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Air mattresses may not match the comfort of a traditional bed, but they offer a practical and far more comfortable alternative to sleeping on the floor. Whether hosting guests or heading out on a camping trip, the right air mattress can make a big difference. To help you find the best option, the This Old House Team researched the top-rated air mattresses on Amazon and chose our six favorite options.
Top 6 Air Mattresses
- Fastest Inflation Time: EnerPlex Queen Air Mattress
- Best Headboard: Intex Pillow Top Bed Air Mattress With Headboard
- Best Entry-Level: InnoTruth Air Mattress
- Best Pump: Serta Raised Air Mattress With Never-Flat Pump
- Best For Cars: SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress
- Most Versatile: SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
Compare the Best Air Mattresses
| Product | Weight Capacity | Multiple Sizes? | Pump Design | Weight | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EnerPlex Queen Air Mattress | Not listed | Yes | Built-in | 22.7 pounds | 80 x 76 x 16 inches |
| Intex Pillow Top Bed Air Mattress With Headboard | 600 pounds | No | Built-in | 27.2 pounds | 93 x 60 x 34 inches |
| InnoTruth Air Mattress | 300 pounds | Yes | Built-in | 18.9 pounds | 80 x 60 x 18 inches |
| Serta Raised Air Mattress With Never-Flat Pump | 500 pounds | Yes | Built-in | 20.6 pounds | 78 x 60 x 18 inches |
| SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress | 380 pounds | No | Separate | 7 pounds | 69 x 51 x 6 inches |
| SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress | 330 pounds | Yes | Built-in | 20.2 pounds | 80 x 72 x 22 inches |
| Product | Weight Capacity | Multiple Sizes? | Pump Design | Weight | Dimensions |
Fastest Inflation Time
EnerPlex Queen Air Mattress
- $42.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made with puncture-resistant PVC
✔ Has a non-skid bottom
✔ Can be purchased in several sizes
✘ Can accumulate mold if it’s not properly taken care of
✘ Has been known to leak air after long-term use
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews stated that the mattress was easy to inflate and comfortable to sleep on. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that the mattress slowly developed leaks over time. However, these leaks were fixable with a sealant kit.
Best Headboard
Intex Pillow Top Bed Air Mattress With Headboard
- $99.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made from high-strength polyester fibers that don’t stretch over time
✔ Has a pillow-like surface for more comfort
✔ Features a unique edge for more stability and sleep space
✘ Can be difficult to contact customer support
✘ The seams can develop holes over time
What Customers Are Saying
Many reviewers commented that the air mattress was easy to fold after use and durable enough to last for years. However, some customers were upset that the headboard made the mattress too big for small spaces.
Best Entry-Level
InnoTruth Air Mattress
- $51.11
- $62.33
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made with 90% PVC and 10% flocked material for durability and comfort
✔ Can be inflated with an automatic or manual air pump
✔ Has an 18-inch height to make it easier to climb in and out of
✘ Doesn’t include a manual air pump
✘ Has protective edges that can be uncomfortable for some users
What Customers Are Saying
Two expressions that were commonly used to describe this air mattress were “easy to set up” and “comfortable to sleep on.” However, some customers said that the mattress only worked well up until it began to develop leaks.
Best Pump
Serta Air Mattress With Never-Flat Pump
- $159.95
- $189.95
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Created with never-flat technology to prevent deflation while you’re sleeping
✔ Has internal coils and vertical and horizontal reinforcements for more support and comfort
✔ Includes a low-noise automatic air pump
✘ Can be hard when it’s overinflated
✘ The pump mechanism may develop leaks after long-term use
What Customers Are Saying
Customers said that this product improved their sleep quality compared to sleeping on the floor because it was comfortable and supportive. However, some reviewers said that the mattress wasn’t the quality that they expected from the Serta brand.
Best for Cars
SAYGOGO SUV Air Mattress
- $59.98
- $79.99
- 25% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Can be purchased in multiple color options
✔ Comes with two pillows
✔ Includes a dual-purpose air pump
✘ Has a thinner design than the other options in this review
✘ Doesn’t fit in smaller cars
What Customers Are Saying
Most customers appreciated the mattress’ durability and comfort. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that the mattress didn’t work well outside of their SUVs because it had pieces that were specifically designed to fit cars.
Most Versatile
SLEEPLUX Inflatable Air Mattress
- $107.4
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Pros and Cons
✔ Made of Tough Guard material to prevent stretching, punctures, and abrasion
✔ Includes an oversized storage bag
✔ Inflates and deflates with the touch of a button
✘ Takes five minutes to fully inflate, which is longer than other air mattresses
✘ Doesn’t have a headrest or built-in pillow
What Customers Are Saying
The majority of reviewers were satisfied with the comfort and performance of this inflatable air mattress, stating that the built-in pump quietly and quickly inflated and deflated the mattress with no issues. Alternatively, some unsatisfied customers experienced air leakage a few months into owning the mattress.
Buyer’s Guide
Air mattresses come with a variety of features that can affect your sleeping experience. Here are four factors to consider when making a purchase.
Material
The material that an air mattress is made with can affect your comfort and its longevity. Air mattresses are usually made with durable PVC or polyester. Some air mattresses combine one of these materials with a flocked material to make it more comfortable to sleep on.
Comfort
For added comfort, choose an air mattress that has internal support for your back. Examples of this include coils and vertical or horizontal reinforcements.
Size
The size of an air mattress can determine how many people can sleep on it and where it can be set up. Most air mattresses are advertised as twin or queen sizes. Smaller mattresses are better for camping, while larger mattresses are better for accommodating guests in your home.
Height
The height of your mattress will determine how easy it is to get in and out of. 16- and 18-inch heights are solid options because they prevent you from having to bend too low to get into bed.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity of an air mattresses depends on its size. 300 pounds is the typical weight limit for a twin-sized air mattress, while a queen-sized air mattress would have a total weight capacity of 600 pounds. When shopping for an airbed, remember that its weight is different than its weight capacity.
Features
Many air mattresses have a built-in air pump, but other entry-level models might come with a separate pump that requires users to hold in place. Other air mattress features include headboards, elevated footrests, storage bags, and built-in USB ports to charge electronic devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my air mattress more comfortable?
You can make your air mattress more comfortable by:
- Finding bed sheets that are soft and breathable
- Placing your air mattress on an even surface or a box spring
- Utilizing pillows to support your head and back
- Adding a topper between the mattress and the sheets
How much should I spend on an air mattress?
The average cost of an air mattress is $150. For this price, you should be able to find an air mattress that’s long-lasting and comfortable.
How can I ensure the longevity of my air mattress?
Air mattresses can last upwards of five years if they’re properly cared for. Air mattresses are designed for temporary comfort, not everyday use. If you use your air mattress every day, it won’t last as long. Also, be sure that you aren’t overfilling your mattress, as this can cause leaks or tears. Finally, keep your air mattress away from sharp objects.
What are the advantages of an air mattress?
The primary advantages of an air mattress include their cost and portability. Air mattresses can also fold flat and store easily, while quickly inflating when a makeshift bed is needed.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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