There are a lot of reasons why investing in a high-quality air mattress is a good idea. Unlike a futon or cot, an air mattress provides the same amount of space as a regular mattress plus it deflates and is easily stored when not needed. Whether you’re waiting for furniture delivery, want to sleep more soundly when camping, or need something to accommodate overnight guests, the best air mattress is a comfortable solution in an easy to store package.
We considered some of the most important features to put together this review. The first thing you have to decide is how and where you plan to use your air mattress. We included a nice variety of options to suit any occasion. Size is important, too, especially if you’re looking for the best king size air mattress to accommodate two sleepers comfortably. We not only looked at the pump but how quickly it inflates and whether or not you can choose different firmness levels. Weight is important, too, especially if you’re looking for something portable. Finally, we considered durability to make sure your mattress will last and warranty to make sure you’re covered if it doesn’t.
To put together our list of the best air mattresses, we spent hours researching information from manufacturers as well as comments from experts and people just like you who use these products every day. The first thing you’ll find is a table where you can see all of our options in one place to quickly and easily compare. After that are in-depth reviews of each product followed by a detailed buying guide to help you find the best air mattress for you.
More features: 40 internal air coils, 15-gauge material and multi-layered flocked top
The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress is an ideal option that’s convenient, durable, and large enough to sleep two people comfortably. It features a double-height, dual chamber construction with a Sure-Grip bottom that prevents it from sliding around when getting in and out of bed.
One of the things that make this mattress so comfortable is the 40 internal air coils which add extra support. There’s also an extra-thick waterproof flocked top and multilayer puncture resistant material for added durability.
Inflating this air mattress is really easy using the one-click internal pump. It actually fills the mattress to the ideal firmness in under four minutes. If you like a firmer sleeping surface, you can use the pump for a quick top off. It’s perfect for keeping overnight guests comfortable, stays inflated for days, and deflates just as easily when your guests head home. There’s even a carry bag for easy transport and safe storage.
Although this mattress is covered by a one-year warranty, it only covers intended use. Note that this mattress is meant for indoor use only and is not recommended for the outdoors. It’s also not designed to be used daily as an alternative to a traditional mattress. Improper use will void the warranty so it’s important to know those things beforehand.
When inflated, this mattress is closer to a full-sized mattress than a queen and the rim around the edge makes it feel a bit narrow. While it can comfortably accommodate two adults, plus-sized or tall individuals might need the king size.
More features: double-sided flocked PVC surface, separately inflatable air chambers, two pillows, raised head block, waterproof and wipe-clean
The DikaSun Inflatable SUV Air Mattress turns a back seat or a folded-down cargo area into a flat place to sleep, which is what you want on a long drive when a motel isn’t worth the detour. It’s made from thick PVC with a double-sided flocked surface, and the bed is split into separate air chambers so you can inflate only the section you need when you’re travelling on your own.
The pump runs off the car’s 12-volt socket and handles both inflating and deflating, two pillows come in the box, and the raised head block sits against the backrest so nobody slides forward on a bumpy road. It’s rated to hold up to 600 pounds, the surface is waterproof and wipes clean, and it’s worth measuring the space in your own vehicle before you order, because fit varies a lot between models.
More features: self-deploying metal frame, coil design, wheeled duffel storage case (15 x 34 x 22 inches)
The Ivation EZ-Bed is about as close to a real guest bed as an air mattress gets. Unzip the wheeled duffel, plug it into the wall, and switch it on: the built-in pump inflates the mattress and the frame unfolds on its own in under four minutes, then shuts off automatically.
Fully set up, it stands 24 inches tall, so guests can get in and out much like a regular bed. You can pick a plush, medium, or firm feel, and the full-size 80 x 55 inch surface supports up to 450 pounds. At 48.9 pounds it is on the heavy side to carry, but the wheels make storing it easier.
More features: Support Lock reinforced construction, dual-sealed Double Lock valve, PillowStop design
Next up is the Coleman SupportRest Plus PillowStop Double-High Airbed. One of the best things about this one is the double-high height which makes getting in and out of bed a little easier. It comes with a convenient carry bag so it’s really easy to get it where you need it and back.
This is our pick for the best queen air mattress for camping. The sleep surface features an antimicrobial finish that resists odor, mold, mildew, and fungus so it’s protected against some of the common things that can happen when sleeping outdoors. Just remember that if you don’t have a power source out there, you’ll need to get a separate battery-powered pump for the mattress.
It’s really comfortable, too. The plush surface has a soft velvet-like feel and it fits most standard queen-sized sheets although it’s slightly smaller than a standard queen. There’s also a PillowStop raised head that keeps your pillow in place while you sleep as well as durable Support Lock reinforced construction to make sure your bed stays stable overnight.
There’s a convenient built-in pump that rapidly inflates and deflates the mattress to your liking. To make sure it doesn’t inflate overnight, it has a Double Lock valve that’s dual sealed, and it’s actually factory tested to make sure it’s leak-free.
Technically, this mattress is large enough for two people, but some users complained that it’s difficult to sleep with a partner without someone rolling off. That said, it can hold up to 600 pounds so this is a really good choice for people who are overweight and maintains stability for a single sleeper lying in the center.
More features: flocked waterproof top, vertical beam construction, grippy non-slip base, storage bag included
The VOSSER sits 18 inches off the floor and uses a vertical beam construction that spreads weight evenly across the bed, with a stated capacity of 660 pounds and a grippy base that keeps it from sliding around on hard floors.
Its built-in 110V pump is the reason it earns this spot: separate knobs for inflating and deflating mean you can nudge the firmness up or down until the bed suits you, then let the air back out without hunting for a manual valve. The flocked, waterproof top is soft to the touch and wipes clean, and the reinforced seams and thicker PVC are meant to hold pressure through the night.
At 16 pounds deflated it folds back into the included bag without a struggle, though it is only offered in the full size, so a couple who wants queen width will need to look elsewhere on this list.
More features: 35 internal coil-beam support points, thicker PVC surface, quiet non-slip base
The OhGeni sits higher off the floor than anything else on this list, and that extra height is the whole point. At 20 inches you step down onto it rather than lowering yourself to the ground, which is easier on your back and knees and makes it a sensible pick for older guests.
Instead of the vertical beams most airbeds use, the sleeping surface is built over 35 internal coil-beam support points that spread body weight more evenly. The pump is built in so there is no separate inflator to find, the thicker PVC shell sits on a quiet, non-slip base, and OhGeni backs the bed with 10 years of product support.
More features: built-in pillow, 40D nylon with multi-layer TPU, waterproof surface, two deflation valves, carry bag
The Pretyw Double Camping Sleeping Pad is made for couples who carry their bed on their back. It weighs only 3 pounds, folds into a 10 x 5.9 inch carry bag, and still gives two people a 78 x 54 inch surface that lifts them 4 inches off the ground.
There is no battery pump to fuss with. You step on the built-in foot pump and it fills in about one to three minutes, then the two valves behind the pillow let the air out quickly when you pack up. The 40D nylon and TPU shell is waterproof and wipes clean with a damp cloth, and the built-in pillow means one less thing to pack.
More features: Fiber-Tech interior construction, built-in pillow, flocked waterproof top, duffel bag included
This raised Intex airbed is one of the cheapest beds in our line-up, and it covers the basics without any fuss. The built-in high-powered pump inflates it to the firmness you want in about three minutes, and the 16.5-inch height makes getting in and out of bed much easier than it is on a floor-level mattress. Fiber-Tech interior construction and a 600-pound weight capacity give it enough support for two adults, while the flocked waterproof top and the built-in pillow mean all you have to add is a fitted sheet. A duffel bag comes with it, so it packs down into a closet between visits.
More features: built-in contoured pillow, packs down to 9.4 x 4.3 inches, side buttons to connect two pads
The Oramoose is an inflatable pad rather than a raised bed, and its 4-inch air layer with V-shaped support keeps your hips and shoulders off the ground, which is what matters most if you sleep on your side. It is rated to hold up to 400 pounds, and the quiet, non-slip surface means you are not sliding around or waking everyone else up every time you turn over.
A built-in foot pump fills it in about 30 seconds, so there is no mouth inflating and no separate pump to carry, and the valve is designed to hold air for a full 24 hours rather than needing a top-up in the middle of the night. The shell is 40D nylon that resists punctures and tears on rough ground, and at 1.9 pounds folded down to 9.4 x 4.3 inches it stores away in a side pocket when you are done with it.
There are a lot of things to consider when buying an air mattress. Whether you’re looking for the best air mattress with built-in pump or something less specific like the best twin air mattress, here’s how to make sure you’re getting the right one for you.
The truth is there will come a time when most people will wish they had an air mattress. Maybe you’re camping and your bedroll just isn’t cutting it or you’re having guests for the weekend and you don’t want to have to give up your own bed to accommodate them. An air mattress is one of those products that you don’t really realize how useful it is until you have one. Then, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it.
The main thing to keep in mind while you shop is how you’re planning to use your air mattress. Something you’re planning to use in a spare room when guests are staying the night might not be suitable for camping or backpacking and vice versa. Here are some of the major things to keep in mind to choose the right air mattress for your needs.
There are two different types of mattresses, single-height and double-height. Single-height mattresses are usually between nine and 11 inches high while double height mattresses range anywhere from 17 to 21 inches. Thicker mattresses tend to be a little more comfortable because they provide more cushioning while single height mattresses are usually lighter and easier to transport.
Another thing to look into is whether or not the mattress is made for outdoor use. For example, our top pick, the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress, is for indoor use only.
While some people might ignore this recommendation, using an indoor mattress outdoors will cause it to wear quickly and most likely voids the warranty.
If you’re looking for an outdoor mattress, choose one like the Coleman SupportRest Plus PillowStop Double-High Airbed. It’s made of extremely durable material and even resists odor, mold, mildew, and fungus, perfect protection against exposure to the elements.
If you’re looking for the best air mattress, you should take a careful look at the pump, as there are a few things to consider. How quickly can the pump inflate the mattress? Does it have an automatic shut-off so you can walk away while it inflates or do you have to monitor the progress yourself? How is it powered? Do you need access to an electrical outlet or a supply of batteries?
One of the best features available with a pump is the ability to choose the firmness of the mattress. The VOSSER Full Air Mattress is a good example of this. Its built-in pump has separate inflate and deflate knobs, so you can let a little air out for a softer feel or top it up for a firmer one. This isn’t a necessity to finding a good air mattress, but it sure makes for a better night’s sleep.
Weight and portability are particularly important for an air mattress that’s meant to be used outdoors. It’s not as easy getting your air mattress to a campsite as it is to move it from the storage closer to the guest room. The Pretyw Double Camping Sleeping Pad is a great example of an air mattress suited for camping and backpacking. It weighs only three pounds and is pretty easy to carry with you even on longer journeys.
Air mattresses can hold anywhere from 300 to 650 pounds. If you’re planning to use an air mattress for two people, make sure you get one that can hold their combined weight.
Sticking to the weight capacity is really important. Piling on more weight that the mattress can handle puts a lot of stress on the joints, stitches, and internal supports which will definitely cause damage and shorten the overall lifespan of the mattress. Plus, if any damage is shown to be from misuse, it could void the warranty.
There are a few different design factors to consider. Most outdoor air mattresses have a really durable bottom that resists abrasions from the hard ground, rocks, and twigs you encounter when you sleep in the great outdoors. If you’re worried about whether or not the sleeping surface is comfortable, look for a design with a flocked top that’s soft and smooth or one with a lip that helps hold a sheet in place.
Another thing to consider is something we mentioned earlier, the ability to choose how firm the mattress is. This comes in really handy if you have a strong preference for how firm your mattress is because you can choose to make it as soft or firm as possible.
Whether you want a twin or the best queen air mattress available, you’re in luck. Although queen-sized tend to be the most popular, most of these mattresses are available in a range of sizes to accommodate you and all the members of your family.
All of these mattresses are made of strong, durable material. Some, like the Oramoose Ultralight Camping Sleeping Pad, are built from puncture and tear resistant 40D nylon that holds up on rough ground.
The warranties of these air mattresses vary a little but there are two main things to keep in mind. One, the warranty won’t apply if you misuse the product. As we’ve mentioned, that means not exceeding the weight limit and using the mattress only in the recommended environment.
An issue that a lot of users had in general is waiting to open the mattress until they needed it and discovering that there was some flaw or defect that they weren’t aware of. This usually put them outside the warranty period and left them stuck with a faulty mattress.
An easy way to avoid this is to open the mattress and inflate it immediately.
Sleep on it a night or two, top it off with more air if needed, and see what you think. If something isn’t working, at least you found out early enough to take advantage of the warranty.
In addition to inspecting your air mattress right away, here are some things you can do to take care of your air mattress.
You won’t be surprised to hear that prices vary a lot. They’re usually related to the quality of the materials used to make the mattress as well as its size. Typically, higher priced items have more features including adjustable firmness, a frame, extra pillows or accessories, or internal coils for additional support and comfort. The less expensive options are comfortable but may not last quite as long as those of high-quality.
Our top pick is the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress, a comfortable and durable option and the best air mattress for long term use. The Sure-Grip bottom prevents sliding and there are 40 internal air coils for superior support. It sleeps two people comfortably and fills in less than four minutes.
Next is the DikaSun Inflatable SUV Air Mattress, the best-rated air mattress for car camping and road trips. It fits most car models, including SUVs, MPVs, and trucks, is rated to hold up to 600 pounds, and it comes with two pillows and a 12-volt car pump.
Finally, we recommend the Ivation EZ-Bed (Full) Air Mattress with Frame & Rolling Case. This mattress includes a self-deploying frame for support and when completely inflated is just about the same height as a regular bed. It uses a supportive coil design and lets you choose a plush, medium, or firm feel.
Great review.
The features of each of these brands are so well put out. I am in the market for a good air mattress and feel so much more armed with knowledge now.
Thanks for the read.