Finding the best air mattress for your needs can take some work. Various features lend themselves to different applications, with some air mattresses configured to perform outdoors for camping and others for guest use indoors. Determining which air mattress you’ll want to purchase requires knowing about the product and its available features, as well as the purpose of each individual mattress for sale. Taking the time to really evaluate the options can be a game changer, helping you find a product that you’ll be satisfied with and that performs well in your circumstances.
Table of Contents
10 Best Air Mattress Comparison Chart
| Picture | Mattress Brand | Features | Price |
 |
Sound Asleep
|
|
Check Price |
 |
King Koil Luxury
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Intex Raised Downy
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Intex Comfort
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Insta Raised
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Coleman
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Fox Air Beds
|
|
Check Price |
 |
WonderSleep Classic
|
|
Check Price |
 |
FBSport Car Travel
|
|
Check Price |
 |
Insta Bed EZ Bed
|
|
Check Price |
Value and Buyers Guide
Figuring out what aspects of the mattress make it the best air mattress for everyday use versus what’s important to determine the best air mattress for camping can lead to finding the ideal product for the highest level of satisfaction. Some things should be considered in purchasing either option to help you reach your conclusion.
Space and Size
Wherever you plan to blow up your air mattress, you only have so much space available. It’s important to determine the optimal size of air mattress you need to fit within that space and offer the most comfort. For example, a very large, broad person wouldn’t be able to use a twin sized mattress. However, the space you have in your tent or in a shared bedroom may not accommodate a queen sized option. Be sure to measure the space you have and to consider the size of the person using the air mattress so you can purchase the right size for your application.
Purpose
If you intend to use your air mattress only inside, you’ll be looking at very different features than you would consider if you wanted to purchase the best air mattress for camping. For example, a velvet surface for comfort might be preferable for indoor purposes but could easily cause the mattress to be ruined in the rain should you take it on a camping trip. At the same time, you’ll want a heavy duty product for outdoor use, not wanting the slightest snag on a branch to tear a hole in the air mattress. For indoor purposes, you don’t necessarily need some a rough and sturdy mattress. Consider the needs you must meet for the air mattress to be right, and use these to guide you to the perfect product.
Comfort
Believe it or not, all air mattresses do not sleep the same. Some have greater edge support than others for a more even and flat sleep space. You also find different patterns that create a specific environment which may or may not suit you well. You can also find air mattresses with different surfaces, from basic plastic to velvet and suede tops. If you’re using the air mattress for several nights in a row, you may want to consider how long you can go between using the pump to make sure the mattress is completely filled, noting that loss of air too quickly can lead to falling into the mattress and being very uncomfortable, especially if you’re sharing the bed with a partner.
Durability and Portability
Since air mattresses are meant to be moved around and located as needed, especially when camping, it’s extremely important to consider how durable and portable the air mattress is prior to purchasing. For outdoor use, you’ll want to make sure you have the best air mattress for camping and that it is extremely durable, considering the environmental factors and the elements that could cause damage to the product. In addition, while choosing the best air mattress for indoor use has less to do with mobility and more to do with the actual amount of space it would require and take up once set up. However, portability is extremely important to assure you don’t have trouble lugging around this monstrosity that sounded epic, until you realized what it weighed.
Setting It Up
Part of the issue a lot of people have with air mattresses is how difficult they can be to set up. You want to make sure you have everything you need to make it work without concern or hardship. For example, if you intend to go camping with your air mattress, you want to assure you can inflate it with a battery operated device, since you won’t have access to electric power. Or, you can find out if the plug for a self inflated air mattress will work in a generator, if you intend to carry one of those with you for longer trips. How long does it take to inflate? You should explore the details before you decide to make a purchase so you don’t end up wasting a lot of time inflating or attempting to set up the mattress with no visible results.
In addition, setting up the mattress is only half the battle. You also have to determine how difficult it is to deflate and store the mattress. Are you going to have trouble getting the folded or rolled, deflated product back in its box? And if so, how hard is it to rectify that situation? Of course, this is essential for camping, since you don’t want to spend hours on the task. It’s more important to get moving quickly, so you need a product you can rely on to be swift and easy to set up and tear down.
Duration of Use
While most air mattresses are used for friends and family staying as guests in your home for a short time, for children’s sleepovers, or for camping purposes for a few days to a week, there are times when an air mattress has to last far longer than that. In fact, some people choose to use an air mattress as a full time mattress for every day sleep purposes. There’s nothing wrong with this, but when you’re searching for the right air mattress to fulfill your needs, you need to take this into consideration. If the duration of use for your air mattress is longer than a few days to a couple of weeks out of the year, you have nothing to worry about and can easily find an air mattress to accommodate. However, if this is going to be a long term solution to the need for a mattress, you’ll definitely have to adjust your thinking and perhaps invest in a much more durable, long lasting sleep surface. You may have to consider different materials that are stronger or a particular design or stitching that will make it more durable for a longer, better performance.
Affordability
Of course, as with any product, you have to consider cost when shopping for the best air mattress for you. Luxury air mattresses could cost as much as a standard mattress, and that may be what suits you, if you’re going to use the bed long term. On the other hand, you might be on a budget and trying to solve an immediate problem, which means you need a bargain that still fits the bill and adheres to all your other needs. You can find inexpensive air mattresses easily, but you should be certain they still offer quality. The last thing you need is a cheap air mattress giving out on you in the middle of a camping trip.
10 Best Air Mattress Reviews
SoundaSleep Air Mattress
The SoundaSleep Dream Series Air Mattress incorporates ComfortCoil technology, which means more air coils for greater support, as well as a waterproof top that is extra thick for your added comfort. Push a single button to inflate with the internal pump, which takes less than 4 minutes to reach maximum capacity and easily tops off with little effort. Designed to use at home, this air mattress works well for friends and family staying overnight but may not be the best choice for camping purposes. The material, however, does have multiple layers and is puncture resistant, giving you some peace of mind that it won’t spring a leak. The air mattress also comes with a 1 year consumer warranty, so you can rest assured in the quality of the product and construction. When it’s time to store, there is an integrated cord storage space and a carrying bag for easy transport and added protection against damage.
Pros
- Internal pump, inflates in under 4 minutes
- 40 internal air coils for extra support
- Waterproof top
Cons
- Not suited for camping
- No hand pump connection available
You may also like Best Mattress For Kids
King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress
The coil beam construction of the King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress offers greater spinal support than the average air mattress. The internal pump is fast working and allows for just as quick deflation, with both operations taking about 3 minutes. While the technology included to create the spinal support carries a 1 year warranty, the product itself is covered for 90 days. One concern for a thicker air mattress like this is getting sheets to stay on, but this particular model had no problems with standard depth queen sheets staying in place. The mattress can handle up to 600 pounds, making it one of the most durable air mattresses on the market.
Pros
- Enhanced air bed technology with 1 year guarantee
- Some firmness customization available
- Compact and convenient carrying bag
Cons
- Not suited for rustic applications
- Heavier than competitors
Intex Raised Downy Air Mattress
The Intex Raised Downy Air Mattress is a great, economic solution to the immediate need for an air mattress. The internal pump inflates and deflates the mattress in less than 5 minutes for convenient set up and take down, and the 22 inch height adds stability to the mattress. The indented sides allow sheets to settle in and stay on with ease, and dual chamber construction mimics the use of a box spring with the lower chamber topped by an upper chamber with a feel more like a standard mattress. If there is no outlet available, as when you’re camping, you do have the option of connecting another kind of pump that doesn’t require power. The top of the mattress has plush, waterproof flocking for added comfort and to avoid the sound of movement on plastic.
Pros
- Quick, easy set up and deflation with internal pump
- Low price and affordability
- Dual chamber construction creates extra support
Cons
- Seams are not as secure as some models
- Warranty is limited to manufacturer defects
Intex Comfort Air Mattress
The Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Air Mattress offers quality at a reasonable price. With excellent, trustworthy vinyl construction, you don’t have to worry about construction issues causing the mattress to come apart early. The waterproof flocked top is plush for comfort and to avoid the sounds of movement on vinyl, and while you may have to purchase queen size sheets with deep pockets, you have indented sides made to help keep them in place. Inflating and deflating are just a touch of a button and take about 4 minutes, but without 120VAC power, you have to option of using an external pump to inflate. The product includes a duffel bag for ease of storage and transport as well.
Pros
- Quality construction with thick vinyl and firm seams
- Flocked waterproof top
- High weight capacity
Cons
- Standard sheets don’t fit well
- Quick air loss overnight
Insta Raised Air Mattress
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress offers comfort and reassurance, using two internal punps, including the neverFLAT technology, to keep your air mattress full at all times. The coils are used to create additional support and keep the bed level as you move or share with a partner. The mattress is 18 inches high, giving you an easier up and down as well as keeping the mattress more stable. When maintaining the firmness of the bed as you like it, you have clear dial settings for plush, medium, and firm for added comfort. The flocked top is cozy and helps to keep sheets from sliding around. You get a carry bag with the air mattress for easy storage and transport, though this particular model is not recommended for use while camping.
Pros
- Quick 4 minute inflation and take down with internal pump
- 18 inch raised height for greater stability and mobility
- Fitted sheets stay in place well without deep pockets
Cons
- Cover indentations could cause discomfort
- Heavier than the average air mattress
Coleman Air Mattress
The Coleman SupportRest Plus PillowStop Double High Air Mattress is backed by a quality name brand in camping equipment, meaning you can expect this product to hold up to the test of nature. The pillow top gives you the luxury feel of a standard mattress at home, and it aids in keeping sheets from slipping. You can expect standard sheets without deep pockets to fit fairly well without trouble, too. A pump is included, though not attached, and the double lock valve means you don’t have to worry about air leaking from the pump opening. Despite the heavy duty PVC construction, you may want to be careful, as you can easily cause the mattress to deflate over and over due to the ease with which this particular model can puncture. While it’s not suited for ‘roughing it’, you can expect good performance for light camping purposes.
Pros
- Pillow top for added comfort
- Plush top layer and construction prevent slipping of sheets
- Double lock valve assures no leaking
Cons
- Seams are weak
- Easily punctured
Fox Air Beds Plush High Rise Air Mattress
The Fox Airbeds Plush High Rise Air Mattress offers uniform and even sleep across the entire surface with no dips or soft spots to make it difficult to get up and down or feel caved in. The built in two way pump works to inflate the mattress quickly so there’s no long setup process but also deflates just as quickly for clean up and storage. The vinyl construction is 43% thicker than the average air mattress for greater strength and durability, especially outdoors. It has a high weight capacity of up to 550 pounds for the queen sized mattress. The 90 day warranty also gives you peace of mind with a money back guarantee.
Pros
- Pillow top for incredible comfort
- 19 inch raised height for sturdiness and ease of motion
- Multiple size options, unlike most air mattresses
Cons
- Heavy for an air mattress and difficult to transport
- May have issues with standard sheets fitting properly
WonderSleep Classic Series Air Mattress
The WonderSleep Classic Series Air Mattress incorporates the sort of support you get from a standard mattress into an air mattress, using DreamCoil technology with 35 coils to assure you have a flat, even surface with spine and joint support. The thick flocked cover is waterproof as well, so you can sleep comfortably and not have to worry about damage from sweat, spills, or the elements. The entire mattress utilizes multiple layers of puncture resistant material to assure a long lasting, durable mattress, and it offers options to vary the firmness of the mattress for your absolute controlled comfort. While this air mattress is not recommended for outdoor use, it’s perfect for overnight or even long stays by relatives or friends.
Pros
- 20 inch double height for mobility and stability
- 35 air coils for even sleep and support
- Variable firmness
Cons
- Short term degrading causes air leakage
- Heavy for portability
FBSport Car Travel Air Mattress
The FB Sport Car Travel Inflatable Air Mattress is a fun and simple solution to the need for sleep on the road. The quick, 3 minute inflation process allows you to put it in the back seat of almost any car (except sports cars or the center row of seats in a 3 row SUV) so you have somewhere to rest when you’re traveling and don’t want to stop and stay in a hotel. Choose your firmness level for added comfort, and expect the PVC material construction to be durable and long lasting. The air mattress comes with its own pump for inflating and deflating, and it also includes 2 inflatable pillows for added convenience. Use the included storage bag for safety in porting or putting away for best results.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup and tear down with fast pump action
- Excellent at cancelling motion transfer
- Auto shut off pump for self inflation
Cons
- Heavier than most air mattresses
- On the pricey side
Insta Bed EZ Bed Air Mattress
The Insta-Bed EZ Raised Air Mattress is one of the most comfortable and convenient air mattresses on the market. With the neverFLAT secondary pump quietly keeping it inflated all night and the initial self-inflating pump with three different firmness settings for your comfort, you can be certain you won’t end up caving in or sleepy restlessly. While the product is best suited for indoor use, it is extremely durable with thick PVC material and firm seams. The 22 inch double height of this raised mattress makes getting up and down easy and keeps the mattress more stable with stronger sides. It also includes a self deploying frame, something you won’t find with most airbeds and which will help this feel more like a standard mattress, making it a good, sturdy, supportive mattress.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup and tear down with fast pump action
- Excellent at cancelling motion transfer
- Auto shut off pump for self inflation
Cons
- Heavier than most air mattresses
- On the pricey side
Conclusion
The market for air mattresses has grown over time, so there are literally thousands of options to choose from. Taking the time to determine what exactly is required for comfort and convenience, as well as to suit your pocketbook, can really help you find greater satisfaction with the product you choose to purchase. If you’re looking for a bargain, consider the Intex Comfort Air Mattress, which maintains good quality construction and comfort while also saving you a few dollars on the price tag.
However, if you want all the bells and whistles that mean the air mattress will treat you with the same experience as a standard mattress, you might want to consider the Insta-Bed EZ Bed Air Mattress, which is self inflating, deploys an actual frame, and offers multiple firmness levels for your complete customization of your sleep space.
