Select air mattresses fall in the standard elevation (or ‘single high’) category, meaning they are 10 inches thick or shorter; the majority fall between eight and 10 inches. Some of these models are designed for children, but there are also standard elevation options for adults. However, getting on and off of a standard elevation air mattress can be fairly difficult.

Air Mattress Materials

When shopping for an air mattress, another key consideration is the material(s) used in construction. Most temporary air mattresses are made using polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, a synthetic plastic polymer. PVC is used to produce a wide range of goods.

However, the material has raised numerous environmental and human health concerns over the years. The use of chlorine in the PVC production process is among these concerns. Some mattresses are made with ‘eco-friendly PVC,’ which refers to PVC that is non-chlorinated. Despite the absence of chlorine, there are additional environmental and health concerns with ‘eco-friendly’ PVC.

As an alternative to PVC, some temporary air mattresses are made from textile-backed plastics or rubber components. One example of an alternative to PVC mattress material is known as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). An elastic, biodegradable substance that doesn’t require a toxic chemical treatment, TPU is considered an eco-friendly, healthy alternative to PVC mattresses.

But air, plastic, and rubber components aren’t the only materials you’ll find in air mattresses. In addition to the air chambers, some air mattresses are designed with microcoils in the uppermost area for added comfort and pressure relief.

Also on the market are air mattresses with memory foam toppers. Airbeds with memory foam upper layers are designed to offer additional comfort and contouring. While heavier, memory foam models generally can be rolled up easily into a carrying case.

Air Mattress Pumps

As the names implies, external pumps attach to a nozzle on the outside of the mattress. External pumps may be operated manually (typically using a foot pedal), or powered using batteries or an electrical system. Manual external pumps can be time- and energy-consuming to operate. By comparison, electrical pumps are much faster and ideal in the event you have to wake up in the night to quickly re-inflate a mattress.

The main downside of external pumps is they often have to be purchased separately from your air mattress, which can set you back anywhere from $10 to $30. Another drawback of using an external pump is the risk of losing it.To avoid misplacing your external pump, always store the mattress and the pump together.

Internal Pumps

Internal pumps are built into the air mattress. Most internal pumps are operated using knobs or buttons. These pumps have the advantage of containing no spare, extraneous parts, which can be lost easily. They also tend to inflate at a much quicker rate, since they use batteries or electrical mains and are never battery-operated. Two notable downsides: internal pump air mattresses are typically more expensive than external pump models, and are also more prone to equipment breakdowns that affect the owner’s ability to inflate the mattress.

Price and Warranty

A new temporary air mattress usually won’t break the bank. Most models are priced at $150 or lower. On the lower end of the pricing spectrum are air mattresses made of PVC without internal pumps. On the higher end are TPU air mattresses and air mattresses with special features like internal pumps, microcoils, and memory foam toppers.

An air mattress may come with a warranty, but most do not extend beyond one year of coverage. Other models do not come with any sort of warranty. Generally, filing warranty claims for any type of mattress can be a hassle, as well as costly. Owners may be responsible for charges associated with transporting defective mattresses, and these costs may be on par with the price of a new air mattress model.

Other Buying Considerations

In addition to crucial considerations like size, material, and price, there are a number of other factors to look at before investing in an air mattress:

Weight Capacity: Most air mattresses can support at least 300 pounds, which is adequate for the vast majority of sleepers, as well as sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, and other bedding accessories. However, customers should inquire about the weight capacity of different models.

Mattress Weight: When fully deflated, most temporary air mattresses weigh 20 pounds or less. Customers looking for a backpacking air mattress may prefer models that are on the lighter side (between 8 to 10 pounds when deflated).

Noise: Air mattresses with internal or external pumps that are battery- or electricity-powered tend to produce a fair amount of noise during the inflation process, but most are relatively quiet during the night. However, regardless of the pump, many owners claim that the mattress produces squeaking sounds whenever they shift positions. A mattress topper or pad may reduce the noise potential to some extent.

Durability: Most temporary air mattresses have limited durability. However, reserving these mattresses for occasional use and storing them properly can significantly extend their lifespan. See the maintenance tips section below for more information.

Air retention: Air retention is particularly important when choosing an air mattress model. A mattress that deflates quickly and easily will not provide adequate support, leading to aches, pains, and disrupted sleep. Air retention is particularly important in colder climates, when air becomes condensed and air mattresses may lose their shape and comfort. One study found that sleeping on air mattresses in cold climates resulted in less comfortable, less restful sleep.

To identify an air mattress with superior air retention, examine customer reviews and the warranty. A quality mattress that offers good air retention should offer a two- or three-year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Maintenance Tips

Properly maintaining an air mattress can greatly extend the product’s lifespan and help ensure optimal performance for each use. This section will look at tips for storing mattresses, keeping the mattress inflated, and repairing air leaks.

Storage

Air mattresses should be kept in spaces that are not too hot or cold. Additionally, the storage space should not be too humid or susceptible to moisture buildup. Be sure to check the area for sharp objects that could potentially cause punctures and other types of physical damage to the mattress. Also make sure the mattress is placed in a position where pets with claws will not be able to come into contact with it.

A large number of air mattresses come with duffle bags, carrying cases, and other storage units. These provide an extra layer of protection, and also make the mattress more compact and portable.

Keeping the Mattress Inflated

Most air mattresses require some level of inflation each time they are used. Although they are designed for customizable inflation/deflation settings, owners should never over-inflate the mattress. This can lead to tears and rips that cause air leakage.

Some manufacturers recommend inflating and deflating the mattress at least once prior to using it. This will help break in the mattress.

Repairing Air Leaks

A vinyl leak repair or patching kit may be a smart investment for air mattress owners. These kits are often sold with the mattresses themselves. They are commonly found in outdoor and sporting goods stores.

The leak repair process for air mattresses is as follows:

  • 1. Identify the source of the leak by listening for hissing sounds.
  • 2. Once a leak has been identified, completely deflate the mattress and let it rest for a few minutes to ensure all of the air has been removed.
  • 3. Administer sealant from the repair kit and allow it to set for several minutes.
  • 4. Apply at least one more layer of sealant. There is no such thing as too much sealant, though two to three layers should do the trick.
  • 5. Place a patch over the sealed area for added protection.

Under no circumstances should the air mattress be placed in water to help pinpoint the location of the leak (as one might do with other leaking items, such as bicycle tires). This can cause irreparable damage to the interior of the mattress.

For more information, please visit our guide to repairing leaks in temporary air mattresses.

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