Buying guide for best air mattresses
![Megan Prevost]()
Written by Megan Prevost
Updated November 2024
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When you need a spare bed in a hurry, a quality air mattress can save the day. While it’s impossible for any air mattress to fully replicate the comfort of a real bed, the best ones can still provide a good night’s sleep, so you or your guests wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.
To help you find the best air mattress for your needs, the BestReviews Testing Lab extensively researched and tested a variety of models to find the best ones at a reasonable price. We evaluated each one we tested on how long it took to inflate and deflate, whether it remained comfortable and supportive all night and whether it was strong enough to resist being punctured by sharp objects and rough surfaces.
Our clear winner was the SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress. It features a quiet built-in pump, which is great for late-night setup when others are sleeping, and it stayed firm and comfortable all night long.
Our top picks
Best Air Mattress
Weight Capacity: 500 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 19" H (Queen) | Firmness and Support: Comfort coils | Pump Type: Built-in Pump | Top Material: Waterproof flocked top
If you’re looking for a premium air mattress, the SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress came close to perfect in our tests. Its system of air-filled coils provided a comfortable medium support, and we found that it never lost a noticeable amount of air during the night — a common frustration with air mattresses.
Made of thick, puncture-resistant PVC, the SoundAsleep mattress features a soft flocked top that grips the sheets better and provides extra warmth.
To inflate, simply plug it in and switch on the built-in motor, which was significantly quieter than other models we tested. It took about four minutes to fill, and the textured bottom kept it from slipping and sliding on our hardwood floors throughout the night.
It comes in six sizes, including California King XL and Twin XL, plus there’s a special option with sidewalls that’s made just for kids.
The SoundAsleep is covered by a one-year warranty and includes a travel bag to make it easy to store and carry everything with you. In short, you simply can’t beat its comfort and simplicity.
Best Value
Weight Capacity: 330 lb | Dimensions and Size: 75" L x 38" W x 15" H (Twin) | Firmness and Support: Tritech airbeds | Pump Type: Built-in Pump | Top Material: Flocked PVC
Despite its affordable price, the SleepLux Durable Inflatable Air Mattress offers many of the same features as the more expensive models on our list. It has three layers that allow it to provide excellent back and shoulder support and help improve its durability.
Because it’s so sturdy, this twin-sized air mattress can hold up to 330 pounds without losing its shape. It also has a super-soft flocked top that makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep and helps your fitted sheet stay in place even if you move around a lot.
Like higher-end air mattresses, the SleepLux Durable Inflatable Air Mattress has a built-in pump that makes its setup a breeze. The pump can inflate the mattress in as little as five minutes with the press of a button and doesn’t make much noise as it works, either, so you won’t disturb the rest of the house when it’s time to inflate.
The mattress even has a built-in USB port, so you can easily charge your phone or other device without worrying about finding an outlet. It also comes with a convenient storage bag and a repair patch in case the mattress is accidentally ripped or punctured.
Best Air Mattress with a Headboard
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 60” W x 80” L x 18” H | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam construction | Pump Type: Built-in | Top Material: Dual-layer comfort top
If you or your guests like to read or work in bed, the Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Ultra Plush Air Bed provides what no other mattress on this list does — a headboard. The plush headboard not only allows you to comfortably prop yourself up, but it also prevents pillows from sliding off the back.
Its unique design prioritizes comfort and support. Intex’s Dura-Beam construction prevents sagging throughout the night, and the edge and bottom ring construction provide superior side stability compared to other mattresses, which makes it easier to climb out of bed.
The Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Plush Headboard Air Bed has all the bells and whistles of a luxury mattress, including a velvety soft surface, at a budget-friendly price.
It's easy to inflate in just five minutes with the built-in pump. While it’s large in size at 18 inches tall, it’s still easy to fold and store in the included tote bag, making it a solid choice for guest bedrooms and travel alike.
Best Air Mattress for Tall People
Weight Capacity: 650 lb | Dimensions and Size: 84" L x 72" W x 20" H (California king) | Firmness and Support: Coil construction | Pump Type: High-speed built-in 120 V/210 W AC pump | Top Material: Premium, water-resistant flocking
If you want to give your houseguests the royal treatment, the extra-large King Koil Luxury California King Air Mattress is not only ideal for one tall person, but it’s so supportive that it can also comfortably fit two.
Air-filled coils and internal layering provide firm, maximum support for proper alignment of the spine. Plus, one end has a built-in pillow for extra neck support. "It also has really good side support compared to other air mattresses," one of our testers said.
The King Koil also had one of the fastest inflation times of all the air mattresses we tested. The built-in pump inflated the mattress to its full 20-inch height within two minutes and deflated it in about two and half minutes, which is impressive for such a large mattress. If it lost any air in the night, we really couldn’t tell as it appeared no different.
Cozy, soft flocking on both the top and sides cling to the sheets so they don’t slide around in the night (however, the sides collected pet hair and lint, a common issue with many flocked air mattresses). Beneath the flocking is durable PVC that passed all of our puncture tests with flying colors. A skid-resistant bottom ensures that it doesn’t slip and slide in the night.
Unfortunately, with all of this luxury comes quite a bit of heft. While it does include an oversized tote bag to pack it in, it can be difficult to roll up, and its weight of nearly 30 pounds makes it a heavy option for traveling. But if you don’t need to go anywhere with it, this air mattress provides a luxurious night’s sleep that’s sure to delight your guests.
Most Durable
Weight Capacity: 650 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" H (Queen) | Firmness and Support: Air coils | Pump Type: Built-in pump | Top Material: Waterproof flocked top
The iDOO Queen Air Mattress is a perfect choice for those who want to get repeated use out of their air mattress. It's made of a unique PVC material infused with resin to help improve its durability. That makes the mattress extremely wear-resistant and less likely to lose its shape than other lower-quality models.
Designed with comfort in mind, it has a four-chamber structure filled with 40 air coils, so the entire surface of the mattress is highly supportive. It's also 18 inches high, making you feel like you’re sleeping in a real bed rather than right on the floor.
This queen-size mattress has a built-in electric air pump that is extremely easy to use. It doesn’t have a manual valve, either, so you don’t have to worry about leaks as you’re inflating the mattress. It takes three minutes or less to fully blow up, so you can get to sleep as quickly as possible.
It also has a nonslip strip on the bottom, so it won’t move around or tip over while you’re sleeping. The mattress even comes with a patch kit that allows you to quickly repair minor rips or tears.
Best Supportive Air Mattress
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 18" H (queen) | Firmness and Support: Dura-beam support | Pump Type: Built-in | Top Material: Flocked PVC
If you don’t want to spend over $100, this easy-to-use, supportive mattress should be at the top of your list. The Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Luxury Air Mattress features a specialized Dura-Beam support system that prevents the mattress from sagging in the night.
For added comfort, it has a plush pillow-top construction and top and bottom edge supports, so you won’t dip or roll throughout the night.
We especially loved the quick inflation time of three and a half minutes to get it to its maximum height of 18 inches; however, the built-in pump took much longer to deflate it (almost 10 minutes). Fortunately, the pump wasn’t very loud, so the noise is never intrusive.
After sleeping a few nights on it, we determined it to be extremely comfortable and, when compared to other air mattresses of a similar size, it didn’t lose nearly as much air. If we hadn’t already known its low price, we would have guessed it cost a lot more — it’s simply that good.
Best Single-Height Air Mattresses
Weight Capacity: 600 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 10" H (queen) | Firmness and Support: Dura-Beam supports | Pump Type: Built-in | Top Material: Premium flocking
Though it may be on the thin side at just 10 inches high, the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Air Mattress delivers a lot more than you would think. We were prepared for mediocre comfort and instead came away thoroughly impressed by the quality and support of this single-height air mattress.
Its vertical support beams help to prevent sinking and sagging, and the premium flocking and headrest are so lush and comfortable you might not even miss having a pillow if you wanted to travel light.
This single-height mattress didn’t lose much air overnight, but compared to other air mattresses, it’s a bit softer, so it’s not the best option if you like it to be firm.
With the built-in pump, you can inflate and deflate this mattress in just about two minutes. Though it didn’t come with a travel bag, it’s thinner than other mattresses, so it’s easy to roll up and store or travel with. This mattress is easily the best option when you need something light and portable.
Best Cooling Inflatable Mattress
Weight Capacity: 700 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 17" H | Firmness and Support: Dual coil-in-coil design | Pump Type: Secure lock built-in | Top Material: Plush cooling top
If you sleep hot or plan on using your air mattress mainly in the summer, the Beautyrest Comfort Plus Air Bed is for you.
It features a plush cooling top that helps you sleep more comfortably, and the coil-in-coil construction provides firm support throughout the night without sagging. The Beautyrest brand has, after all, been around for close to a hundred years, so they know a thing or two about what makes a great night’s sleep.
This mattress also features a protective edge that prevents drooping or rolling off as well as a no-tilt base, so you won’t have to worry about your mattress moving around or slipping in the night. While it’s a large mattress, coming in at 17 inches thick, it rolls up easily and can be stored in the included bag.
Definitely a luxury air mattress, it's a great option if you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable mattress that can be slept on for more than a few nights in a row.
Best Air Mattress for Kids
Weight Capacity: 310 lb | Dimensions and Size: 62" L x 39" W x 12" H | Firmness and Support: Vertical beams | Pump Type: Turbo external pump | Top Material: Ultra-plush flocking
Every parent knows that the best bed for little kids is a safe bed they won’t roll off of in the middle of the night. The Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is just that. It comes in two parts, with an ultra-plush removable mattress and bumper. The mattress can be used on its own or in combination with the bumper, depending on how active your young sleepers are.
The included bumpers are 25% taller and longer than competing toddler mattress bumpers, and they provide additional support, safety and comfort for toddlers.
This mattress is a great option for anyone traveling with young children or anyone looking for a comfortable bed for their toddler to sleep in while transitioning them from a crib to a toddler- or twin-size bed.
Plus, the Hiccapop mattress comes with an external turbo pump that claims it can inflate the mattress super fast in 30 seconds or less.
Soft, comfortable and safe, it even comes with an extra-large storage bag, so you can take the air mattress to grandma’s house, sleepovers and so much more. It also comes in three colors: midnight blue, slate gray and Tahitian blue!
Best Air Mattress for Long-Term Use
Weight Capacity: 800 lb | Dimensions and Size: 80" L x 60" W x 20" H | Firmness and Support: Durable offset coils | Pump Type: Built-in | Top Material: Removable pillow-top cover
While no one recommends using an air mattress as a permanent solution to a real bed, if you really need to sleep on an air mattress for longer than a week at a time, the Nautica Home Cloud Supreme Air Mattress is an excellent option.
This air mattress features a cooling zip-off luxury quilted cover, a SureLock anti-leak internal pump, durable offset coil construction and air-tight Duratex technology. That means that you can have a comfortable, cooling, supportive night’s sleep without having to worry about leakage. The Duratex material prevents punctures and scrapes, so you may not even need the included patch kit.
The cooling luxury cover is reminiscent of a pillowtop mattress and can be easily zipped off and thrown into the washing machine. The offset coils provide staggered support throughout the mattress, so no matter where you sleep, you won’t dip or sag. Additionally, it has a no-tip stabilizing base to keep the bed from moving, slipping or swaying.
With all of these luxury features and additions, however, the mattress is quite bulky. It can be difficult to roll up and pack away, which is why we recommend it for long-term use in guest bedrooms or while moving.
The comfort level is closest to a regular bed, and there’s no cold feeling when sleeping on the soft pillow top. All in all, the Nautica mattress is a good option for those looking to splurge on a long-term solution.
How we tested
The BestReviews Testing Lab tested five air mattresses and considered many more. In testing, we looked at inflation and deflation time, comfort levels, percentage of air lost and ease of rolling and storing the mattress. Our tester slept on each mattress for three days and noted the support levels and any noticeable sagging. They also tested each mattress’ durability with a puncture test — which all five mattresses passed.
What to look for when buying an air mattress
Comfort and support
An air mattress is only as good as the sleep it gives you, so comfort and support are essential considerations. Look for a mattress with even air distribution to prevent lumps or bubbles. For the most comfortable bed, opt for an air mattress with internal air coils or chambers.
During testing, we found that air mattresses with these internal air coils stayed noticeably more firm throughout the night. Air mattresses with internal air coils and chambers include the SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress, the Beautyrest Comfort Plus Air Mattress and the King Koil Luxury Air Mattress.
Height
In addition to size, it’s important to consider the height of an air mattress. If you’re placing the mattress on the floor without a platform to elevate it, it can be difficult to get in and out of bed with a single-height mattress. Single-height mattresses, such as the Intex Dura-Beam Standard Air Mattress, are often between 8 and 10 inches thick, while double-height mattresses, such as the SoundAsleep Dream Series Luxury Air Mattress, can be anywhere from 18 to 22 inches thick.
A double-height air mattress is nearly the same height as a traditional bed, so people with mobility issues may have an easier time getting on and off of this type of air mattress. If you go with a double-height mattress, make sure you have properly fitting sheets as some require you to use deep-pocket sheets.
Size
Air mattresses come in all the standard mattress sizes, including twin, full, queen and king. The usual air mattress specs are 38 by 74 inches for a twin, 54 by 74 inches for a full, 60 by 80 inches for a queen and 72 by 80 inches for a king. Some air mattresses are also available in an XL size for taller people. Bigger air mattresses accommodate larger people or multiple sleepers more comfortably. Keep the size of the area you’re planning to put the air mattress in mind, too. You want to be sure it’ll fit.
Pump
If you want an air mattress that’s easy to inflate, opt for one that comes with a pump. Some pumps run on internal batteries; others must be plugged into a wall outlet. If you plan to camp with your air mattress, a battery-operated pump is the best option.
For the quickest inflation, choose a mattress with a built-in pump. If you opt for a mattress with an external pump, make sure the valve on the bed fits it well and seals properly so leaks don’t occur.
Storage
It’s important to store an air mattress in some type of container to protect it from tears and rips. You could fold it and put it back in its original box but that might be cumbersome. For the easiest storage, choose an air mattress that comes with a storage bag or container.
Extra features
While size, comfort and ease of use are primary considerations, some air mattresses come with extra features you might appreciate. For example, some are fitted with LED lights to serve as night lights. Others, such as the SleepLux Durable Inflatable Air Mattresshave USB ports to charge a phone, tablet or laptop while you sleep.
Other features may include the ability to change the support level, removable pillow-tops and secondary pumps to keep the air beds inflated throughout the night. Keep in mind that you’ll usually pay more for additional features.
Tips for using your air mattress
- A larger size may be best. If you’re purchasing an air mattress to host overnight guests, opt for a queen or, even better, a king to fit two people comfortably.
- Always use traditional sheets. You’ll get a better night’s sleep than simply lying on top of the inflated mattress with a blanket.
- Add a mattress topper for extra comfort. A foam egg crate-style or quilted pad-style topper adds extra cushioning to make an air mattress feel more like a traditional bed.
- Add a soft blanket between the air mattress and your bottom sheet. Air mattresses are often cold to sleep on because of their rubber tops. A blanket underneath you can reduce that cold feeling and let you sleep more comfortably.
- Place an air mattress on a soft surface such as a carpet or rug. This prevents it from squeaking on hard flooring when sleepers toss and turn during the night.
- If your air mattress develops a hole, you can easily patch it up. Heat a stick of hot glue, and apply it to the puncture. Additionally, many air mattresses come with quick-patch kits.
FAQ
Q. Can I use an air mattress as a permanent bed?
A. Air mattresses aren’t usually designed for everyday use. If you were to sleep on it every night, durability issues would likely arise after a few months. Some companies, such as SoundAsleep, won’t even honor the warranty if the air mattress has been used on a daily basis over a long period of time.
Q. How do I store an air mattress?
A. When you’re finished using your mattress, deflate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure all the air is out of it, as it’s more prone to damage while inflated. Fold the long sides of the mattress inward. Then, fold it in halves or quarters, or roll it up. Place it in its box or storage bag before stashing it in a closet or on a shelf. If you can’t find the box or bag, wrap it in a towel to protect it.
Q. How do I clean an air mattress?
A. First, make sure the pump is unplugged. Remove sheets and other bedding. Then, run a handheld vacuum over the mattress to remove crumbs, dirt and debris. Dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol, and wipe down the mattress. Leave it out to dry for four to five hours before folding it for storage.
Q. How much does an air mattress cost?
A. Air mattresses are available at a wide range of price points. The cost usually depends on what size mattress you’re purchasing. You’ll spend $30 to $90 for a basic queen-size air mattress. For a higher-end model, you’ll usually pay between $100 and $170 for a queen.
