The Sleep Expert Buying Guide: Air Mattresses

Comfortable, portable and convenient, air mattresses can provide a great night of rest. If you are searching for a temporary sleep space to store in a guest room at your home or to use while camping, there is likely an inflatable bed that meets your needs.

“[Air mattresses] are a short-term solution to having family visiting for a weekend, and your office is turned into a bedroom,” Sleep Expert® Robert Aguayo says. “You have the ability to easily put it out and take it down right away for visitors.”

But with numerous styles and prices ranging from under $50 to several hundred dollars, finding the right one can be a challenge. Not sure where to get started? Use these tips to make finding your next air mattress as easy as one, two, zzz.

Generally, inflatable beds mirror the sizes of traditional mattresses. You’ll want to consider the number of sleepers—a twin or full for single sleepers and a queen or larger for couples—but don’t forget to consider the space you have to set up your air mattress. Measure the area in your home or tent where you intend to inflate the bed to ensure there is enough room to move around it. Larger mattresses also take longer to inflate.

An additional measurement to consider is the height of the inflatable bed. Single-height air mattresses typically measure up to 10 inches tall, while double-height beds are taller than that. Your preferences will determine how tall of a mattress you need: If you or your guests could struggle getting off a lower-profile bed, you’ll want to go with a double-height air mattress. Plus, the extra height can also provide additional comfort. “The first thing I look at as I have gotten older is the height,” Aguayo explains. “A thicker mattress does hold more air, so you’re getting more benefits from it.”

But if you plan to use the inflatable bed for camping or traveling, a single-height mattress will be lighter and easier to store away. Make sure to check the description or packaging for the mattress you’re considering to understand the height once inflated.

There are a variety of materials and design features used in the construction of these beds. You might be wondering: What is the best material for an air mattress? When it comes to the primary material used, there are two popular options:

• Polyvinyl chloride: Also known as PVC, this is the most common material used in air mattress construction. It’s flexible and waterproof, and PVC is often the most affordable material.
• Thermoplastic polyurethane: This premium, highly durable material, sometimes known as TPU, is lighter than PVC and is designed to maintain its shape and not deflate easily.

Another material you’ll find is flocked fabric sewn on the on top of the air mattress to avoid the feeling of sleeping on plastic. It is also adhered to the bottom of the air mattress to limit slipping on flooring like hardwood, tile and nylon tent fabric.

Air coils are an interior design feature that provides the support you need for a great night’s rest. Unlike springs you’d find in a traditional mattress, these vertical chambers fill with air and help distribute the weight evenly—you’ll likely want 30 to 40 coils for maximum support. You may also find mattresses with air beams that run horizontally across the bed, but these may not offer the same level of support as coils.

To maximize your comfort, Aguayo recommends adding a mattress topper if you want the best night of sleep on your inflatable bed. “Air mattresses provide great support, but they’re not designed so much with pressure-relieving material on top,” Aguayo says. “Adding some sort of comfort layer on top will help you stay asleep longer and uninterrupted.” If you’re searching for a mattress topper for your inflatable bed, check out the wide selection of styles at Mattress Firm today.

Are you worried you’ll lose your breath while blowing up an inflatable bed? You shouldn’t be! The days of huffing and puffing to inflate your air mattress are over; modern pumps, either internal or external, make the process quick and easy,. Some will even allow you to set the bed to plush or firm by turning a dial or pressing a button.

• Internal: It is hard to beat the convenience of an internal pump. Inflation is quick with a battery- or electric-powered pump, plus there is no worry of struggling with or losing external pieces. “When it is internal, that’s when it has the features to let the air in and out slowly, and you have more of that accessibility at the press of a button,” Aguayo says.
• External: There are a variety of external pumps to choose from—some are electric-powered, making them a good choice for home use. Others have battery-powered or manual pumps that inflate by hand or foot, both of which are good choices for campers. Just remember: Manual pumps can be a heck of a workout.

Generally, you’ll be deciding between two distinct styles of inflatable beds. Some are great for indoor use, while others are a better fit for camping. Check out the options below to find the perfect one for you.

Once you find the right air mattress, you’ll want to take care of it to keep it around for as long as possible. When properly stored and cared for, certain air mattresses can last up to 10 years, with the typical range from three to 10 years. Use these tips to help make your inflatable bed a refreshing sleep space for years to come.

• Inspect your air mattress before using it. Remove it from storage and spread the bed out before inflation. Check for any holes, tears or mold.
• Clean the ground where you plan to place the bed before inflating. “Whether it’s hardwood, tile or carpet, clean it because you don’t want anything poking [the air mattress],” Aguayo recommends.
• Inflate the mattress to its proper capacity. You want to maintain consistent air pressure while in use. Underinflated beds create uneven weight distribution, which can lead to the eventual wearing of the material. Overinflated mattresses put extra stress on their seams.
• Use bedding. It will make the night even more comfortable, and it can also protect your mattress from sharp objects like pet claws. Sheets will also help prevent the buildup of dust and sweat on the inflatable bed.
• Store it properly. After deflating the mattress, roll it up and store it in its bag or box. “Pack it the way it came packed,” Aguayo advises. “Rolling it up and throwing it in the closet…that’s where little punctures and tears come from.” Also, keep your bed in a storage space away from extreme heat and cold, as well as moisture.
• Clean it regularly. Use warm water and light soap to wipe the mattress down while inflated. Make sure you give it plenty of time to dry before storing it.