The King Koil Air Mattress is our top pick based on its comfort and convenience in our testing. The built-in pump makes quick work of the inflation and deflation process, and it’s fully flocked for a softer feel and to keep your sheets in place. For a more budget option, we recommend the Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress.
Alternatively, if you only use it once a year, you can expect to hang on to it for a long time. You should expect to get at least two to five years out of a regularly used air mattress and up to 10 if you don’t use it often. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, CR expert Chris Regan shares tips on what to look for when mattress shopping.
During the testing, I thought the King Koil model came closest to mimicking the feel of a real coil mattress. At about 17 pounds, it was light enough to move around and inflated fully in just under 3 minutes. The flocked top and sides add some extra grip for sheets and minimizes the feeling of sleeping on a pool float (as opposed to the SoundAsleep, which bestway twin air mattress is flocked on only the top). But this does mean that the sides can be more prone to gathering lint. The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress (20-inch) was one of the most comfortable mattresses I tested. It lasted an impressive 48 hours without needing to be re-inflated and deflated easily within 3 minutes—folding up perfectly in the included nylon tote.
Before you use your mattress for the first time, stretch it out over a 48-hour period by fully inflating it and continuing to top it up periodically. This process will help the material adjust, something you should do before you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night on top of a partially expanded mattress. Also, bestway air bed temperature fluctuations can change the air density and lead to the illusion of a mattress deflating. If your room gets a lot colder at night your mattress will feel softer, so try to keep the temperature changes minimal. Also, no matter how expensive or well-made, an air mattress is not meant to replace a real mattress.
Our collection of airbeds also makes a great choice for on-the-go needs at home. Our range of airbeds with built-in pumps is sure to make your outdoor experience a breeze. When it’s time to pack up, the pump deflates the airbed so it fits into a carry bag that can be stored away till your next adventure. Perfect for every camping enthusiast, our collection of air mattress repair kits, air mattress repair patches and air mattress storage bags is sure to come in handy.
And at 45 pounds, this air mattress is on the heavier side, but we appreciate that it comes with a rolling case for easy transport. One of our experts routinely uses it in her home, both for overnight guests and movie nights with her kids, and she notes that the mattress feels substantial and doesn’t sag under your weight. The true killers of air mattresses are “slow leaks,” which usually crop up along the glued seams and are often especially difficult to find. If you suspect you have a slow leak, inflate your mattress and then press hard on it, listening closely along the seams for air escaping.
It deflated from 21 inches to 19 inches, but this isn’t overly surprising for a mattress that lacks a secondary pump for overnight inflation. We also think it’s an excellent value—it’s neither the most expensive nor the cheapest air mattress on the market. But it’s priced right for its features, and that’s just one of the many reasons it’s our top pick. It’s built with inflatable safety bumpers around the entire perimeter of the mattress, and even if your child were to accidentally roll off, the bed is just a few inches off the ground.
But if you live in a small apartment or house, or you don’t host guests regularly, an air mattress may be the best option. Air mattresses can also be useful for kid sleepovers, temporary sleeping situations during a move, or for quarantining a sick family member in a space that isn’t typically used as a bedroom. Though most queen-size air mattress options measure approximately 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, height is both a variable and a selling point. In fact, it may be a primary consideration for older or disabled people who would have trouble getting on or off a bed that’s too low to the ground.
This durable, stress-tested material can withstand all of the weight and movement that comes with a great night’s sleep. Simple SetupThis air mattress inflates in 5 minutes so it is ready for bed when you are. The built-in pump allows for easy inflation, and bestway twin air mattress the quick deflate screw valve allows for easy deflation after use. Simply place your flattened bed in the included carrying bag for easy transport and storage. Get yourself a comfy air mattress that supports your back and gives you sound sleep all night long.
The research also relied heavily on firsthand testing reports from The Lab, where we tested 10 air mattresses for their stability, support, durability, portability, and more. Our recommendations all use electric pumps for faster inflation and deflation, and most have a built-in pump to further simplify the process. An air mattress with a frame elevates the sleeping area, making it easier to get in and out of bed.