We independently select all products and services. If you click through links we provide, we may earn a commission. Learn more Forbes Vetted The Best Air Mattresses To Turn Any Space Into A Guest Room Bre Richey Contributor Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Alison Barretta Contributor Forbes Vetted Contributor Group Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. May 23, 2023, 02:42pm EDT | Share to
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Twitter Share to Linkedin There's nothing worse than falling asleep on an air mattress and waking up on the ground in the morning. Unlike the leaky air mattresses you grew up using, today’s best air mattresses are comfortable, easy to set up and won't deflate overnight. Our picks are more advanced than their predecessors, featuring sturdy designs and useful features like built-in pumps and air pressure monitors. And they can inflate or deflate in minutes, allowing you to accommodate guests—even if they show up unannounced. Equipped with a built-in pillow and USB ports, we consider the Sleeplux the Best Air Mattress For ... [+] Guests. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER With a built-in pump that keeps the mattress inflated for days and a double-height chamber for extra cushioning, the SoundAsleep Dream is our top choice. But we found plenty of other options that run the gamut: Some are comfortable enough for everyday use, while others are ideal for short overnight stays. We even found an excellent air mattress for camping so you can sleep comfortably under the stars. If you want an inflatable bed that will transform any room into a restful retreat, these options can provide a peaceful night of sleep. Best Air Mattress Overall: SoundAsleep Dream Best Air Mattress With Inflation Monitor: Serta With Never Flat Pump Best Air Mattress For Heavy People: Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Best Budget Air Mattress: Intex Dura-Beam Standard Pillow Rest Best Air Mattress For Guests: Sleeplux Best Air Mattress For Camping: Therm-a-Rest MondoKing Best Air Mattress With Adjustable Firmness: EnerPlex Dual Pump Best Extra-High Air Mattress: King Koil Luxury Best Air Mattress For Toddlers: Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Bed Best Air Mattress Overall A Brand's Bestselling Air Mattress With A Built-In Air Pump
Amazon SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress (Queen) $150 At Amazon Dimensions: 78 x 58 x 19 inches | Size options: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 500 pounds The SoundAsleep Dream mattress is an Amazon bestseller with thousands of five-star reviews. It has a dual, double-height chamber for extra cushioning and is built for durability with its extra-thick, waterproof-flocked top made of puncture-resistant PVC. And when it comes to setup, there’s no messing around: This mattress has a built-in air pump that inflates the sleep surface in four minutes or less. Want it firmer? Just click on the pump again. Once blown up, the SoundAsleep Dream Series can stay at your desired firmness level for days, according to the company. What the reviews say: Nearly three-quarters of the 52,000-plus Amazon reviews are 5 stars. What makes this air mattress an Amazon bestseller? According to one satisfied sleeper, it’s the quality: “There are cheaper air beds but the SoundAsleep Dream Series offers firm, stable support that feels very similar to a traditional mattress.” Pros: Convenient built-in pump Lots of size options Durable Cons: Some customers say it can gradually leak More expensive than other options on this list Best Air Mattress With Inflation Monitor A Lightweight Air Mattress Designed For Extra Support Editor’s Pick Amazon Serta Raised Air Mattress With Never Flat Pump (Queen) Dimensions: 78 x 60 x 18 inches | Size options: Full,
Queen | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: NA Made by trusted sleep-gear company, Serta, this air mattress has a lot going for it. But the feature that really sets it apart is a built-in dual air pump system. One pump inflates and deflates the mattress, while the other continuously monitors and silently maintains your preferred air pressure during the night. The mattress has 35 circular coils for extra support and is lightweight enough to easily tote from room to room. What the editors say: According to Forbes Vetted’s executive director of commerce content and strategy, Cory Baldwin, “I’ve owned this mattress for a few years now, and it hasn’t let us down yet. Everyone who has ever slept on it has raved about it. After having to replace so many leaky air mattresses, I’m glad I finally found something reliable and comfy.” Pros: Easy to inflate/deflate Rarely goes flat Has three firmness settings Cons: On the expensive side Some customers find the pumps noisy Best Air Mattress For Heavy People A Sturdy Pick Made With Puncture-Resistant Vinyl Amazon Beautyrest Sensa-Rest Air Mattress (Queen) Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 18 inches | Size options: Queen | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 700 pounds This air mattress is designed to offer ample support and pressure relief with a “coil-in-coil” system. Like many of the picks on this list, it comes with a handy pump that can inflate or deflate the mattress in minutes. And if you’re wondering about durability, this mattress has it. Not only can it hold weight of up to 700 pounds, the top surface is made of a thick, puncture-resistant fabric that makes it hard to rupture or tear. That same fabric also promotes air flow to keep you cool as you sleep, making this air mattress a great option for couples or people who run hot. What the reviews say: “Both my husband and I slept comfortably on this bed with an occasional visit from our 110-pound giant schnauzer,” reports a buyer. “It was very stable and comfortable. Easy to put up and down. Great to have when visitors come.” Pros: Can support up to 750 pounds Automatically adjusts air pressure Offers good back support Cons: Some may find it too tall to get onto (18 inches) Only available in queen Best Budget Air Mattress A Fast-Inflating Option That’s Under $50 Amazon Intex Dura Beam Standard Pillow Rest (Queen) Dimensions : 80 x 60 x 10 inches | Size options : Twin, queen | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 600 pounds To be clear, we don’t recommend skimping on an air mattress you plan to have for more than a few months—by investing in a more durable (and typically expensive) model, you’ll likely save money in the long run. But if you need an air mattress stat and don’t want to spend more than $50, the Intex Dura Beam is your best bet. It’s got a velvety sleep surface plus the company’s own Fiber-Tech inner construction for stability and support, with a pillow rest for added comfort. When you’re done, simply set the mattress to deflate. What the reviews say: One shopper who purchased this air mattress in the midst of moving put it simply: “I slept on the floor for the first few nights and the mattress definitely beats the floor.” Pros: Excellent price Inflates/deflates quickly Great choice for young kids or emergencies Cons: Doesn’t have a carry bag May not be durable enough for larger bodies or extended use Best Air Mattress For Guests A Built-In Pillow And USB Ports Offer Extra Convenience Amazon Sleeplux Durable Inflatable Air Mattress (Queen) $77 From Amazon Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 22 inches | Size options: Twin, queen, king | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 660 pounds Thanks to a few smart add-ons, this pick from Sleeplux offers extra convenience when it comes to hosting overnight guests. It’s designed with a built-in pillow and USB ports so visitors can pack light (and you won’t be left scrambling for a spare pillow or charger). It’s also equipped with a pump and comes with a carrying bag for easy set-up and storage. It’s also worth noting that this air mattress is a top choice for those who sleep better on a firm bed. Multiple factors boost this bed's support. Two are its I-beam construction and a dense polyester mesh core that’s sandwiched between two strong layers of PVC that help the mattress keep its form and provide increased support, especially for the back and shoulders. What the reviews say: One reviewer recounts the Sleeplux’s features: “Blowing up the bed was super easy. Plug it in, turn the dial, and watch as it magically inflates itself. Once blown up, I noticed the built-in raised pillow at the top of the bed ... I’d likely use a pillow for a whole night but nice to know that it’s there. The USB charging is super slick. Awesome to be able to charge my phone or iPad while laying on the air bed, great for guests.” Pros: Convenient to inflate and deflate Built-in USB port Provides excellent back and shoulder support Cons: Some reviewers say the built-in pump is loud 22-inch height may be too tall for some Best Air Mattress For Camping A Comfortable Option For Sleeping Outside Backcountry Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 25 x 77 x 4.25 inches | Size options: Large, xx-large | Built-in pump: No | Weight capacity: NA After a long day of hiking, nobody wants to lie down on the hard ground. The Therm-a-Rest MondoKing 3D will provide you with the comfort you want, offering four inches of air and foam for a luxurious night’s sleep. (In fact, it was named the top overall pick in our “Best Air Mattresses For Camping” story.) At 5.39 pounds, it’s easy to carry without straining your back, and you can set it up with the included hand pump (although some reviewers mention that it’s easier to inflate it with a separate battery-powered unit or by mouth). As its name implies, the Therm-a-Rest provides a restful option for camping year-round, so you’ll stay warm when the temperatures drop. One downside of the MondoKing: At 26 by 10.3 inches for the large size, it can be somewhat bulky when it packs down, so it may require some strategic packing. That said, it’s worth the extra heft if you want a comfortable, temperate night’s sleep on your trip. What the reviews say: “I have tried many sleep pads from Amazon and with each one, I woke up multiple times during the night with soreness,” shares a reviewer. But after sleeping on the MondoKing, she says, “It not only helps to keep your body heat from being sucked out, but the comfort is unreal. I never felt the ground and my joints felt supported.” Pros: Easy to inflate Very comfortable High R-Value to keep you warm Cons: Bulky when it packs down Doesn’t come with a patch kit Best Air Mattress With Adjustable Firmness A Versatile Pick With A Handy Two-Pump System Amazon EnerPlex 16-Inch Air Mattress With Built-In Dual Pump (Queen) Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 16 inches | Size options: Twin, queen, king | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 600 pounds If you have trouble getting that just-right level of firmness, this EnerPlex air mattress is a great option. It has a two-pump system to help you get a perfect feel. The first pump is used to quickly inflate and deflate, while the second pump allows you to easily adjust the air pressure to either blow your mattress up more or lower the pressure. Best of all, it’s designed to feel like a real mattress, thanks to circular coils that create a strong and supportive foundation. Quilt-top flocking gives you a smooth feel and helps prevent those dreaded air mattress squeaks when you move. It’s also available in three height options: 13, 16 and 18 inches. What the reviews say: “My boyfriend and I slept soundly on it without rolling any which way off of it,” shares one reviewer. “In fact, I got up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, barely moving the bed, and my boyfriend stayed asleep.” Pros: Customizable firmness Available in three heights Cons: Some sleepers say it loses air quickly Best Extra-High Air Mattress Available In 13-, 16- And 20-Inch Heights Amazon King Koil Air Mattress With Built-In Pump (Queen) Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 13 inches | Size Options: Twin, queen,
California king | Built-in pump: Yes | Weight capacity: 600 pounds Thanks to a convenient built-in pump, this King Koil air mattress is an absolute breeze to use: All you have to do is flip a switch to inflate it, which happens in just two minutes. It also features a thick, sueded quilt top—not only for comfort, but also to help prevent your bed sheets from slipping off at night. For those who like being high off the ground, this model comes in a lofty 20-inch height, although 13- and 16-inch heights are also available. When you’re ready to pack your mattress away, just hit the deflate knob and let it do all the work for you. And if you somehow end up with a rip or puncture in the material, don’t fret—it comes with a handy patch kit (just in case). What the reviews say: “I've had several air mattresses and hands down this is the best,” writes one happy customer. Another shopper, who declares the King Koil to be the best mattress they’ve ever slept on , says, “It was a cinch to set up—the built-in pump is easy to use and inflates the mattress quickly.” Pros: Available in three heights Waterproof so it can also be used outdoors Inflates in under two minutes Comes with a carry bag Cons: A pricier option (especially larger sizes) Some sleepers say it loses air overnight Best Air Mattress For Toddlers A Portable Toddler Bed With Safety Bumpers Amazon Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed With Safety Bumpers Buy From Amazon Dimensions: 62 x 39 x 12 inches | Size options: Crib-sized | Built-in pump: No | Weight capacity: 310 pounds Traveling with young kids requires a ton of preparation and equipment, especially if they still sleep in a crib or need a bed railing. With bumpers surrounding this kid-sized air mattress, you can sleep soundly without worrying about your little one rolling out of bed. Plus, it’s portable enough to take on a road trip or airplane. Most little kids like to move around or play in bed, which is why this inflatable bed is engineered with reinforced weld seams and durable vinyl that is .42mm thick, which the company claims is 40% thicker than comparable options. You’ll also receive an electric turbo pump that inflates the mattress in under 30 seconds. What the reviews say: Customers praise the warranty and customer service as well as the construction of the mattress itself, saying, “We have had this product for about a year. The bumper snagged somewhere along the way and was slowly deflating, [but] they have a lifetime warranty. I messaged the company and they were prompt [with] easy service, and I had a new bumper at my door within a week or so! We highly recommend this product.” Pros: Lifetime guarantee Hiccapop says it’s virtually puncture-proof Excellent customer service Cons: The electric pump is not compatible outside the US Some reviewers mention a plastic smell right out of the box MORE FROM FORBES VETTED PSA: The TikTok-Viral Ninja Creami Is Back In Stock On Amazon By Jordan Thomas Forbes Staff FYI: These 16 Memorial Day Furniture Sales Have Already Started By Jordan Thomas Forbes Staff How We Chose The Best Air Mattresses To help you make the right purchase, we looked into bestselling air mattresses and analyzed them for features like sturdiness, quality, comfort and ease of use. We only included products with an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars, plus we sifted through dozens of reviews to find potential pros and cons of each pick. We also asked our colleagues for their recommendations; the Serta Air Mattress With Never Flat Pump is backed by Cory Baldwin, our executive director of commerce content and strategy. For variety, we chose products that are designed for different occasions, from hosting week-long houseguests to sleeping in a tent outside to giving you a place to sleep while moving homes. This ensures that readers across the board will find the best air bed for their needs, lifestyles and budgets. Why Trust Forbes Vetted We’ve researched, tested and published our way through dozens of sleep stories across Forbes Vetted, so we tapped into our ample mattress knowledge to assemble this list. (After all, a comfortable mattress is a comfortable mattress whether it’s filled with foam, springs or air.) We’re thorough researchers, and take a deep-dive into product features. We compare specs and read reviews from customers who’ve tried the products, themselves. And since we’re not doctors, we consulted one for this story: Mara Vucich , D.O., a doctor of physical and rehabilitative medicine at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Center, helped answer some frequently asked questions about air mattresses. Her insights are shared below. This story is regularly edited for freshness and was last updated in March 2023. What To Consider When Shopping For An Air Mattress Pump Types The two main types of air mattress pumps are internal and external. Each have a few distinct benefits and drawbacks. Internal pumps: This is type of pump, which is incorporated into the mattress, is most popular. Internal pumps will typically fully inflate a mattress in a few minutes with just the flip of a switch. They can also speed up the deflating process. While built-in pumps are effortless, quick and save you from manual inflation, they come with a couple potential inconveniences. First, they require electricity. (However, there are a few tools you can use if you don’t have access to an outlet, including a power inverter, generator or battery pack.) Replacing a built-in pump is much more difficult if an issue arises, as well. Most companies warranties should cover issues in this realm for a period of time. External pumps: These pumps aren’t built into the mattress—they’re a separate unit. They can be manual, electric or battery-operated. Fortunately, some inflatable beds that require an external pump include it in the box. If you anticipate using the mattress when you don’t have access to electricity, external foot pumps or battery-operated options are the best and most convenient option. Weight Limit Just like your bed frame, mattress and anything else you sleep on, inflatable beds also have a weight limit. The weight an air mattress supports boil down to two factors: size and construction. For instance, the average weight limit of a twin air mattress built to support one body is around 300 pounds, while a queen jumps to about 600 pounds, or approximately 300 per side. When you’re looking at the construction of an air mattress, a thicker bed made of PVC and vinyl will hold more weight than a thin option. Manufacturers generally advertise their products weight limits, so you can easily look at those before making a decision. Is It Okay To Sleep On An Air Mattress Every Night? Technically, yes. That said, there isn’t really any data to show which type of mattress is best for your back , inflatable or otherwise, according to Vucich. “It really comes down to the position that your neck and back are in when you're lying down on any mattress,” she says. Your neck and lower back have a natural curve (called a lordosis) and maintaining that alignment “will result in less pressure and pain on your neck and lower back,” she says. And yes, she adds, this is also true on an air mattress. How Can I Make My Air Mattress As Comfortable As Possible? Along with making sure your mattress is inflated to a firm level, Vucich says that your alignment and positioning when you sleep can make a big difference. “If you’re sleeping on your back, you may want to have a flatter pillow to fill in that lordosis in your neck,” she says. “If you’re on your side, you need a thicker pillow to make up the space between your ear and your shoulder.” She also suggests putting a pillow between your knees when you sleep on your side to keep your spine in a comfortable position. In addition, marshmallowy mattress toppers , supportive pillows and sumptuous bed sheets can all contribute to a cozier sleep experience. How Do I Patch My Air Mattress? Most air mattresses come with a patching kit (either a self-adhesive patch or separate glue and patches). If yours didn’t come with one, Pool Above Heavy Duty Patch Kit and Tear-Aid Vinyl Repair Kit on Amazon are well-reviewed options. The first and possibly hardest step of fixing a leaky air mattress is locating the hole. If you can’t hear or feel air escaping, try running a soapy sponge along the bed or spraying it with soapy water and looking for bubbles that appear. Once you spot them, mark the location, or you may not be able to find the pesky hole again. Completely deflating and flattening the bed before repair and cleaning the area you’re patching will help it stick better. While a patch should work well on smooth surfaces, they don’t always adhere to the velvety material that’s used on the top of some air mattresses. If the leak is on the fabric side of the bed, very gently (you don’t want to cause additional holes) rub the area with soft sandpaper to achieve a smooth surface before applying the patch. Whether you’re using a repair patch that came with your mattress or a separate repair kit, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package. You’ll also want to let it sit overnight to cure before re-inflating the mattress and testing your handiwork. forbes.com Amazon Promo Codes | 30% Off In May 2023 | Forbes Bre Richey Alison Barretta Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions