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Air mattresses, or air beds, have come a long way from a simple inflatable cushion you could liken to a pool float. From light and portable mattresses best for frequent travel to self-inflating beds that mimic real mattresses and box springs, air mattresses are a cost-effective way to stay comfortable on camping trips, host guests over the holidays, or simply buy yourself some time between traditional mattress purchases. Check out some of our top picks below.
The best air mattress for you will depend mostly on your individual preferences and how you’re going to use it.
A huge factor in determining which type of air mattress is best for you, is the primary use. Is the mattress for you in a temporary situation? Is it for house guests? Will you use it for camping trips? Does it need to work for your kids?
Just like you would consider your preferred size when reviewing the best mattresses, size is an important factor for air mattresses as well. If you are shopping primarily for guests, a full or queen size mattress may be best, while if you’re looking for an easily portable mattress, the smaller the better.
Storage and space can also be a factor if you are transporting your air mattress frequently, or if you have limited space where you live. For example, most closets can store up to a king size air mattress if necessary, but that’s probably not the size you’d want to frequently toss in the back of your car.
The best camping mattress depends on whether you prioritize comfort or convenience and portability—the Coleman SupportRest Double-High Air Mattress comes with a little of both. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, this air mattress features coil construction for consistent support and a plush top for extra comfort.
The Coleman SupportRest Double-High Air Mattress is a versatile option that’s good for camping, but can also be used indoors.
Best air mattress for camping
Walmart
$89.91
$49.00
amazon
$139.99
Waste no time with cherished guests setting up your air mattress—the Coleman Guestrest Double-High Air Mattress inflates with a built-in pump under three minutes. The surface is mold-resistant and anti-microbial, which means it’s good to store in between visits. It comes with a velvet plush top and fits standard queen sheets — your guests won’t even know they’re on an air mattress!
The Coleman GuestRest Double-High Air Mattress offers a luxury and comfortable experience for all guests, at an affordable price.
Best air mattress for guests
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If a loss of inflation throughout the night is a concern, it’s worth investing in a dual-pump air mattress, which monitors the air pressure and automatically reinflates your mattress if it gets low. The Tough Guard Air Mattress from Bestway AlwayzAire offers a durable, scratch-resistant surface to hopefully prevent loss of air in the first place. Its material is also temperature- regulating, and the mattress also offers a USB port for convenient charging for guests.
The Tough Guard Air Mattress from Bestway AlwayzAir keeps you off the floor throughout the night atop a durable, scratch-resistant anti-microbial surface.
Best dual-pump air mattress
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amazon
$167.92
For heavier folks looking for a comfortable air mattress, the Serta Raised Air Bed Mattress comes with a sensor that monitors the air level of the mattress on a continuous basis. If a loss of inflation occurs, a secondary pump automatically re-inflates the mattress, and it does so silently so it doesn’t disturb your sleep. This automatic system ensures consistent firmness and support throughout the night.
The Serta Raised Air Mattress comes equipped with a monitoring system to detect and replenish any loss of air pressure throughout the night.
Best air mattress for heavy person
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amazon
$189.95
$159.95
If you travel frequently with toddlers, host toddlers in your home or are simply between a crib and a full bed for your child, the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is a great option. Taller and longer than most of its competition, the inflatable mattress fits in most standard cribs, but also comes with safety bumpers to keep your little one from rolling off. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, and puncture-proof vinyl covering for added durability.
For travel needs or flexibility with kids, the Hiccapop Inflatable Bed with Bumpers is a durable and safe option.
Best air mattress for kids
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$84.92
Similar to the best mattresses for back pain, the best air mattress for back pain is one that’s firm and supportive. If you or your guests suffer from back pain, you generally want to find a firm and supportive mattress—look no further than the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress. Equipped with coil-beam construction to provide extra spinal support, this air mattress promotes good sleeping posture so you wake up feeling rested and pain-free. The pump included both inflates and deflates in under two minutes for extra convenience.
For air mattress users with back pain, the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress provides firm and consistent support to wake up pain-free.
Best air mattress for back pain
Walmart
$129.95
amazon
$169.95
$149.95
The self-inflating air mattress from SoundAsleep is a double-height mattress for maximum support, with a built-in pump that inflates and deflates automatically in under four minutes. This is a highly-reviewed air mattress that is consistently top-rated.
The Dream Series Air Mattress from SoundAsleep is a high-quality, top-rated option that provides ultimate convenience.
Best self-inflating air mattress
Walmart
$209.95
$149.95
amazon
$129.95
A great option for under $75, the Skyrise Air Mattress from Beautyrest will indeed help you get your beauty rest. Available in three sizes, this air mattress comes with a hands-free pump that inflates and deflates for added convenience and features a coil design for added support throughout the night.
The Skyrise Air Mattress from Beautyrest is a quality and affordable option available in multiple sizes.
Best affordable air mattress
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$95.00
We reviewed a selection of online and traditional air mattress retailers to make our recommendations for the best air mattresses. In our search, we emphasized price, availability and durability. All of our picks are priced below $300 for a queen, come with at least a one-year warranty and are transparent about pricing and accessories.
Though they’re not an ideal sleeping option for every night, there are plenty of comfortable air mattresses available at affordable prices. For maximum comfort, look for double-height air mattresses, which are meant to mimic the height of a box spring and mattress of a traditional bed. Make sure you pair your air mattress with the best bed sheets for additional comfort.
Air mattresses, or air beds, are generally not recommended for daily use long term. Air mattresses are not as supportive as traditional mattresses and they don’t last as long.
This will depend on the primary use for your mattress. Double-height air mattresses more closely mimic standard mattresses, and are therefore better for guests or longer term use. Single-height air mattresses are better for camping and travel because they are light and easily portable.
If you can, it’s generally recommended that you invest in a standard mattress for long-term use. There are several risks in using an air mattress long term, including temperature regulation, body support, and maintenance, just to name a few. Air mattresses used daily also won’t last as long as a standard mattress. If affordability is a concern, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses.