Home » Reviews » Best Air Mattresses 2022 – Like Sleeping On Air?
The best air mattresses are incredibly versatile and extremely useful. They’re great for long camping trips, sleepovers for the kiddos, or even a place for the in-laws to rest when they visit. We carefully selected our top four picks for the best air mattress of 2022. We have options for camping , as well as some more deluxe options for indoor use. There truly is something here for everyone!
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. The air mattresses in this article were subjected to similarly rigorous testing. While selecting the best air mattresses for this roundup, we focused especially on durability, support, and budget. When it comes to an air mattress, it’s crucial that our readers are knowledgable of the models that make for budget-friendly, long-term investments.
AeroBed is one of the most well-known air mattress brands on the market, and for good reason; they make luxury air mattresses that come in a variety of styles and designs. One of our favorite AeroBed models is the AeroBed Air Mattress with Built-In Pump and Headboard. As the name suggests, there is quite a bit going on with this air mattress. It features a built-in pump with three firmness settings, which allows sleepers to find the right firmness for them.
What Makes The AeroBed Stand Out?
Read the full AeroBed air mattress review
The AeroBed features three firmness settings and a very luxurious design - click the button for the best deal on AeroBed.
Like the AeroBed, the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump is a substantial air mattress with a number of interesting features. It’s 22″ tall, even taller than the AeroBed air mattress, and has a built-in pump with one firmness setting. Those who want a durable air mattress for indoor use, but don’t want to break the bank should consider the Intex.
What Makes The Intex Stand Out?
Read the full Intex air mattress review
The Intex Dura Beam is a thicker more substantial air mattress that should be a good fit for house guests.
One of the main reasons people invest in an air mattress is to have something to sleep on while camping out under the stars. We found the SoundAsleep Camping Series air mattress to be an outstanding option. It’s 9″ tall and is constructed with a multi-layered PVC designed to prevent puncturing and air leakage. This can happen easily when camping because of the rocks and sharp sticks found at campsites, but it shouldn’t be a particular issue with the SoundAsleep.
What Makes The SoundAsleep Stand Out?
Read the full SoundAsleep mattress review
The SoundAsleep is a fantastic air mattress for camping and should last for a good amount of time. Click the button for the best deal on the SoundAsleep air mattress.
What about those who want one air mattress that can work both in a guest room and in a tent? Well, that’s what the Coleman Double High Support Rest air mattress is all about: versatility. In addition, the Coleman features a Support Lock system that provides even support across the entire air mattress. Whether one uses it inside or outside, the air mattress should feel comfortable and supportive.
What Makes The Coleman Stand Out?
Read the full Coleman air mattress review
The Coleman air mattress is a versatile option for those who need something for indoor and outdoor use. Click the button for the best deal on the Coleman.
Buying an air mattress isn’t the same as buying a standard mattress for a bedroom. There are a number of specific factors to consider in order to ensure a wise investment.
When purchasing an air mattresses, it’s crucial to determine why you’re buying one in the first place, as these circumstances will dictate what type of air mattress you should be shopping for. For instance, an air mattress made for guests staying a long weekend will have different qualities than an air mattress made for camping in a tent or the back of a truck.
Whether or not you need an air pump for a mattress depends on a variety of factors. Some mattresses come with built-in air pumps, and some don’t. Built-in pumps are going to be great for camping, especially because you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet or hooking things up to your car. Those who don’t mind a little extra work should make sure the air mattress works well with an air pump.
Another aspect of air mattress inflation is the time it takes to inflate and deflate. Some of the mattresses on this list can inflate in about a minute, but we think a few minutes of deflation time is normal for most air mattresses.
Unlike standard mattresses, air mattresses run the risk of popping or leaking air. When this happens, people can find themselves lying on a deflated air mattress. We recommend you look for a bed that features thicker PVC or other construction features that will help to evade this annoying issue. While this may be a bit more expensive up front, it should make for a good long-term investment. After all, an air mattress that’s properly taken care of can last about 10 years.
Again, the height at which you should purchase your air mattress it depends on the design and intended use. For instance, a single-layer camping air mattress will usually be no thicker than 11″ or 12″. A more advanced, multi-layered air mattress could be as high as 22″. A taller height such as this is going to be more comfortable and feel more like a real mattress. In this sense, it’s better for guest rooms. However, an air mattress with a shorter height is likely going to be more portable, since taller air mattresses include more material and are heavier. In the end, it all depends on your preference. As an example, you might choose a heavier, taller air mattress for camping to sacrifice portability for comfort.
All in all, there is no reason to break the bank when shopping for an air mattress. Depending on size and whether or not it comes with a built-in pump (an air mattress with a built-in pump will likely be more expensive), we’ve seen the middle range of air mattress prices between $30 and $150. We recommend keeping the above points in mind when deciding how much to pay for an air mattress. Regardless of price, ensure your air mattress is durable and is able to function for your intended uses.
Just as you would for a normal mattress, it’s essential to take proper care of an air mattress. This can help prevent deflation and odor, and can extend the lifespan of your air mattress.
You shouldn’t have to stress over whether or not your air mattress is going to support your through the night. The last thing you’d want wake up to is a deflated air mattress underneath you.
Of course, all air mattresses deflate a small, unnoticeable amount because of temperature changes, pressurization, and other factors. But often, these are things we can’t control. To avoid leaks and pops, the biggest priority is to take care of the physical condition of the mattress. Here are some tips:
If your air mattress is already leaking, we recommend you purchase a new mattress if you have the means to. It’s difficult to fix, and locating the place where the air mattress popped is a challenge within itself, since the hole can be miniscule. However, if you’re stuck on avoiding a new purchase or need quick fix, here are a few (temporary) solutions:
For cleaning, we recommend you refer to the instructions that came with your air mattress. However, if you don’t have access to your individual air mattress’ cleaning instructions, we’ve got some some tips for you:
Whether in person or on the Internet, you can find a variety of quality models for a large range of prices. There’s no right or wrong decision here, as long as you’re purchasing an air mattress that fits your budget and your needs.
Hardware stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s, sporting goods stores like REI and Bass Pro Shops, and some retail stores like Target and Walmart have plenty of air mattress options. Purchasing a mattress in-store can be beneficial because you might be able to get advice from a knowledgable salesperson.
You can also purchase air mattresses from any of the sites mentioned above but from the comfort of your own home. This allows you to look at a variety of additional options from different retailers.
Just because you’re sleeping under the stars or in a guest room doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. Did you know that air mattress accessories are offered, just as they are with normal mattresses?
While we wish it were true, there is not a one-size-fits-all pump when it comes to air mattresses. Each brand has its own compatible pump. With that said, there are pumps that come with various nozzle attachments. This can be especially useful if you have multiple air mattresses from different brands or have lost the air pump that originally came with your mattress.
The pumps’ functionality can differ, too. Some, as we’ve mentioned, are built-in pumps. But there are also electric pumps that aren’t built into your air mattress, as well as manual pumps. Manual pumps and built-in pumps can be great for camping, especially because you may not have a power source available for an electric pump. If you’re looking for an option that isn’t noisy, it’s best to go with either a manual pump or search for an electric or battery-powered pump that stays on the quiet side. And for those looking to do the least amount of work possible, an electric or battery-powered pump is always best.
Toppers can alter the feel and temperature of your mattress, depending on the model and its materials. Generally, toppers are used to change up the feel of the air mattress, especially if you find the surface of your bed is too firm. If you buy a topper to help alter the overall temperature of your sleeping surface, the materials used can either help cool you down or heat you up.
First off, we do not recommend using an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain in certain areas. That being said, in our experience, the best air mattress for everyday use is the AeroBed Air Mattress with Built-In Pump and Headboard. It's a substantial, supportive air mattress which could mimic the experience one would get with a standard mattress.
One of the most durable air mattresses that we have come across is the Intex Dura-Beam Hi-Rise Premium Comfort Airbed with Internal Pump. It features a Fiber-Tech construction, and the PVC contains thousands of polyester strands that should help prevent puncturing.
It's really not the best idea to sleep on an air mattress for an extended period of time because this can lead to pain and strain in the joints and back. To get the best sleep and support possible, people should be lying on a standard mattress with a proper bed frame.
Changes in temperature, punctures in the surface, and even time itself are all common causes for air mattress deflation. All air mattresses deflate because pressurized air is contained within them and eventually escapes, but if you purchase a new bed, you shouldn’t feel the air escape. To prevent you from dealing with holes, leaks, and the other factors more in our control, we recommend purchasing a mattress with quality materials to increase overall durability. Additionally, following your air mattress’ instructions on proper care is crucial.
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