Air mattresses aren’t just for overnight guests or camping trips. These inflatable beds are the ideal sleeping solution for cramped quarters and communal living situations. They are also a cost-friendly choice for those who are just starting out on their own and can’t afford new furniture.
Our Recommended Everyday-Use Air Mattress Picks in 2023
We searched high and low for air mattresses that are excellent for everyday use. To rank the air mattresses, we looked at factors such as inflation time, overall construction, weight capacity and thickness. Here are some of the best daily-use inflatable beds you can buy that won’t break your wallet.
Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed
Talk about thick and plush. Stay comfortable and supported all night, every night with the ntex Comfort Plush. This queen-size air mattress has a 20.8-gauge flocked top that’s waterproof and 16-gauge sides. Inside of the 22-inch-thick inflatable mattress, there are horizontal air chambers that lend extra support.
The electric pump only takes 3.5 to 4.5 minutes to inflate the mattress fully. As it inflates, the polyester fibers won’t overstretch. Indented edges help you stay on the bed. With a 600-pound weight limit, there’s enough room for you and someone else. You also get a tote bag from Intex when you buy the Comfort Plush.
- Inflatable Queen airbed for home use engineered with Fiber-Tech Construction
- Built-in, high-powered electric pump for hassle-free inflation and deflation, inflates...
King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress
The Luxury Raised Air Mattress by King Koil/strong> is perfect for those who suffer from back pain. Air-filled inner coils provide proper spinal support, and its 20-inch thickness offers plenty of cushions. On the quilted, water-resistant top, there is a built-in pillow and elevated edges.
In 4 minutes or less, the electric pump can inflate the queen-size mattress. The air mattress is strong enough to handle 600 pounds. Plus, King Koil includes a patch kit and a storage bag for your convenience.
- KING KOIL LUXURY QUEEN AIR MATTRESS WITH A 1-YEAR WARRANTY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER:...
- FASTEST PATENTED BUILT-IN PUMP ON THE MARKET EQUALS EFFORTLESS INFLATION TECHNOLOGY:...
SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
User-friendly and extremely supportive. The queen-size SoundAsleep Dream‘s EZ Pump inflates in under 4 minutes with just one turn of the knob. It contains dual air chambers and 40 ComfortCoil air coils. Multiple layers of 15-gauge PVC resist punctures, and the waterproof flocked top has raised edges.
SoundAsleep put its SureGrip technology on the mattress’ bottom to prevent sliding, and there are side ridges that make a fitted sheet stay put. This 19-inch-thick air mattress holds 500 pounds, and it comes with a nylon carrying bag.
- WIRECUTTER'S #1 RATED air mattress for 9 straight years!
- OVER 1 MILLION PRODUCTS SOLD - quality you can trust with 100% US-based support!
Everyday-Use Air Mattress Buyer’s Guide
There are plenty of air mattress choices out there. To make comparison shopping easier for you, we at HouseholdMe created a rundown of features you should zero in on when buying an air mattress. From the electric pump to the comfort level, here’s what to look for in a daily-use air mattress.
The Electric Pump
At the heart of any great air mattress, there is an equally great electric pump. After all, one of the major selling points of daily-use air mattresses is the ability to inflate and deflate them quickly and efficiently.
Therefore, the mattress’ electric pump should have a powerful enough motor to inflate and deflate the air mattress in no more than 5 to 6 minutes.
In addition to the inflation/deflation time, the pump should be easy to use. For maximum usability, a built-in electric pump only requires one or two steps to add or release air. The pump should also have quick-glance instructions or labels.
Sturdiness
Even if you’re buying an inflatable bed for short-term use until you can afford an innerspring or foam mattress with a box spring, you still want your air mattress to last as long as possible.
To determine whether the mattress will be durable and sturdy, first take a look at its material. It should be made of PVC or polyester.
The PVC or polyester should be at least a 15-gauge thickness, which is about 1.8 millimeters. Ideally, the mattress should be constructed from polyester fibers or two-plus layers of PVC to decrease the likelihood of punctures.
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Support
You don’t want to sleep on a flimsy air mattress with a top that sinks to the bottom when you lay on it.
There are two aspects that contribute to an air mattress’ support. The thickness of the mattress is one of the most important factors. Shoot for a mattress with a 19 to 22-inch thickness and a padded top.
What’s going on inside of the mattress also matters. It should have air chambers or air coils. Horizontal and dual chambers offer a lot of support. Alternatively, you can count on an air mattress with dozens of air coils to support your body while you rest.
Weight Capacity
While on the subject of support, the air mattress you choose should be able to support the weight you need it to hold. The weight capacity is particularly important if Fido likes to sleep with you or you’re sharing the inflatable bed with your partner. An air mattress that falls in the range of 500 to 650 pounds should be enough to support most people’s needs.
Comfort
There’s no point of buying an air mattress if it doesn’t sleep comfortably. Manufacturers tend to cater to the comfort of those who are purchasing an inflatable bed for indoor use by including one or more comfort features.
A flocked top is the most popular comfort feature – Its soft, velveteen texture appeals to all buyers. However, a quilted top, while less common, is equally comfortable.
Then, there are the extra comfort features that are usually reserved for top-shelf models. Raised edges are one such feature. The edges ensure you don’t roll off the mattress in the middle of the night and land on the hard floor. Another luxury feature is a built-in pillow that won’t slide from beneath your head while you sleep.
Width
The width of the mattress goes hand in hand with its comfort. If you have space for it, the wider the mattress, the more comfortable you’ll be whether or not you’re sleeping alone.
Queen-size air mattresses, which measure 59 to 60 inches in width, are perfect for couples or people who want a lot of stretching room.
Conveniences
Many of the features we discussed in other categories can also be considered conveniences, such as a built-in pillow or quick-glance instructions. However, there are other conveniences to be had on everyday-use air mattresses.
A non-slip bottom prevents the mattress from sliding every time you turn over in your sleep. Side ridges indent into the mattress, ensuring your fitted sheet doesn’t unfurl. While not all air mattresses are equipped with a gripped bottom or side indents, virtually all of them come with a storage/tote bag.
FAQs
Can I Use an Air Mattress Every Day?
Absolutely. While they aren’t the traditional choice for those who are in need of a bed, air mattresses can be used daily for sleeping. Many of them rival the height of a standard innerspring mattress, and they are heavier than the inflatable mattresses that people take on camping trips.
With a little dressing up, you can make an air mattress look like a permanent bed. The linens you’d buy for a standard mattress will fit an inflatable bed, so feel free to add a fitted sheet, a comforter and throw pillows.
Are Air Mattresses Comfortable?
You’ll be surprised at how comfortable an air mattress feels. Generally, the thicker the mattress, the more comfortable the mattress. However, thinner inflatable beds can provide a comfortable sleeping surface too. Indoor-use air mattresses have a soft flocked top layer with a velveteen texture, and you can adjust the firmness of the mattress by adding or letting out air.
I Have a Bad Back – Will an Air Mattress Alleviate My Back Pain?
Get ready for a great night’s sleep. Thick air mattresses offer excellent back support and simultaneous body contouring, and they keep your spine in alignment. On days when you want a softer sleeping surface, you can release a little bit of air. On days when you need extra back support, add some air to make the mattress firmer.
Are Air Mattresses Durable?
You can get years of use out of an air mattress if you take care of it properly. Inflatable beds are usually made of PVC, which is durable yet flexible enough to not degrade after repeated inflating and deflating. The mattresses are also strengthened by polyester fibers technology. The only section of an air mattress that’s soft is the flocked material on top of it.
I’m Over 6 Feet Tall – Will I Fit on an Air Mattress?
Just like innerspring or foam mattresses, air mattresses come in a variety of sizes, ranging from twin to California king. They also come in regular and extra-long lengths. Queen-size inflatable beds are about 80 inches long; mattresses with these measurements can accommodate someone who is 6.5 feet and fully stretched out.
At approximately 60 inches wide, a queen-size or larger air mattress has enough room for two people without feeling cramped. With an average weight limit of 500 to 600 pounds, the mattress can support the weight of two people without leaking or buckling.
How Long Does It Take to Set up an Air Mattress?
You’ll be delighted to know that you can get your new air mattress set up in less than 10 minutes. Half of that time will be devoted to unboxing and unfolding the mattress. The other half of your time will be spent on inflating the mattress.
Sure, you can use a hand pump or even your mouth to blow up an air bed. However, many modern air mattresses are equipped with a pump. Thanks to the built-in air pump, your mattress will be ready to sleep on in 3 to 5 minutes, depending on its size. Keep in mind that a brand new air mattress may need to be topped up after the first hour of inflation since the PVC will stretch.
What Does It Mean to Top up an Air Mattress?
When you top up an inflatable bed, it means you’re adding air to it. Although PVC is a strong material, it does flex a little to accommodate air and weight load.
Beyond the first hour of use, a top-up is usually necessary every few days if you sleep on your air mattress every night basis because PVC continues to stretch with habitual inflatable bed use.
How Do I Inflate My Air Mattress?
Integrated electric air pumps are extremely easy to use. All you have to do is plug in the electrical cord. Then, flip a switch and/or turn a knob to the on position. When the mattress is completely inflated, just flip the switch or turn the knob to the off position and unplug the cord.
What Happens If I Overinflate an Air Mattress?
Adding too much air to an inflatable bed can ruin it. Under the stress of overinflation, the seams stretch, and can easily be pushed beyond their capacity. In turn, the risk of popping the mattress increases. Repeated instances of overinflation will weaken the seams further, eventually rupturing the PVC.
What Happens If I Run the Pump Too Long?
The typical air mattress electric pump does not have an auto-off feature. This means the pump will keep running after the mattress is fully inflated or deflated. Once you turn on the pump, stick around until you’ve added or let out the air.
If you let the pump run continuously, you risk damaging its motor. Most air mattress pumps have a cutoff switch, which activates when the pump gets too hot. However, a cutoff switch is not a sure bet against overheating the motor, and you will have to wait about an hour until the motor cools down before you use it again.
Why Is My Mattress Less Firm When I Wake up?
Don’t panic. If your air mattress feels a little softer than it did when you laid down on it the night before. Even when fully inflated, air mattresses aren’t airtight – They’re designed to give a little when pressure is applied to them. Between the inflatable bed’s flexibility and your weight, the mattress is bound to lose some air overnight. Variables such as the room’s temperature also play a role.
In some cases, the loss of air is due to a loose air valve cap. Other times, a ripped seam or a small hole is to blame. If it feels like your mattress has lost too much air, check for these issues. An air cap is easy to tighten, and a small is often repairable.
How Do I Fix a Hole in an Air Mattress?
To seal a hole in an air mattress, you’ll need a repair kit, which only costs a few dollars. If you need to patch it ASAP, duct tape works in a pinch. Either way, before you make the repair, you have to locate the hole. You can usually find the hole by pushing on the mattress as you feel for blowing air or listen for a hissing sound.
How Do I Clean My Air Mattress?
You should clean your air mattress periodically to keep it hygienic and in working condition. To do so, you don’t need to deflate it. Before you clean the mattress, unplug the pump charger and strip off your sheets if you haven’t already done so.
Then, use your vacuum to remove dust mites and other allergens from the top surface. A brush attachment is the best tool to use if your vacuum comes with one, making gentle one-direction brush strokes as you vacuum.
Next, wipe down the surface with a damp, soapy cloth. A little rubbing alcohol on a dry cloth will help remove stains. Finally, let the inflatable mattress air dry before you use it again. The dry time ranges from 3 to 5 hours, and drying it outside on a warm day can speed up the process.
Final Words
Well, that’s it for this Best Air Mattress for Everyday Use Guide. We hope you found it helpful!
If you’re still having trouble deciding the air mattress that’s best for you see our How to Make an Air Mattress More Comfortable? article or check out our Soundasleep vs King Koil Comparison.
Our Recommended Air Mattresses
If you have any questions or comments, please add them below in the comment section. Similarly, please let us know if you spot any mistakes or omissions. Thanks!
Last Update: 2024-04-17 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
