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Inflatable mattresses come in handy for many occasions: camping or trekking, guests in your home, sleepovers, travelling, and more.
Though air mattresses have a bad reputation for being annoying to set up and uncomfortable to sleep on, modern inflatable mattresses are more comfortable, more supportive, and easier to use than ever before.
They’re great for going camping with elderly relatives or those with injuries or conditions that make sleeping on the ground unfeasible.
They’re super easy to pack up and store in a small space, making them incredibly convenient if you’re on the move or need another place to sleep only some of the time.
Though choosing an inflatable mattress may seem like an easy decision, there are more factors to consider than many people realize.
Things like ease of setup and size are obvious, but you should also consider how quickly they can be taken down, what materials they’re made of, how supportive they are, the weight limit, any special features for comfort and stability, and more.
To help you find a great inflatable mattress for your specific uses, we’ve put together a list of the best inflatable mattresses in Canada.
We analyzed 28 products and 877 reviews over 24 hours to ensure that we provide you with the best products on the market as well as a reliable guide on choosing your inflatable mattress.
Following our last update, we recommend the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed for its durability, ease of setup, variety, and comfort.
Our Top Pick Inflatable Mattress in 2023
Overall, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed is one of our most recommended picks for every family looking to purchase an affordable place to sleep. Whether you need it for camping, guests, or anything else, this model will perform beyond your expectations.
Pros:
- Great edge support
- Good price
- Diverse sizes available
- Comes with a carry bag
Cons:
- Not as thick as most air mattresses
Our selection of the best models available right now:
Inflatable Mattress Comparative Table
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Top Pick
|
Intex Dura-Beam deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed
|
9,4
|
Check Price on Amazon |
|
Trekking Pick
|
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
|
9,3
|
Check Price on Altitude SportsCheck Price at MEC |
|
Upgrade Pick
|
Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress
|
9,7
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
|
Kids Pick
|
Intex Kidz Travel Bed
|
9,4
|
Check Price on AmazonCheck Price at Walmart |
Our Pick for The Best Inflatable Mattress
Presentation of the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed
The Best Overall
Intex
When it comes to the best overall pick for an inflatable mattress, there is no more fitting option than the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed. With its top-of-the-line quality and a high weight capacity in each size, this mattress can be suited to any household for any purpose.
What We Think of the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed
When it comes to reliable air mattresses, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe is our top recommended pick for a variety of reasons. It has got a high weight capacity in every size (300 lbs for the twin and 600 lbs for the full and queen sizes) that ensures anyone can use it. Its safe for adults and kids alike, and its 13” thickness means you’ll be far enough off the ground to get in and out of bed easily, but you won’t hurt yourself too bad if you roll off. It really is the perfect balance.
This mattress comes in only three sizes, but they are diverse enough to give every family the ideal fit for their home and their needs. With an internal inflation pump, all you have to do is push a button to inflate or deflate the mattress. Minimal work is the goal when it comes to blowing up air mattresses. We love the convenience of the carry bag this air mattress comes with you, and we are sure you will too.
I bought the twin size for my kids to use at our campsites. We go most weekends during the nice weather from spring to fall, and we wanted to make sure they were comfortable on the hard ground. We don’t find that it loses air very much, and it takes no work at all to pump it up or deflate it when it’s time to head home. Highly recommend this Intex Airbed!
Katy L.
One of the greatest things about this air mattress is its edge support. Many inflatable mattresses tend to droop and sag, especially when pressure is put on the edges of the mattress. However, this model is designed to hold up under body weight in all areas, so you won’t find yourself sliding off the bed in the middle of the night if you roll too close to the edge.
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed Specifications
- Sizes Available: Twin, full, queen
- Color: Grey
- Thickness: 13”
- Weight Capacity: 600 lb weight limit for queen and full size, 300 lb weight limit for twin size
- Inflation Type: Internal Pump
Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Great edge support
- Good price
- Diverse sizes available
- Comes with a carry bag
Cons
- Not as thick as most air mattresses
Our Final Opinion About the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort Plush Airbed is one of our most recommended picks for every family looking to purchase an affordable place to sleep. Whether you need it for camping, guests, or anything else, this model will perform beyond your expectations.
Our Trekking Pick for an Inflatable Mattress
Presentation of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
The Affordable Choice
Therm-a-Rest
Anyone who spends a lot of time hiking and sleeping along trails knows just how valuable the right mattress is. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad has all the features of a great trekking companion: lightweight, quick to inflate, supportive, and usable all year round.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad Video Review
What We Think of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
While the price of this sleeping pas does not fill us with joy, it should still be accessible to most people if they have a little time to save or some money already set aside for a product like this.
Its value is certainly worthy of this price tag. One of the things users will appreciate most is its warming technology. While you sleep, the mattress will trap you body heat and send it back to you, keeping you warm.
Thanks to that technology and the durability of the fabric, this inflatable sleeping pad can be used all year round, even in more severe climates.
There are four sizes available to help you find the best fit for your travels, and it is one of the best products for portability, since it is very lightweight and can roll up quite tightly. The included stuff sack allows you to secure it to a pack, so you don’t need to carry it separately or take up valuable space.
This NeoAir sleeping pad has really improved my sleep when I go camping. Even though it is pretty thin, it feels really supportive even on bumpier terrain. Plus, the heat saving technology in it helps me stay warm even in the late fall when the ground is cold. I am really happy I purchased this model instead of some other ones I was looking at, and I’m sure everyone who buys it will feel the same.
joe i.
This is one of the most stable and supportive sleeping pads you can buy with outdoor use in mind. It will not deflate overnight, and it inflates quite quickly with the provided pump sack.
You will receive a repair kit as well just in case it acquires a tear or puncture. With a lifetime warranty, you will never have to purchase another sleeping pad to keep you comfortable while camping or backpacking.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad Specifications
- Sizes Available: 4
- Color: Yellow
- Thickness: 2.5”
- Inflation Type: Pump
- Warranty: Lifetime
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Comfortable and warm to sleep on
- Highly stable and supportive
- Can be used outdoors year round
- Comes with a pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit
Cons
- Fairly pricey, especially larger sizes
Our Final Opinion About the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad is one of the best options on the market for frequent campers or hikers. It is a bit pricey, but you have a selection of 4 sizes to suit your sleeping and travel needs, and a lifetime warranty supporting the product.
Our Upgrade Pick for an Inflatable Mattress
Presentation of the Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress
The Advanced Choice
Intex
The Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress is our top choice for everyone out there with a high enough budget to afford it. Although expensive, the overall quality and thought put into this model will make any room feel like home.
What We Think of the Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress
If you’re looking for luxury in an inflatable mattress, you’ve come to the right product. The most notable feature of this model is the headboard.
Most air mattresses are flat with the potential for raised edges, but very few actually come with an inflatable headboard section as well. This increases the comfort of the bed and also prevents your pillows from sliding off during the night if not placed against a wall.
This inflatable bed unfortunately only comes in a queen size, so you’ll need to make sure you’ve got an appropriate amount of space set aside for it.
It can sleep one or two peoples comfortably, and it comes with a carry bag to make storage and travelling with it easy processes. The top of this mattress will sit 18” above the floor, so even people with knee or back issues won’t have trouble getting on or off the mattress.
I was hesitant about spending more than $300 on an air mattress. However, the total comfort of this Intex one is so much more than I ever could have expected. The headboard is an amazing addition because it stops the pillows from falling off and makes sure neither my husband nor I can hit our heads on the wall during the night. Get this bed if you can afford it!
Hannah P.
One more thing we’d like to emphasize is the durability and overall high quality design of the bed. It doesn’t lose air during use, so you won’t have to worry about waking up closer to the ground than you were when you fell asleep. It’s also got an internal pump, so it will require very minimal effort to inflate and takes only a few minutes. The high price may be an issue for some, but the expense is truly worth it.
Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress Specifications
- Sizes Available: Queen
- Color: Grey
- Thickness: 18”
- Inflation Type: Internal Pump
Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has a headboard
- Comes with a carry bag
- Limited air loss
Cons
Cons
- Only one size available
- Very expensive
Our Final Opinion About the Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Intex 64447EP Ultra Plush Deluxe Air Mattress is one of the best options available for durability and rich features. If you’re looking for luxury in an air mattress, this is hands down the advanced choice for your home.
Our Kids Pick for an Inflatable Mattress
Presentation of the Intex Kidz Travel Bed
The Kids Choice
Intex
If your home is looking for a new mattress to keep your kids safe and comfortable, the Intex Kidz Travel Bed is the best choice for you. Designed to fit kids between 3 and 8 years old, the safety features and comfort of this inflatable mattress will have your young children more than happy to go to sleep.
Intex Kidz Travel Bed Video Review
What We Think of the Intex Kidz Travel Bed
When it comes to air mattresses for kids, there aren’t many designed specifically for the younger generations. While twin sizes of standard brands will suit perfectly well, there are things they just don’t consider. If you want a safer, more user-friendly option for your children, the Intex model for kids should be your top pick, as it is ours.
This inflatable mattress fits kids between 3 and 8 years old and has dimensions of 42” x 66”. At its highest point it is 10” off the ground, so even your toddler will be able to safely climb in and out of the bed.
The inner mattress portion is separate and removable, so you can use it in more diverse settings. The inflatable frame has raised edges to stop children from rolling off the bed overnight; this feature provides a lot of peace of mind to worry-prone parents.
My daughter is pretty picky about her sleeping arrangements, and now that her dad and I are separated, she’s had some trouble switching between beds each week. We got this inflatable mattress so she can take it back and forth, and now she sleeps perfectly no matter which house she’s at. It’s really easy to set up and take down, and my daughter finds it very comfortable.
Marianne T.
This mattress is designed to fit crib sheets, so your child can have bedding they are used to and comfortable with no matter where they are sleeping.
You will have to manually pump this mattress up, but it comes with an air pump to save you the hassle of purchasing one separately. This model also comes with a carry bag to make it easy to store and take on adventures.
Intex Kidz Travel Bed Specifications
- Sizes Available: 42” x 66”
- Color: White
- Thickness: 10”
- Inflation Type: Manual air pump
Intex Kidz Travel Bed Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Has raised edges to prevent kids from falling out
- Fits crib sheets
- Comes with a carry bag
- Inner mattress is removable
Cons
- One size only fits kids between 3 and 8 years old
Our Final Opinion About the Intex Kidz Travel Bed
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Intex Kidz Travel Bed is one of the best ait mattresses on the market for kids. While smaller standard mattresses can suit kids no problem, this model is designed to keep kids safe and fit their smaller bodies perfectly. That’s why it’s our top pick for kids.
Alternative Products to Consider
Presentation of the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
The Comfort Alternative
Klymit
When it comes to inflatable mattresses, the level of comfort is not always ideal. If you need a comfortable bed to be able to sleep, you’ll likely be surprised by how surprisingly soft the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad is. Designed for outdoor use on the go, this sleeping pad will keep you warm and comfortable even on the hardest surfaces.
Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Video Review
What We Think of the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
This Klymit sleeping pad is another model that is designed for on-the-go use outdoors. There is only one size available that measures 72” in length and 23” in width.
This means it is only usable by one person at a time, so if you’re travelling with family, you won’t be able to share. It is 2.5” in thickness and has a ridged design that prevents heat loss and will keep you secure in the center overnight.
This model must be inflated by mouth, so you will need fairly strong lungs to get this mattress where you need it.
However, it does take only 10-15 breaths to inflate completely, so it will only take a minute or so of your time.
If you have some respiratory conditions this may not be a good mattress for you, but for healthy individuals, it is one of the most convenient methods when out on the trails and away from electricity.
I really enjoy camping, and lately I’ve started adventuring a bit more into canoe trips. When you’ve got to carry all your belongings on your back for miles each day, a standard inflatable mattress is just not an option. This sleeping pad is honestly just as comfortable for me as a regular mattress and it stores so easily in my pack. Could not be happier with this purchase!
Gavin S.
One thing we are quite pleased about is the lifetime warranty on this product. Klymit displays a staggering amount of confidence in their product with a lifetime warranty and lets you know that the user experience is their priority.
Customer service matters to a lot of people when making purchase decisions, so this knowledge should help make the choice a little bit easier. If you’re looking for a price indicative of overall quality, this model has it.
Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Specifications
- Sizes Available: 72” x 23”
- Color: Green
- Thickness: 2.5”
- Inflation Type: Breath
- Warranty: Lifetime
Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Designed to limit air movement and heat loss
- Takes only 10-15 breaths to inflate completely
- Great price for the quality
Cons
- Fits only one person at a time
- Need good lung capacity to inflate it
Our Final Opinion About the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad is the premium choice for comfort when it comes to outdoor sleeping pads. Designed to limit air flow, retain heat, and keep you in place overnight, this Klymit model will have you feeling like you’re sleeping in a real bed in the middle of the outdoors.
Presentation of the Active Era Premium Air Bed
The Budget-Friendly Alternative
Active Era
Not every family has the budget for a high-end inflatable mattress, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a high-quality product. The Active Era Premium Air Bed is affordable but has features that will make you think it costs a lot more.
Active Era Premium Air Bed Video Review
What We Think of the Active Era Premium Air Bed
Active Era’s Air Bed is hands down the top choice for every family on a budget. With one of the best value to price ratios on the market, it should be a go to for many.
It comes only in a single or queen size, so while there are two very different options, not every shopper will be able to get the size they originally had in mind.
If you like the features of this mattress enough, maybe you can adapt your expectations and purchase this model anyway.
The mattress comes in a pleasing white and blue design, and one end is designed for ergonomic sleeping as it is raised to act as a pillow.
You’ll have optimum support for your head and neck without needing to add pillows to the mattress. This mattress material is waterproof, so spills and accidents won’t ever be a concern.
Simply wipe up the mess and you’ll have a clean, damage-free mattress to continue sleeping on.
I never thought I would find an inflatable mattress this awesome at such a low price. This is certainly affordable for every family, even those on a budget, and you’ll be surprised at how high quality it is. Its really easy to inflate and it’s designed to support your head and neck without a pillow. We accidentally put a hole in it, but the patch worked perfectly.
Hailey A.
We are excited to tell you that this mattress comes with puncture repair patches. Accidents happen, and Active Era shows how well they take care of their clients with the addition of repair patches to the purchase price.
With a quick inflation time and internal pump, you’ll be able to use this mattress almost instantly anywhere you have electricity. The surface sits just under 19” above the floor, so no one will have trouble getting on or off the bed at any point.
Active Era Premium Air Bed Specifications
- Sizes Available: Single, queen
- Color: Blue and white
- Thickness: 18.9”
- Inflation Type: Internal Pump
- Warranty: 1 year
Active Era Premium Air Bed Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Quick inflation time (2-3 minutes)
- Built in raised pillow for neck/head support
- Comes with puncture repair patches
- Top is waterproof
Cons
- Requires electricity for inflation
Our Final Opinion About the Active Era Premium Air Bed
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Active Era Premium Air Bed is a combination of high affordability and unmatched quality. As long as you have access to an outlet, you will benefit greatly from the comfort-focused design and durability make. When it comes to budget-friendly mattresses, this is the best of the best.
Presentation of the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
The Lasting Firmess Alternative
Etekcity
Typically, the most common problem people encounter with their air mattress is air leakage overnight. If you’d like to avoid the possibility of ending up on the floor in the morning, the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress belongs in your household.
Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress Video Review
What We Think of the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
If you or members of your family enjoy camping but need an alternative to the hard, lumpy ground that sleeping bags don’t do much to protect you from, this Etekcity air mattress is the perfect addition to your home.
It comes in a queen size, so it will need a larger tent; something to keep in mind there. It has a weight capacity of 650 lbs, one of the highest on the market, so it will comfortably sleep two people without risk of damage.
It has a great height of 22” off the ground, so while that is another factor that requires a larger tent, it also makes for a very comfortable night’s rest.
You can inflate the mattress with the internal pump or manually, so it is useable whether you have electricity or not (great for outdoor sites without outlet access). The material is both waterproof and puncture resistant, so it’s a highly durable option for the outdoors if that’s where you choose to use it.
I thoroughly enjoy the fact that I don’t wake up on the floor at 2am because of a deflated mattress. Maybe my old one was just too old, but this mattress stays firm all night and I actually get to wake up without a sore body. I can share it with my husband since it has such a high weight capacity; there was really no better option for our camping trips than this model.
Georgia L.
This mattress is also a great indoor option if it needs to be used regularly since you won’t experience very much air leakage overnight.
The internal pump also makes it easy to increase the air fill during the night if the natural expansion of the material has made the surface softer than you prefer. Although more expensive than other options, the two-year warranty protects your investment, and it truly is worth the money.
Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress Specifications
- Sizes Available: Queen
- Color: Brown and white
- Thickness: 22”
- Weight Capacity: 650 lbs
- Inflation Type: Internal Pump or manual
- Warranty: 2 years
Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Minimal air leakage
- Has the option of manual inflation
- Waterproof and puncture resistant
Cons
Cons
- Pricey
Our Final Opinion About the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Etekcity Upgraded Camping Air Mattress is the ideal choice for families wanting to skip the overnight deflation that occurs with many other models. Combine that with the highly durable material and you’ve got an inflatable mattress worth the price.
Presentation of the Quechua Self-Inflating Double Mattress
The Self-Inflating Alternative
Quechua
If you’ve never owned a self-inflating mattress before, you have been missing out. The Quechua self-inflating double mattress is the ideal camping choice if you want to save time, stay comfortable all night long, and even expand the sleeping area with additional mattresses easily and securely.
What We Think of the Quechua Self-Inflating Double Mattress
This Quechua mattress has some pretty unique features that we are excited about. The most evident of these features is its ability to self-inflate. Anyone well-versed in manual mattress inflation knows just how valuable this is to the product, and how much time it can save if you will need to deflate and re-inflate frequently.
It is only available in one size for now, but it should still sleep two people comfortably.
With a weight capacity of 485 lbs, it isn’t quite as sturdy as some of the more advanced inflatable mattresses on the market. However, it’s 3” thickness ensures that you’ll be comfortable and supported as long as you follow that guideline.
If it isn’t quite large enough for adequate sleeping space, the fasteners on the side can be used to attach it to another mattress of the same size, without them sliding apart in the night.
I have never owned a self-inflating mattress before, let alone one I can take camping, so this really feels like a luxury now. I love that I can get the rest of my campsite set up, and I’ll have a comfortable place to lay down afterwards without doing any more work. It fits perfectly in my tent so I don’t have the uncomfortable worry of rolling off the mattress in the night and waking up stiff.
veronica f.
One of the most unexpected features of this inflatable mattress is that it can be used all year round. Even during the hottest summer days and coldest winter days, you can rely on adequate and sustainable inflation. Since its durability has been tested up to 200 inflation cycles, you won’t need to look at a replacement product anytime soon, as long as you take care of it.
Quechua Self-Inflating Double Mattress Specifications
- Sizes Available: 1 (79” x 53.5”)
- Color: Grey
- Thickness: 3”
- Weight Capacity: 485 lbs
- Inflation Type: Self-inflating
Quechua Self-Inflating Double Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
Pros
- Self-inflates to save you time and effort
- Fasteners allow multiple mattresses to be linked together
- Can be used outdoors all year round
- Proven durability for at least 200 inflation cycles
Cons
Cons
- Weight capacity is not as high as it could be
Our Final Opinion About the Quechua Self-Inflating Double Mattress
Quality 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Effectiveness 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Design 5.0 out of 5.0 stars Price 4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Overall, the Quechua self-inflating double mattress has a lot to offer. It has a lower weight capacity than some traditional inflatable mattresses, but it is still able to support most duos, and its connective ability and durability guarantees a long lasting product that won’t become more tiresome as it ages.
Why Should You Trust Us?
All the recommendations we make on The Good Choice are the result of many hours of research, comparisons, analysis of consumer reviews and, if necessary, expert feedbacks. The products we recommend here are the ones that will best perform their daily tasks, passing all security, reliability and efficiency tests while having an appealing price-quality ratio for everyone.
What are our criteria for judging the products reviewed and selected by The Good Choice?
- Quality: Does the product have a solid construction? Will it be reliable over time? Does it have a good warranty?
- Efficiency: Is the product efficient in its task or do you need to give it some help? Is it for example powerful, fast, quiet?
- Usability: Is the product easy to handle, easy to use and maintain?
- Price: Is the price of the product and/or accessories and/or spare parts reasonable compared to the rest of the market?
In addition to these main criteria, we then establish a list of specific criteria for each product category, detailed a little further down in this article.
In the end, the products we recommend are the ones we would want to buy, and the ones we would also choose for our friends and family.
Things to Know Before Buying an Inflatable Mattress
Benefits of an Inflatable Mattress
Inflatable mattresses can be a great benefit in many situations. Most obviously is their portability; air mattresses can be stored very compactly and easily carried from location to location.
They don’t weigh very much, and with more modern technology, they often fill themselves instead of requiring a manual pump.
You will be able to find a size and thickness that suits your needs, and you always have the option to micromanage how much air goes in them so you have the surface you like, whether that be firm or soft.
Air mattresses also often sit lower on the ground that regular beds on a frame, so they are helpful for people that struggle to get in and out of a traditional bed. Certain air mattress models are designed for the outdoors, so these will be even faster to inflate and easier to carry compactly.
Inflatable mattresses can be used for guests, camping, backpacking, and even just to provide your kids with an extra place to hang out during the day.
Air mattresses are also a more economically-friendly alternative to standard mattresses, so they may be all a family can afford if they’ve recently moved or run into some hardships.
However and wherever you’ll be using an inflatable mattress, you will easily be able to find a model that offers everything you need at a price you can be comfortable with.
How to Inflate a Mattress to the Perfect Firmness
Everyone has a different ideal when it comes to mattress firmness, and that’s why shopping for a bed can be a challenge. Especially when multiple people will be sleeping on the same bed, whether every night or just here and there, it can be difficult to find the right mattress firmness.
That’s why air mattresses are a great alternative for standard beds. When inflating an air mattress, it’s important that you test your body weight by leaning on the bed with both hands to see how much give there is.
As it gets closer to being full, the firmness will start to dramatically increase, so you’ll need to check more frequently. Once you think the air mattress has reached your ideal firmness, simply lay down quickly to check the full body comfort.
How to Properly Choose Your Inflatable Mattress
- Price.
You will typically be able to find a high-quality inflatable mattress for less than $100, but they can range into the $300 mark.
Some expensive mattresses will have extra features and better materials that raise their value comparatively, but sometimes you are paying more for the brand than the actual product.
Make sure you check out the features to see if a pricier bed is really worth the expense or if a cheaper model will suit you just fine.
- Size.
The size of air mattress you intend to purchase is one of the most important factors to consider before committing.
Especially if you plan on travelling with it or keeping it up regularly in your home, you’ll need to be conscious about the amount of space it takes up and how many people can use it simultaneously.
Camping models are the smallest as they are thin and fit one person only, whereas more luxurious models will be quite thick and can sleep 2-3 people.
- Inflation Type.
Different air mattresses will have different methods of inflation. Many have internal pumps now that take the work out of the process, but some still require manual pumps or even mandate that you sacrifice your own air to blow them up.
If you’re getting fancy, there are models that self-inflate as well. The ideal inflation type for you depends on your physicality (lung capacity) and where you’ll be using the mattress (near electricity or not).
- Ease of Set Up.
Ease of set up refers to a few different things. You’ll have to consider the inflation type as previously discussed, and how long it will take to reach the ideal firmness (some take less than 30 seconds and others take 3+ minutes).
Mattresses that require manual inflation via a pump or your breath will be the most complex as they require exertion, whereas mattresses that self inflate or have an internal pump will be the easiest to set up.
- Portability.
This feature is most important for people who will be travelling with their inflatable mattress, but the features that play into this are also applicable to in home use as well.
Whether on the move or needing to store it, the amount of material that composes the air mattress will affect how compactly it stores. Some materials are heavier than others, so that component will affect portability as well.
- Special Features (headboard, pillow, body mapping, etc.)
Not all inflatable mattresses will offer special features, but there are some that have an inflatable headboard attached, ergonomically designed pillow sections, body contouring, or are designed to limit air flow.
These features will more often than not inflate the price of the mattress (no pun intended), but they can be quite beneficial. Its’ up to you to weight the pros and cons on this one.
- Weight Capacity.
Weight capacity is a very important spec to pay attention to. While most air mattresses have capacities way higher than anyone would ever need, there are exceptions and it is an important value to adhere to in order to prevent damage to both the air mattress and to your body.
- Thickness.
The thickness of the air mattress you sleep on affects how much give there is in case you lose some air overnight, and how easy it is to get in and out of.
Mattresses designed for kids will be lower to the floor but have raised edges as an extra safety feature, and mattresses for adults will be closer to the thickness of a standard mattress/box spring since falling out of bed isn’t really a hazard anymore. We hope, at least.
- Warranty.
Whether you are buying an expensive model or a budget-friendly one, you’ll want to look for some sort of warranty package.
Internal pumps can be defective, mattresses can come with holes, and they may simply just not be suited to the amount of use you expected them to withstand. No matter what happens, warranty coverage will protect your investment and have you sleeping on a new quality mattress in no time.
We do our best to provide you with a comparative guide of inflatable mattresses allowing you to choose the best product possible. If we are missing information or new models, do not hesitate to leave a comment below or to send us a message.
